Shipping from the US

[candycane222]

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

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.

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

Oops posted too soon - ty for the help!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!)

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?

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.

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

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 :)

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