How can I get a 1 table sent to NZ

[slidingdovetail]

Hi all,

It sounds really stupid at first I know.

But I've become frustrated looking for ways to have a solid coffee table I am currently building sent to my mum in NZ. It will be her birthday present, housewarming gift and retirement present in one.


First, I checked a few removalists, and after giving them my super small inventory list I have quotes of around $700?!??!

Then I checked MAS (I think, something to do with the ports anyway) and to share a container and having it sent by boat will cost me around $460 excluding fees and tax stuff in NZ. I was ok with that price until I realised the boat will take up to 14 days to arrive in Auckland.
I stuffed up the timing actually, the table and myself needs to be in Auckland by the 28th August (mums birthday), I currently have only just finished the table top, so along with all my other projects as well as working full time I have no chance of finishing this table within 2 weeks and sent on a boat.

I need a plane. So I checked some passenger airlines and looked at their oversize baggage dept. Came to a stop because "any one piece of baggage has to weigh less than 32kg" My table top alone will weigh that much!

Now I am lost. As silly as it sounds, I'm not even sure exactly what to search for.

Does anyone have any ideas as to where else I can look into?
I can drop off anywhere in Melbourne and pick up anywhere in Auckland. The table will be fully bubblewrapped and boxed, ready for either fork or 2 men lifting.

Any advice is appreciated,
Priscilla

[jimbur]

SD, came across this site, though I have no ideal what they mean by economical.
Air Freight, Economy Express, International Courier, Shipping, Computer Delivery

[slidingdovetail]

SD, came across this site, though I have no ideal what they mean by economical.
Air Freight, Economy Express, International Courier, Shipping, Computer Delivery

Thanks Jim,

yeah tried 'packsend' and their quote was $735. geebiz.
I could fly return to NZ twice over and it'll still be cheaper.... hmmm maybe I should just book a seat for my table, as heavy as it't be, it'll still fit

[Scott]

I think, for that size and weight, it's going to be cost prohibitive. Saying tha, try Googling "freight forwarding AU to NZ" and you should get a few options. I've used Mainfreight to another country before and the cost wasn't too bad. To reduce your cost always try and drop off and pick up from depot. Hope this helps

[jimbur]

Thanks Jim,
yeah tried 'packsend' and their quote was $735. geebiz.
I could fly return to NZ twice over and it'll still be cheaper.... hmmm maybe I should just book a seat for my table, as heavy as it't be, it'll still fit

That does seem over the top.

[slidingdovetail]

My bad, I wrote the last part for the wrong place,

[Wrongwayfirst]

Hi all,

It sounds really stupid at first I know.

Does anyone have any ideas as to where else I can look into?
I can drop off anywhere in Melbourne and pick up anywhere in Auckland. The table will be fully bubblewrapped and boxed, ready for either fork or 2 men lifting.

Any advice is appreciated,
Priscilla

Yup,
Freight forwarders are the people to search, look for. Agility in tullamarine etc. slow boat to NZ 14 days. Fast boat to NZ is 7 days the price will not vary too much. You will need to ask about LCL = Loose Container Load...FWIW (FCL = Full Container Load)
however or but whichever you prefer to hear. When shipping timber to overseas countries if it is treated pine you will need a statement from the timber merchant as to the quality/quantity and time of treatment usually a stat dec type of form. If it is not treated pine which I suspect it isn't you will probably have to have the timber fumigated once it lands in NZ. This will add 3 days minimum to delivery schedule and of course cost. You will also need a commercial invoice (excel spreadsheet can do wonders for that) and a shipping list giving dimensions weight of packed item.
freight forwarders like to deal in volume lots and lots of volume. Your one item may not be to their liking, BUT you may get the name of a company that does send a lot of stuff with the freight forwarder and THIS company may be your ticket. Again you will be shipping at their timeframe not yours.
Try TNT, IPEC, DHL or UPS if freight fowarders are of no help and they may or may not be any cheaper than you already have,
cheers

[slidingdovetail]

Yup,
Freight forwarders are the people to search, look for. Agility in tullamarine etc. slow boat to NZ 14 days. Fast boat to NZ is 7 days the price will not vary too much. You will need to ask about LCL = Loose Container Load...FWIW (FCL = Full Container Load)
however or but whichever you prefer to hear. When shipping timber to overseas countries if it is treated pine you will need a statement from the timber merchant as to the quality/quantity and time of treatment usually a stat dec type of form. If it is not treated pine which I suspect it isn't you will probably have to have the timber fumigated once it lands in NZ. This will add 3 days minimum to delivery schedule and of course cost. You will also need a commercial invoice (excel spreadsheet can do wonders for that) and a shipping list giving dimensions weight of packed item.
freight forwarders like to deal in volume lots and lots of volume. Your one item may not be to their liking, BUT you may get the name of a company that does send a lot of stuff with the freight forwarder and THIS company may be your ticket. Again you will be shipping at their timeframe not yours.
Try TNT, IPEC, DHL or UPS if freight fowarders are of no help and they may or may not be any cheaper than you already have,
cheers

Thanks Wrongway!

very informative and thorough. I'll check them all out now

[fxst]

Easy peasy fly over and take it with you. Or do the NZ thing and bring her over Same deal then she flies back with it as luggage
Pete

[Chesand]

If you have not already assembled it, can you take it as a flat pack and put it together over there?
It could go as part of your luggage and even if you had to pay excess it would still be much cheaper than the prices you have been quoted.
Just a thought.

[DaveTTC]

I would look at traveling by boat and see if you can take extra luggage?


Really the cheaper way might be for you to take an extra week holiday and make one for your mum over there.