Overseas Shipping Advice for Students and Small Movers

Here is a link to some valuable advice concerning customs clearance in the USA.

*Boxed and single items which do not include furniture, and which exceed your baggage allowance.

*Furniture
If you wish to ship furniture, expect costs to get expensive. It will need to be professionally wrapped, possibly crated, and may require 2 or more men to handle it at every stage. You will probably need to share a sea-container. You should investigate delivering to, and picking up from, the shippers depot for savings.

You will require Quality packaging for Overseas Shipping

Maybe you have seen those airport baggage handlers throwing cases around... The cartons used for shipping are extra durable...and you need to pack them very thoroughly.
The packaging you need will probably not be available from the mail order companies listed elsewhere on this site. Their boxes tend to be thin to save costs. There are however, good quality suppliers listed.

How to Save on Overseas Shipping Costs

1) Obtain more than 2 quotes;- the one you like, in writing.

2) Deliver and collect from the shippers depot, or investigate the cost of having a small removal firm deliver/pick up at each end and compare that cost to the shippers charge. (or you could hire a van)

3) Air freight is charged by weight, and you may have a choice of tariffs depending on how quickly you need your property shipped. sea freight is charged by volume and is slow

4) Advertise (on the message board) for partners to group up a load (and search for shippers who will offer a discount).

5) Investigate your insurance options: Self packed items may be excluded from breakage cover, and you should try to avoid sending fragile items - if possible take them with your hand luggage. Beware of 'exclusion', 'excess' and 'limits to liability' clauses in any policy you pay for. As always, there is no substitute for proper (and over protective) packing.
The cover you must have is for complete or partial loss or destruction, or the insolvency of a carrier or storer, which may cause your property to be impounded.

or consult a good insurance broker - possibly your student specialist.

Have Any Advice About Shipping Small Loads Overseas?

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