Shipping Personal Effect From Thailand To China

[TravelWeary]

Hello, thanks for taking the time to read.

Anyone got any experience shipping stuff around Asia? I've got to get two boxes (rougly 1 cubic meter and 25Kg apiece) from Bangkok to Shanghai and am trying to figure out the best way to go about it.

It's just really basic, inexpensive stuff, nothing sensitive at all. Mostly clothing, books, and a few souvenirs, no Buddha images, live products, or flammables, I don't even think any of it's breakable. It makes no difference how long it takes to get there, I'm just looking for ways to ship that won't ulitmately cost more than the value of the stuff I'm sending!

Websearch reveals that there are many many shipping companies in Bangkok. DHL was looking for about 12000THB plus another 600THB/kilo, for that I wouldn't even bother sending it. Rail's out because there's no line between Chiang Mai and Kunming, but truck might be an option. From what I've been able to find online though it looks like sending it by boat would be the easiest way to go, trouble is it looks like most shippers are selling space by the container-load. Has anybody got any experience with or heard about this kind of thing?

Thanks for any advice!!

TravelWeary

[opalhort]

Contact any local shipping company (NOT DHL, FedEx etc.!!) and ask them for their LCL (Less than Container Load) rates. Charged by the m³ or weight depending on their formula; it can be very cheap.

Shipments are usually consolidated in Singapore into a full container load and then sent on to the destination. Shouldn't take more than 3-4 weeks to Shanghai from BKK.

opalhort

[sbk]

Not visa related, moved to general section

[blakegeee]

Using Thailand Post's (SAL) Economy Air service, as 25kg box will be 3380b. They are not concerned with measurements too much. This service will take 2-4 weeks although not likely so long since its so close. If it needs to be faster, they have Airmail, 4060b and it will be there within 7-10 days and is very dependable.

[raro]

The local charges for LCL (i.e. all costs to get it on board a ship) are already close to 10,000 Baht.

I would suggest to handcarry as much as you can and forget about the rest. Maybe you can store some things with friends and pick it up later in case you plan to come back here for a vacation.

Most people realize that the shipping costs exceed the value of their belongings and most enquiries we get in this matter do not result into a shipment but rather a walk to the garbage can. Sorry for being so harsh, but that's my every day business experience.

[opalhort]

blakegeee is correct. this would be the most economical way to ship your stuff.

LCL is possible but certainly more costly.

just use registered surface mail, best way to go.

opalhort

[TravelWeary]

Thanks a lot you guys, I didn't consider surface mail, but I can see how it might be cheaper (and a lot easier). Don't worry Raro, I get that it's not worth bringing most of it, I'll chuck as much as I can. Picked up a few things in Malaysia and Singapore that I want to keep and there's a few things from home, but will definitely garbage most of it. My real trouble is books, can't seem to curb the urge to collect them, and English literature can be pricey out here ! Most of them cost me about 700B apiece, so I can't complain too too much if I can keep em for 3000-4000B for 25kg.

Cheers for the advice guys, I will definitely check that out!

[TravelWeary]

Not visa related, moved to general section

Thanks for moving this SBK

[Kerry]

Thanks a lot you guys, I didn't consider surface mail, but I can see how it might be cheaper (and a lot easier). Don't worry Raro, I get that it's not worth bringing most of it, I'll chuck as much as I can. Picked up a few things in Malaysia and Singapore that I want to keep and there's a few things from home, but will definitely garbage most of it. My real trouble is books, can't seem to curb the urge to collect them, and English literature can be pricey out here ! Most of them cost me about 700B apiece, so I can't complain too too much if I can keep em for 3000-4000B for 25kg.

Cheers for the advice guys, I will definitely check that out!

I'm on the lookout for this too - except to South Africa. You'd think it was on the moon, judging from the reaction from the 20 or so companies that I've called. You might want to try Agility. I'm still waiting for their quote (I'm sending a bit more than you, some electrical appliances etc), so not sure about price, but the service so far has been polite and prompt. PM me for a number :-)

K

[FRM-BKK]

Thanks a lot you guys, I didn't consider surface mail, but I can see how it might be cheaper (and a lot easier). Don't worry Raro, I get that it's not worth bringing most of it, I'll chuck as much as I can. Picked up a few things in Malaysia and Singapore that I want to keep and there's a few things from home, but will definitely garbage most of it. My real trouble is books, can't seem to curb the urge to collect them, and English literature can be pricey out here ! Most of them cost me about 700B apiece, so I can't complain too too much if I can keep em for 3000-4000B for 25kg.

Cheers for the advice guys, I will definitely check that out!

I'm on the lookout for this too - except to South Africa. You'd think it was on the moon, judging from the reaction from the 20 or so companies that I've called. You might want to try Agility. I'm still waiting for their quote (I'm sending a bit more than you, some electrical appliances etc), so not sure about price, but the service so far has been polite and prompt. PM me for a number :-)

K

Have any of you considered enquiring with the airline you are flying to your destination with about the "un-accompanied Baggage" rates? These rates are normally much cheaper than the price charged at check-in as excess baggage. They may also be cheaper than the rates you have been quoted so far.

If you get the items that you wish to send to the airport some days before your own departure, chances are that your stuff is on the same flight as you are, making collecting at your destination airport easier. Although this is of course not guaranteed.

Anyway, just a thought you may wish to consider.

Good luck,

FRM-UK now Bangkok

[TravelWeary]

Interesting idea FRM-UK, I know AirAsia charges about 160B/kg over the allowed 20kg, Thai Post's economy air rate is 100B, so if it's significantly cheaper than the accompanied baggage rate it might be well worth considering.

Hey Kerry, would you mind letting us know what Agility quotes you per kilo? It'd be interesting to hear what their rate is if they're service is any good. Thanks for contributing!

Chok dee Songkran all.

[TravelWeary]

Hey, just an update:

Shipped with Thai Economy Air service, 5000THB for 2 boxes at about 20Kg apiece, fantastic service at the post office, they made sure everything was packed, wrapped, and labeled to the best advantage. Boxes just arrived in Shanghai, total transit time 11 days (including two weekends). Can't complain, Thai Post did a great job with this stuff. Also I am very relieved that it actually showed up!