Desparately need advice re shipping car parts from US to Aus

[MrRevhead]

:
P.S The customs process can vary depending on the shipping provider from the US eg FedEX, USPS, DHL etc From experience, FedEX are more compliant with customs, USPS are a bit more lenient.

I strongly discourage anyone from using USPS for expensive items. I bought some Fab9 COPs towards the end of last year and after 2 months they hadn't shown up. The tracking number showed that they were in the Chicago distribution centre and when I queried USPS they basically said that they were no longer tracking international orders "for free" and could not help me. They do offer an additional tracking service for international items which costs extra but I'm too pissed off at them to use them again.

I used FedEX International Priority insured for my last order..

It was about 10k, delivered in 3 days over Easter, efficiently dealt with Customs/Duties, tracking. Even though postage + insurance alone was $200 by itself for such a small, light weight item, the whole process was smoothly dealt with and efficient.

I have also had very efficient service with USPS. International Economy delivered in less than a week, uninsured. They weren't expensive items, but I did pay less than what they charge in AU domestically for international shipping for the same size/weight item.

[mazmad]

Try shipito.com Basically a freight consolidation service. Enables you to select from various freight suppliers, costs, methods.

[ralt]

Hi.
The problem you have is all the goods get shipped to your name. You could try getting them shipped 7 days apart( not good) or if you have relatives/ friends get the goods shipped to them using their names as long as they are a different address to you. Do not try the invoice for a lesser amount as you can be asked to supply proof of the amount you have paid with a nasty outcome for you.
Just a little story about a stainless cat back exhaust I bought on yahoo japan. It was as new except the resonator had a dent and scrape the cost 4000 yen($44) and sold as junk. I had a call from aust post on arrival questioning the price paid and could I supply proof of payment as they considered the goods new. I replied no as I have not paid for the goods as I had an account.( which I did) After much discussion I had the person cut the packaging and insert his finger in one of the pipes and tell me what was on his finger after removal. Surprise surprise exhaust residue he gave up and cleared the goods. The system had no leaks and it is still on my daughters Silvia.

[tescoking]

This is what I used for delivery my wheels

Because good win racing will not ship the wheels to me so I get my friend to ship set of 4 15x8 wheels to me. Each sheel weight 12lbs, cost $395 for shipping, received after 5days.

[Mr Morlock]

I reckon you take a look at Bear's advice. A freight forwarder can give you the real in and outs of what to do. Freight revolves around volumetric i.e. size dimensions and weight. You need the right paperwork as well. If you use an agent you also have to get the goods to them - so you know where the items are and a agent can tell you what are the options. There may be an option also to use sea freight if you are not in a great hurry ( a consolidated shipment with other customers ) and if an agent has a service that you can reliably use. Air freight can easily double the cost of the items as purchased. Shipito is worth a look for sure but do some homework and make sure you know about size wt etc as noted above.

Freight is something you calculate so an Agent can tell you what they will charge and the conditions and if you use a source directly e.g. USPS then you can still calculate what it costs. If duty is applicable then factor that in. If there is any cost to get the goods packaged or taken to a specific point etc then take that into consideration as well. You may have to pick the goods from a depot etc.

It might surprise some folks that shipping in fcls we could land goods with a freight content of less than 10%- but that comes from commercial rates and a box consigned to one end user. Parcel services are generally expensive but practical for small items.

If you want to sleep well then use a reliable service and take a legal approach- breaking a shipment down into separate consignments should be fine. An Agent will only use robust and correct services and paperwork. Just to emphasise an Agent will not be able to give you a quote or proper advice unless you have sizes weights / value / invoices etc.

[michael]

Thanks very much for the feedback everyone.

In reply to Regie's question re QANTAS pilot, yes my mate is a pilot but not affected by the QANTAS "organisational rightsizing"

Regards
Michael

[YanMa YatTai]

Freight forward comparison costs to Oz.
http://www.usa-package-forwarding-comparison.com/?p=180

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk

[michael]

Thanks very much for that link YanMa YatTai
Regards
Michael