Shipping from the UK to Texas

[SCOTTANDVICKI 11]

Hello all

I'm hoping someone can give us some pointers on this. We're not taking a whole lot with us from the UK to the States because shipping seems to be extortionate! We rent, so our furniture is just second hand stuff that we picked up relatively cheaply from charity shops etc and we're not that bothered about paying to take it with us.

There are just a few personal effects that I'd really like to take - a few heirloom kitchen items, some books with sentimental value, a quilt etc. We're looking to ship one or two large packing boxes with a weight of about 20-25kg. Most of the places we've asked for quotes from have said that we're not shipping enough to make it worthwhile for them as they only ship entire house contents.

Does anyone have any recommendations of reasonable companies or other methods to get things there? Time isn't really an issue, we don't mind waiting a little while for them as long as it's cost effective.

Also - will we have to pay import tax on our own stuff? That was something that wasn't really clearly answered in our queries.

Thanks in advance

Scott and Vicki

[Sukie 1,460]

Dear Scott and Vicki,

If you are truly talking about 20-25 kg, the most convenient, and probably the cheapest way to get the stuff to the US is to pay for excess baggage and check a bag or box with the items.

Check with your airline as to prices. There should be shippers who will take a small lot, though. They'll be combined with a big lot - and it might take you quite a while to get it. I know FEDEX used to have a 25kg box.

Your items are called "household goods" and unless you are bringing a lot of high-end technology, there should be NO issues with import taxes.

Good luck!

Sukie in NY

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hello all

I'm hoping someone can give us some pointers on this. We're not taking a whole lot with us from the UK to the States because shipping seems to be extortionate! We rent, so our furniture is just second hand stuff that we picked up relatively cheaply from charity shops etc and we're not that bothered about paying to take it with us.

There are just a few personal effects that I'd really like to take - a few heirloom kitchen items, some books with sentimental value, a quilt etc. We're looking to ship one or two large packing boxes with a weight of about 20-25kg. Most of the places we've asked for quotes from have said that we're not shipping enough to make it worthwhile for them as they only ship entire house contents.

Does anyone have any recommendations of reasonable companies or other methods to get things there? Time isn't really an issue, we don't mind waiting a little while for them as long as it's cost effective.

Also - will we have to pay import tax on our own stuff? That was something that wasn't really clearly answered in our queries.

Thanks in advance

Scott and Vicki

There have been numerous threads on this, but I can't get much from advanced search so going from memory--

DHL

Parcel Monkey

Excess Baggage (that's the name of the company)

FedEx

UPS

The container shipping people usually have a volume minimum, even to share a container.

When you immigrate, you pay no duty unless it is a brand new item, a gift, or intended for resale. Unaccompanied goods will generally need a customs form declaring them as household goods, copy of visa, and inventory list. The companies should know these things and help you.

[SCOTTANDVICKI 11]

That's great, thank you both very much for your advice. It looks like the most cost effective option is going to be paying for two extra bags on the flight - which really surprised me! It was £55 per item - we'll just take one extra bag each and that should cover it.

Thanks again!

[katieflossom 54]

I was in exactly the same boat, and I just paid for excess bags, it worked out much cheaper, and some airlines offer v reasonable rates (I flew IcelandAir for example.)

I have some stuff left in storage at my mum's house back home, and will do extra bags again next time I go back and visit!

[SCOTTANDVICKI 11]

Thanks Katie - this definitely seems like way to go! Hope your move went well!