This is the quickest method of transportation but it can also be
the most expensive if your belongings are oversized or heavy. Air
shipments are best suited for smaller, light weight shipments or shipments
in which time is a greater factor than price. The transit time for
air shipments depends on the frequency of flights to the destination, it
can range anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks. The cost
of shipping by air depends upon several factors including the dimensions
of your shipment, the weight and the destination. Air shipments to
most destinations have minimum charges. It would not be economical
to send very small parcels or mailing envelopes by this method.
For these types of shipments, UPS, FedEX, DHL or USPS is a better option.
Trucking is an option for shipments within the United States, to
Canada and Mexico. Trucking costs are again based on
the weight of the shipments, size can also be a factor for unusually large
or odd sized shipments. The rates will vary depending upon the origin
and destination, whether it is a business or residential delivery, whether
the shipment is to a nearby agent or a door move and the value of the shipment.
Depending upon the type of shipment, we usually recomend crating the shipment
before trucking to reduce the risk of damage in transit.
There are two methods of shipping by ocean, LCL and Container:
LCL (less than container load). This method is used for shipments smaller than a full container load. LCL shipments are crated, we will build the crate to fit your belongings. The charge is based on the total cubic feet of the finished crate. The price of crating is included in this charge. Click on RATES for charges per cubic foot to most destinations. There is also a $45.00 export fee for each shipment. This fee is for U.S. customs documention. It is the consignee's (person who receives the shipment) responsibility to clear customs in the destination country. Unless othrewise arranged shipments are from our warehouse in Chicago to the agent in the destination city. The transit times for these shipments range from four to eight weeks depending upon the destination.
Containerized shipping. There are several container sizes available.
The smallest is the 20 foot container, the inside dimensions of this container
are approximately 7.5' high X 7.5' wide X 19.5' long, it holds about 1000
cubic feet. The 40 foot container has the same dimensions except
for the length which is 39.5' and holds about 2000 cubic feet. There
is also a 45 foot container at five feet longer than the 40 foot and holds
about 2250 cubic feet. If you are unsure as to what size container
you will need you can contact us to receive a free estimate.
The charges for container shipments are given in a lumpsum, these charges
depend upon the size of the container, the origin and destination ports
and the amount of packing and loading time involved. The transit
time for these shipments range from six to eight weeks.
Please contact us for additional information on shipping methods and quotes.