Shipping a kayak from the states??
Good evening lads and ladies,
I'm wondering if anybody has any advise to give about shipping from the states to Ireland. I'm flying with Delta and sadly they don't take kayaks (boourns!). Does anybody know of any companies shipping large items 80x30x20" (approx - you know what a kayak looks like!) I have been on to the likes of UPS and their quoting crazy amounts over €1,000.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Kyle
dude
most airlines have a cargo company that will ship stuff when it cant be stowed in the plane, dunno if delta have one but one of the companies flying to ireland should.
for example http://www.aerlinguscargo.com/
dunno how much they charge or what their limits are but its a place to start, everytime u get turned down finish with "and who would you suggest i call..." ull eventually be put through to someone useful.
hope it helps
t
Thanks for the help lads. I had asked when on the phone to Delta, they were very helpful but only recommended ups/fedex.
Thanks for the link Keith, will give them a ring tomorrow.
Sadly it doesn't seem like theirs going to be any luck with this venture :(
Ok well after lots and lots of phoning around I've got a little success. Most of the quotes I was getting where in and around $1,100-1,800. I don't know how, but somehow I got quoted $67,000 by Delta Cargo/Skyline Cargo. They must have thought I said 8,000 inches instead of 80".I have now been quoted by two different companies $310 and $289. We could be onto a winner!
The only problem I see is with the insurance, if I quote the boat is worth €600/1,000 I will be insured for that full amount if anything goes wrong, but once it gets to Ireland I'll probably get done for duty and vat :( - Otherwise if I don't insure it and only value it at €100, I get past customs but could have a boat in half.
I think that one's for another day.
Again thanks for all the help lads!Kyle
ah very little will happen to a plastic playboat except theft and maybe it getting lost, but im sure that a cargo company have suitable experience to make sure neither of them happen.
also would it be cheaper to sell it and buy it again in ireland (after VAT and shipping is factored in??)
It may well be cheaper. Although in saying the the only reason I was actually buying the boat over there was because they were so cheap, I'd have it for a few weeks to surf in California. + I thought I could bring it on the plane no probs.... that all changed pretty quick after a call to Delta.
In saying that, it does end up €100 cheaper even with the $310 shipping cost added on.... I don't think I would get done on duty as it would be a used boat. That's hoping. I still have to ponder over everything though. 
Sell it and buy a boat here!
. Hand luggage is the only cost effective way.(or is it)?
Mike