Courier run:

[dddave]

I have mentioned several times on this forum that I do occasional work as an "Air Courier" out of Bangkok and have received a number of "PM's" asking that I write about my trips. I also get PM's asking for details of my employment. To that, I have to answer that it is a private arrangement with a major logistics provider who does not wish to be identified. "Air Courier" work used to be big business up until huge security changes by airlines and shipping companies occurred after "9/11". It was actually a pretty dodgy business even then with a lot of operators advertising themselves as air courier "agents" and charging huge up front membership fees for job listings, many of which did not exist.

Despite the scams, many people did cut their travel costs considerably by selling their baggage allowances, but they usually still had to buy their own ticket

In my case, Tickets are provided by the shipper. I am paid a flat rate depending on the distance but not necessarily time. If a layover of more than 10 hours is required, I get a hotel room provided but often, I end up going and coming back without a break...a lot of flying in a short time period. If I do want to layover at a destination and scheduling allows, I can stay extra days at my own expense. I get to keep all reward air miles.

Advance notice can be as little as 4 hours.

This past year has been really dry. Whereas in previous years, I was doing one to two intercontinental trips a month, 2014 had only four. The majority of my trips go to Mexico which has a huge automotive assembly industry which matches with Thailand's huge autoparts industry. When some part is needed in a hurry; maybe an assembly line being held up costing thousands a day, they call for a "hand carry". The advantage of this is it is far less likely to get lost in shipment and we are met at customs by a broker and it goes right through and into the customers hands. Things sent FedEx and other express services can get hung up at customs, sometimes for days.

I got called at 8am Wednesday morning. Could I do a run to Mexico leaving at 5pm? Even though I was nursing a cold, I was happy to get the call and accepted the job. I keep a bag packed and ready to go at all times, checklist taped to my door: passport, spare battery for phone, MP-3 player, compression stockings, ect. I travel as lightly as possible with backpack and shoulder bag.

Normally, I meet the shipping companies driver and agent in Survanabhumi departures at a specific place. From there we go to Customs for export documents. Shipment sizes can range from one small box weighing less than a pound to any number of cartons up to the maximum total weight allowed of 300 lbs. Cartons are usually in plastic cargo bags much like you see street vendors using.

This shipment was heavy; four cartons weighing a total of 95 KG, tough to handle.

My outgoing itinerary was China Air (CI) to Taipei, then LAX. Clear customs at LAX, then Areo Mexico to Mexico City, not fun because AM is out of LAX Terminal 2, a fair hike from Bradley Int. Terminal where I arrive.

Check-in took a while. I'm not "Gold" on Skyteam so could not use the Biz. class line. Calculating weight overcharges took a while and they insisted the boxes be in cased in plastic film which also took time to do. Fortunately, we always leave extra time so made the flight with time to spare.

I've learned to pre-book seats online as soon as I get my itinerary whenever possible. With the vastly more crowded flights of the last few years, it is easy to get stuck in a dreaded center seat, especially true because my flights are all last minute bookings. Fortunately, I was able to score an aisle seat all the way to LAX.

Departure security and passport control were not at all busy so I breezed to my gate, departing at 1745. BKK-TPE and TPE-LAX were both packed flights but CI does a good job with beverage and meal service; beef with rice that was decent by airline standards. The aircraft was a 777, seating was not too cramped; certainly not as bad as United and Delta. Cabin was clean and the FA's attentive. IFE was a small 6 inch screen on the short leg but a nice 10 inch screen on the long leg with a good selection of movies. TV selection was only fair; mostly Chinese.

Connection at TPE was tight, exacerbated by having to go through transit security...very slow. I can never understand the sense of the transit security check...you've just come off a flight where you were already screened and have been isolated since...seems so damn redundant and unnecessary.

I hate going through LAX! It's always crowded, immigration lines long and Customs inspectors surly. I've had problems with some of them in the past and they never forget a face. They are very suspicious of even legitimate couriers and can dish out a healthy ration of BS whenever they feel so inclined. They've gone through my phone several times. I've learned to never carry a tablet, computer or camera. The fact I reside in Thailand really revs them up.

This time, not too bad. Lines at Immigration were moderate and they have instituted a new "self-serve" system for US citizens. You still have to go through an officer but much more quick.

