Greetings,

We are moving from Atlanta, US and are considering several options for moving.
We don't have a *lot* of stuff, but it is more than what fits in our own car and we will prefer not to throw away everything that doesn't fit.

Following are the options:

1. Move only with car. Anything that doesn't fit, dispose off.
Very convenient, but can't take much.
Cheapest option.

2. Rent a U-Haul and tow car.
Can take most stuff, but not convenient at all.
Also pretty expensive.

3. Tow a U-Haul carrier behind own car.
Can take most stuff, but not convenient.
Cheaper than renting full U-Haul.
Not sure if car is capable of towing - could degrade engine if towed over long distance like this.

4. Rent a SUV and tow own car
Can take more stuff, but not too convenient.
One-way rental charges will be higher.

5. Hire shipping company to ship stuff.
Take important stuff in car and ship the rest.

Any ideas on which option sounds better?
What did others do?
Also, any recommendations for shipping companies (good, bad).
Any rough guess on expenses.

Thanks,
Pratick

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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."

-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"

I took option 5 when I moved here during USA thanks giving (Nov 2003)
Unfortunately my car was inadmissable in Canada so sold that one and came via Hertz rented car all along from Chicago to Toronto
If you are not really thinking of carrying your furnitures you can either talk to a shipping company or UPS
I had 4 big luggage (mostly cloth & utensils) and moved via UPS ...carried all my electrnic stuff in car
I believe you know the process how to bring a US manufactured car to canada ...correct? Otherwise I am expecting another new thread from you soon:

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ani

Thanks, Ani, for your response.

I have heard UPS charges a lot for shipping and customs - much higher than others.
Is that true?
What did your freight per lbs work out to be?

Quote:

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I believe you know the process how to bring a US manufactured car to canada ...correct? Otherwise I am expecting another new thread from you soon

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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."

-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"

Let me put the matter this way
Case 1:
If you are not planning to bring furniture and big stuff and can accomodate within standard 32 inch size luggage UPS is better as they will deliver within 2 days .I had four 32 inch luggage (Weight less than 70 lb each) and I paid USD 45 per luggage and paid CDN45 as broakarage charge for all my 4 piece luggage so everything within USD225 ...advantage with UPS is my luggage reached within 2 days and infact I rescheduled my delivery thrice as I was out of my aprtment during first two delivery time
Case 2: If you are planning to bring furniture etc etc you can get quote from differenT shipping company but I don't think they will charge anything less than USD1000 (Excluding Broakarage,Custom duty at border) ... but even you are planning to bring your stuff via shipping company try to cross the border in your own car....one of my friend had a terrible experience when he brought his US manufactured car via a shipping company

I disposed off my furnitures in USA to get rid off those extra headache!
In fact I was able to buy main furnitures here in Canada (Bedroom& Living Room) from IKEA within CAD3000 so make a calculation before you're planning anything

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ani

Thanks, Ani.
I am not shipping furniture.
Like you, our shippable stuff will fit in 3 or 4 32" bags.
And yes, we are going to drive our own car across the border - I will never trust any shipping company with the car

My only concern with UPS was the brokerage fees - I have heard horror stories on other groups where UPS charged brokerage fees that was more than the total value of goods.

Another thing: UPS will probably get our stuff there in Canada before we get there by our own car (we will make couple of stops on the way).
Do you think that will be a problem?

Also, should we give them a copy of our Goods to Follow list?

Thanks.

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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."

-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"

Move all your electronics and custom duty relevant items in your car and fill up your luggage with cloth,utensils and general stuff.For each luggage prepare a list with detail of items,Manufacturing country and approx value.For each luggage declare value around USD so there will be very nominal broakrage charge(I paid USD 45 for my four luggages)
Check you luggage condition ,those should be under lock and good condition otherwise UPS might charge you extra for packing ..also try to deliver via a stuffed reasoanbly big UPS service ....I first checked with a smaller one and that lady first told they won't allow loggage without their own packing ...so be careful
As UPS deliver within 2-3 days I also faced the same issue...luckily I gave my friends address here in Toronto so could manage that
If you have any close friend in US you can even schedule a delivery after you reach here in Canada.So I would say call up UPS and explain your problem and asked about a scheduled delivery from USA to Canada....even then before departure you can stop by at your nearest UPS service with a sample of your luggage and ask them whether they will ship it without UPS extra packing or not.One of friend faced problem couple of months back when he scheduled a delivery ...UPS when came to pick up his luggage from his friend's place denied to take those without UPS extra packing ...so be careful about this
If you are landing first and then moving your stuff via UPS you can give POE officer goods to follow list
Also make a list of all electronic item with price and date of purchase.Carry all old purchase receipt ..if you bought those atleast 6 month before POE officer won't ask to pay you duty for those
I entered via port Huron ....and I really like that POE officer was very cool
he even not checked my passport or anything when I told that I am returning after 2 years
One last question ...do you already got a job in Canada?
Thanks

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ani

Ani --

Thanks for your detailed help.
I sent you an email thru the link on your profile.
Is there a way I can contact you via email or phone to discuss this further - I want to get the process right.

Will appreciate if you can send me an email.

Many thanks,
Pratick

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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."

-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"