UK AIR FREIGHT

[Discodicky]

I'm curious to hear people's opinion as to whether it is still worthwhile purchasing parts from the UK given the seemingly astronomical cost of freight these days.

Just this week I sought to purchase 6 small Decals for the engine/engine bay of my 1968 Austin 1800. I wanted the "Austin" decal for the tappet cover, "Negative earth", "Wipac" for the washer bottle, "Coopers" for the air cleaner, etc.
Each item no larger than approx 4cm X 3 cm.
The total decal weight would be zilch.
An envelope & stamp would cost bugger all.

The UK company I tried is a huge well known English Classic Car parts specialist and which shares the surname of a hugely popular deceased F1 driver from the 50's and 60's and who has the inglorious reputation of never winning a World Championship although he was one of the best. His sister was a half decent Rally driver. There is also a fair bit of it growing on my front lawn!

Upon reaching the website "checkout" I was "informed" the freight cost would be 62 quid.

A long story short, after two emails to their Help Desk they confirmed it was not possible to put them in an envelope as per my request, and that they'd go in a larger carton weighing 600 grams. They were most unhelpful and couldn't sympathise with me that the freight would cost circa A$120 for the decals worth 10 quid.

With the help of persons on the UK Landcrab F/B site I got the decals from a company called Miniphernalia at a freight cost of almost 19 quid which is still very high but acceptable as I have no other choice. They were very good to deal with and provided very prompt service from their informative website.
BTW, after scouring the Web I couldn't find anywhere in Aus to purchase these decals.

Also this week I purchased AMK Compressor seals and the seal kit for the D4 air blocks from 4x4 Air Seals who is another excellent business to deal with; the freight being acceptable at just over 17 quid which is quite reasonable.

So, how are you people coping with what must presumably be huge freight costs for such items as suspension arms, air bags, etc?
Is it still financially worthwhile purchasing from UK suppliers?

[DiscoJeffster]

I'm curious to hear people's opinion as to whether it is still worthwhile purchasing parts from the UK given the seemingly astronomical cost of freight these days.

Just this week I sought to purchase 6 small Decals for the engine/engine bay of my 1968 Austin 1800. I wanted the "Austin" decal for the tappet cover, "Negative earth", "Wipac" for the washer bottle, "Coopers" for the air cleaner, etc.
Each item no larger than approx 4cm X 3 cm.
The total decal weight would be zilch.
An envelope & stamp would cost bugger all.

The UK company I tried is a huge well known English Classic Car parts specialist and which shares the surname of a hugely popular deceased F1 driver from the 50's and 60's and who has the inglorious reputation of never winning a World Championship although he was one of the best. His sister was a half decent Rally driver. There is also a fair bit of it growing on my front lawn!

Upon reaching the website "checkout" I was "informed" the freight cost would be 62 quid.

A long story short, after two emails to their Help Desk they confirmed it was not possible to put them in an envelope as per my request, and that they'd go in a larger carton weighing 600 grams. They were most unhelpful and couldn't sympathise with me that the freight would cost circa A$120 for the decals worth 10 quid.

With the help of persons on the UK Landcrab F/B site I got the decals from a company called Miniphernalia at a freight cost of almost 19 quid which is still very high but acceptable as I have no other choice. They were very good to deal with and provided very prompt service from their informative website.
BTW, after scouring the Web I couldn't find anywhere in Aus to purchase these decals.

Also this week I purchased AMK Compressor seals and the seal kit for the D4 air blocks from 4x4 Air Seals who is another excellent business to deal with; the freight being acceptable at just over 17 quid which is quite reasonable.

So, how are you people coping with what must presumably be huge freight costs for such items as suspension arms, air bags, etc?
Is it still financially worthwhile purchasing from UK suppliers?

If you purchase enough stuff with enough of a discount compared to local, it works out ok. Bearing in mind you’ll get it in a few days compared to two weeks from the east coast (if you live in WA like me). I agree though the shipping costs have been increasing.

[101RRS]

Most supply companies have contracts with couriers so you pay courier costs. They do not like using Royal Mail as they have to physically take the item to the post office, but for most things RM is a lot cheaper and generally speed is not an issue.

So ask for RM and see if it is actually offered.

Garry

[loanrangie]

And freight costs vary between suppliers even if they use the same courier company, i try to load up to make it worthwhile but usually still cheaper than here.

[DiscoJeffster]

Most supply companies have contracts with couriers so you pay courier costs. They do not like using Royal Mail as they have to physically take the item to the post office, but for most things RM is a lot cheaper and generally speed is not an issue.

So ask for RM and see if it is actually offered.

Garry

Rimmerbros is one supplier that will use Royal Mail for smaller orders which makes a big difference as you say

[DazzaTD5]

it depends on the business, as an example Exmoor Trim a few years ago were insane with freight quotes but have come good making it worthwhile.
LR Direct are generally excellent with freight costs as are Ashcrofts.

Over the years (since after covid i guess) freight costs have come back down to realistic levels.
This is changing as shipping is diverted from the red sea ton mileage has increased. This effects price of goods as plenty come via shipping to their destination so the basic cost of the item increases, Air freight generally increases with shipping freight. well thats what i see anyway.

but to answer the OP yes I purchase most parts from the U.K. I am always looking and comparing prices of the same parts locally.

[twr7cx]

Unfortunately during COVID freight costs went horrible. They've come back down but not to what they once were.

To answer your question though, it depends on what it is and what the costs are. If it's cheaper locally then why buy from UK? But I still find if I bulk order UK is cheapest.