U.S shipping companies

justin.g.s · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 7:33 am Post subject: U.S shipping companies

I read the thread on shipping co, but there it seams all the discussion was regarding shipping from the U.K

Has anyone recieved any quotes from Ca, or Los Angeles and if so who and how much?
Rolling Eyes

Raeven · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 3:37 pm Post subject:

Hi, justin,

We were quoted roughly $8,600 for a 20' container and $8,800 for a 40' container from Allied. This was for them partially packing (only breakables) and loading this end and us unpacking at that end, door-to-door service. I believe these are for sole-use containers. These figures do NOT include insurance costs. I compared these costs with the quote received by another friend leaving Santa Barbara to NZ -- they are comparable to what she was quoted. I plan to contact her company in the next couple of weeks (sorry, I don't have their name in front of me but I'll get the info to you if you want it!) as she was very happy with the service.

Hope this helps. - Rae

justin.g.s · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 6:25 am Post subject:

thanks for the help, were there any odd instructions for packing? I understand you need to document everything. I was wondering if it is o.k to use those vacuum bags, to seal clothes and linens ectt. And did I read that right a 200$ differences for a 40' container vs. a 20'

Raeven · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 7:50 am Post subject:

Hi, justin,

Yes, you read right.. $200 difference between 20' and 40' container. That takes into account both weight and volume. Your goods are shipped by weight over land and by volume over sea. Weird, huh?

Yes, you do need to document EVERYTHING, in every possible way. We were advised to pack our goods, numbering the boxes and then keep a corresponding inventory -- I'm doing mine on Excel. For example, Box 1 contains hats with feathers, 2 wicker baskets and dried flowers. That's not noted anywhere on the outside of the box, but my detailed inventory lists all the contents. Some tips: If you pack ahead of time, don't seal any of your boxes. Your packing company won't label them or move them if they can't verify the contents of each box. Every box requires a shipper's number and a full address label. Your shipping company will help with all this stuff. You will also need to provide some sort of declaration as to how you cleaned or otherwise sterilized the contents of each box.. I need more details on this aspect and will post more as I find it out. I would think this would only apply to those things that MAF are particularly concerned about, such as golf clubs, camping gear, etc., but I don't yet know for sure. Maybe it's for every single box! Also, when you are loading your container, load last the items that MAF will surely want to inspect, so they can have easy access to them.

Once we have settled on a shipping company and the house is actually sold, I plan to write to MAF with a list of "questionable" items and get an e-mail from the horse's mouth, as it were, regarding how to handle/clean/sterilize them. The first shipper I spoke with gave me literature that said to bring no herbs and spices into NZ, but further review of the MAF website indicated that it was fine to bring those things in, subject to inspection and provided they are free of bugs. So I'm not tossing an expensive spice collection after all! Too much conflicting information out there.. let's keep sharing what we find out, ok?

Great idea re the vacuum bags! I should think that if your declaration said the item had been cleaned and then sealed, it would be just fine.. great question for MAF, here's the enquiry e-mail address! enquiry@maf.govt.nz

If you e-mail, please let us all know what you learn!

All the best, Rae

justin.g.s · Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 6:46 am Post subject:

I emailed them with that question, will update when I hear(or read)back.

justin.g.s · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 6:12 am Post subject:

immigration dept relied that it is not a problem to use space bags to seal clothing ect..

They reminded that the MAF had the right to open up the bags, hence unduing the seal, but if it is already there, at least it had made the journey over damp free.

Raeven · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 8:53 am Post subject:

Hi, justin,

Thanks for the information. I've got a whole list of questions for Immigration/MAF. Think I'll post them off today in an e-mail. I'll let you know all I find out!

How are your plans coming, BTW?

All the best, Rae

justin.g.s · Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:23 am Post subject:

They are coming along I have notified www.instant- immigration.com, that I will be using there consulting services.

We bought some space bags from e-bay sort of expensive but they do work.

Trying to figure out how much its going to set me back to bring over the pooch. All the little things. We are going to put our house on the market and sell before the interest rates go up.

Im in real estate, NOW is the time to sell.

EYEBACK99 · Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 11:10 am Post subject: DIY Shipping LA to Auckland

Does anyone know if you can buy a 20ft container in LA, pack your goods in it yourself and ship it to Auckland? $4K for shipping is outrageous. The containers run about $1K on up from eBay and it sounds like there is a place in Onehunga or Nelson that will take it off your hands once you get there. My only thought is that the NZShipping Company may want some kind of assurance that the container doesn't contain some hazardous material and so will want an agent to verify the contents. If one could cut out the middle men in this process it may become worthwhile. Otherwise it really is more economical to sell as much as you can, take all the heavy items on the plane and ship the remaining items via post.

Raeven · Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 11:31 am Post subject:

LOL, Eyeback,

Please let me know when you get a quote for $4K! As noted above, the best we've been able to get is $8,600 for a 20' container or $8,800 for a 40' container. Granted, this is packed and loaded this end and delivered to our doorstep in the Top of the South Island (we're undecided at this point between Blenheim and Nelson), but still...

I completely agree with you that it's scandalous what the moving companies are charging. But I have yet to hear from anyone who's done better. Please keep us posted as to what you learn... believe me, I'm interested to know! There's simply no way that we can part with such things as the antique oak dining table that came from my great grandfather's house or the original Hoosier cabinet that belonged to his wife. So we're pretty much stuck with a big shipping bill, as far as I can tell. We'd love some alternatives but haven't heard of any so far.

Best of luck to you in your move, Rae