Tried to price out a 1U server from natex, 34x26x11 inches, 35 lbs .
Quote from USPS again 459.
Lowest quote from shipipto 230 (unsure if USD or AUD).
Unfortunately I am finding shipping to be cost prohibitive. Has anyone had better luck? Looking for dual 2011 xeon build
International freight charges are about size, shape, volume and weight. Use shipito calculator to calc the cost when box is smaller. What shipito have done for me before on 2U, 3U and 4U is not ship in original box, as you pay for a lot of space with the foam filler. It even makes man handling them around at home much easier.
They have done an excellent job and no damage ever, and to date I have imported 40 shipments, some of which were one large box (using consolidation) and some were 6 boxes. There is significant money to be saved by consolidating multiple purchases into one box, or in many cases with small bags or boxes than ship 6 at once on one AWB .
Shipito let You use the method of shipment. FEDEX, TNT, DHL, Aus Post, USPS (US Post). I have tried all of the options.
Here are my observations and learnings, after 40 shipments.
1. Generally USPS ( for anything larger than LSI card etc) and FEDEX are for folks who want to pay thru the nose for a slow service. Fedex is also quite slow in comparison. I tested their fast and normal service, both slow. My experience living in different countries is that one service can be good in one country and not so good in another.
2. AUS Post takes a long time ( shipped med to big boxes) and can be the similar price or less than DHL, depends on shape, size and weight. Wont use them again due to slooww, poor tracking, and while it spends 2 to 3 weeks getting here, more chance to get beat up.
3. TNT are pretty quick, and cheaper than DHL by 0 - 15% but not always, depends on size and shape.
4. I live in Brisbane and DHL is the fastest and actually provide far superior customer service than TNT or FEDEX in Australia, I have called them all to follow thru on something. It is easy to get DHL to hold the shipment at the airport depot, which I do 100% of the time. TNT is very difficult in this respect.
Another reason I use DHL is that the routing and stops are often less ( less handling =less damage ) If I ship on Friday or Thursday from LA than I have the stuff on monday. If I ship on Mon or Tue have it Thursday or friday. Picking up from airport is a plus as if any damage, it is right there in their office, plus cute lady at the counter...
5. Shipito in Hawthorne CA are very fast, efficient and no waiting time, plus time to be on the plane over the pacific is faster. If you buy in Ca you will get slugged for taxes unless from a mum or pop ebay purchase. Item can arrive and be out the smae day.
6. Shipito in Tualatin in Oregon is slow in comparison (much bigger premises and volume), and offers a saving on state tax on all purchases. Budget full 24 hrs plus.......I use both..
7. Use the expected packages option.. By not consolidating / multiple items in a shipment and using the calculator you will pay more than necessary.
8. I often ship things for folks at work ( they buy online themsleves and use my shipito address, has worked well), which often helps fill empty space in boxes, ( empty space in boxes is your enemy) the couriers charge a volume / weight system. SO if you have a big box that weight 2 KG, but has an equivalent wieght / volume of 20KG, you will pay for 20KG..
9. There is one occasion where I have seen an ebay shop have some items with competitive pricing. This example is the mid tower supermicro chassis or system using the CS 732 chassis is about 80 bucks US.. Been burnt with ebay shipping so dont use it anymore.
10. Define what is important to yourself when shipping ( risk, cost, assurance, no headaches), choose wisely and good luck..