Thread: Large parts from USA

We have brought a car over using Peter Leahy Imports. Very much recommended. I'm not sure but they may do things like gearboxes when they send a container across. I have been meaning to ring them and find out. They are based in LA.

A) It will always cost more than you think once Customs and AQIS are done with you.

Use a broker for the import clearance - don't even try it yourself.

C) Avoid the Fesco shipping office in Melbourne. They thought I'd moved a container and tried for ages to charge me for storage when they realised it went missing.

I won't be sending a shipping container just a box big enough for a Muncie transmission with Chev. alum. flywheel and bell housing, clutch assembly, and adaptor to a Buick 248/320 straight eight. I have to work out what is best, to send the housing etc. from Cincinatti to Daytona Beach or the trans from Daytona Beach to Cincinatti to amalgamate the package.

I've posted quite a few items overseas, and going out, it's best to keep it under 20kg and send via Australia Post.

I'm currently importing a couple of boxes from the USA and the sender is using TNT. I suppose I'll be able to comment on that once the stuff arrives. I rang Customs and told them I had 2 boxes coming valued at $1,500 combined, and they suggested getting them sent a week or two apart, so that each would be valued at under $1,000 and avoid 10% GST and 10% Car Parts Tax.

In the past I order some parabolic springs from the UK and while they were under $1,000, they landed at the airport depot, which meant I had to clear them through customs and pay duty. I went in with the right mindset, that I was going to have to be patient and learn something. There was quite a lot of reading to do once I got there to put things through the right Tax category. The customs guy was impressed that I was doing it myself, but he didn't realise how tight my budget was.

A friend recently imported a detroit locker from the USA. I don't know who it was sent by, but I think it was $140 in freight, and it arrived in about 4 days.

I've also imported a water tank from South Africa. Their postal system sends up to 30kg, so it arrived at the local post office via post and I just had to pick it up from there.

Overall, I'd recommend smaller packages (up to 20kg) sent via post.

Friends of mine have QC solutions at Thorneside. Their business is unpacking imported containers full of cars, bikes and bits and pieces.

CC

I import machine shop supplies from the USA and use their post office and their flat rate boxes. There is no better or cheaper method for small parcels up to 20 lbs. The Muncie is outside the mass limits of the USPS though. I hope to have the whole lot in one package, or two if I buy a Halibrand. I have imported cars but never small cases so am without knowledge or contacts.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

I import machine shop supplies from the USA and use their post office and their flat rate boxes. There is no better or cheaper method for small parcels up to 20 lbs. The Muncie is outside the mass limits of the USPS though. I hope to have the whole lot in one package, or two if I buy a Halibrand. I have imported cars but never small cases so am without knowledge or contacts.

How long does it take to receive the parts using the flat rate boxes?

I have to get a dizzy from either Florida or Virginia and am trying to sort which is the quickest/cheapest option, so far they range from $30-100usd and from 4 days to 3 weeks delivery

I know its pretty obvious but why not FEDEX or UPS?

I bought some tennis shoes from the US last week and they took 2DAYS to arrive. Cost $40, but was a reasonably large box.
They will do clearance for you, and of course charge you.
Regards Philip A