I have been in import/export business for years. The cost of custom
brokers at both end and local freight on both end will be very
expensive comparing the cost of shipping between two countries.
But I have figured out a work flow to reduce cost. Basically I
import around half a ton (500 kg) at a time and ship by ocean freight.
I usually pay a US broker about $100 and pick up the freight at
a freight forwarder's warehouse near port of Oakland using my Westy
as a cargo van. I usually pay about $50 to the freight forwarder.
Ocean freight of 500 kg stuff usually costs less than $100. US
Custom will charge some duty and X-Ray inspection fees. So overall
it costs around $300 to import something around 500kg on one pallet.
It will not be very cost effective if the cargo is a used engine
or tranny. It would not be cost effective if the cargo is worth less
than $5k. I am talking about shipping across the Pacific.

David

--- Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU> wrote:

> Have you ever had to ship anything significant to/from another
> country?  It's a complete PITA if you're not a regular at it.  I
> bought a long block several years ago from a seller in Canada.
> Dealing with the customs paperwork, getting a broker to get it across
> the border, etc. was time consuming and expensive.  Then you have to
> deal with payment using some instrument that is acceptable to the
> currency exchange folks in the other country.  All in all, more
> trouble than it was worth, looking back on it.
>
> Allan
>
> On Jan 1, 2008, at 9:19 PM, Mike Collum wrote:
>
> > FWIW, I would certainly have no qualms about selling/sending things
> > to you ... if only I had what you need.  I'm honestly surprised
> > that you haven't had better luck in that regard.
> >
> > Mike
> > Houlton, Maine
>

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