Bob Oswald wrote:
> On Tue, 30 Apr 2002 11:26:20 -0400 Dick Woodside <rwoodside@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Wrote, on the subject : SMS upholstery
> My only quibble is that I had asked for US Postal Service, rather
> than UPS, because UPS adds an additional $35 customs brokerage
> fee, on top of the shipping charges.
> =======
> Dick.... This rings a bell! Last year I sent for a carburetor from a
> company in British Columbia. When it arrived via UPS there was an
> additional bill from "US Customs Brokerage Inc.", written on very US
> Govt. style paper and printer font, asking me for another $25. for
> the carb. I phoned up the (toll) number and asked them to send me the
> paperwork, after I couldn't get an answer out of them about if this
> was a Government fee.
> When the paperwork arrived it stated that this was a tariff free
> item, but was assessed a brokerage fee. I decided this was UPS's
> way of getting paid at both ends and ignored the bill. After half a
> dozen threatening letters (eventually coming from a "collection
> agency" in Texas), they left me alone. Subsequently I heard that
> they (UPS) have the same scam in UK with international packages.
> It's time this became better known for the rip-off it is, and time
> people simply stopped paying them. I now insist that any
> international parcel come by USPS, FedEx, or ANYONE except UPS.
> OK, I've steamed off enough now. I feel better.
> Bob O. Oregon
I have done a lot of mailing of parcels to and from Canada.
Using the regular government postal system for private mailings
is usually best. Usually very little delay as long as that little
green (USPS provided because you are mailing to Canada) is filled
out correctly. Indicating that this is a private transaction.
(I am sure that there is an equivalent up there)
Canada has a "Broker" system of handling parcels that are commercial
in nature. I believe that this is a holdover from days gone by.
(You know, many fingers in the pie, each getting a cut)
UPS is a registered carrier in Canada, therefore parcels sent via them
have to use the "Brokerage" system. (AND someone gets paid for this)
The reasoning I have learned concerning the "Brokers" is that they
are supposed to know the laws and codes, thereby facilitating the
movement of goods across boarders. (TAXES and DUTIES to be assessed you
know)
The lesson to learned is that if your transaction is able to be boxed
within UPS guidelines handle it as a person to person mailing and
use the Govt. postage system. AND know how to fill out the Customs
declaration sticker.
A LOT of the higher $$ items I sent to Canada were "repairs"
or needing repaired. Never had to pay duty or extra taxes, even if
I sent it insured. If the item is under $100, you might label it
as a "gift"
--
Paul Holmgren
Hoosier Corps #33, L-6
2 57 300-C's in Indy
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