Best way to import a router from the US to Canada.

[er-mtl]

Hi,

I'm from Montreal, Qc and I ordered a CNC router frame (from K2CNC) in the US. Shipping method was UPS, and the cost, as quoted by the vendor seemed reasonable. After digging a bit, I discovered it was a lot more complicated than I first thought it would be. First, UPS from the US to Canada is known to be a ripoff with "surprise" outrageous brokerage fees and all kinds of additional costs that are hidden from the shipper, but are requested during delivery, then the router was an oversize item, and as such I had to use UPS Freight, and the rules are even worse. Mainly, I had to hire a brokerage firm, or get a brokerage account with them, and that includes security clearance, fees and paperwork processing can last around a month. I could also have it shipped to a UPS warehouse, and do the customs work myself from there, but they would not tell me which warehouse that would be. Since my vendor is from the west coast, that could even mean Vancouver, long delays, more paperwork, and paying again for re-shipment within Canada !

I digged into what ebay users do in similar circumstances and found out about what is known as "Amerifriends". That means peoples / businesses close to the border who accept to get the parcel on your behalf. You then cross the border, pick it up and do the import work yourself.

I was a bit concerned with the router being sent to some nowhere place, but found a commercial version of "Amerifriend" called Freeport Forwarding who would do it for a very reasonable fee as they take 5$ for a small parcel, 10$ for my router wooden crate.

The place is located very close to the Lacolle border checkpoint (good for people in Québec and eastern Ontario), and I'm sure there are other similar places elsewhere.

I called K2CNC and had the shipping address changed to Freeport's address, with my name on it. I also asked them to make an invoice with Customs declaration mentioning that the product is of US origin and attach it outside the crate.

When the machine arrived. I crossed the border (told them I was going to buy a tool in the US), and easily found the place (about a mile from the border checkpoint, Google Maps is your friend). The place was a bit messy, but they helped me put the crate in the RAV4).

On my way back, Canadian Customs directed me to the tax office, I went in with the K2CNC invoice. They only asked if it was for persomal or business use and what it was and I told them it was a personal woodworking machine. Invoice value was 1500US$ (a KT2514 frame+Bosh router & precision collets), they calculated taxes, and that's all I had to pay, not one cent of additional fees. I expected they would ask me to open the crate, but they never even had a look at it.

I highly recommend this method. It's totally legal, fast, low cost and very easy. For small items, USPS works well. I got the steppers & drivers that way, cost was the taxes + a low 5$ brokerage fee, however the 2 parcels were held for more than a week (unclear if it was at customs or Canada Post office). If I had known before, I would have made a grouped order with several other items.

I'll certainly use it again for stuff that can't be shipped by USPS.

BTW, it's somewhat unrelated, but I'd be glad to find out other CNC router owners (or DIYers) in the area.

[Drools]

You might find this helpful on shipping. I'm fortunate that I live in a border city.
Best way to import a router from the US to Canada.

[Al_The_Man]

Your referencing THIS thread?
Al.

[Drools]

I replied in the wrong thread! too many windows open.

[gio666]

You can do your own Customs Clarance at any customs office and pay invoice your self and wont have to pay the fedex or UPS charges , you can do the customs before it leaves from were you bought it

[jeffrey001]

I have bought over a thousand items from united States from past year on Ebay and others sites, but when seller says UPS only, I simply do not buy anymore.

Jeff

[H1rg0n]

I stay away completely from a shipper who only sends via UPS/FEDEX/DHL ect. Even on fleabay you have to read the shipping options. Ensure that before you buy you confirm that USPS is an option and when you pay make REALLY sure that you request that method of shipping in the notes section. If you don't they will send it the cheapest way for them (ie:UPS) and thats just bad.

However shipping cost for USPS vice the others will always be more expensive and can take longer in shipping time but in the long run you will definitely save.

As for getting a router into Canada via the US i just got one (brand new Porter-Cable 890 series still in the box) from fleabay for less than the MSRP...that includes shipping. So that is always a good option if your comfortable with that site.

[jeffrey001]

Yes, UPS always list their shipping cost a bit lower than others carriers, only to charge a $50.00 fee.

Jeff

[er-mtl]

H1rg0n:
I now see that my title was misleading, as I imported the whole CNC milling machine and not just the (in my case small Bosch Colt) router. Here it is :


This kind of machine is shipped in a wooden crate and requires freight service, that's why they are using UPS.

When the part is within USPS size/weight capabilities, they are by far the best way to go.

gio666 : Could you describe the process ? According to UPS (but they might have lied) the part needed to be in their warehouse before I can do the customs clearance myself, and I had to go there to do it (no snail mail service)

The system I described is for large / heavy stuff or grouped orders only, else, paying 5$ for USPS brokerage fee is a lot easier !

[ThomD]

I've been importing for 40 years nearly, and I have had all the ups and downs. UPS is a no-go for me also. But, I did have a positive experience recently. One supplier of bike gear, maker of aluminum jigs, would only sell by UPS. There is no alternative supplier. He had designed the jig I was buying so the whole thing came under 150 pounds crate included. This is some UPS flat rate threshold. Total cost to UPS brokerage and shipping was 75 dollars ish. I found that very competitive for the current environment, and would do it again.

[Al_The_Man]

gio666 : Could you describe the process ? According to UPS (but they might have lied) the part needed to be in their warehouse before I can do the customs clearance myself, and I had to go there to do it (no snail mail service)

The item needs to be in a UPS wharehouse and have a location number, just in case CRA (Canada Customs) need to do an inspection.
Fortunately for me I have a UPS bonded wharehouse near me and the CRA just down the road, http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html.
The B3 PDF and commodity numbers are on the CRA site.

I've been importing for 40 years nearly, and I have had all the ups and downs. UPS is a no-go for me also.

I have also been importing/exporting around the same length of time and the secret I have found is to open a UPS account, then they have all the info and when a shipment comes in it is flagged for UPS as 'Clears Own'.
The girl gives me a call and I go down and clear it.
For heavy items that are over UPS limit I use a freight company that has a bonded wharehouse in the city, they give me a call when the shipment is in and I clear the same way.
Al.