I'm planning to move back to the UK shortly, therefore I'm looking for advice and suggestions on shipping stuff back to the UK.

Most of the items I'm sending will be books (large hardbacks), so I'm guessing any form of Air shipping is going to be too expensive due to the weight. Can anyone recommend a reliable sea freight shipping company? I need to ship about 1.5 cubic metres to Cardiff.

Also, can anyone advise me on whether I'll be due to pay any kinds of customs or import duty or VAT? I know that books used to be customs VAT free when sending via standard post, but is it the same for sending via sea frieght?

As well as the books, I may also send some personal effects and perhaps a small amount of clothing. At present, I DON'T intend to send any electronic items.

Is the insurance offered by shipping companies effective?

I've never sent anything via sea freight before, so any advice on what (if any) problems I should expect would be very gratefully received.

Thank you very much.

I've used Crown Relocations on a number of occasions and between different countries, including Thailand and always found them excellent.

If you are a citizen returning home it is Vat and duty free. Any relocation company can advice you on the process in details. Usually you just declare your new address and your passport is needed. If you need a relocation specialist than you could go with crown, Asian tigers or any other smaller company which is working with an agent. Usually he smaller, local companies are cheaper if cost is a factor.

Alternatively you could go with a freight forwarder if you pack you belongings by yourself.

The difference in insurance is that for relocation companies they cover all our belongings and taking a premium of app. 3% where's a forwarder only covers according to weight. The process of claim can be quite lengthy in both cases. Depending how difficult they want to make it for you.

Best of luck. Should you require more info pm me.

Thanks very much for the tips. Definitely some good things to think about there.

I was probably going to use a freight forwarder as I don't really have enough stuff to warrant using a relocation company.

Does anyone know if these companies have waiting lists and if so, how long roughly? For instance, how far in advance do I need to make contact with the relevant company?

Thanks again!

I have always sent things back using Thai post. They will pack everything for you and you can send up to 20kg per box. The 3 month service by boat has always been reliable. I wrote personal used items on the customs form and didn’t pay any tax or import duty.