International shipping and brokerage

[Shamrocker]

I just wanted to know if any Canadians have had any experiences with ordering cigars from the US to be shipped to Canada? I placed an order 2 weeks ago and just received notification today that the package was pulled off the Fedex truck and is being held. The message on my answering machine said I had to provide proof of the value of the package. I also have the option of letting Fedex act as a brokering agent to clear the package from customs, or clear the package myself.
Ideas? Recommendation?

 

[baldheadracing]

I just wanted to know if any Canadians have had any experiences with ordering cigars from the US to be shipped to Canada? I placed an order 2 weeks ago and just received notification today that the package was pulled off the Fedex truck and is being held. The message on my answering machine said I had to provide proof of the value of the package. I also have the option of letting Fedex act as a brokering agent to clear the package from customs, or clear the package myself.
Ideas? Recommendation?

- always use USPS.
- never use a courier service - especially UPS - for anything shipped from the USA.
- don't order from vendors who don't understand how to work the border.

However, none of the above really helps you right now. Right now, whoever sold you the cigars had to fill out a customs declaration. You should get Fedex to FAX you that declaration before doing anything else. While you're at it, ask how much they'll charge to be your broker.

Once you have the declaration, then clearing it yourself is a matter of following the instructions on the courier's and CBSA's websites/info-line.

Good luck!

 

[Humidor Minister]

Exactly what BHR said. I ship my work there regularly. Never had an issue with USPS. You fill out a form declaring the value and ship it. :thumbs:

 

[Shamrocker]

- always use USPS.
- never use a courier service - especially UPS - for anything shipped from the USA.
- don't order from vendors who don't understand how to work the border.

However, none of the above really helps you right now. Right now, whoever sold you the cigars had to fill out a customs declaration. You should get Fedex to FAX you that declaration before doing anything else. While you're at it, ask how much they'll charge to be your broker.

Once you have the declaration, then clearing it yourself is a matter of following the instructions on the courier's and CBSA's websites/info-line.

Good luck!

Exactly what BHR said. I ship my work there regularly. Never had an issue with USPS. You fill out a form declaring the value and ship it. :thumbs:

Well, the Fedex office opens at 7:00 local... I'll be calling them then and hopefully getting this straightened out, and hopefully with minimal additional costs!

Many thanks to the BOTL, both Yankee and Canuck that have offered suggestions and information either in the forum or PM. You've been helpful.

 

[miamipadronsmoker]

Sorry to piggyback but I'm sending a fiver across the border and if anyone could send me a PM with the fastest and cheapest way to get it there while avoiding unnecesary holdups it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[baldheadracing]

- always use USPS.
- never use a courier service - especially UPS - for anything shipped from the USA.
- don't order from vendors who don't understand how to work the border.

However, none of the above really helps you right now. Right now, whoever sold you the cigars had to fill out a customs declaration. You should get Fedex to FAX you that declaration before doing anything else. While you're at it, ask how much they'll charge to be your broker.

Once you have the declaration, then clearing it yourself is a matter of following the instructions on the courier's and CBSA's websites/info-line.

Good luck!

Exactly what BHR said. I ship my work there regularly. Never had an issue with USPS. You fill out a form declaring the value and ship it. :thumbs:

Well, the Fedex office opens at 7:00 local... I'll be calling them then and hopefully getting this straightened out, and hopefully with minimal additional costs!

Many thanks to the BOTL, both Yankee and Canuck that have offered suggestions and information either in the forum or PM. You've been helpful.

You may have to bend over. I don't know what Manitoba's cigar tax structure is, but don't be surprised if the total duty, excise, GST, and provincial tax comes in around 200%. The CBSA info-line folks can e-mail you a spreadsheet so you can calculate it exactly.

Sorry to piggyback but I'm sending a fiver across the border and if anyone could send me a PM with the fastest and cheapest way to get it there while avoiding unnecesary holdups it would be greatly appreciated.

PM coming.

 

[TonyG]

I order cigars all the time from the US. My vendor uses UPS to ship to a friend of mine in the states. From there, my friend US Postal's my cigars to me. Weird, but every time he forwards the cigars it somehow appears at my door as a gift. I have never had troubles with the customs.

I strongly suggest you take a look at your network of friends and see if someone in the states can do you a large and perhaps remember your birthday, office promotion, divorce anniversary, etc etc etc.

PM me if you need more info.