Shipping Personal Belongings

[Tween 10]

On my above post I explained that.

At least for canada, (you may have better luck in the european forums), people would ship their boxes UPS, anywhere from 1-6 boxes. They'd ship it out the day before or day that they left, they would fill out that form.

Usually that gave them enough time because then UPS would contact them, saying their shipment is being held and to release it, they would need to show that they are in the country, by scanning and sending copies of their stamped visas. Once customs confirmed they were in the US, they released the packages duty free.

It is only duty free if you are sending it to yourself, while you're already in the country. So it'll get held til you can show them you're in the country.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/511688-shipping/

My understanding from CBP is there's a separate set of regulations for Canadians moving to the US. From Europe there is a whole host of forms to fill out and include on the parcel, but they can decide they want to see a copy of my visa and evidence I'm in the country (which is stupid when USCIS says you can ship stuff up to 6mo before you arrive). My issue is if that happens, are a regular shipping company going to have the first clue what to do with my parcel to get it through customs, or is my stuff going to end up in limbo? (or, worse, are they going to want me to pay duty on it all!?)

[Ash.1101 1,755]

IMO. I would talk to the shipping company and make sure they know the plan. Maybe even check other companies available and get a feel of the ones you think may know the system better.

Take down the names and numbers of everyone you talk too. Also try to find one that normally deals with international shipments, ESPECIALLY if you're going to use a smaller shipper or a company that's not "name brand" per se.


We can't really tell you if a company will know what to do, but the companies should have an idea of how well they know the process.

If you want to be safe, use DHL. DHL is what the US uses to send papers to various consulates, what many people here on VJ have used to ship things from numerous countries here. FedEx is another common one. Use one that is known for shipping internationally, do some google searches and check reviews. Personally, I'd use DHL over any company.

Those companies -will- know what to do. They do this all the time.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

My understanding from CBP is there's a separate set of regulations for Canadians moving to the US. From Europe there is a whole host of forms to fill out and include on the parcel, but they can decide they want to see a copy of my visa and evidence I'm in the country (which is stupid when USCIS says you can ship stuff up to 6mo before you arrive). My issue is if that happens, are a regular shipping company going to have the first clue what to do with my parcel to get it through customs, or is my stuff going to end up in limbo? (or, worse, are they going to want me to pay duty on it all!?)

If you want to know what fellow UK people have done, get on the regular website (no phone) and do an advanced search (upper right corner). Search word is shipping and choose United Kingdom forum in the drop down. It is discussed often. Basically you have the right idea....the customs form, your visa and passport to show you are eligible for duty free as a visa holder, and an inventory list of each box. Air freight goes by weight. Cargo container is by the amount of space it takes up. Books will be expensive air freight. Our company had a minimum of one cubic meter and certainly not a half container. They were excellent if you have that much to send . http://www.shipit.co.uk Watch the video.

There's a whole lot of people who just mail off their stuff with no forms and have no problem. Must be easier than we imagine...those of us who research it.

[Tween 10]

If you want to know what fellow UK people have done, get on the regular website (no phone) and do an advanced search (upper right corner). Search word is shipping and choose United Kingdom forum in the drop down. It is discussed often. Basically you have the right idea....the customs form, your visa and passport to show you are eligible for duty free as a visa holder, and an inventory list of each box. Air freight goes by weight. Cargo container is by the amount of space it takes up. Books will be expensive air freight. Our company had a minimum of one cubic meter and certainly not a half container. They were excellent if you have that much to send . http://www.shipit.co.uk Watch the video.

There's a whole lot of people who just mail off their stuff with no forms and have no problem. Must be easier than we imagine...those of us who research it.

I got a quote from Ship It based on comments in the UK forum. They said their minimum volume was 2 cubic metres, the quote was for £950 and that included a discount. I can post everything for less than £500, so a considerable saving. I'd use FedEx/DHL but given the value of the books involved if I don't get the paperwork right they will charge duty on them, even if they were labelled as a gift. But then do I want to pay £450+ for peace of mind?!

[solus 19]

I would try UPakWeShip. Chris and I were both in MA programs in England and moved to the US from there last year. They didnt have a minimum, and were by and far the cheapest. They do boxes, etc, and just pack a bunch of peoples stuff in one container, so they dont have the minimums.

[Miss M 54]

Also, try googling 'excess baggage shipping' or 'excess baggage company.' We used a company like that to ship our stuff from Cape Town, South Africa to California. They came and packed everything for us (wine, books, toys, antiques, random paperwork etc), cleared customs for us in the U.S and delivered to our front door within a little over a week. It wasn't too expensive pricewise and ended up being our cheapest option; they also didn't have any minimums.

[Unidentified 2,930]

I have to admit I haven't read all the replies (I know there's a bunch of books involved).

Have you looked into an air cargo company? I was going to send a box with them but mine was so light according to them I would just lose money. The company I found (unfortunately only in Sweden) had fixed prices based on weight. If I had more stuff I would definitely have picked them so I recommend some type of air cargo company.

I ended up flying Icelandair which allows two bags for free and I paid heavy luggage fee of $37.

[blue_angel_29 108]

I'm entering America in October on a K1 visa, but I'm struggling to get my belongings over there. My problem is I'm not taking very much (no furniture; mostly books) so I don't need even half the smallest container space an import/export company will sell me. It would be significantly cheaper for me to post everything over to my fiancee, but am I going to run foul of customs if I do that? If I complete CBP form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles) and put that in with the usual customs forms, will that be okay? Anyone got any experience?

I don't know if this goes true to other countries, but when i entered US, 2009, my family of 6, we all have 2 very very large boxes each. it's 18 inches x 18 inches x 24 inches. We were able to enter in California. Customs just asked what we need to declare in our box. Then entered US with 12 boxes..

[Britchic 0]

I used a UK company called Capital Parcels and they were awesome. You just pack your box, secure with really strong tape and call them with the dimensions. They quote you there and then and pick it up and it's delivered to the destination usually by UPs or FedX within 10 days safe and sound. I sent 1/2 dozen boxes this way and they were the cheapest by far!!! Call them here...0800 773 4822

[HK12 273]

I also had a whole lot of books and sent them all by regular DHL. In total, I had about 10 boxes, each weighing approx. 20-30 kg, Total cost was around 600 Euros. I filled out all customs forms before leaving (except for the K1 visa entry stamp, of course). Once I was in the U.S., I mailed my mom copies of the K1 visa admittance stamp, she attached them to my paperwork and sent off the boxes. I received them 3-6 weeks later. No problems whatsoever. The paperwork did not even get opened and looked at by US customs.

Edited September 21, 2015 by HK12

[marleym 9]

Yea, believe it or not, not everything can be taken on with carry on LOL.

My fiance is bringing all his clothes on the plane, a carry on then one or two luggages with his clothes inside.

But he also has books and a desktop computer that is on the large end. It's just one or two boxes max, but def not something that can be managed to be brought on the plane.

The OP is asking about the shipping process, how it's done, what is needed, etc. Not what can be taken on the plane as that isn't an option for him, no matter how you spin it.

Exactly. Suggesting the OP carry on "hundreds of books" is ridiculous.

[yuna628 9,533]

Exactly. Suggesting the OP carry on "hundreds of books" is ridiculous.

Which is not what was being suggested.

[Tween 10]

Thanks all I think I'm probably going to ship the stuff with less value in smaller batches to scoot under the $100 gift/duty limit, and pack up the valuable stuff and get my parents to ship it once I've got that stamp in my passport.