Forward shipping: USA to Oz

[groeneaj]

Hello all,

I’m about to buy some stuff from the US. Does anyone have any recommendations for a forward shipping company?

The package will be larger in size (approx 800mm x 550mm x 400mm).

Thanks in advance!

Andy

[havabeer69]

Find one in a state that doesnt pay sales tax (or pays a smaller amount)

[GraemeCook]

Many years ago, I used to buy quite a lot of stuff from the States, compliments of the Sears Roebuck Wish Book. Then freight rates and "handling" surcharges started to rise and they absolutely rocketed after 9/11. One explanation is an over-reaction by the US government requiring exporting firms to essentially prove that the goods cannot be used by terrorists. Many just say "too hard", others say "customer pays". Result; I haven't bought anything from the US in years.

I have found that I can often buy US stuff competitively in Europe or UK.

A friend, a Canadian, says that most US stuff can be bought from Canada without the hang-ups. I haven't explored this option.