Reliable Shipper To Bogota?

[Gringos]

Good reading and long overdue topic.

Three Months ago {in Colombia} I purchased a Yamaha BWS or Zuma Scooter as they are called in the States. But decided to put in storage until I get up the nerve to ride it around b/c frankly I am little scared. The Yamaha BWS is also the #1 theft Moto in Colombia. In Cali, I am just not feeling well to drive her around the wild wild west streets. Medellin and Bogota offer better traffic rules and roads. That said, I might ship it to Miami but not sure how, or even if it's a good idea.

Feedback appreciated.

-Thanks

[Benjio]

I've always used FedEx to ship to Colombia. Most of my packages went to Barranquilla but I've sent things to Bogota as well. I have a friend that works for a company that does about $500K in international shipping per year with FedEx so they get a significant price break on standard rates. I have no idea what the standard rate actually is, but I don't think I'd be sending anything to Colombia via FedEx if I had to pay full price. If you're still interested, average transit time from Houston to Barranquilla/Bogota is about 3-4 days. Calculate the ETT between you and Memphis, TN as your package will most likely go through there before Bogota and you'll have an idea of how long it would take. FedEx is the best you could hope for in terms of service in Latin America.

There are two international services for FedEx: International Economy and International Priority (Priority being the more expensive of the two). I've used both on numerous occasions but I've discovered that the transit time is usually exactly the same. FedEx's Domestic Overnight Services guarantee delivery at specific dates/times, but there is absolutely no guarantee on delivery dates/times for FedEx Standard international services, regardless of which you pay for. So if you do send something via FedEx, send it the slowest way possible.

Just an interesting side note...FedEx also has a Nonstandard Executive Service where they guarantee delivery of any package under 100 lbs. to any country they service in the world within 48 hours. What you're basically paying for is a plane ticket and any other costs associated with a FedEx Rep personally carrying a package from your door to final destination. I think you also need a corporate account to even access this service and there is a $1500 service fee regardless of weight or distance.

[rogringo]

What's the procedure with customs and how do you pay duties?

[Benjio]

Originally Posted by rogringo

What's the procedure with customs and how do you pay duties?

That's a very complexed question with many answers. Colombia handles customs clearance and the charges associated with imports very differently from the United States. The primary determining factors are what you're sending, how much it's worth (in Colombia, not the U.S.), and how much of it is being shipped.

The following link to DHL's website might be helpful:

http://www.dhl.com.co/publish/co/en/...ideTitleText=1

[TBOND]

I have used Avianca Express to ship items to colombia and have found them to be much cheaper to use then fed x, dhl, or ups. They are reliable in the instances i have used them and relatively fast..delivered with in a few days to a week depending on what you are shipping.

[Rogbo]

rogringo
Where do you ship from?

[rogringo]

Atlanta, GA

[rogringo]

Originally Posted by BIG E

I have shipped $1000's to Bogota that way. They are cheap and FAST. It arrives one after they ship it from Miami.

They ship everything via Tampa Airlines. About $13 for the first pound and I think $2 for each additional pound. I shipped almost 60 packages to Bogota and none were damaged and they all arrived quickly.

Thanks, I contacted them and they were nice. It seems that I would have to UPS my items to them first and then they would take it from there. That will add about .75 cents per pound to the cost. I'm hoping that I can find a reputable company local that I can drop them off and save a few hundred bucks.

I found this place: http://www.bygcargoexpress.com/rates.html They have great rates at $1.15 /lb. I'll call them tomorrow and see.

As far as customs goes... Any advice? I'm just shipping household items and clothes. How does insurance work in relation to duties?

[rogringo]

http://www.bygcargoexpress.com/rates.html

[rogringo]

Originally Posted by rogringo

http://www.bygcargoexpress.com/rates.html

Actually there rates are $1.50/ lb