[Debbie]

As I put in another thread I called Grace (the NZ half of Dorree Bonner) to find out about delivery and storage charges. Whilst on the phone the man was telling me that from the beginning of last month Auckland central and North shore councils have stopped them from dropping containers on the road to unload due to road hazards and damage. The upshot of this is that Grace are saying they need to unload your container onto a lorry at their depo so this is extra labour and want to charge an additional $750 for it. It also effectivly stops the possibility of MAF inspections at home. He was also saying that MAF are now using a new charging structure and he is horrified at the costs that are coming through. MAF are charging per item they need to inspect, (the number of boxes. Although I thought they alway did this).Just so everyone is aware. Looks like getting our stuff is going to be fun and games :no
Debbie

[jonSE]

Cynic that I am I would have to say check this with Auckland city Council and with MAF. I didn't believe anything the NZ end of the shipping equation told us when we moved 18 months ago, and was subsequently proved correct when we organised our own customs clearance and MAF inspections.

MAF changing their charging structure I can understand and believe but still check with them.

ACC do charge for a permit to drop a container on the road - see

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/transport/roads/ops.asp

but it is unlikely that for the delivery of your household effects they would actually unload the container itself, just park the truck with the container on the back as close as they can get it and then empty straight from the container.

[Smiler]

Debbie

Surely this should have been quoted for by Doree Bonner and they should have been aware of it and that will be your argument for not paying it. IF that is the case that is, our container came on a lorry, stayed for a couple of hours while they unloaded it and then went in a flash. Never got anywhere near the road surface. I think they're having you on.

Tell them you'll pay the MAF invoice direct, not via them and contact MAF not to let them know too.

NZVL tried the MAF one with us too saying the shipment could not be spilt because we had a car, I now know better. :mad:

Stick to your guns and complain loudly to DB.

Good luck.

[nippa&pippa]

does this only happen in auckland? what about in christchurch?
Sophia x

[Avalon]

I would definately ask Dorree Bonner for an explanation of this, and a very deatiled explanation of why YOU should foot the bill on top of what you have already paid.

We used Crown for the second of 2 deliverys, and they stored that delivery for a few months for $880.

Also - when they did deliver it to here - it came in a lorry - not in the original container - or in fact any contaier on a flat bed truck (or whatever it is they carry containers on :o ), and we had no extra to pay for that part of it.

I also aggree with Jon - it wouldnt hurt just to check taht what Crown are telling you is true by confirming with Maf and Acc. My dealings with Crown were all positive - but they were the agents on both sides of the move for us, and we were dealing with Wellington not auckland. Whatever you find out - GET IT IN WRITING - because you will need the proof if there IS anything funny going on.

Good luck!

[Debbie]

Many Appologies to Crown. I had paperwork from them in front of me whilst I was typing last night. Actually it is Grace that are the NZ side of our Dorree Bonner contract and them that I spoke to yesterday. I will raise this with Dorree Bonner because as far as I am concerned I have paid for a door to door service.
Debbie