Free baggage carts at LAX are a blessing and I hauled my bulky cartons onto one from the belt and headed to customs. My shipments actual value was below the customs threshold so I got through with minimal difficulty and started to long push to Terminal 2.

I had four hours to make this flight...Turned out, .I just made it as they were literally closing the doors.

First of all, ticketing at Term.2 is on the 2nd level so I had to push my cart to one of the scarce elevators. the lifts are very slow and wheelchair companies tie them up....had to wait in line for almost 30 minutes just to go up. As usual, Areo Mexico's line was out the door with many huge families and tons of baggage; 90 minutes in line. Finally get to an agent and she is incompetent figuring out overweight and it takes a long time...then I have to go to another 30 minute line to pay the charges before I can get my boarding pass. Finally, I get the BP and take the boxes to baggage screening. The TSA people take one look at my film wrapped heavy boxes and decide they have to inspect them....each one. The lady doing it takes her sweet time on the first one...then goes off for 15 minutes before starting the 2nd...now I'm sweating it, boarding starts in 5 minutes. In the middle of box 2, she again walks off for a while and then when she comes back, tells somebody else to finish the inspection...he goes back to box one...ARRRGGHHH!!!

Then he doesn't like the oil on the metal parts and calls a "Hazmat" specialist who takes 10 more minutes to arrive...fiddle and diddle and time goes by. 30 minutes later and 15 min past departure time, they finally finish. Fortunately, the AM baggage agent spotted me and told me to get to the gate asap...the flight hadn't left yet. Of course there was a line at Immigration check, then security again and of course my gate was at the furthest end...and my old legs can only hobble quickly at most. I didn't expect to make it but they spotted me as I lumbered towards them and urged me on, closing the door behind me....whew!! Packed flight.

Landed in Mexico City at 0500, Immigration not too bad but the customs broker who was supposed to meet me was nowhere to be seen. Phones are blocked in customs so no way to call because you can not leave baggage unattended.... Finally, after an hour, he shows up. He went to the wrong place he explained. Cleared customs and handed over the cargo...finished outbound.

Now 0630, my return flight leaves at 12:45 pm. Fortunately, Mexico City airport has a great food court inside terminal 2 with terrific small Mexican restaurants with really good and authentic food. I sat and had a tall hot coffee and then, heuvos rancheros...eggs, beans, tortillas and chilli...delicious and also warming which was a good thing as it was about 12 degrees C and I was in light clothing. I enjoyed my meal and read for a while before checking in to my Areo Mexico flight to Houston.

The company had offered me a choice: a hotel room in Mexico City for 12 hours and a return via LAX on Delta which I hate... or no room and a noontime departure on Singapore Airlines (SQ) back to BKK via Houston, Moscow and Singapore. Talk about a "no brainer", knowledgeable flyers will know that there is no way one passes up a free trip on SQ..easily in the world top 5. I actually tried to upgrade to Biz Class using some of my many Thai miles but 48 hours notice is required by THAI for me to use them so I could not upgrade. The agent was sympathetic and instead, gave me a 3 seat row...all to myself, all the way to Singapore: Woo-Hoo!!

The flight to Houston was easy, Customs and Immigration easy as well. I had a bit of time in the excellent United (Star Alliance) lounge and was able to clean up a bit and change clothes in their nice restrooms, then boarded the flight to Moscow (DMO) The flight was not full, I had my own row and because SQ's seats are fairly ample with movable arm rests, I was able to stretch out and sleep most of the way. Moscow was clouded over so I did not get to see any countryside on approach...kind of a disappointment. Our layover at DMO was 2 hours but half of that was eaten up by security. Got to walk around a bit but it was like any other airport with the same shops selling the same things....just a lot of rough looking guys in black leather coats wandering around.

It had begun to snow (-10C) so we had to de-ice before take-off....always soooo happy to see that when ever I see a snowflake from an airplane window. I'll never forget that awful Wash DC crash in a snowstorm in the '80's because of snow on the wings.

I had intended to sleep my way to Singapore but the IFE had the full season-5 of "JUSTIFIED" which I had missed...13 episodes end to end, finishing the final one literally as the wheels touched down in Singapore. Two hour layover at the beautiful Chengi Airport but I was too wiped out to appreciate it. Two hour flight to BKK, landed at 8am. Long line at Immigration but I looked at the monitor and saw no line at the other hall so took the extra 5 minute walk and walked right up to an agent.

