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Best way to ship kit overseas

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  • Member since
    August 2021
Best way to ship kit overseas
Posted by goldhammer88 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 11:04 AM

Looking for opinions on the best way to ship a kit to the UK.  I'm pretty much limited to either USPS or UPS.

GAF
  • Member since
    June 2012
  • From: Anniston, AL
Posted by GAF on Saturday, September 25, 2021 1:07 PM

One thing I can suggest is try to get it into the smallest package possible.  If that means taking the sprues and cutting them up, so be it!  Put them in a plastic bag and ship it like that.  The PO charges by the size, not weight.

Gary

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Barrie, Ontario
Posted by Cdn Colin on Saturday, September 25, 2021 5:27 PM

Assembled or unassembled?

I would rather pay more to ship than risk broken pieces at the other end.

I build 1/48 scale WW2 fighters.

Have fun.

  • Member since
    August 2021
Posted by goldhammer88 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 5:35 PM

Partial assembled  1/350 carrier, HMS Illustrious.

Don't haven't a problem with packing, just wondering which is easiest to ship by, USPS or UPS.  Haven't sent anything overseas before.

  • Member since
    September 2021
Posted by DooeyPyle67 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 7:36 PM

I've shipped a kit to a fellow forum member elsewhere overseas before. I think I shipped it USPS, not UPS or Fed Ex. UPS may charge more for shipping than thru the postal service. Price around with UPS, Fed Ex and Postal Service.

  • Member since
    April 2020
Posted by Eaglecash867 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 7:58 PM

DHL is another good option for overseas shipments.

"You can have my illegal fireworks when you pry them from my cold, dead fingers...which are...over there somewhere."

  • Member since
    August 2021
Posted by goldhammer88 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 8:07 PM

 67-  Thanks, yep, UPS is generally more.  Probably go with USPS.

Eagle -. DHL hasn't been in our area for at least 15 years.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 6:18 AM

Partially built then use plenty of fiberfill to suspend the build and lock it in place to prevent shifting. As far as pricing you have to compare with different carriers. You will need a good 3” of dead space to prevent shipping damage. More on that below.

I would not put any “Fragile” or “Handle With Care” labels. The times I did the boxes arrived like a truck ran over them. I know people that worked at FedEx and USPS and said those that are marked as such are usually targeted by jerks along the loading process. My last commission was a huge 1/32  scale Tomcat that was very carefully packed inside a large thick heavy duty cardboard box. I decided to add two warning labels to the box which was a big no no. It arrived with one crushed corner and two golf sized holes poked on the sides. Thanks to my careful packing there was 0 damage to the Tomcat. The dead space around the model did the trick.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    August 2021
Posted by goldhammer88 on Thursday, September 30, 2021 10:21 AM

Thanks PJ, Just barely started, still fits in original box.  I'll be sure to pack well in outer shipping box.  Got plenty of bubble wrap and thin foam from work.

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