[Duke of Metal]

hey guys,
So i decided to spend the extra bucks and get a good cabinet. I baught a VHT 412 fatbottom slant cabinet.

I baught it from a friend of mine (george @ www.guitarranch.net) who gave me an excellent deal.

the cabinet is going to be shipped with UPS.

NAFTA papers will be filled out since an item like this does fall under NAFTA agreement.

the value of the cabinet will be put at full since that way if UPS do loose the cabinet (they'd be stupid to do so) or damage it, i'll have insurance on it.

Now do you guys have any tips on how i can reduce the cost/charges that UPS usually charges people for stuff like this?

I know I cant avoid duties/taxes since its to do with Canada Revenue.

i was told I can save my self a good chunk of cash by "clearing" the cabinet my self when it gets to UPS instead of having them clear it. Any comment on that?

Any other info would help.


Thanks

 

[Accept2]

The only ways to decrease the shipping cost is to use USPS instead of UPS or just buy it unloaded, and load it with speakers here. Shipping cabs has become a pain in the past few years, thanks to the gas prices. About 15 years or so ago, I ordered a bunch of custom Mesa cabs, and they shipped them for free. Now, the only way they'd do that is if you buy the shipping company first................

 

[Duke of Metal]

The only ways to decrease the shipping cost is to use USPS instead of UPS or just buy it unloaded, and load it with speakers here. Shipping cabs has become a pain in the past few years, thanks to the gas prices. About 15 years or so ago, I ordered a bunch of custom Mesa cabs, and they shipped them for free. Now, the only way they'd do that is if you buy the shipping company first................

last time i checked, USPS dont ship items that big. or has that changed?

 

[Accept2]

I have found with USPS its all in who the shipper is dealing with. I have gotten really big stuff through USPS, and other times, they said smaller items were just too big to ship USPS. I guess its all dependeant on who is handling the order..............

 

[JamesPeters]

No way of reducing the fees. Get ready to pay.

 

[gproud]

If it comes UPS, you're going to pay Brokerage fees. That's the fee they charge you to represent you at the border. I think the minimum is about $40-50 CAD, but I believe it will depend on the declared value. It could be more. Also, with UPS, it is possible they are stupid enough to drop it, push it, kick it, etc. I've seen some unbelievable damage to amps, cabs, etc from people on other forums. UPS are notorious. I read a story where a guy watched the UPS dude put his amp on the edge of the truck, jump down, and grab the top edge of the box and pull it off the truck letting it fall to the ground. Needless to say, the amp was f**ked, and UPS wouldn't pony up the dough for the insurance claim because they said it had 'insufficient packaging'. So make sure your guy double boxes and bubble wraps the s**t out of your cab before he ships. I will not buy anything from the US anymore that ships UPS. Fedex isn't as bad, but I go USPS or nothing.

 

[Duke of Metal]

If it comes UPS, you're going to pay Brokerage fees. That's the fee they charge you to represent you at the border. I think the minimum is about $40-50 CAD, but I believe it will depend on the declared value. It could be more. Also, with UPS, it is possible they are stupid enough to drop it, push it, kick it, etc. I've seen some unbelievable damage to amps, cabs, etc from people on other forums. UPS are notorious. I read a story where a guy watched the UPS dude put his amp on the edge of the truck, jump down, and grab the top edge of the box and pull it off the truck letting it fall to the ground. Needless to say, the amp was f**ked, and UPS wouldn't pony up the dough for the insurance claim because they said it had 'insufficient packaging'. So make sure your guy double boxes and bubble wraps the s**t out of your cab before he ships. I will not buy anything from the US anymore that ships UPS. Fedex isn't as bad, but I go USPS or nothing.

Thanks gproud..

see.. I am not worried so much about paying up. obviously I cant escape from paying the boarder duties since its a government thing and I wouldnt want to do anything stupid in that case.

Now.. any idea if Canada post will deliver items this big?

I mean if USPS can ship stuff like this, then when it comes to canada for delivery, CPS will have to take care of it. no?


Thanks

 

[Duke of Metal]

well.. I checked on the USPS website for a rate calculator and they dont ship anything over 77lbs to canada:
http://ircalc.usps.gov/default.asp?Mode=Intl_Single&CID=10054

the package's weght is 99lbs.

Thats a bummer..

Also.. I checked with FedEX and they're total of fees works out to be a bit more then UPS's. the Shop owner is checking how much it'll cost to ship with Fedex.

What about companies like Purolator and DHL? do you guys have any comments about those?


Thanks

 

[gproud]

Don't go DHL. Mucho Grande...