Moving To Los For Good

[Chickenlegs]

Hello all,

I’m fairly new to the forum, so apologies if this sort of plea for help should have been posted elsewhere.

My wife and I are moving to Pattaya (Bang Saray) from the UK (Stoke on Trent) around the middle of October and wish to ship some of our belongings over (mainly some quite new kitchen appliances, which would cost a lot to buy over there, but also some things of sentimental value).

I believe we are ok shipping these over in my TW name and will not have to pay any import duties etc.

We have been quoted anything between £1,700 and £2,800 for a 20-foot container and I wanted to check this against your knowledge of shipping costs.

Has anyone done this recently?

Can anyone recommend a shipping company, based on experience?

Several acquaintances over here have ‘heard’ that moving containers West-to-East is really cheap, as most international trade moves in the opposite direction, leaving a glut of empty containers in Europe which need to be moved back east. Don’t know if this is true or myth.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Chickenlegs

Edited August 30, 2005 by Chickenlegs

[Boo]

The only shipping companies I have heard of from the UK are in TNT magazine, which is a magazine for aussie & nz travellers & long term holiday makers in the UK & it advertises shipping on a lot of it's pages. I would suggest going online to get a few of the company names & asking them for quotes so that you know if you are being over quoted or not. As to the beleif that you wont have to pay at the BKK end for the container, well, TiT & the boys at customs will probably want some kind of gift to get the thing released (as happened to me on 1 small box & a backpack )

Here is the link for TNT Mag

[Rinrada]

Couple of freight forwarders to get you going....

http://www.excess-baggage.com/?OVRAW=shipp...&OVMTC=standard

http://www.westwardfreight.com/sea-freight.htm

http://www.shipit.co.uk/UK_Freight_Forwarders_Here.htm

http://www.import-export-freight-consultant.ukcompanies.org/

[Chickenlegs]

The only shipping companies I have heard of from the UK are in TNT magazine, which is a magazine for aussie & nz travellers & long term holiday makers in the UK & it advertises shipping on a lot of it's pages. I would suggest going online to get a few of the company names & asking them for quotes so that you know if you are being over quoted or not. As to the beleif that you wont have to pay at the BKK end for the container, well, TiT & the boys at customs will probably want some kind of gift to get the thing released (as happened to me on 1 small box & a backpack )

Here is the link for TNT Mag

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Boo,

I have heard that 'contributions' are expected when dealing with most authority figures in Thailand. I've never experienced it myself, despite many visits.

I'm hoping someone will have been through this recently and I can learn from their experience.

C/L

[Chickenlegs]

Couple of freight forwarders to get you going....

http://www.excess-baggage.com/?OVRAW=shipp...&OVMTC=standard

http://www.westwardfreight.com/sea-freight.htm

http://www.shipit.co.uk/UK_Freight_Forwarders_Here.htm

http://www.import-export-freight-consultant.ukcompanies.org/

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Rinrada (I hope that's the correct pronunciation)

I'll get to work on those asap.

C/L

[Aikido]

Couple of freight forwarders to get you going....

http://www.excess-baggage.com/?OVRAW=shipp...&OVMTC=standard

http://www.westwardfreight.com/sea-freight.htm

http://www.shipit.co.uk/UK_Freight_Forwarders_Here.htm

http://www.import-export-freight-consultant.ukcompanies.org/

Chickenlegs theres a place called BKW in stoke just off the one way system, behind the old Pmt, I used them when I moved to Los, by the way we used to live near Bang Saray Beech theres a great litle coffee shop as you turn left onto the beech,  used to sit there most nights havin a beer watchig the sun go down.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Rinrada (I hope that's the correct pronunciation)

I'll get to work on those asap.

C/L

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Aikido]

Couple of freight forwarders to get you going....

http://www.excess-baggage.com/?OVRAW=shipp...&OVMTC=standard

http://www.westwardfreight.com/sea-freight.htm

http://www.shipit.co.uk/UK_Freight_Forwarders_Here.htm

http://www.import-export-freight-consultant.ukcompanies.org/

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Rinrada (I hope that's the correct pronunciation)

I'll get to work on those asap.

C/L

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[eyebee]

I'm hoping someone will have been through this recently and I can learn from their experience.

C/L

Hi C/L,

I just had a 1 square metre box (so not as big as yours) shipped over from Felixstowe to Laem Chabang, by Britannia Shipping. They seem to be quite a big concern in the UK. They charged me £325 for the shipping costs.

