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-   -   How much should brokerage cost? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=102388)

sbal0906 07-27-2013 05:19 AM

How much should brokerage cost?
 
I'm getting ready to order the wings for the 9A. I contacted Van's to ask about shipping to Winnipeg and they said they just need to know who my customs broker is and they'll let whoever they pick for a shipper know who my broker is.

I don't have a problem using a broker because I'm busy enough during the day that I wouldn't have time to run around doing the paperwork myself, but I don't know who to use. Does anybody have suggestions? Also, how much should I expect to be a reasonable cost for the wings? I had stumbled on a website called ClearSmart.ca which at first seemed reasonable when I looked at their pricing page but scrolled down and they mention a 2.5% "disbursement fee". I'm thinking, "that can't be right!", could it?

Cheers,

Mousse 07-27-2013 07:10 AM

You do not have to use a brokerage service. It is very expensive for what it is. The paper work is rather simple and should not take you more that a couple of hours of your time. You might also consider taking possession of your shipment at the border, which would simplify things even more and save on the shipping.

Ron B. 07-27-2013 09:38 AM

I tried to find out how brokerage fees are established with no luck. I asked at my brokerage firm a while back and the employee I was speaking to said that if I find out from the owner , to let her know because she has never been able to find out. From that I would say that it is established on a case by case system. They must try and figure how bad you want your merchandise and stick you for as much as they can.
With that said, I would get a quote before choosing , same as with freight. That way they know you're shopping around.
Ron

terrye 07-27-2013 10:27 AM

Do it yourself
 
I cleared all of my shipments myself. It was a pain dealing with the petty bureaucrats posing as customs agents, but eventually I got it done. Allow a day. On thing you will need is a "business license" which is a form from the customs agency that has a number they put on their forms. You can get one at customs on the day of the clearance, but it would be better to apply online before and have this ready. I think it's good for 5 years.

There is usually a self serve clearance kiosk at customs. All the truckers know how to use this but I didn't (embarrassing). Some customs agents will help you fill this out, others will not.

When you're done, you can spend the clearance fees (I'm guessing a couple of hundred dollars) on more airplane parts.

Norman CYYJ 07-27-2013 01:33 PM

If you clear it through a business the customs agents may not help you they don't have to. If you clear it privately they will help you do all the paper work.

Don Patrick 07-27-2013 01:42 PM

Stay away from brokers!
 
I don't know what other folks have been doing, but I have never had to complete any paperwork when I bring in any kit from the US. I explain very clearly at the border what I have, present the bills, pay the taxes and move on.

For all of my dealings with Van's and any other supplier, I ordered my kits/parts and had them shipped to a shipping/storage company just south of the border. I cross the border, pick up my kits, declare the value on the way back, and pay the taxes...that's it! No paperwork required at all.

It's worth the 2 hour drive for me not to deal with a broker and sometimes, the border guys are pretty good in giving you a break too!

Also, stay away from any shipments from the US using UPS. They send any package coming into Canada through their broker and the cost is outrageous. :mad:

Cheers,

Don

CPSONE 07-28-2013 09:01 AM

Customs
 
I had my kit shipped just to South of the border, met the shipper (Partain's) at a Texaco station, loaded my kit in a U-Haul that I rented in Canada and drove across the border. I made sure I had my bill of sale to prove the value, declared it all, aircraft parts at the border. Went inside, a customs agent did the paperwork, I paid the tax and was done. Simple and relatively hassle free.

Another tip...
When shipping smaller and lighter parts into Canada, use US postal service, Canada Post clears the shipments for about 7 bucks plus the tax on the total value. Smaller shipments, sometimes there is no charge.
If using UPS or Fedex, you might as well use their 2 day Air service to avoid the huge brokerage charges they tack on. Sure it's more expensive but you'll pay it in brokerage anyway. They still add on some other fees though.
Postal service is always chapest but check weight limits.

sbal0906 07-28-2013 10:35 AM

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like there are 3 options:

1. Van's ships to me via shippers and customs brokers - could mean big bucks in brokerage fees
2. Van's ships using a shipper that can hold it in-bond in Winnipeg and I do the paperwork. If it has to be held at the border south of Winnipeg and I would have to drive down, I might as well do option 3.
3. Van's ships to a location in Pembina, ND, I rent a uHaul and pick it up. I checked prices on the truck big enough to hold the wing kit and it works out to about $100 (including kms) plus gas.

Option 2 would give me a compromise between convenience and cost. Option 3 makes sense if I stand to save a lot of money to have them ship to Pembina instead of Winnipeg. I'll have to see if Van's can give me a quote on both options.

It sounds like I'm over-analyzing... I do that a lot. :o I dread when it comes time to decide on my instruments. :eek:

Cheers,

Ron B. 07-28-2013 01:33 PM

Ask broker for a quote, then you will know. The broker route was still much cheaper for me.

RV-4 08-02-2013 08:01 PM

Broker fees
 
Also in case you don't know..

There are no ''Duty'' on aircraft parts as per the Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

You pay only ( Small word ) GST + PST if any..

Just my $0.02

Bruno


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