Job Discussion Forums

ssjup81 · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 12:25 am Post subject: International Shipping

Hey all. Since there's a possibility of my moving back to the US, I was wondering about shipping and which places you all recommend using. I've received many presents over the years but never had much time to send some of this stuff back.

Anyway, which places do you recommend with reasonable prices and convenient payment options? I tried Kuroneko, but they don't do COD (not too surprising) or take credit card payments.

RustyShackleford · Joined: 13 May 2013 Posts: 449

I just used the regular Japan Post and did slow shipping, since nothing I sent was particularly a priority. Make sure you put a guarantee on the stuff to ensure that it doesn't get lost.

ssjup81 · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:13 pm Post subject:

I would use Japan Post if I were closer to one. My boxes are really big.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

How much do you want to send back? If it is a few boxes, post office it is. Otherwise, you may want to use a company. I can dig up what I used when I went to the US. It was a very good company.

ssjup81 · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:42 pm Post subject:

Thanks. Since I may have to leave unless I miraculously find a new job since my visa expires at the end of next month, I'll have to take everything with me.

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

You need to decide if the cost is worth it, since it can be expensive.
I will be moving back to the US later this year, so I will think about it, since
there is only so much I can bring on the plane.

I was told by the Sakai moving company that while they can send things to the US, it is expensive, and not worth it, and would be cheaper just to buy stuff in the US. Some things have sentimental value, though.
Family histories I will keep, or things my mother used to have.
Things like pictures you cannot replace, but books and clothes can be.

izmigari · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 2:21 am Post subject:

The cost of moving things in Japan is scandalous! A while back, I made (what I thought at the time!) a pretty good deal moving our goods from a small Louisiana town to Fukuoka. What I had neglected to make clear was a "door-to-door" price.

In actuality it was a "door-to-port" move.

The cost for the broker's fees and move cost from the port to my Shiobaru "apato"?

EQUAL THE COST FROM A SMALL LOUISIANA TOWN TO LONG BEACH, CALI AND TRANS-PACIFIC VOYAGE!!!

ssjup81 · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2016 9:07 am Post subject:

Well if I end up being forced to leave I'll have to take the majority of the junk with me. I havd four years worth of stuff.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

Don't bother. Save for clothes, and things like a PC, everything else costs more to ship. Trust me, I have done it twice. Things like most appliances will cost far more to ship than to just buy. Also, except for the post office, all other shipping companies will charge you a port fee, which is never in the quote. That adds $200-500 easily. Just ship your clothes and books home, and anything that is sentimental. Throw everything else out. It sucks, but that is just how it is

ssjup81 · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2016 11:12 pm Post subject:

I'm not taking back any appliances. I'm talking about gifts and souvenirs I've received along with games, books, CDs, etc. I mentioned that in my first post.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

OK, just making sure. Kuroneko or post office it up. It should be OK,