Look on Horizon's Unlimited - if you can't find the answer there, it doesn't exist. It's a HUGE site, be patient and you will find your answer. Lots of helpful people too.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/
I helped a friend of mine crate her bike for (air)transport to Columbia last fall, she got a free shipping crate from a dealership and we basically built it up around her bike. Drain the tank (well, I think you're allowed 1 litre), disconnect the battery & tape up the terminals for safety, take off the front wheel, compress the suspension a bit with a tie-down so it all fits, and you'll probably have to pull the handle bars. As long as you find a standard size crate (1.5 cubic metres I believe) you won't get charged anything additional. As far as the shipping company I have no idea who she used, and she's in Bolivia right now so communication is hit and miss...
You may want to look into air freight, it may turn out to be cheaper in the long run - there are ikely to be "port fees" at the other end, and they can be pretty high. Then there's the time thing - 1 day vs. 6 or 8 weeks - and you travel with the bikes so there's little chance of theft or other shenanigans. Cargo ships view bikes as a nuisance and are apt to leave them aside if more profitabable cargo comes along. On a plane, you are a rock star. Those guys deal with boxes all day long. A motorcycle is a welcome change, and they are often more than happy to help you with it.
Good luck with yout trip, not jealous at all.
