[SEL] Crates in International Shipments

[George Best]

> -----Original Message-----

> Cost is calculated by volume rather than weight - apparently 
> it's almost impossible to achieve the weight limits unless 
> you're shipping a crate packed from corner to corner with 
> nuts and bolts.
> Our customs will hit you for VAT, at a level dependent on the 
> day of the week, the weather and the current state of the 
> custom's officer's home life.
 
> Dolly & Jim

As noted above, the size of the crate is what you will be charged for,
not the weight. So when shipping an engine it reduces the shipping cost
if you can take it apart somewhat to enable the crate to be smaller.
For example if the engine is on a cart, take the wheels off the cart to
make the crate shorter.

Also since you're paying for the crate, not the weight, it doesn't cost
any more to add extra items into the crate in any available space.  When
Harry and I exchange crates we often pack in all sorts of extra parts
and junk that the other may appreciate.  I know John Hammink is
anxiously awaiting to have some of his "filler" parts added to a crate
to be shipped to Harry.

You can also save the receiving party some money (taxes, customs) by
"correctly" listing the contents of your crate.  Don't list "museum
quality restored antique engine" when "used" or "obsolete engine and
parts" works fine.  I have an invoice I made up for "Obsolete Engine
Parts & Salvage".  The declared value of salvage parts is pretty
reasonable ;-)

George