There were many things we wished we knew before and figured this would be the best place to share some of the common mistakes we took and how you can avoid them too.
First off, keep in mind that the items are coming from Pakistan thus there will be many leaks (unless you have the correct sources there).
1. Selecting Packers and Custom Freight Brokers
when you select a packer and shipper in pakistan, try to visit there facility to make sure you know what you will be getting and how it will arrive into the states. Also, make sure it arrives to a port closest to you (regardless of them saying that everything must go thru new york).
2. Take Pictures of the items before it was picked up
3.Once everything is packed and in Freight Carts- Make sure you have someone go in and measure the crates to confirm the CBM. We got screwed here as we skipped this step and were charged for 10 CBM when the items were only 7 CBM (that's roughly around $700 additional)
4. Make sure there is insurance on the items and in the invoice.
5. Most important, get everything in writing. Our shipper came from a family reference and talked a really good & honest game so we believed and respected him. We found out the truth later.
6. Lastly, get the vessel name and container number from the custom broker there and DO NOT allow them to pick a broker in USA- we had a nightmare with this.
7. Do a search on Google, and find a customs broker in the states for custom clearance and transportation options. Please note that if you have household items, make sure that the transporter is okay with delivering to a residence.
8. Verify all is well and Enjoy your memories from back home!
I will go into details about the nightmares and issues we faced along with who and what to avoid in my other posts.
First off, keep in mind that the items are coming from Pakistan thus there will be many leaks (unless you have the correct sources there).
1. Selecting Packers and Custom Freight Brokers
when you select a packer and shipper in pakistan, try to visit there facility to make sure you know what you will be getting and how it will arrive into the states. Also, make sure it arrives to a port closest to you (regardless of them saying that everything must go thru new york).
2. Take Pictures of the items before it was picked up
3.Once everything is packed and in Freight Carts- Make sure you have someone go in and measure the crates to confirm the CBM. We got screwed here as we skipped this step and were charged for 10 CBM when the items were only 7 CBM (that's roughly around $700 additional)
4. Make sure there is insurance on the items and in the invoice.
5. Most important, get everything in writing. Our shipper came from a family reference and talked a really good & honest game so we believed and respected him. We found out the truth later.
6. Lastly, get the vessel name and container number from the custom broker there and DO NOT allow them to pick a broker in USA- we had a nightmare with this.
7. Do a search on Google, and find a customs broker in the states for custom clearance and transportation options. Please note that if you have household items, make sure that the transporter is okay with delivering to a residence.
8. Verify all is well and Enjoy your memories from back home!
I will go into details about the nightmares and issues we faced along with who and what to avoid in my other posts.
