Shipping stuff via FedEx and using the B4 form

[Cvstos]

It now looks like my cheapest option is to buy a one-way plane ticket, fly up, and have my stuff shipped via FedEx/UPS/USPS. Normally this would be bat-**** insane for most people, but I've gotten rid of almost everything I own and never had furniture in the first place (up 'til now my permanent address was my parents' place). I estimate that I can fit all that I'm taking into ten (10) 14"x14"x14" boxes weighing an average of 40lbs. That's less than $800 for shipping, which is cheaper than a few hotel stays on a road trip (plus gas plus possible rental, etc). Airfare is low, too, since I have a $150 credit from United from when the bumped me from my flight last month.

Here's the question. How do I use the B4 form for duty/tax-free imports with FedEx/UPS/USPS? I'm a little lost on that.

Thanks!
-Cvstos

 

[JessNess]

wow, that's an amazing question… anyone know?

 

[Cvstos]

Been crickets so far. I'm a little worried now X)

 

[turntopage47]

Definitely call UPS or FedEx or USPS or go pay them a visit if that's easier.
They fill out the form for you, I believe.
I haven't been through the process myself, but they might want to go through the boxes with you.
Some ask for a complete list of every item in the box (for each box) which could allow for you to close the boxes and keep their hands off your stuff (maybe their hands are clean, I don't know!)
You could probably even email them! But if you do that, could you come back and update us?
Like JessNess said, it's a good question and it would probably save confusion for another person down the line!

 

[Avadava]

The Port of Entry will contact you when your boxes arrive. Basically courier services do not clear your goods for customs, so you don't need to talk at all with UPS/FedEx (just mail them like any other package). Just remember that you must fill out 2 (two) copies of B4 form with Goods to follow (separate from the list with goods you bring with you) and hand it to the customs agent at landing. The purpose of the B4 form is that all items will be released to you without any duty free.

This is what I found on this forum:

Hi,

I had about 13 boxes sent from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) port by cargo shipment to my destination at Toronto.

When cargo arrived I got call from the clearing agent in Toronto and they wanted me to go to their office first and submit the Original B/L and pay $ 233 towards Handling, Security Surcharge, DDC and Customs Inspection and once I did the same they given me a receipt and a " long Room Copy" and " Custom Delivery Authority".

I was asked to go and do customs clearance at Canada Customs by submitting " Long Room Copy", " Custom Delivery Authority" and Casual Goods Accounting Document( This document I received from Canada Customs at Pearson airport while declaring goods to follow with the B4 forms at the Airport customs when I first arrived).

For Identification your passport and PR Card also to be shown.

The customs officer asked me whether cargo has any items other than what is declared and said they will check. I said no and the officer went inside and came back after 5 minutes and given me the documents with their stamp as Goods Arrived and OK for Pick up and also put Canada Customs Stamp.

I was asked to go to IWD Warehouse and pick up the Carg. IWD keeps cargo for one week free and after words they charge. Storage charge $ 40 for 2 days and $ 20/day for additional days. Dock charges $40 also is payable. I had to pay total $80.

You have to do the loading of the cargo.

Canada Customs open 24 hours/7 days a week.

Delivery agent Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

IWD Warehouse Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm.

Hope you got an idea about the formalities and how things work out.
Good luck.


http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/any-idea-how-to-clear-goods-to-follow-from-customs-t76935.0.html