Shipping from Canada to US

[fargobass]

What about having someone from the US side of the border, but close to Winnipeg, drive up there, pick it up, drive it back to this side of the border, and ship it? I would volunteer, Dr. Bob, but my wife is due with Baby #5 any day now, so I don't dare leave town for more than an hour or so.

[dr_bob]

Sorry for not jumping back in sooner but it's the end of the semester and I've been busy grading papers, giving finals, and generally making life miserable for my students

Thanks to all for your input. I think you've combined to make me worried about shipping the guitar from Canada to US. Mark, I like your idea about seeing if someone would lend a hand by picking it up and shipping it from the US. I also understand why with #5 on the way this isn't the best time for you.

I was wondering if there was a forum member who would be willing to drive up from US and pick the guitar up and ship it to me from this side of the border. I might even be able to talk the seller into driving part way down from Winnepeg. He seems like a really nice guy. Of course I would cover all expenses plus. Thanks -- please let me know.

[jwilli]

BTW, I got such a great deal on the guitar from a Forumite that I really didn't mind the extra UPS fee.

[86kubicki]

I was wondering if there was a forum member who would be willing to drive up from US and pick the guitar up and ship it to me from this side of the border. I might even be able to talk the seller into driving part way down from Winnepeg. He seems like a really nice guy. Of course I would cover all expenses plus. Thanks -- please let me know.

Bob - The only problem with that idea is that the US citizen would have to declare the instrument as he passes back into the US. I'm not sure how US customs works, but Canadian citizens are limited to the value of goods they can bring back from the states based on how long they are down there. If there's a similar restriction on US citizens, the "mule" may need to pay duty.
As a Canadian who has bought and sold numerous instruments with folks in the US, my advice is to just pay the brokerage fee and have the instrument shipped. Its not very much, and a lot less hassle.

[86kubicki]

It is also interesting to see how Purolator shipped items from Canada find their way into the hands of UPS in the US. I do not know if this is the general rule, however.

Peter - I was under the impression that items shipped via Purolator to the states were passed off to Airborne Express. Have you heard of Purolator shipments being delivered by UPS?

[admin]

Steve: I have not heard this from UPS, but did hear it from our local shipping agent for UPS and Fed Ex. Stay tuned.

[beatlefreak]

When my 650S was shipped to me from Canada using UPS, the brokerage fee was $39. That was in 2005.

[modrock]

I just sent some Rick parts off to Montreal, and the buyer insisted USPS because FedEx and UPS charge Waaaay too much. I got an email this morning that all went well, mind you we're not talking large expensive items like guitars and amps, but still went very smooth. I've also heard that due to NAFTA regs. it's best to write 'Made in USA' on the customs form.
So there is a very happy Rickenbacker player in Montreal now....( I hope )

modrock in NB ( North Bay Area of SF )

[jingle_jangle]

Today, I sent two guitars off--one to China and one to Guam (yep, Tim, it's on its way).

China went UPS International, low customs declaration. Cost to get it to China by their Friday (our Thursday): $425.00, of which $87.00 was the fuel surcharge.

Guam, sent UPS, would have cost...$525.00!

USPS to Guam, $87.00. Equal t the UPS fuel surcharge.

Difference is that UPS allows insurance to be declared and paid for, USPS does not, over $100.00.

There seems to be no rhyme or reason to this. But, with such similar surcharges, I smell a global conspiracy...