Shipping across the 49th

[DSL PWR]

What is the cheapest way to ship goods into Canada from the U.S.? I've been burned by brokerage fees that were greater than the cost of the product. Also what are some good freight companies that will handle heavier\larger items?

Thanks,
DSL PWR

[The Wizard]

Originally Posted by DSL PWR What is the cheapest way to ship goods into Canada from the U.S.? I've been burned by brokerage fees that were greater than the cost of the product. Also what are some good freight companies that will handle heavier\larger items? Thanks, DSL PWR

I know what you mean about brokerage fees...sucks eh!

I can't help you with the heavy/large items but I can let you know that when I have to order parts from the US for one of my other hobbies (large kite building/flying) I insist they be sent via regular US Mail (either air for small stuff or ground for larger items). Canada Post charges a flat rate for brokerage which is a tiny fraction of the cost of what the likes of FedEx/UPS want. Some places (and Ebay transactions) can get a bit fussy but if they want the sale bad enough they will accomodate this arrangement. After all, if you find someone to work 'with you' instead of 'against you' then you are more likely to do business with them again in the future!

I have a friend in Winnipeg who uses UPS but he insists on doing his own brokerage. He has to collect the parcel from their depot and deal with Customs himself but he says it still pays him to do it. He had to set up this arrangement prior to receiving the goods though and his info is kept on file at the local UPS depot. They just call him to tell him when they have a parcel.

HTH,

Larry

[Ken_Shea]

What is the weight you need shipped Larry?

[DSL PWR]

I don't know about larry, but I'm thinking of a medium mill or 3 in 1. 400-800 lbs

[Ken_Shea]

I have used this company with no problems, you can call for pricing.

Concordia International
1-440-243-2244
http://www.concordiafreight.com

[The Wizard]

Originally Posted by DSL PWR I don't know about larry, but I'm thinking of a medium mill or 3 in 1. 400-800 lbs

My stuff is normally fairly small packages and can be posted.

Can you not buy a mill on this side of the border? I don't know where in Canada you are but I would have thought that for something as substantial as that it might pay you to buy here and save a fortune in shipping/taxes/duty.

Have you seen these guys?

http://www.houseoftools.com/subcat.htm?cat=2159


I know those prices are getting up there but it may be cheaper in the long run.

Larry

p.s. Not affiliated with the above link in any way.

[Al_The_Man]

For bringing in large items machines etc It depends where you are in Canada, Find out if you have a Customs bonded wharehouse in the city you live, if so you can get a trucking outfit to bring it across the border in bond and get the trucker to call when its in and go clear it yourself if you wish, The forms (B3) are all on line on the customs web site http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/formspubs/menu-e.html and the customs have a policy that they will walk you through the form, if it is your first time, the commodity codes are all on the web site, but they keep upgrading the site and it gets moved around. If small items come in by UPS again if you have a UPS bonded wharehouse and they bring it into the city you can get them to advise you when it comes in, all you have to do is get the waybill from the sender and phone into UPS and tell them you clear your own. If you bring alot of items in like I do, it pays to clear your own.
I think that places like windsor they are cleared at the border so you are obliged to use UPS brokerage.
Al

[The Wizard]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man I think that places like windsor they are cleared at the border so you are obliged to use UPS brokerage. Al

That is my biggest problem. I live roughly 35 kms SE of Windsor and UPS insists on getting their bite of the cherry! That's why I use regular mail, IIRC Canada Post only charges 5 bucks per item for brokerage. I have even had some low value items come through with no brokerage fees at all.

Larry

[DSL PWR]

I'm in Ft. Nelson BC. Yep 200km south of the 60'th. I do travel to Edmonton and Grande Prairie quite often. Now only to find a warehouse.