Shipping a Wheelchair

[DavidI]

My oldest brother was paralyzed as the result of a motorcycle accident 30 years ago. He passed away last year. I have one of his high-end wheelchairs that I want to give to a young man in Alaska. I met him while I was officiating a pro boxing match. He is a boxing coach and I was very impressed with his skill level, dedication to the art of boxing, and attitude. We talked for a short period of time and I offered to give him my brother's wheelchair. The problem is that he lives in Alaska. I boxed up the wheelchair and went to UPS to have it shipped, and the cost in more than $400!

Any ideas of how to ship it in a more cost effective way?

We also talked about waiting for him to come back to SoCal so I can give it to him and he could use it and take it back with him on the airplane.

Thanks!

[Tobra]

Greyhound or Amtrack maybe?

[ckelly78z]

On the back of "Motion's" enduro bike ?

I think Greyhound may be the cheapest, you could possibly advertise for a angel delivery from someone already heading that way, who has some extra room.

[Hads930]

Alaska Airlines has a cargo department and is in and out of several places in So. Cal, would contact the home office and see if they would do some type of reduced cost shipment due to the nature of the parcel. Couldn't hurt to ask. How compact can you make it? If it's way oversized there may be few options.

[john70t]

Delta shipped mom's lightweight fold-up wheelchair for free as 'baggage' internationally but made sure she was a passenger.
Probably some ADA law involved there or Delta's good will.
There is a big difference in shipping a heavy motorized one as baggage:
Has to be boxed and go through certified 3rd party shipping comp and be sent in advance.
Big pain so plan ahead.

(The above is for traveling with a wheelchair)

[red-beard]

How much does it weigh? Can you give me the packed dimensions and the zip codes of the origin and destination.

[DavidI]

Thank you for the replies and suggestions. Red-beard, I'll upload the info tomorrow. I'll also check with Alaska Airlines as well.

Thank you!

[Laneco]

If you can find someone flying up there - see if they will take it as luggage.

angela

[DavidI]

I was finally able to weigh and measure the wheelchair. in the box

44 pounds with the wheelchair, extra pads, and additional parts.

Width - 36 inches
Length - 24 inches
Height - 36 inches

Thanks!

[recycled sixtie]

Having worked with the airlines way back I know it is a pita to ship a wheelchair if it has a battery. The airline will let you know how to prepare it. I would call all the different modes of travel to get rates. Generous of you to do this but as they say no good deed goes unpunished!

[red-beard]

Zipcodes?

[intakexhaust]

Awesome service and rates:

https://www.bikeflights.com

[DavidI]

Red-Beard, the zip codes are 91766 to 36856 (Ft. Mitchell).

Intake, so far bikeflights is the best rate at $111. Thanks!

[Por_sha911]

Have you asked the potential shippers if they would donate the cost (great publicity for them)?

[john70t]

fwiw:
When I looked for renting a basic wheelchair in the southern france town of Nice they were almost non-existent.
Internet search results found only a few handicap rental resources for tourists, but in northern Paris and at $150+ per week.
Woah. Good business to get into...
I could buy a basic wheelchair for about that much https://www.walmart.com/browse/health/wheelchairs/976760_1005860_1224838

[Ziggythecat]

Originally Posted by DavidI

My oldest brother was paralyzed as the result of a motorcycle accident 30 years ago. He passed away last year. I have one of his high-end wheelchairs that I want to give to a young man in Alaska. I met him while I was officiating a pro boxing match. He is a boxing coach and I was very impressed with his skill level, dedication to the art of boxing, and attitude. We talked for a short period of time and I offered to give him my brother's wheelchair. The problem is that he lives in Alaska. I boxed up the wheelchair and went to UPS to have it shipped, and the cost in more than $400!

Any ideas of how to ship it in a more cost effective way?

We also talked about waiting for him to come back to SoCal so I can give it to him and he could use it and take it back with him on the airplane.

Thanks!

It's a lovely gesture, but that oil change on the Panamera is around 400.00, isn't it ?
UPS quoted you consumer rates.
If you know anyone with a business that has a UPS or FedEx account, they most likely get a 30-40 % discount.
Or, you could skip an oil change. Those synthetics last a long time.
Good luck.

[red-beard]

LTL is about $150

[john70t]

David, my condolences for your loss but without understanding hope it was for the best.
Apologies if that was said wrong.

If you made the wheelchair donation to an established institution,
and delivered it at-cost (the lowest cost possibly) in person to Alaska,
the expenses might be a considered a charitable tax deduction.

Not sure and not an accountant. Just free thinking here.

[DavidI]

This BBS is nothing short of outstanding! I shipped it this morning for a total cost of $115. That is significantly lower than the $400+ I was quoted by UPS.

I am always grateful for the braintrust of the Pelicans. Your shared knowledge and experience is nearly limitless.

For Ziggy, no true Pelican would take a Porsche to a dealer or shop for something he or she could do, or at least attempt, on his or her own. A couple of ramps, a few bolts, and the oil change is about $100 for parts. 100% love and respect!

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by red-beard

How much does it weigh? Can you give me the packed dimensions and the zip codes of the origin and destination.

James, just sent you a PM about shipping.

Thx, Joe A