how to receive a container (into Montreal port)?
Apr 27th 2012, 2:10 am
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: Montreal
Posts: 6
how to receive a container (into Montreal port)?
Help 
Does anyone have knowledge or experience of what is needed to receive a shipping container?
I've just had a quote to pack and ship my personal effects in a 20' container direct to Montreal port.
The UK shipper doesn't arrange destination services at the Montreal end.
I'm having difficulty finding out exactly what services I'd require, or what I can do myself.
Shipping agent ? Port agent ? Cargo broker ? Customs broker ? Movers ?
Shipping agents were mentioned so I called a couple of Montreal maritime agents. The ones I called didn't deal with personal effects, couldn't tell me who could and were as confused as me as to what I was asking for.
Port agent / cargo broker - no idea if I need them or where to find them. I don't know exactly where my shipment would arrive.
Customs broker - do I need one for personal effects?
Can't I just go to Customs House (Youville off McGill - 2 mins from my office) to sort out the paperwork then present it at the port?
People I ask just refer me to movers / demenagement companies. The ones I've talked to say that they can help with the unpack and move once I give them the date and place, but I'd have to arrange that.
I feel like I'm going round in circles.
Compared to my quotes for groupage shipping, the container costs a little more but is appealing because it is quick as goes direct to Montreal (rather than Toronto and road) and involves less handling of individual items.
One final question - I'd prefer to unpack the container at the port into a van rather than have it delivered; do I need to arrange port access to do that (guess I need my pass-port)?
Thanks for any help,
Will
Does anyone have knowledge or experience of what is needed to receive a shipping container?
I've just had a quote to pack and ship my personal effects in a 20' container direct to Montreal port.
The UK shipper doesn't arrange destination services at the Montreal end.
I'm having difficulty finding out exactly what services I'd require, or what I can do myself.
Shipping agent ? Port agent ? Cargo broker ? Customs broker ? Movers ?
Shipping agents were mentioned so I called a couple of Montreal maritime agents. The ones I called didn't deal with personal effects, couldn't tell me who could and were as confused as me as to what I was asking for.
Port agent / cargo broker - no idea if I need them or where to find them. I don't know exactly where my shipment would arrive.
Customs broker - do I need one for personal effects?
Can't I just go to Customs House (Youville off McGill - 2 mins from my office) to sort out the paperwork then present it at the port?
People I ask just refer me to movers / demenagement companies. The ones I've talked to say that they can help with the unpack and move once I give them the date and place, but I'd have to arrange that.
I feel like I'm going round in circles.
Compared to my quotes for groupage shipping, the container costs a little more but is appealing because it is quick as goes direct to Montreal (rather than Toronto and road) and involves less handling of individual items.
One final question - I'd prefer to unpack the container at the port into a van rather than have it delivered; do I need to arrange port access to do that (guess I need my pass-port)?
Thanks for any help,
Will
Last edited by iaink; Apr 27th 2012 at 2:31 am. Reason: fixed smiley
Apr 27th 2012, 2:39 am
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere between Vancouver & St Johns
Posts: 19,875
Re: how to receive a container (into Montreal port)?
You need the services of a freight forwarder.
You will not be allowed to unpack the container at the port and load it into a van.
You present the paperwork at the nearest CBSA office not at the port.
Once cleared container will be delivered to your address or to a warehouse if you prefer.
So phone around and ask for rates.
You will not be allowed to unpack the container at the port and load it into a van.
You present the paperwork at the nearest CBSA office not at the port.
Once cleared container will be delivered to your address or to a warehouse if you prefer.
So phone around and ask for rates.
Apr 27th 2012, 3:13 am
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: Montreal
Posts: 6
Re: how to receive a container (into Montreal port)?
Thanks FL,
> You need the services of a freight forwarder.
Again, having difficulty finding which ones will do personal effects.
> You will not be allowed to unpack the container at the port and load it into a van.
I guessed not. But, if not myself, personally, can I or the forwarder arrange for a moving company or other approved people to unpack to a van at port? I'm assuming that the container gets held in a warehouse somewhere at the port.
> You present the paperwork at the nearest CBSA office not at the port.
OK, easy, the CBSA office is right upstairs from Customs in Montreal.
> Once cleared container will be delivered to your address or to a warehouse if you prefer.
The stuff is going to a self-storage entrepot. I've viewed a few but haven't booked. All in Montreal and close to the port.
> So phone around and ask for rates.
OK, I'll google, call round and report back,
Will
> You need the services of a freight forwarder.
Again, having difficulty finding which ones will do personal effects.
> You will not be allowed to unpack the container at the port and load it into a van.
I guessed not. But, if not myself, personally, can I or the forwarder arrange for a moving company or other approved people to unpack to a van at port? I'm assuming that the container gets held in a warehouse somewhere at the port.
> You present the paperwork at the nearest CBSA office not at the port.
OK, easy, the CBSA office is right upstairs from Customs in Montreal.
> Once cleared container will be delivered to your address or to a warehouse if you prefer.
The stuff is going to a self-storage entrepot. I've viewed a few but haven't booked. All in Montreal and close to the port.
> So phone around and ask for rates.
OK, I'll google, call round and report back,
Will
Apr 27th 2012, 5:45 am
#4
Seasoned Maritimer
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick CA
Posts: 8,309
Re: how to receive a container (into Montreal port)?
Thanks FL,
> You need the services of a freight forwarder.
Again, having difficulty finding which ones will do personal effects.
> You will not be allowed to unpack the container at the port and load it into a van.
I guessed not. But, if not myself, personally, can I or the forwarder arrange for a moving company or other approved people to unpack to a van at port? I'm assuming that the container gets held in a warehouse somewhere at the port.
> You present the paperwork at the nearest CBSA office not at the port.
OK, easy, the CBSA office is right upstairs from Customs in Montreal.
> Once cleared container will be delivered to your address or to a warehouse if you prefer.
The stuff is going to a self-storage entrepot. I've viewed a few but haven't booked. All in Montreal and close to the port.
> So phone around and ask for rates.
OK, I'll google, call round and report back,
Will
> You need the services of a freight forwarder.
Again, having difficulty finding which ones will do personal effects.
> You will not be allowed to unpack the container at the port and load it into a van.
I guessed not. But, if not myself, personally, can I or the forwarder arrange for a moving company or other approved people to unpack to a van at port? I'm assuming that the container gets held in a warehouse somewhere at the port.
> You present the paperwork at the nearest CBSA office not at the port.
OK, easy, the CBSA office is right upstairs from Customs in Montreal.
> Once cleared container will be delivered to your address or to a warehouse if you prefer.
The stuff is going to a self-storage entrepot. I've viewed a few but haven't booked. All in Montreal and close to the port.
> So phone around and ask for rates.
OK, I'll google, call round and report back,
Will
Apr 27th 2012, 7:01 am
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere between Vancouver & St Johns
Posts: 19,875
Re: how to receive a container (into Montreal port)?
Miss Clinique might be able to help.
Apr 27th 2012, 8:33 am
#6
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: Montreal
Posts: 6
Re: how to receive a container (into Montreal port)?
Thanks Lancanstrian Bormer, looks like I need three posts to PM.
