How much does it cost to ship a 200lb motorcycle engine from FL to NY?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the cost and logistics of shipping a 200lb motorcycle engine from Florida to New York. Participants explore various shipping options, potential costs, and considerations related to the weight and packaging of the engine.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Practical advice

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that shipping costs can vary significantly based on the carrier and the packing method used.
  • There are recommendations to contact local motorcycle shops for potential shipping options and discounts.
  • Several participants mention the possibility of using independent truckers or freight services as potentially cheaper alternatives to major carriers.
  • Concerns are raised about the weight of the engine, with suggestions to verify its actual weight as it may be less than 200lbs.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of shipping via Amtrak or moving companies, noting that these might offer reasonable rates for less-than-truckload shipments.
  • One participant shares a personal experience of shipping a motorcycle, indicating that using a moving van can be a viable option.
  • There are mentions of specific quotes from carriers, such as UPS, and discussions about the implications of weight-to-size ratios on shipping costs.
  • Some participants express frustration with shipping costs in general, sharing anecdotes about their own experiences with shipping fees.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best shipping method or cost, as multiple competing views and suggestions are presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that shipping costs can depend on various factors including packing, weight, and the specific carrier used. There are also references to personal experiences that may not generalize to all situations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals looking to ship heavy items, particularly motorcycle parts, or those interested in understanding shipping logistics and costs in general.

Holocene
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Shipping very heavy objects?

I need to have a motorcycle engine shipped from FL to NY. I would guess it weighs around 200lbs, maybe less.

What does something like this typically cost?
 
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You'll probably have to look it up. There are different options depending on how long you mind waiting and such. There may also be an issue with the fact that it is a single object that weighs that much. Most of the site quotes I saw (less than $200) were for multiple boxs weighing in a total of 200lbs.
 


Thanks.
 


It totally depends upon the carrier.
It might be worth your while to find an acquaintance who travels a lot and offer him/her a few buck to toss it into the trunk for the next trip.
 


Holocene said:
I need to have a motorcycle engine shipped from FL to NY. I would guess it weighs around 200lbs, maybe less.

What does something like this typically cost?
Call a local reputable motorcycle shop and ask for information. They may have ideas.
 


Cost can vary, based on how it is packed, too. Some carriers charge less if heavy items are crated and/or palletized so one person with a lift can handle it easily.
 


Evo said:
Call a local reputable motorcycle shop and ask for information. They may have ideas.

Will be looking into it. A motorcycle shop is in fact who's selling it to me.

I really need this engine. I just can't bring myself to drive that far though.
 


Or maybe make a vacation of it, go to Florida, and then drive back.
 


Im selling stuff on ebay, and man shipping is the biggest rip off ever. They post office even charged me double the price once because the box was too light.
 
  • #10


Cyrus said:
Im selling stuff on ebay, and man shipping is the biggest rip off ever. They post office even charged me double the price once because the box was too light.

It does suck; there's no disputing that.
 
  • #11


binzing said:
Or maybe make a vacation of it, go to Florida, and then drive back.

haha, I could probably make a weekend trip out of it, though there'd be no beaches/boating/fishing involved.
 
  • #12


Cyrus said:
Im selling stuff on ebay, and man shipping is the biggest rip off ever. They post office even charged me double the price once because the box was too light.

Did it have something to do with the size to weight ratio? I can understand if it's a large package and they calculate cost by weight.
 
  • #13


Well, don't have it shipped airmail, anyway--


have you tried Amtrak? ---I think they may still do that type of shipping (freight),---or some moving company, or rental truck company that needs to bring vehicles back often from the Florida area.
 
  • #14


rewebster said:
Well, don't have it shipped airmail, anyway--


have you tried Amtrak? ---I think they may still do that type of shipping (freight),---or some moving company, or rental truck company that needs to bring vehicles back often from the Florida area.

I got a quote to ship my scooter (small 50cc) from Toronto to Vancouver and it rang up at $900-1000.

I hope it's not that pricey for an engine.
 