Once the goods arrived in Thailand I was contacted by Pilot Logistics Co (02 311 8000), who did everything for me - ie paying all duties and transporting the goods to my place in Pattaya for 14,000 baht (seemed a bit expensive, but I had no hassles). All I had to do was to go to their office in Laem Chabang to deliver my passport (as they have to show this to the port authorities - photocopy no good), and they did the rest.

Hope this helps.

[Chickenlegs]

I'm hoping someone will have been through this recently and I can learn from their experience.

C/L

Hi C/L,

I just had a 1 square metre box (so not as big as yours) shipped over from Felixstowe to Laem Chabang, by Britannia Shipping. They seem to be quite a big concern in the UK. They charged me £325 for the shipping costs.

Once the goods arrived in Thailand I was contacted by Pilot Logistics Co (02 311 8000), who did everything for me - ie paying all duties and transporting the goods to my place in Pattaya for 14,000 baht (seemed a bit expensive, but I had no hassles). All I had to do was to go to their office in Laem Chabang to deliver my passport (as they have to show this to the port authorities - photocopy no good), and they did the rest.

Hope this helps.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Eyebee,

This is just the sort of reply I was hoping for as it gives me a chance to compare price and service.

This isn't just a matter of going for the cheapest quote as that can sometimes be a mistake.

On the other hand I don't want to be overcharged.

This is why I am most interested in personal recommendations.

By the way, if you are a recent emigree to Thailand I wish you the best of luck with your life there.

(edit - Oops!) - Of course I wish you luck whether you are a newbie or an old established expat.

Edited August 31, 2005 by Chickenlegs

[Aikido]

we also sent a 1 metre box from BKW in stoke chicken legs it cost abot £ 200.00 if i remember rightly, anyways all was ok until the box got to leam chabang, the shipping company at the Thai end fobbed me off for about 6 weeks then I just decided to go to Bangkok and get the paperwork from the frieght company at a cost of 2000 baht. then on to leam chabang it took me just 1 day to get my box. but what i did find out later was that if the box isnt claimed within 8 weeks you loose it!

[Chickenlegs]

we also sent a 1 metre box from BKW in stoke chicken legs it  cost abot £ 200.00 if i remember rightly, anyways all was ok until the box got to leam chabang, the shipping company at the Thai end fobbed me off for about 6 weeks then I just decided to go to Bangkok and get the paperwork from the frieght company at a cost of 2000 baht. then on to leam chabang it took me just 1 day to get my box. but what i did find out later was that if the box isnt claimed within 8 weeks you loose it!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the warning Aikido.

Some of these shipping companies offer a door-to-door service and claim to deal with all the import hassles. It does cost a bit more but sounds quite good (if true).

These replies are really helpful.

C/Legs

[Simbo]

Its 4years ago now I moved here. I had a part container, with many items of furniture and kitchen equipment. I was assured, household goods, not new,would incur no duty. On arrival at Bkk, with all the paperwork intact, they still wanted 60.000baht. I had to pay, or it would have stayed on the dock. It seems they make the rules up to suit themselves. The actual container cost was about 800 quid, A liverpool company did it. They were good and the cheapest.

Tradeline shipping ( UK) LtD

Corn Exchange. Fenwick st

Liverpool L2 7qs

tel 0151-231-1067

fax 0151-1067-1068

e/mail [email protected]

web www.tradeline.uk.com

Hope this is of use to you.

[Chickenlegs]

Its 4years ago now I moved here. I had a part container, with many items of furniture and kitchen equipment. I was assured, household goods, not new,would incur no duty. On arrival at Bkk, with all the paperwork intact, they still wanted 60.000baht. I had to pay, or it would have stayed on the dock. It seems they make the rules up to suit themselves. The actual container cost was about 800 quid, A liverpool company did it. They were good and the cheapest.

Tradeline shipping ( UK) LtD

Corn Exchange. Fenwick st

Liverpool L2 7qs

tel  0151-231-1067

fax 0151-1067-1068

e/mail [email protected]

web www.tradeline.uk.com

  Hope this is of use to you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You've got me worried now Simbo,

The door-to-door option is getting more attractive.

With shipping cost plus a THB60,000 donation to the customs officer's retirement fund I would almost be better off buying new in Thailand.

I might give Tradeline a try though.

Thanks

C/Legs

[Simbo]

Its 4years ago now I moved here. I had a part container, with many items of furniture and kitchen equipment. I was assured, household goods, not new,would incur no duty. On arrival at Bkk, with all the paperwork intact, they still wanted 60.000baht. I had to pay, or it would have stayed on the dock. It seems they make the rules up to suit themselves. The actual container cost was about 800 quid, A liverpool company did it. They were good and the cheapest.

