Container shipping (or shipping containers)

I had a couple ofo snags, butI am glad that I shipped my stuff in a 40'container. It is important to get a reputable shipping agent on your end and a knowledgeable customs agent on the other end. On the outgoing, you want a agent that deals with reliable shipping companies (so that you stuff is properly packed in the container, your car tied down, etc.). A knowledgeable customs agent will know the ropes in case there are any snags once your stuff arrives.

Couple of suggestions: 1. It is advisable that you ship your car on a separate bill of lading because sometimes it takes them quite a while to clear the car, and that would tie your other stuff up if they are all on one bill of lading. 2. If it is suggested that you ship through the port in Guatemala and that your stuff be trucked from there, don't do it! Thas the one big problem I had -- they kept asking for more and more paperwork before they released the stuff. 3. Every single item has to be listed on your bill of lading or you will pay penalties. If you have a box of whatever, you just list it as a box of whatever it is. If you have any loose objects, you just list each one separately. Also, if you are putting ANYTHING in your car, that must be put on the car's bill of lading. I made the mistake of putting a battery charger in the car, as well as the required fire extinguisher, and that cost me a little money. 4. When your stuff arrives, have people with you to help you check off your stuff to make sure it is all there. This may sound silly, but also bring a flashlight because the light in the warehouse where the boxes are packed could be dim, and you will need to check off the #'s on the boxes. 5. If you are unloading the stuff onto a truck, you will need people to help load the truck and to keep an eye on stuff that is being removed from the warehouse since people are milling around.

In my case, I had to make 2 trips to the warehouse, the first when I was notified my stuff had come in, and I was checking it off. A second, because I had to wait for a penalty to be paid before customs would check the stuff. Unfortunately, there was a week or so between visit #1 and visit #2 because of some strike that was going on.

The worst parts of the exercise were the Guatemala thing (easily avoided) and having my stuff stuck in Customs for a week. Other than than, I am really glad I don't have to deal with purchasing stuff down there.

Shipping containers