#bicycleshipping

Bikeflights was represented by four Ambassadors, including Tina Beecham, Jessica Brunson and Diana Hildebrand all in person and Kecia McCullough joining virtually. 

Vice President Sue George also made the trip to the nation’s capital.

Held over three days at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and on Capitol Hill, the Summit’s energy was overwhelmingly positive. It turns out that now is a good time for bike advocacy. You can see it by simply riding around Washington, DC, where like many other parts of the country, there are increasingly more protected bike lanes, dedicated trails and paths and many other infrastructure improvements that have been proven to increase rider safety, like rumble strips and better lighting and signage.

And the momentum continues with recent infrastructure bills promising more funding to come to states and localities everywhere. Of course, there’s still plenty more work to be done. We were all reminded of a sobering statistic: there’s been a 55% increase in cycling fatalities in the US in the past 10 years.

On opening day, we especially enjoyed the presentation by Veronica O. Davis, author of “Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities.” Davis believes everyone should have access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation, and she shared some of her first-hand experiences creating more such opportunities while working for the City of Houston as the Director of Transportation & Drainage Operations. Davis painted a candid picture of what it’s really like to be on the administrative side of bike advocacy, something useful for bike advocates to better understand as they work with other administrators in similar situations.

Perhaps the most entertaining speaker was Shailen Bhatt, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). With his witty sense of humor, Bhatt made us laugh, even while sharing info about The Active Transportation Infrastructure & Investment Program (ATIIP) and how the FHWA encourages the implementation of projects and programs to improve safety, equity and accessibility for all road users, especially through Complete Streets Planning.

Another big highlight was getting to see our very own Bikeflights Ambassador Diane Hildebrand receive an award upon being named “Educator of the Year” by the League of American Bicyclists. Congratulations to Diane!

The second – or middle day – of the Summit was what is called “Lobby Day.” That’s when Summit attendees swap out their bike shoes and helmets for business attire and meet with their respective Senators and Representatives or their staff to advocate for bills and initiatives that will create a more bicycling-friendly America. 

As we rode bikes and walked around Washington, we were treated to the sight of blooming cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin and everywhere. Mother Nature may have brought peak bloom a week or two prematurely this year, but her timing worked out to be perfect for us to enjoy.

Our big takeaway from this year’s National Bike Summit is that the most important thing is to simply show up. Again and again. We were reminded by retiring Oregon Senator Earl Blumenauer and Washington Area Bicyclist Association Advocacy Director Jeremiah Lowery that nothing ever happens to make cycling better and safer if no one shows up. 

So while not everyone can take the time or afford the expense of traveling to Washington to lobby their members of Congress for bills that fund cycling infrastructure improvements, there’s a lot we can all do locally…  such as filling out surveys to give rider input about proposed local transportation projects, attending your city or county meetings and getting involved in your local advocacy group.

Why are shipments delayed?

Much of the United States—and parts of the world—have recently experienced or are currently experiencing extreme heat, severe storms, flooding and other weather-related events. These conditions can disrupt transportation routes, damage infrastructure, and slow carrier operations.

Even if your shipment isn't traveling to or from an area experiencing bad weather, it may still pass through regions where carrier networks have been impacted.

Why delays can continue after the weather improves

Shipping networks don't return to normal immediately after a storm passes or temperatures cool. Carriers often need time to:

Clear floodwaters and debris

Restore power to facilities

Repair damaged infrastructure

Work through backlogs of delayed shipments

As a result, delays can continue for several days after weather conditions improve.

What you can do

If your shipment is time-sensitive, plan ahead and allow extra transit time whenever possible.

Bikeflights -- an official service of the Tour de France -- is excited to once again partner with our longtime friends and collaborators, Jered and Ashley Gruber, to celebrate the Tour de France!

For years, the Grubers have captured the spirit, beauty and excitement of the Tour through their iconic photography. To celebrate our partnership and the world's biggest bike races, we're giving away three Gruber Tour prints during the Tour de France.

To enter, complete this short survey -- no purchase necessary. Your feedback helps us better understand our customers and improve the Bikeflights experience. Winners (one each) will be announced on July 13, 20 & 27, 2026. 

Good luck, and thanks for being part of the Bikeflights community!

We're excited to announce the launch of built-in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking on our bike shipments, making Bikeflights the first bicycle shipping company to bring the technology to riders. Previously limited to critical healthcare shipments like organs and vaccines, our RFID service is a close collaboration with UPS, bringing top-tier tracking to cyclists across the country. Unlike a traditional barcode tracking number that goes quiet between updates, or a consumer device that only the sender can see, RFID gives the customer, Bikeflights and the shipping carrier the same near-real-time view of a bike’s progress.

