The harrisons

Our shipping costs have become a huge concern to us. We are shipping through John Mason and Crown. We originally booked a fast vessel but have experienced a number of delays and the container is not due here until mid-Nov but we won't receive it until end of Nov taking approx 12 weeks. ( a 20 foot private container)
UK end we were quoted $12000 roughly and have now received an invoice which includes the insurance for $16000.
This cost when compared to those quoted by friends who used a similar service seems very excessive. Can anybody please give any advise or information from their own experience as we're feeling that this invoice is significantly over priced and would welcome your comments.

Cadibel

Does seem rather expensive to me - we were quoted about the equivalent of $7500 over in the UK plus between 2.5 and 3% insurance. Also, we were told should take about 7-8 weeks.

concretepump

hi we used john crviey from wellington not sure if that's how you spell his name, something movers, he has a web site any google search will find him
$7000 two come back to uk door two door pack and unload our selve
from uk was
£3000 that was in 07 hope it helps

Numptyhead

We have been asked to pay our £3500 a week before sailing. I didn't realise that some are paying when it is delivered or thereabouts. Which is the norm?

As mentioned above ours is £3500 + Insurance for a 20' sole use container via Pickfords. Your invoice does seem excessive

MOSO

We also used Pickfords and had to pay before our stuff was packed up and shipped. We paid £4005 for a part share of a 40 ft container as we had more than would fit into a 20ft. Our insurance was 2%. Our boat took 7 weeks and 2 days to Wellington.

Is the extra cost for the MAF inspection? We paid that to Pickfords once MAF had inspected everything, but it wasn't much, about $300 I think for 22 boxes to be inspected and nothing cleaned.

Is the exchange rate working against you which is why it's more? Ask them for a break down. Do you have the original quote - surely that's what you should be paying. Why are there 2 companies? We had a quote from Crown before we left (it was £7000 for the same job) but there was no mention of John Mason.

I hope you get some answers from them and your stuff arrives soon. Our kids thought Christmas had come early when our 234 boxes were delivered!!!

BEVS

The norm is to pay a quoted price in advance.

kiwitoto

Our 20ft container docks at Tauranga at 8.00 tmrw morning. We used Anglo Pacific and never had to pack a thing. Delivery and furniture placement is included at this end too. It as taken 7wks and including insurance cost £3,500 which had to be paid before they arrived to pack our belongings in the UK.