Does anyone know how I can ship my personal belongings to the UK from
the US for a reasonable price?  Cargo can no longer take it after 9/11
and Fedex is charging silly money.  UPS won't take used belongings
because of taxe reasons (???).  I'd appreciate any ideas anyones got.

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Request for Question Clarification by lot-ga on 02 Aug 2002 14:57 PDT

Hello,
"Cargo can no longer take it after 9/11"
... are you shipping something which is 'sensitive'?
by cargo do you mean by shipping container?
and personal belongings = house contents like furniture, TV etc. 
What's the cubic feet or weight of your belongings?
Thanks
regards
lot-ga

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Clarification of Question by amckie-ga on 05 Aug 2002 14:00 PDT

There's no sensitive material at all.  Apparently, if you're not a
known shipper i.e. a company, then they're not allowed to carry
possesions.  It just comprises of books, clothes, the odd ornament
etc.  Two suitcases and a large box, wouldn't think it would be that
difficlut, would you.

here's a google listing,
http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Industries/Transportation/Forwarding,_NVO_and_Customs/Air_and_Ocean_Freight_Shipping/

If the items are not too large, or can be broken down into several
smaller parcels, the US postal service is the most inexpensive I have
found.  Assuing  you are in no hurry, they have a parcel rate
available.  70 lbs parcel is $298.00US.  If you have a lot of stuff
you need to send over, and it can be palletized, there are several
companies that will send it over via ship.  Of course, the expensive
part is getting the belongings from wherever you are to the shipyard,
if you are not near the Atlantic.  I shipped a Chevrolet engine to
Ireland for $310, and that weighed almost 300 lbs.

Cheers
E

I've done it several times.  The expensive parts are at either end. 
I've rented a car and lined up with the big trucks at an air freight
consolidator's bay - look up Air Freight in the Yellow Pages - call to
make a reservation and then just join the trucks.  I've used major
airlines and smaller companies that wait until the pallet is full. 
Say you'll pick it up at the other end in a warehouse.  You will go to
the air freight area at the other end and then sign for your stuff at
the customs point.  It may be in a warehouse somewhere around the
airport. I did this when I moved to the US and also for wedding
presents.

You can also ship by sea - I did this when I was a poor student.  Get
a big trunk and stuff it - again you will find it cheaper to take it
yourself to the shipping company - as again the end points cost more. 
Also you may have to go to a warehouse to sign for it - unless you get
UPS or someone to pick it up.