Buying and Shipping a used machine from Canada to U.S.A. ... Need Advice.

[Brianison]

I have found a small (500lb, fits neatly on a pallet) sawing machine in Quebec and would like to buy it, and have it freighted to Missouri. They are fairly rare, and buying one already in the U.S.A. doesn't seem to be an option.
The machine is being sold by a reputable used machinery dealer who is friendly and cooperative enough, and willing to palletize, and load for me, but didn't seem willing to handle the freight and export job for me outside of filling out whatever paperwork he needed to. I know there will be import/export duties that will need to be payed before it can cross the border. The sale price will be approximately $3900 u.s.

Can anyone recommend a freight company who can handle this sort of thing? It looks like C.H. Robinson advertises as doing cross-border shipping but I wanted some recommendations before engaging with anyone. I have used LTL carriers for inside U.S. work before with good results, but this is my first time trying to bring something in from Canada. Trying not to get skinned in the process. Thanks.

 

[jeepinmatt]

Did you ever get anywhere with this? I found a machine in Canada I'd like to buy and have shipped to the US. We actually use CH Robinson for our weekly shipments from Germany to US at the company I work for, so I'll reach out to our contact there, but want to see if you found any useful information or got that sewing machine past the horsey police.

 

[Pattnmaker]

I wouldn't try to find a trucking company to do your brokerage. Just get a US custom broker and any ltl carrier that crosses the border can do your shipping. You'll have to fill out the paperwork and a good broker will help you with that. I have been happy with BCB International over the last 20 years. They've treated me well and the only time I had trouble with something getting hung up at the border it was because I didn't use my broker and used FedEx to clear something for me.

 

[Stirling]

FedEx offered ltl freight and brokerage no?

 

[Pattnmaker]

Fedex was just a small shipment sent express. I was sending part of a pattern to a customer. Apparently part of a pattern is a different tarriff number from a full pattern. Actually there isn't actually a tarriff number for a partial pattern. It took me almost a week to get FedEx 's Brokerage to return my calls. My normal broker gave me the proper description and tarriff even though they weren't clearing the shipment for me. That allowed me to finally get it released when I was finally able to get a hold of FedEx brokerage.

I had sent the parts Fedex first overnight because my customer needed the parts quickly. It took almost a week to get rush parts to my customer. Don't use Fedex for your broker because if there's a problem they won't call you back and you won't get a direct number for anyone that's supposed to be handling your shipment. I spent hours emailing and sitting on hold not getting ahold of anyone while I was away visiting my daughter. Yes I am still bitter.

 

[jeepinmatt]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I wouldn't try to find a trucking company to do your brokerage. Just get a US custom broker and any ltl carrier that crosses the border can do your shipping. You'll have to fill out the paperwork and a good broker will help you with that. I have been happy with BCB International over the last 20 years. They've treated me well and the only time I had trouble with something getting hung up at the border it was because I didn't use my broker and used FedEx to clear something for me.

CH Robinson handles all of our air freight and customs brokerage at my day job. They are not just a "trucking company". BUT, they also don't do onesie twosies, so they are out. Found out today that the rigging company for the auction actually does exporting also, so I'm gonna get in touch with them and see what I can find out. I'll also reach out to BCB Intl, as they look like just what I need. Probably I will do all this and then it will go for more than I want to spend anyway

 

[jeepinmatt]

Well, BCB International got back to me this morning and said they don't do that kind of thing. But he recommended ClearIt.com so on to the next avenue. Got a quote from YRC for $1000 for the LTL, maybe use ClearIt for the brokerage and auctioneer rigger for crating. Probably should just drive up and get it.