Shipping With Fedex To The Uk

[Nickupero]

Hi Gents, I just wanted to share with you all my recent experience with shipping to the UK from Canada using Fedex. Most of us know by now that Fedex Japan no longer handles nihonto but it appears Fedex UK is giving the same treatment. I sent 2 different swords within the span of a 1 weeks to 2 different clients and the same end result happened to both. Fedex refused to handle the blade for final delivery. I was taken back because only a couple months ago I sent 2 full sized katana and had no issues. UK customs is known to somethimes give a hard time with clearing pieces or at least take their sweet time, but in both cases fedex UK cleared each item with no issues (also because I supplied all the proper documentation) but after that fedex denied final delivery on the pieces, I spoke to them (specifically to the dangerous good specialist) and they absolutely refused to perform the final delivery and stated that the recepient would need to pick up the item or hire a private courrier to come pick it up from the airports fedex location. The first time thought it was an isolated case but when the same thing happened to the 2nd piece I was honestly shocked. Just for the record Fedex Canada and Fedex US has no issues but it looks like UK has adopted the same regulations as Fedex Japan.

 

With all that being said is Royal Mail still accepting the shipping of swords? One of the clients loved the piece so much he's considering to get another, what is an alternate shipping method for those of our friends in the UK or that have shipped to the UK? .... keeping in mind that they are more recent cases.

 

Thanks in advance for those who give their input!!! 

 

 

 

 

[paulb]

I regret the situation seems to be changing rapidly and not for the better. I have always relied on FeDex as their ability to clear customs quickly made them a better option than Parcelforce (same group as Royal mail) However when I asked them recently they told me they would not ship swords in the future.

I understand from a recent post that Royal Mail have softened their stance on antique swords but havent tried it. Parcelforce who typically handle EMS and USPS deliveries dont seem to have a problem delivering but do take their own sweet time getting things cleared through their customs centre at Coventry. Having said that a friend received his sword from Japan EMS/Parcelforce with no prblems less than 3 weeks ago. As you say they key point is having very clear and accurate documentation.

This may change again but was the case in February.

Regards

Paul

[Nickupero]

Wow Paul, thank you kindly for the detailed reply.

It's amazing how fedex choose to simply deny handling an item rather then have standards on how they want it packaged.

I guess EMS is the way to go, like you I really enjoyed fedex's ability to clear items and always keep in close contact with both the sender and receiver, you pay for it but it's worth it. With Ems what is your suggested description ? To help things go smoother?

 

Thanks again

[paulb]

Hi Nick

I have started (today) a detailed correspondence with FedEx to try and see what has motivated this change and if we can get them to reverse it. I think the important fact is that similar moves by the Japanese postal service have been modified (I am told) and now FedEx competitors stand to gain at their expense. More importantly it has had a major negative impact on their reputation amongst our global community.

watch this space but dont hold your breath.

Re smoothing the transisition I am afraid EMS/parcelforce are inconsistent, it depends who is on duty and the current workload. The only thing I can suggest is to make sure all the supporting documentation is fixed on the outside of the container. This should have invoice, a photocopy of any papers and a statement which includes the tariff code. The more you show you know what you are talking about the less likely they are to question it. But as I say they are not that consistent. It takes longercan be frustrating but things do get where they are supposed to be and the charges are in line with government tax policy.