Shipping boxed items USA---UK
Discussion
I am sure this is probably not the right forum but hey ho.
I wish to ship some items from our US property back to the UK. I have seen the prices for a large suitcase as extra luggage for our return trip. is it cheaper to stuff it in a cardboard box and ship? time isnt a problem. its mainly crockery/cutlery and other stuff we would rather not just give away in the USA.
I wish to ship some items from our US property back to the UK. I have seen the prices for a large suitcase as extra luggage for our return trip. is it cheaper to stuff it in a cardboard box and ship? time isnt a problem. its mainly crockery/cutlery and other stuff we would rather not just give away in the USA.
You can box up and deliver but you need to add up the costs, as well as crockery has possibility of damage. Whatever the freight cost, plus insurance and you will probably have to pay VAT, currently 20% in the UK on the whole lot (freight, insurance, value). Maybe even import duties, depending on insured value.
languagetimothy said:
You can box up and deliver but you need to add up the costs, as well as crockery has possibility of damage. Whatever the freight cost, plus insurance and you will probably have to pay VAT, currently 20% in the UK on the whole lot (freight, insurance, value). Maybe even import duties, depending on insured value.
Everything inside will be old and used. VAT? mikal83 said:
languagetimothy said:
You can box up and deliver but you need to add up the costs, as well as crockery has possibility of damage. Whatever the freight cost, plus insurance and you will probably have to pay VAT, currently 20% in the UK on the whole lot (freight, insurance, value). Maybe even import duties, depending on insured value.
Everything inside will be old and used. VAT? languagetimothy said:
mikal83 said:
languagetimothy said:
You can box up and deliver but you need to add up the costs, as well as crockery has possibility of damage. Whatever the freight cost, plus insurance and you will probably have to pay VAT, currently 20% in the UK on the whole lot (freight, insurance, value). Maybe even import duties, depending on insured value.
Everything inside will be old and used. VAT? mikal83 said:
languagetimothy said:
mikal83 said:
languagetimothy said:
You can box up and deliver but you need to add up the costs, as well as crockery has possibility of damage. Whatever the freight cost, plus insurance and you will probably have to pay VAT, currently 20% in the UK on the whole lot (freight, insurance, value). Maybe even import duties, depending on insured value.
Everything inside will be old and used. VAT? I've just received a parcel from the US on Monday. It was approximately 4'6" x 3' x 1'6", weighing in at around 40lbs. It was sent UPS from Summit Racing in Texas to North Manchester, took around a week and cost $164.60 USD to ship. It was valued at $779.95 USD and I had to pay Import charges of £159.00 GBP, broken down as Brokerage Charges (£12.20) and Government charges of £146.80.
Incidentally, when it arrived, the parcel was quite badly damaged. I can't blame UPS for this as it could have happened anywhere, just make sure that your parcel is well packed and securely padded out. Mine just contained some exhaust headers so could handle being battered around a bit.
Incidentally, when it arrived, the parcel was quite badly damaged. I can't blame UPS for this as it could have happened anywhere, just make sure that your parcel is well packed and securely padded out. Mine just contained some exhaust headers so could handle being battered around a bit.
If it's crockery, I don't see much chance in it arriving back in the UK undamaged!
I just had some stuff brought out to the USA by suitcase - cheaper than shipping. On top of which, I've just looked at USPS and UPS and a 3 ft cube is too large to send by a "normal" package service so you're into a freight service.
The largest that UPS would take is about a 33" cube and the rack rate is around $3k. My negotiated rate would be around $800. Excluding any import expenses.
I don't use UPS for freight - usually DHL however their website isn't allowing me to get a quote right now.
Suitcase is likely your best option.
I just had some stuff brought out to the USA by suitcase - cheaper than shipping. On top of which, I've just looked at USPS and UPS and a 3 ft cube is too large to send by a "normal" package service so you're into a freight service.
The largest that UPS would take is about a 33" cube and the rack rate is around $3k. My negotiated rate would be around $800. Excluding any import expenses.
I don't use UPS for freight - usually DHL however their website isn't allowing me to get a quote right now.
Suitcase is likely your best option.
Try and look for a cheap business class flight. If you use something like google flights you can see the prices on the specific days.
If you shop around and are flexible when you fly you can often find flights for not far off economy.
Most business flights include 2 x 32kg cases. So if a couple you have 4 x 32kg.
I am willing to bet you the difference between the bus class flight and the eventual cost of boxing it all up, paying shipping, paying the import duties and your time all adds up to more than that.
Just my 2ps worth though.
If you shop around and are flexible when you fly you can often find flights for not far off economy.
Most business flights include 2 x 32kg cases. So if a couple you have 4 x 32kg.
I am willing to bet you the difference between the bus class flight and the eventual cost of boxing it all up, paying shipping, paying the import duties and your time all adds up to more than that.
Just my 2ps worth though.
Doesn’t matter whether you ship it as a parcel, in a container, in your flight luggage or carry it in your hand the duty and vat charges are the same.
If you’re moving house there’s tax relief available.
Your cheapest option for something of that size is to get some one to put it in a container and ship it by sea. Plenty of people out there do it.
If you’re moving house there’s tax relief available.
Your cheapest option for something of that size is to get some one to put it in a container and ship it by sea. Plenty of people out there do it.
mikal83 said:
Thnx for the above....Quick look at Virgins baggage. I can come back basic and pay £50 for a large suitcase.......seems the way to go methinks.
Appreciatte the replies
Don't forget you don't actually have to check it in as a suitcase....you can check in boxes, as long as within the weight restrictions (or pay the overweight charge) and max size restrictions (and then it is into fright territory). A box will make stuff significantly easier to pack breakables than a suitcase. Appreciatte the replies
I do this after every visit to the UK (and sometimes the other way), and check in three 23kg boxes with virgin. Never any issues.
GCH said:
mikal83 said:
Thnx for the above....Quick look at Virgins baggage. I can come back basic and pay £50 for a large suitcase.......seems the way to go methinks.
Appreciatte the replies
Don't forget you don't actually have to check it in as a suitcase....you can check in boxes, as long as within the weight restrictions (or pay the overweight charge) and max size restrictions (and then it is into fright territory). A box will make stuff significantly easier to pack breakables than a suitcase. Appreciatte the replies
I do this after every visit to the UK (and sometimes the other way), and check in three 23kg boxes with virgin. Never any issues.
Just a note that sometimes airlines will ask you to sign a baggage release for checking in "non-standard" items. It means if there's loss/damage they aren't liable under the standard rules. I used to travel with a lidded crate and would get asked to sign one quite often. I switched to a Pelican case and that never happens now.
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