Hi I am currently importing a bike from Ontario Canada through Flashfreight in Sydney.And yes it is far cheaper to get the seller to crate the bike for u,there is a special grade of timber that has to be used for this task,in my case my seller just went to the export depot and bought an approved crate the correct size. talk to the importer first before you do anything so you are aware of the importing procedures and paperwork.all the best with the venture