I'm looking at getting a pair of lower quarter panels shipped from California, USA to Ontario, Canada. I know that shipping by Greyhound has always been an option but was wondering if anyone has had any experience shipping body panels to Canada and which company they forund to be the best. Of course cheaper is always better, but also time and quality of shipping is a concern too. Thanks! Tom - Glass_Packs
Greyhound is your best bet, but they dont ship across the boarder. USPS has size restrictions, so you'll likely end up with UPS or FedEx which will rape you for $50+ in processing fees in addition to higher shipping costs. I usually get a number of things shipped to a UPS store near the border and then go and pick them up, clearing customs myself. You'll save on the shipping (usually much less than 1/2) and the brokerage fees. Many guys in the US have no idea how much it costs to get things into or out of the socialist republic of Canada. For example, I wanted to ship a '50 Meteor grille shell to a guy in California from Toronto. Due to size restrictions (box weighed less than 6 lbs) UPS was my only choice. Cost $168.00. My parents were going to Florida soon after, so I threw it in their car. UPS cost from FL to CA was $20.00 and they boxed it up.
think i had to end up using roadway....2 fenders cost 200 and some change....where as fedex wanted 1100 +
Its getting to be one of those "You cant grt there from here" deals. Anymore you really need a customs agent involved. I wont even go there anymore, and I used to do a lot of work up in Canada. The people up there are terriffic.... But the border is now one big friggin hassle.
Not to hijack but I have a question for the canadin guys. I just bought a couple parts from canadian sellers on ebay 1. model a firewall and 2. section of rear window panel. The parts have not arrived yet but the shipping on both was pretty reasonable. Am I going to have trouble with customs or extra fees when they get here?
UPS has always been good. For delivery I always tell them to leave it on the porch, (No signing) in case I'm not home. Otherwise you get a call from Oakville saying that they were there but nobody was home. If there are any duty charges they have sent me a bill for them.That being said nothing with customs makes sense to me. It seems that they stick some $ figure on depending on thier mood . Nocero - I don't know how it works on your side of the line but as I just said it's a crapshoot. I might get a manifold & carbs in the mail (no charge) or I might have to pay $5.00 for a voltage regulator. Either way the duty is usually minimal. Glass-Paks. another option is for you to have your panels sent by Yellow Freight to Buffalo or Detroit & hold for pickup. But probabley easier just delivered to your door & sign on the dotted line.
Don't know what part of ON you're in, but if your close to the border you should ship it to the nearest American UPS store and go pick it up, You'll save a shitload of money, which is good, cause the buck-a-beer days are gone now
Hey DHD, Excuse my ignorance but how would I go about shipping the panel to a UPS store? I live about 15 mins. away from the Buffalo border; I do have a friend in West Seneca but with his recent health issues I don't want to bother him. At UPS do I have to set up an account? Do I call before hand to let them know that a package will be coming to their store? Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks! Tom - Glass_Packs
Glasspacks, I have a shipping company just over the border at Lewiston Bridge, I get my stuff sent there then pick them up, they charge me a couple of bucks per box, it is safe and secure. I usually UPS to this location. You can PM me for the contact information.
You might want to check first Most of those panels(and gas tanks as well come from Canada in the first place. Shermans is one I know of. I discovered that when I need some. Don
" I do have a friend in West Seneca but with his recent health issues I don't want to bother him. At UPS do I have to set up an account? Do I call before hand to let them know that a package will be coming to their store? " No, you don't need an account and it doesn't even have to be shipped UPS. They will charge you a fee per box or an minimum fee. I usually pay $10 when I have a few items shipped there. I usually send them an email to let them know I have 3-4 packages ready and they usually email me back when they have all been received. I use the UPS store in Lockport NY since I usually stop by Macs Antique Auto parts on the way home. I usually combine a few items and make sure I pick them up promptly (within a week) not to abuse the service. It's worked great so far. I find that UPS or FedEx brokerage fees are NOT reasonable, even on the smallest items. Only USPS charges $5.00 I believe the minimum fee for UPS is $30, even if the item is worth $25...
The Jalopy Journal
