Recommendations for a logistic/shipping company

[Letzhunt]

I am looking for recommendations for shipping companies to ship my crated trophies from South Africa to Chicago.
I have one quote already but thought it may be wise to look into others. I will be using D&L for the work on this side. African Legacy Logistics is my first quote. What others companies should I look into?
It's just so expensive these days ....

 

[Osama Mahdi]

I used Badger cargo, Pieter did a good job.
Also Swift dip did a good job on other trip.

 

[Letzhunt]

Not sure if it matters but the crate is in Limpopo.

 

[Letzhunt]

Also it was a bit odd as the taxidermist didn't ask what company and just went with a logistic company on their own..... relation I believe . That just didn't sit well with me but not sure how far along it is at this point. They have all the permits and such but I never signed an agreement or gave my info to them. Frustration and coaches me spinning a bit at the moment.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

You should ask your US Customs Agent for a couple of names on who they recommend.

I’ve had Badger Cargo, Safari Cargo Systems, Zingela Forwarders provide some freight quotes in the past among several others.

Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some will add in different insurance values, or other fees. Since you know the size and volumetric weight you should be able to specify, let them know an insurance dollar amount if you want it and get a pretty good idea of each.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Also it was a bit odd as the taxidermist didn't ask what company and just went with a logistic company on their own..... relation I believe . That just didn't sit well with me but not sure how far along it is at this point. They have all the permits and such but I never signed an agreement or gave my info to them. Frustration and coaches me spinning a bit at the moment.

This is common each taxidermist has relations with certain freight companies and gets “referral fees”. Every shipment I’ve had, I’ve told the taxidermist to let me know the final crate dimensions so I can get shipping quotes. When they protest and say they have the “best guy” or the “cheapest rates”, I tell them I’d happily consider their quote as well but will be reaching out to several others. I’ve noticed since I started doing this the gap between them price wise has been drastically reduced.

 

[Letzhunt]

This is common each taxidermist has relations with certain freight companies and gets “referral fees”. Every shipment I’ve had, I’ve told the taxidermist to let me know the final crate dimensions so I can get shipping quotes. When they protest and say they have the “best guy” or the “cheapest rates”, I tell them I’d happily consider their quote as well but will be reaching out to several others. I’ve noticed since I started doing this the gap between them price wise has been drastically reduced.

That was my line of thinking as well.

 

[Letzhunt]

You should ask your US Customs Agent for a couple of names on who they recommend.

I’ve had Badger Cargo, Safari Cargo Systems, Zingela Forwarders provide some freight quotes in the past among several others.

Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some will add in different insurance values, or other fees. Since you know the size and volumetric weight you should be able to specify, let them know an insurance dollar amount if you want it and get a pretty good idea of each.

Have you found there to be a significant difference when comparing?

 

[SFRanger7GP]

I have a crate headed to the US soon. It is being handled by Eagle Eye Import & Export on the SA side and Coppersmith on the US side. I am pleased with the communication and prices from both.


Safe hunting

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Have you found there to be a significant difference when comparing?

I’ve seen as much as a 2k difference (covid times). In almost every case the taxidermists selected shipper was the highest. If you tell them you’ve quoted some other shippers 9/10 times you’ll see them slash their quote and resubmit it back to you.

I’ve never shipped completed taxidermy, but I’ve had air freight on Dip & Pack as low as $850 and also paid $1400 air freight earlier this year for a shipment that was about 20 animals and included several cites animals.

 

[375Fox]

You should ask your US Customs Agent for a couple of names on who they recommend.

I’ve had Badger Cargo, Safari Cargo Systems, Zingela Forwarders provide some freight quotes in the past among several others.

Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some will add in different insurance values, or other fees. Since you know the size and volumetric weight you should be able to specify, let them know an insurance dollar amount if you want it and get a pretty good idea of each.

That would be my recommendation too. Ask the customs broker for recommendations they work well and have least issues with. I won’t ever pay for insurance again though. I think it’s nearly impossible to collect. The last time I paid for insurance the shipper left insured items out and refused to communicate further.