RFID labels use a tiny embedded chip and radio waves to identify and track a shipment without an onboard battery or power source. Unlike a traditional barcode, which has to be lined up and scanned one at a time on a belt, an RFID label can be read wirelessly and from a distance, even when it isn’t directly visible or if the parcel is too big to fit on conveyors. As a tagged shipment passes an RFID reader in the carrier’s network, the reader activates the chip and captures its unique ID automatically, so the bike is identified, sorted and tracked more quickly and accurately at every point the label is read.

Because those reads happen inside the carrier’s own operations, the resulting location data isn’t something the rider watches from the outside. It’s the same operational data the carrier and Bikeflights use to move and route the shipment with each scan feeding the customer’s Bikeflights shipment status page, so riders see meaningful, location-stamped progress instead of long silent gaps. The result is true end-to-end visibility and faster problem-solving across the entire journey, not just a string of scans.

"Shipping a bike is an exercise in trust, and riders want to track exactly where their bike is at any time," said William Alcorn, President of Bikeflights. "Embedding RFID into the way we already handle and scan packages means everyone in the chain: the rider, our team and the carrier, is looking at the same information. That shared visibility builds confidence into the shipment itself, from the moment the box leaves until it arrives at the door."

For riders shipping within the US, built-in RFID tracking means:

Near-real-time pickup confirmation

Greater visibility and transparency as a shipment moves through the carrier network

Fewer disruptions and faster resolution if an issue arises

More reliability and confidence that a shipment will arrive on time

A stronger chain of custody for added peace of mind

The rollout arrives in time for this summer’s RAGBRAI in mid-July, where we will provide RFID-enabled labels to participating riders shipping bikes to and from the ride. 

The ideal candidate will possess excellent customer service and communication skills and an innate willingness to assist customers and fellow team members. They will be self-motivated and able to work efficiently and accurately. 

This is a virtual position - you will work remotely using provided technology.

Customer Experience Associates must be available to work four regularly scheduled seven-hour weekday shifts per week plus one seven-hour weekend shift per month for an average of 30 hours per week. Opportunities are available for additional hours per week.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Communicate courteously with customers by chat, email and telephone.

Promptly handle a large number of online chats, emails and calls daily while maintaining a friendly voice and professional attitude.

Work in a semi-scripted environment while also resolving unscripted situations quickly on the fly and in a positive and customer-focused manner.

Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technology to efficiently and effectively respond to customer inquiries.

Collaborate with other team members to resolve customer tickets.

Communicate professionally with partner carrier staff by email, chat and phone on behalf of customers.

Keep accurate records documenting discussions and correspondence with customers.

Investigate and solve customers’ problems, which may be complex and highly emotional.

Manage customer complaints, such as a lost bike, delayed delivery or damage during shipping.

Maintain current knowledge of Bikeflights’ products and services.

Work and communicate regularly with other Customer Support staff.

Document, reproduce and relay site issues to the development team.

Attend regular virtual team meetings.

Suggest possible new improvements to customer service and help implement selected improvements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Associate Degree + relevant experience or Bachelor’s Degree

Strong written and oral communication skills

Strong customer service skills

Strong organizational and attention to detail skills

Excellent time management skills

Excellent computer and typing skills with the ability to efficiently download, create, edit and share documents as well as create PDF and JPG file formats from other file types

Reliable, high speed internet access

Resident of a US state.

Preferred Qualifications 

Prior shipping, call center and/or customer service a plus

Prior experience in the cycling industry a plus

Ability to speak a second language desired

Prior remote work environment experience a plus

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Travel

Travel is not required for this position. The Customer Experience Associate may have the opportunity to travel in support of Bikeflights partner events, approximately 1-2 times per year for periods lasting from 1-3 days up to approximately one week.

Salary & Benefits

The starting compensation for this position is $23 per hour. Employee benefits include a remote work environment, paid time off and an annual bonus based on company and employee performance.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Other Information

Bikeflights is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

How Shipping Size Is Calculated

Cubic size

Cubic size is calculated using the total volume of your package:

Cubic size = length × width × height (L × W × H)

Length + girth size

Length + girth is a standard carrier measurement that represents the total distance around your package:

Length + girth = length + (2 × width) + (2 × height)

Where:

Length (L) is the longest side

Width (W) is the second-longest side

Height (H) is the remaining side

Both calculations are used by carriers to determine rates and whether Additional Handling and Large Package Surcharges apply.