Tradeline shipping ( UK) LtD

Corn Exchange. Fenwick st

Liverpool L2 7qs

tel  0151-231-1067

fax 0151-1067-1068

e/mail [email protected]

web www.tradeline.uk.com

  Hope this is of use to you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You've got me worried now Simbo,

The door-to-door option is getting more attractive.

With shipping cost plus a THB60,000 donation to the customs officer's retirement fund I would almost be better off buying new in Thailand.

I might give Tradeline a try though.

Thanks

C/Legs

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I thought that too, but it's the personal effects. Things you have accumulated over the years. You have to bring some of these things. Even a couple of T chests can cost. If you can just come with your suit cases. 60k + will furnish a house with most of your needs. Good luck.

[Chickenlegs]

I thought that too, but it's the personal effects. Things you have accumulated over the years. You have to bring some of these things. Even a couple of T chests can cost. If you can just come with your suit cases. 60k + will furnish a house with most of your needs. Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, 60k would go a long way but some kitchen appliances are really expensive in Thailand and we would get next to nothing selling ours off before we go.

I've just had a word with the wife. She thinks things might go more smoothly if the customs people don't see a falang (ie-me). She has suggested that I stay at home while she visits the docks with her sister.

Any Views ?

[Chickenlegs]

The double-entendre in my last post has just struck me. My wife and sister-in-law do not spend their time down at the docks. Now my first wife.....

[Simbo]

I thought that too, but it's the personal effects. Things you have accumulated over the years. You have to bring some of these things. Even a couple of T chests can cost. If you can just come with your suit cases. 60k + will furnish a house with most of your needs. Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, 60k would go a long way but some kitchen appliances are really expensive in Thailand and we would get next to nothing selling ours off before we go.

I've just had a word with the wife. She thinks things might go more smoothly if the customs people don't see a falang (ie-me). She has suggested that I stay at home while she visits the docks with her sister.

Any Views ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My ex-Thai wife did the same, and she had a brother in law, who is a Bkk policeman, who had a friend, who worked for the customs and assured us everything would be ok. So She said. Just be prepared. I think it depends on who is on duty that day.

[Chickenlegs]

I thought that too, but it's the personal effects. Things you have accumulated over the years. You have to bring some of these things. Even a couple of T chests can cost. If you can just come with your suit cases. 60k + will furnish a house with most of your needs. Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, 60k would go a long way but some kitchen appliances are really expensive in Thailand and we would get next to nothing selling ours off before we go.

I've just had a word with the wife. She thinks things might go more smoothly if the customs people don't see a falang (ie-me). She has suggested that I stay at home while she visits the docks with her sister.

Any Views ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My ex-Thai wife did the same, and she had a brother in law, who is a Bkk policeman, who had a friend, who worked for the customs and assured us everything would be ok. So She said. Just be prepared. I think it depends on who is on duty that day.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks again,

We will go for the door-to-door option for household items but try to take the more personal things with us on the plane.

If we end up paying a bribe we will still not be losing out too much, as long as we get our goods eventually.

I think the Thais have a saying for this - "mai pen rai"

Thanks to everyone who replied.

C/Legs

[Aikido]

That may cause you problems Chicken legs, as when we went to Lam Chabang, I had addressed my box to my wife at our Thai address, problem was that if the stuff wouldve been in my name it wouldve bin easy as I had a 1yr Visa.

so after almost all day there they finally [with the help of a Chineese Thai guy ]

let me have my box, all they did was stamp my passport with an a shipping stamp and sign it.

[Chickenlegs]

That may cause you problems Chicken legs, as when we went to Lam Chabang, I had addressed my box to my wife at our Thai address, problem was that if the stuff wouldve been in my name it wouldve bin easy as I had a 1yr Visa.

so after almost all day there they finally [with the help of a Chineese Thai guy ]

let me have my box, all they did was stamp my passport with an a shipping stamp and sign it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It seems we can expect problems whichever way we choose.

I have selected a shipping company (Anglo Pacific) who seem to know what they are doing and do a lot of business in Thailand.

They will send the goods to Bangkok port, then by road to our home.

As my wife has been here in the UK for 4 years, and is returning permanently, she should be able to take our household goods and not pay import duties/taxes.

The shippers tell me the goods must be used and over 6 months old, and that the recipient can be a returning Thai national who has been abroad for over 12 months or the holder of a 1yr visa [as you said].

They have advised me to ship everything in my wifes name.

All arrangements are now made, so no turning back - I'll just have to cross my fingers.

BTW, if anyone is inerested, the cost will be £1,200 for 235 cubic feet.

C/Legs