Transporting "stuff" to Antigua.

[MiracleMaud]

We (the royal “we”) would like to transport some “stuff” from UK to Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. I have read of companies renting or selling oil drum sized containers which are then transported by sea. I wondered if the esteemed forumites had any experience of such an adventure, and if so what the pros and cons of such a venture.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Maud.

 

[BAtoo]

Friend transported "stuff" to Ibiza on a pallet to which we added 4 sides & a top; all arrived as despatched so it's do'able....

If you want a sealable plastic oil drum sized container I can do them for £20 (collect) in Suffolk.....

 

[RichardTaylor]

Your best bet is to discuss your requirements with a local freight forwarder. They should be able to advise the best routing (you might find there is a regular "banana" boat which goes back near empty) and probably get a custom case made up so you stuff is packed safely and efficiently. Also a good freight forwarder would advise on correct customs procedure to minimise your duties etc.

 

[john_morris_uk]

I suppose if it was coming from Antigua to here, you could expect Customs to have a good poke about in the container!

The last time I had 'stuff' sent out to a foreign country, I had to go and make a 'special payment' to the customs officials to allow it to be released from their warehouse. Before anyone asks it wasn't Antigua!

 

[Natterjack]

We (the royal “we”) would like to transport some “stuff” from UK to Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. I have read of companies renting or selling oil drum sized containers which are then transported by sea. I wondered if the esteemed forumites had any experience of such an adventure, and if so what the pros and cons of such a venture.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Maud.

Options are...

1. Air Freight

2. Sea Freight

Depending on how much 'Stuff' need to be sent, sea freight normally works out cheaper but considerably slower.

for shipping it will be sent as Groupage/shared container load so will either need to be packed into good strong card boxes and sent "Loose", Palletised or into a lift van (Like a large wooden box which fit into the shipping container)

You can ask a removal company/freight forwarder to give you a quote. They can organize packing, customs clearance & delivery to destination.

If your based near London try http://www.excess-baggage.com/
if not there site has lots of info and customs regulations info.

How do I know? I run a removal company! (unfortunately I cannot help you as were based on the Isle of Wight)

If you have any specific questions I will try to answer them!

Cheers, Dan

 

[Natterjack]

The last time I had 'stuff' sent out to a foreign country, I had to go and make a 'special payment' to the customs officials to allow it to be released from their warehouse. Before anyone asks it wasn't Antigua!

Normally basic custom charges are included in shipping quotes, however they Excludes any Quarantine/Customs Examination charges, X-ray Fees, Import Duty/Taxes or Formal customs entry if applicable.

 

[TQA]

We (the royal “we”) would like to transport some “stuff” from UK to Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. I have read of companies renting or selling oil drum sized containers which are then transported by sea. I wondered if the esteemed forumites had any experience of such an adventure, and if so what the pros and cons of such a venture.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Maud.

Worth talking to Jane of Jane's Yacht Services out here. They do this sort of thing all the time and know the pitfalls.

http://www.yachtservices.ag/services.html

No connection except a satisfied customer.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Normally basic custom charges are included in shipping quotes, however they Excludes any Quarantine/Customs Examination charges, X-ray Fees, Import Duty/Taxes or Formal customs entry if applicable.

Is that why they wanted cash and didn't give a me a receipt? I even got a friendly local who spoke the language to come along in case I hadn't understood them properly when I went to collect the first three times. He was very embarrassed by the whole business...

 

[GrahamP]

Shipping to caribbean

Miraclemaud,

I have used RAM shipping to send barrels to St Lucia and can recommend them. They deliver to many islands including Antigua. They sell barrels and offer a reliable service. They can collect or you can deliver to them for shipping.

Contact them for details

http://www.jpshipping.co.uk/Home

Hope that helps,

Graham

 

[MiracleMaud]

Thanks everyone, so far. You have provided plenty of thinking/viewing material already. Please keep the comments and advice coming.

 

[Natterjack]

Is that why they wanted cash and didn't give a me a receipt? I even got a friendly local who spoke the language to come along in case I hadn't understood them properly when I went to collect the first three times. He was very embarrassed by the whole business...

I see your point... reminds me of a trip to Spain some years ago when my co-driver got pulled over and was issued a 90 euro fine, which had to be paid cash there and then. Refused to let us go until we had paid and no receipt given...