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Shipping from the US

14 replies

candycane222 · 02/05/2019 22:31

DS needs to send a suitcase-full of bits and pieces (I think around 40kg, maybe less, personal rather than valuable) back fro the US to the UK. Has anyone done this and able to recommend a good way/good carrier to do this?

It doesn't need to get here quickly, but he does need to be able to organise it in the next few days.

TIA Smile

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MissConductUS · 03/05/2019 00:21

UPS and Fedex both ship from the US to the UK. Their rates are pretty similar, so I'd have him take it whichever has a shipping location most convenient for him. They may require him to put it in a cardboard box, which they will happily sell him.

Where is he located? I'm a Yank, btw.

candycane222 · 03/05/2019 16:50

Thanks MissConduct, hes had a look at those and ups seems to be marginally easier. Hes in indiana

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candycane222 · 03/05/2019 16:52

Oops posted too soon - ty for the help!

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MissConductUS · 03/05/2019 16:55

UPS is very reliable, so good choice. Is he in university here? My son is and we're very much looking forward to having him home in a few weeks.

ArfArfBarf · 03/05/2019 16:58

We used sendmybag.com when we accidentally left two cases behind when relocating back to UK from Chicago. Was all very easy door-to-door and very cheap.

DumpTrump · 03/05/2019 19:49

I know this isn't the answer to your question but just in case you are ever planning on relocating back to the UK or even moving within the US - do not use International Van Lines. We have moved many times and they are the most awful company we have ever used!

Expressedways · 03/05/2019 22:08

I’ve used sendmybag too although in reverse from the U.K. to the US when we left stuff there following a holiday. It’s door to door so really easy.

lljkk · 05/05/2019 10:00

Will the parcel attract VAT & customs import duty? I'd be very wary of that.

candycane222 · 05/05/2019 19:33

Ooh, sendmybag has student rates - and doesn't need boxes or exact weight (which is handy as he has no scales!). Have suggested he has a look at that. TY!

Yes MissConduct he will be home in a few weeks - hooray! (though we did see him at Christmas too!)

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candycane222 · 05/05/2019 19:36

And it shouldn't attract customs etc I hope - Nothing new: mainly used winter clothes and books, and one or two bits and pieces like college mugs he's collected during the year.

May be some small electronics though (not sure if he bought a second phone or not) Would something he had bought and used for a couple of months or more be subject to customs do you think?

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lljkk · 05/05/2019 19:43

What shipping prices are you looking at? I imagine >> $150.

Make sure whoever fills out the shipping slip lists the value of the items as very low, ideally under $30.

I got hit with £18 of charges on a ring that BIL guessed was worth either $50 or $100. £10 for VAT+customs & £8 administration charges. It was a ring originally purchased in UK; I lost it but was found in lost property at a California swimming pool. I told BIL to send it in a simple flat envelope & he put it in a box instead with his own guess at estimated value (sigh). After appeal to HMRC I got the £10 back but gave up on getting the £8 back.

Expressedways · 05/05/2019 19:47

The electronics might be an issue If they contain lithium batteries, also damage could be a problem. Sendmybag is basically like checking a suitcase, except you’re not on the plane with it. Their FAQs are pretty detailed with regard to customs, I would check there as it depends on his circumstances.
www.sendmybag.com/baggage-shipping-destinations/uk-mainland
www.sendmybag.com/support/faqs/question/28

candycane222 · 05/05/2019 21:59

Ooh, thanks for all that detailed advice. Actually I realise he'll have any phone(s) with him so that should be ok, but I'll make sure he checks that link :)

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candycane222 · 07/05/2019 21:19

All sorted with SendMyBag - thanks all for the help and advice!! Smile

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