Moving to Germany

[Larry]

Moving to Germany

I would like to ship 500 cubic feet to and I've been told from some international movers that my shipment will not go direct to Germany it will clear customs in UK and than will be transport to Germany and my question is why that is?

Why the shippers can not send the shipment direct to Germany\

Larry

[mjrojas]

Good day Larry,

You can ship your items directly to the ultimate country of destination, in your case Germany, but it is at time more cost effective to ship to a port like London to obtain the most favorable rates. That is what I assume your mover is doing, using a stronger trade lane to get you the most favorable rate structure.

Now, when shipping into another country, you will need to complete their customs documents (UK C3) and your transit time may be a little longer. Once it arrives in the UK, most likely as a consolidated shipment, your items will be placed on a vehicle going to your ultimate destination.

It really is not uncommon for this to occur (to UK) and it may be a bit more expensive to ship direct to Germany. If you prefer to have your items go direct, by all means tell your shipper that and they should be able to easily provide you with a revised proposal.

I hope that I have addressed your question clearly.

[moveguymike]

Larry,

The answer you got already is correct. You absolutely can go direct to Germany. If all your concerned about is getting the cheapest price possible, the way they are taking it to UK might be the way to go.

But if your worried about transit times and fewer headaches, then this would not be the way to go. Your going to have your shipment inside a container with other customers. So if the other customers ship any thing they are not suppose to ship and gets hung up in customs, then your shipment will be hung up as well.

Again if your just wanting cheapest price possible, go the direction they are sending you. However if your looking for transit time go in a 20 foot container by yourself and go directly to Germany with it.

Let me know if you have any other questions about this.

Thanks,

Mike

[NYIS]

Dear larry,

I also agree with all of the above. You can certainly ship directly to Germany.

It seems that who ever you spoke with, perfers to consolidate your cargo along with his items (of other customers) to the UK, which is fine. It may or may, not be cheaper depending on all factors involved. Your transit time as mentioned above will be effected too....something to consider.