Shipping Smaller Items Like Components and Accessories

You’ll typically see the lowest shipping rates when your package meets all of the following criteria:

Length + girth less than 105 inches

Cubic size less than 10,368 cubic inches (new as of 1/26/2026)

Weight under 50 pounds (domestic) or 55 pounds (international) (updated as of 1/26/2026)

Length (longest side) under 48 inches

Width (second-longest side) under 30 inches

Average weight in a multi-package shipment under 50 pounds

Packed in corrugated cardboard (not shrink-wrapped and not in a hard or soft case)

If any of these criteria are exceeded, the carrier’s Additional Handling Surcharge (AHS) applies.

Shipping Larger Items Like Bike Boxes and Bike Cases

When shipping larger packages, including many bike boxes and bike cases, you’ll get the best rates when your package meets the following criteria:

Length + girth less than 130 inches

Cubic size less than 17,280 cubic inches (new as of 1/26/2026)

Weight under 110 pounds (updated as of 1/26/2026)

Longest side under 96 inches

If any of these thresholds are exceeded, the carrier’s Large Package Surcharge (LPS) applies.

How Additional Surcharges Are Applied

Additional Handling and Large Package Surcharges apply to both domestic and international shipments. Surcharge amounts vary based on the criteria exceeded and the number of zones a shipment spans.

If a package meets multiple surcharge criteria, only one surcharge will be applied, in the following order:

Weight

Length + girth

Length

Width

Cubic size

Packaging

An Additional Handling Surcharge will not be applied if a Large Package Surcharge applies.

Maximum Size and Weight Limits

Important reminder:You cannot ship packages within the US that exceed:

165 inches length + girth (419 cm)

108 inches in length (274 cm)

Always Round Up All Measurements

Carriers have changed how they measure packages. All dimensions and weights are now rounded up, and length, width and height are measured at the widest points, including any bulges in your box or case.

If the dimensions or weight entered when booking are inaccurate, your shipment may be delayed and you’re likely to receive a carrier adjustment.

👉 Check out this helpful video on how to accurately measure your package before booking.

Always Include Apartment, Suite and Unit Numbers

Carriers now require apartment, suite or unit numbers to be included in delivery addresses as part of broader efforts to reduce fraud. Packages sent to addresses missing an APT, STE or UNIT will get an address correction charge and may experience a delivery delay. This applies to both residential and commercial addresses.

We’ll continue working with you to correct addresses when possible before shipping to help prevent address correction fees and delivery delays.

Individual or Company Recipient Names Are Required

Recipient names matter! Company names must be included for delivery to a commercial address, and the name of the individual property owner or permanent resident must be included for delivery to a residential address. Shipments sent without a valid company or individual name will get an address correct charge and may experience a delivery delay.

Here’s how to enter recipient names correctly:

Shipping to a business or hotel or any commercial location: You must enter the Company Name associated with the address, such as John’s Bike Shop, The UPS Store or Hotel Milan. Then enter “Hold for [RECIPIENT FIRST NAME]” in the First Name field and the [RECIPIENT LAST NAME] in the Last Name field. For example, if the package is  ultimately going to Jane Smith, enter “Hold for Jane” in the First Name field and “Smith” in the Last Name field.

Shipping to a residential address, Airbnb, VRBO or a friend’s home: Enter the property owner’s or permanent resident’s First Name and Last Name, not your own name. You can still indicate that the shipment belongs to you by adding your first and last name in the Attn/RA field.

We’re always happy to help you revise address details on your shipping label prior to shipping. Please contact us anytime before your package is in transit for assistance.

Size Calculations Are Changing

Carriers are introducing a new way to calculate shipping size. Effective January 26, 2026, cubic size will be determined using a volumetric calculation:

Cubic size = length × width × height (L × W × H)

Why this matters: shipments may be subject to an Additional Handling Surcharge (AHS) or a Large Package Surcharge (LPS) when certain thresholds are exceeded. These thresholds already include factors like length plus girth, length and weight, and will now also include cubic size.

Here are the new cubic size thresholds and updated weight criteria:

Additional Handling Surcharge (AHS)

Applies at a cubic size of 10,368 cubic inches

Applies at a weight of 50 pounds (domestic) or 55 pounds (international)

Large Package Surcharge (LPS)

Applies at a cubic size of 17,280 cubic inches

Applies at a weight of 110 pounds

All existing criteria for determining Additional Handling and Large Package Surcharges still apply. Learn more.

UPS Ground Saver Packages May Be Delivered by USPS

Our most economical service has also changed over the past year. UPS Ground Saver®, formerly known as UPS SurePost®, now uses a different delivery process.

During much of 2025, UPS handled Ground Saver shipments from pickup to delivery. Going forward, most Ground Saver packages will start in the UPS system and be delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

That’s why you may see two barcodes and two addresses on your Ground Saver label. One gets the package from UPS to your local post office, and the other gets it to your final delivery address.

In Summary