shipping help from UK

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_panix.com>
Date: Wed Dec 17 13:01:40 2003

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003, Jay West wrote:

> I'm looking at getting a cpu shipped to me from the UK. I checked UPS and it
> says 40 pounds, 30x20x10 inches, would be about $106 to ship to me in US,
> 63146.

  That's not a bad price...


>
> I've never shipped anything from UK to US before - can anyone advise if
> there is a better carrier, things to look out for, etc. I'd appreciate any
> advice.
>

  Pay to have a *wooden* crate made for it - I generally specify 4" in
excess of the dimensions of the piece being shipped, then have 'em pack
the BeJezeus out of it, the *band* the crate. A lot of work? Yup. Want
yer PDP11 all in one piece....? ESPECIALLY if by UPS...

  Have a commercial invoice that clearly states "Obsolete electronic
equipment for repair parts only - no commercial value". DO NOT mention
'computer' or 'EDP' or anything like that. Value it as per the above,
unless you just like giving money to the Customs Folk. Same goes for
insurance. Don't have a $25 scrap value piece with $500 worth of insurance
on it. Obvious, but often overlooked snag.

  I have had very, very good luck with Schenker International - I've a
300-pound crate being delivered in the UK as we speak (an eBay item I
sold) and they are very quick and careful with Old Electronic Gear. I've
used them to ship my entire previous collection to some crazy guys in
Munich - that was a 20' container - same good service.

  BTW - the 300 lb crate from my door in Carson City, NV to Heathrow air
frieght was $254.... via Schenker.


  Hope this helps a bit...


 Cheers

John
Received on Wed Dec 17 2003 - 13:01:40 GMT