[Caniwi]

Hi, have been looking into shipping a few (maybe 10/15) boxes. We can't justify a container, as we just don't have that much stuff. This would be a port to port deal. When I delved a little deeper, I came across port charges. It was saying, if I were to pick up the boxes at the port, as well as various MAF fees and customs inspection fees, it was also stated that there was a volume charge of $75 per cubic metre....?????? Considering I'm looking at paying $10 per cubic foot, it seems odd the port would charge so much.....?????

My question's are, a) does this sound right? and b) has anyone been blindsided by fees?

Any info would be helpful, thanks.

[kanatakiwi]

we shipped under 50 sq metres, door to door and there was no port charge involved. a small MAF inspection fee., but no per sq metre port charges.


I would ask your shipper to explain.

[Caniwi]

Thanks Kanatakiwi.

Who did you use from the West Coast?? If you don't mind me inquiring...??

Caniwi

[kanatakiwi]

It was Headway Shipping. (I think they moved their head office to Calgary) but they still ship out of Vancovuer obviously. web address is
www.headwayglobalfreight.com
I found them really helpful, especially as we had a small amount to ship and wanted to keep costs down. We did all our own packing and the guy (Dick) showed us how to pack like the pros, plus after talking to him we went with door to door shipping, as it made it so much easier on several counts. We had a friend who went to the port and did all that paperwork herself and it was a nightmare for her and involved a lot of running around, having to get a customs broker, plus she ended up paying GST on some of her stuff which we did not have to do.

Good luck

[Caniwi]

Thanks a lot, will check them out, for sure.:cheers