Rail Link to Rhamkhamheng then a taxi; in my apartment by 9am....

360 degrees around the world , 12 security lines, 14 take-off's and landings and 10 airline meals in 64 hours.

Edited January 31, 2015 by dddave

[ukrules]

Sounds like a lot of hassle to me, I hope they pay you well for it.

[Jay Sata]

How do you answer the question "Did you pack your own bags".

I do not think I would want to risk carrying a third party package.

[craigt3365]

I looked into this many years ago. I think back then, it seemed to be easier to do this and spend some time at your destination. Your trip sounds tough! If I could combine it with a week holiday, that'd be great. But as a turn around, it would be a tough trip. But at least your caught up on some of your TV shows!

[dddave]

How do you answer the question "Did you pack your own bags".

I do not think I would want to risk carrying a third party package.

I am required to open and inspect the shipments at the Thai Customs office and sign a document that I have done so. If I am asked at check in if I have packed my own bags, I answer honestly. It's not a problem really. I'm not the first courier they have seen. Delta, a US carrier is always the most difficult, they usually re-inspect everything.

[BookMan]

Sounds exhausting and stressful but very interesting to read about.

[HeijoshinCool]

So, why do you have to do such a quick turnaround? Package delivered successfully, why not hang in El DF a few days, or longer? Is there a rule?

[mike2011]

impressive report, thanks

I you had a bit more time you could have gone shopping and pickung up a cheap laptop or other desirable items much more expensive in Thailand. Maybe you could take orders and make a little on the side.

[paz]

Interesting. For some reason I was thinking this was a thing of the past. Thanks for the report.

[dddave]

So, why do you have to do such a quick turnaround? Package delivered successfully, why not hang in El DF a few days, or longer? Is there a rule?

No rule against it, I just have to let them know pretty quickly, before the return ticket is purchased which is always before departure. The problem is that a few days somewhere can cost more than I make doing the run. Hotels in most cities are not cheap, nor are meals and transportation.

I have stayed over a number of times: Prague, Budapest, Munich, Paris, London, Guadalajara, Mexico City, LA, Phoenix and SanFrancisco. My home is in Boston and any time I ask, they will route me back through there and I can stay as long as I wish. A couple of times, I have actually had jobs out of Boston returning to the middle east or Asia.

I you had a bit more time you could have gone shopping and pickung up a cheap laptop or other desirable items much more expensive in Thailand. Maybe you could take orders and make a little on the side.

You said the magic word: "Time". Usually less than 24, often less than 12 hours to organize anything. Also, without a car, most American cities are a pain to shop in. You have to know exactly where the shopping centers are that have the merchandise you need. Public transportation can be very slow and taxis horrendously expensive. Going to a Wallmart in Tuscon to pick up a laptop for a friend cost me $40 for a taxi both ways...no money saved there.

[keeniau96]

Very interesting report and great detail. Certainly was a rough trip and seems you did it very well. Hope for easier things on next one.

[mike2011]

ORD, JFK, and SFO have good public transportation.

In Europe FRA, IST, and VIE are very good. Paris is still doable.

FRA actually has 2 supermarkets in the terminal (you need to pass immigration), and you can stock up on German specialties. If you have more time, downtown is not far with much better prices of course. Same in Vienna and Istanbul. The IST supermarket has gone south BUT the city center is USD 5 return max away.

When passing through these airports I am not eager to get the fastest connection and make use of the shopping opportunity. Olive oil is cheap and good in Turkey for instance. If I see what best buy charges and compare it with local prices in BKK there are good savings involved. But then I understand the effects of jetlag and airline aircons too.

We are united in our dislike for LAX

[Don Mega]

what parts could you possibly hand carry that might be holding up an automotive production line ?

[mogandave]

We are united in our dislike for LAX

I’ve been going through LAX about four times a year for 20 years and never had a problem with immigrations, customs or security.

Since the remodel I think the Bradley terminal is great, coming and going.

Didn’t take five minutes to get through immigrating with my wife and boy in December.

[mogandave]

what parts could you possibly hand carry that might be holding up an automotive production line ?

Any part requiered to complete the automobie that is missing from the production line.