ShopBot Desktop Shipping Quote

[WoodMarvels.com]

I'm in the final stretch of my Australian VISA being approved (final set of documents sent over) and today I sent off some e-mails to find-out how much it would cost to ship my ShopBot Desktop from Buffalo NY (USA) to Adelaide SA (Australia) - in its original crate.

I was quite surprised that it cost roughly 750$US which is cheaper than I had though - it would be sent via ocean freight over the course of a few months.

I was wondering if anybody on this board ever shipped equipment by ocean freight and if there was anything I should watch for - I've already asked them if I could go along with my ShopBot - would be neat to cross the ocean by boat. It might take a month or two but at least I wouldn't have to deal with the TSA and be able to bring tons of cargo with me as carry-on!

Jon

[myxpykalix]

I don't know much about this but you see these big cargo ships with hundreds of these 40 ft shipping containers loaded on them. Depending on how much you are taking over you might check on something like that. I'm sure it is probably already going to be loaded in one of those containers:eek:

[adrianm]

When I had my PRS 96x48 shipped from the US to the UK I went with the air freight option which wasn't that much more. Australia is probably a magnitude more though.

I used to spend a lot of time at sea and I've seen many container ships coming in with the stack hanging off the side with quite a few missing. The percentages of lost containers is probably very low but I figured for the sake of a bit of money I'd go for the statistically safer option.

[myxpykalix]

Well if your shopbot fell off the side of the boat at sea maybe then Bin Laden will have a new toy to learn a trade on...:rolleyes:

As with anything, it might come down to how it's packed and you can cut out your own shipping box on your bot. I would bet that if you called shopbot they would have the cutfiles they use to make the shipping box to begin with.:)

[Bob Eustace]

Hi Jon

The easiest way into Australia is as an illegal boat person! When you arrive we give you free ciggies, a plasma TV, you stay is a nice motel, we buy all your food, give you heaps of spending money and give you FREE medical and dental. Over 1000 arrived this month so far! So Jon there may not be room for a legitimate immigrant!

Your freight quote is spot on BUT allow for double as we really rip you off in Oz. You will get charged harbour dredging fees, charged every time it gets moved on the wharf, unloading fees, customs presentation fees and a heap of others! Our Buddy was $1500 sea freight then all this other stuff added another $1490!

Our best tip is to try and pick it up from the wharf yourself. This is difficult but provided you have the time available it can be done (trucks often queue up for days to pick up loads)

Bob

[WoodMarvels.com]

Never thought of "union fees" at the other end... something I'll have to sort out. I'll find-out how much it is to send the desktop by plane but I'm pretty sure it would be cheaper to just fly first class and declare it as carry-on luggage. I am going to be sending personal items as well, and the machine is used - will try to get it declared as a "personal" not "industrial/business" machine.

I'll let you guys know if I get dinged at the other end - I don't really have much of a choice. I'll get insurance so if it does fall off the edge of the boat, at least some money will come my way to get another one! You forget how easy things are when you don't constantly move to different countries.

I can't imagine Adelaide being overly busy shipping wise compared to Brisbane or Newark. The entire trip is going to be expensive but I plan on staying put for a very long time! I'll assume that the 750$US is 50% of the total cost... then I should be alright.

Jon

[jerry_stanek]

Or you could buy it a seat on the plane.

[michael_schwartz]

I'll let you guys know if I get dinged at the other end - I don't really have much of a choice. I'll get insurance so if it does fall off the edge of the boat, at least some money will come my way to get another one! You forget how easy things are when you don't constantly move to different countries.

Jon


When you accept the shipment on the other end make sure to note some kind of visual damage to the crate, or packaging, (find a dented corner or a tear), and write down a description and that there may be "possible concealed damage" This will go a long way, if you discover any problems later. Even if the crate, or box is in perfect condition, I always find something. It is your responsibility to do this.

In many cases claims will be flat out denied if damage that is both visible, or concealed is not noted at the time of acceptance.

If somebody accepts the delivery for you, instruct them to do the same.

Even if you inspect contents at the time of delivery or receipt, you will be too distracted to do a full inspection. It is easy to miss something.

I have always done this. I finally took delivery of a packag via freight and I had a bad feeling from the start from the way the driver handled the box. I opened it up in the parking lot, and did not see any damage. I did however note the damage to the packaging. I later found the concealed damage, and the shipper was able to file a successful claim.

[Bob Eustace]

Hi Jon

Just had another thought! Reckon it could pay you to talk to Shopbot about power supply for your Desktop. Our Buddy came with a torroidal trannie to cope with 240 volt. The cycle difference of 60 to 50 doesnt seem to matter. Think you'll love Adelaide as its a very laid back city with just the right sort of population - no traffic jams!

Bob