Shipping to the UK

Sometimes people want to bring more of their possessions than can be brought as luggage, here are some of your options.

There are a few methods and here is a brief rundown (be sure to call around for the best prices):

• FREIGHT FORWARDING SERVICE- These companies enclose your items within a crate, insure, ship and arrange reception by a similar UK service. Such firms might only be available in port cities, coastal, Great Lakes, or maybe the Mississippi River. Almost anything can be shipped via this method, large furnishings and cars included. The downside of this is that it can take in the range of 2 months for your belongings to arrive in the UK.
• UPS- Expensive but quick. International Shipping phone number: 800-325-0365

• AIR FREIGHT- Standard airlines have separate freight shipping services, though expensive. Charges are by weight and size, one agent quoted $2.83 per pound as a ball park figure. This is a good method of shipping smaller fragile items or things needed immediately.
• EXTRA BAGGAGE ON PASSENGER FLIGHT- $75-90 for each checked piece not exceeding 62” (that’s height, width, and length added together) and 70 pounds. Larger than 62” is $152.00, heavier than 70 lbs is $228.00. Prices may now be different, check most recent pricing.
• MOVING VANS/COMPANIES- These companies will take care of all shipping from door to door, so if your moving costs are being paid by an employer, this would be the most easy/expensive method.

The following comanies specialize in shipping delicate items. It would not be worthwhile to have everything shipped via one of these, but necessary for precious mementos and other valuable items. Each company is a member of the Association of Art and Antique Dealers.

Anything imported whether via luggage or shipping is possibly subject to customs inspection and liable for import duties of 17.5%, on goods less than 6 months old. Have receipts available if you think you may be questioned on anything of value. I’ve heard that if you intend to return to the US with these items, then they are exempt and you do not need to declare them.

HM Revenue and Customs

Storage facilities vary in price from region to region, but in the Midwest, $50.00 per month is a good price for a single car garage size storage unit, be sure to shop around, and check out how well the sites are maintained. Take your favorite cookware, and recipes, but note that you should bring your own measuring spoons and cups with you as you might have trouble finding them here. In short, you may be better off to sell the cars and cheap older furniture rather than store them. Cars depreciate, get mucked up from disuse, and create insurance trouble later on if policies aren’t maintained.