  • #15


JasonRox said:
I got a quote to ship my scooter (small 50cc) from Toronto to Vancouver and it rang up at $900-1000.

It'd probably be cheaper to ride it. :rolleyes:
 
  • #16


UPS will ship it (200lbs) if it is on a pallet for about $600. That would be three day delivery and they will deliver with a truck that has a lift gate.

An independent trucker would do it a lot cheaper than that if you can find one.
 
  • #17


edward said:
UPS will ship it (200lbs) if it is on a pallet for about $600. That would be three day delivery and they will deliver with a truck that has a lift gate.

An independent trucker would do it a lot cheaper than that if you can find one.

I'll see what this guy ends up quoting me. With the price of fuel these days, I'm willing to bet that would be a $700 trip, if I were to make the drive myself. 2,600 miles round trip.
 
  • #18


Holocene said:
Will be looking into it. A motorcycle shop is in fact who's selling it to me.

I really need this engine. I just can't bring myself to drive that far though.
A motorcycle shop should have discount business rates for bulk shipping. And if they're selling it, they should be able to ship it for you.
 
  • #19


Evo said:
A motorcycle shop should have discount business rates for bulk shipping. And if they're selling it, they should be able to ship it for you.

That's what I'm hoping. I haven't been able to contact this guy yet; hopefully monday.
 
  • #20


Something like a motor cycle engine would be less than truck load (LTL).

UPS, Fedex, DHL and others may provide quotes for an online inquiry. Also, one could contact a loclal freight forwarder.

http://www.ltl.upsfreight.com/

http://fedex.com/us/national/quotes/

Perhaps one can try this - http://www.thefreightrateco.com/
 
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  • #21


Evo said:
A motorcycle shop should have discount business rates for bulk shipping. And if they're selling it, they should be able to ship it for you.


Yep, and a motorcycle shop should have a pallet or shipping container available.
 
  • #22


Danger said:
It'd probably be cheaper to ride it. :rolleyes:

Probably. :eek:

You can't really beat $2.50 to fill up
 
  • #23


You may want to research the weight of the motor a bit too, I've dealt with a lot of small car engines that weren't close to 200 lbs.
 
  • #24


ibnso said:
You may want to research the weight of the motor a bit too, I've dealt with a lot of small car engines that weren't close to 200 lbs.

I think it's mostly aluminum. It could very well be under 200lbs.

Only thing is that on most motorcycle engines, including this one, the transmission is integrated into the engine block. So there's weight there as well.
 
  • #25
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #26


Another place to check for rates is moving companies like Mayflower. When moving households, they often have time-constraints in their contract and can't wait around to get a full load. If your motor is getting shipped as an extra in a partial load, you might get a decent rate. I bought a Harley Road King from an outfit in Tampa, and they palletized it. I was able to get it shipped to central Maine for just $600 in just such a moving van. Nice cushy air-ride suspensions on those trailers, hydraulic lift-gate, etc.
 
  • #27


Holocene said:
I'll see what this guy ends up quoting me. With the price of fuel these days, I'm willing to bet that would be a $700 trip, if I were to make the drive myself. 2,600 miles round trip.
I had the issue with a car. Drove it there, came back by train. In your case, you would have to come back by plane. That's the cheapest I think. You need to take a long week end :smile:
 
  • #28


You might want to try DHL for heavy freight. They seem pretty reasonable for ground shipping. 67 cents/lb for the furthest zones according to their rate chart. There might be a surcharge once you go over 50 or 100 lbs though, since that's going to require more than one person to handle/deliver it.

http://www.dhl-usa.com/rate_chart/rate_chart.asp?accountInfo=false&nav=GetRates/RateGuide2008
 
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  • #29


NY is a HUGE city, why can't you find this motor more locally, or is it being done custom by a shop in FL ?
 
  • #30


Cyrus said:
NY is a HUGE city, why can't you find this motor more locally, or is it being done custom by a shop in FL ?

Actually I live in upsate NY, not the city.

The motor isn't custom or anything, but after scouring ebay, so far I can only locate what I need in FL...:frown:
 

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