Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing

 

How can I check if my shipment is in good hands, and if your ‘international shipper licenses’ are in order?

We have been in shipping business since 2002. We have been issued NVOCC license by Federal Maritime Commission for sea shipments, this can be checked on their official website www.FMC.gov . We have been issued license by TSA – Transportation Security Administration foe air cargo shipments, this can be checked on their official website www.TSA.gov . Please note that it is illegal to offer shipping services without proper licensing, you risk loosing your shipment if you ship with an unlicensed agent.

 

Large shipments

 

Do you ship cars from USA to Europe?

Yes we do. We ship not only cars but also motorcycles, boats, small and large building and farming equipment. We can ship anything to anywhere in the world.

Can you arrange for a car pick-up from Florida?

We can arrange for pick-up of large shipments such as cars, building equipment or fully loaded skid from anywhere in the USA. If it is a small package, it should be mailed to our where-house by the shipper or directly from the on-line seller.

We are moving back to Europe. Can we take our car back with us?

If you want to ship your car as part of your ‘resettlement’ move, and therefore avoid paying custom tariffs, you have to meet several requirements. They vary from country to country, so check with the Customs Office in the country of destination for more specific information. But in general you have to owe this car (or any vehicle you want to ship) for 6 months or more, you have to owe it out right and have this vehicle’s Title as a proof. Also, the Customs office will require proof of USA residency of at least 12 months, and a proof of a return residency in the country of destination.

I have 2 cars that I would like to ship as part of my resettlement move, can this be done?

In general there is no limit to numbers of vehicles that you can ship, as long as you meet the requirements described in the answer to the previous question. Again, ‘resettlement’ shipment requirements vary from country to country, so check with Customs Office of the country of destination.

 

Tariff duties / Custom tax

 

What is the likelihood that my parcel will avoid custom fees?

Only parcels of value of 45 EUR or less are duty free. So if you are not shipping electronics, car replacement parts, cosmetics or any large trading quantity shipments, you parcel should not be held by the Customs Office. Keep in mind that the tariff rules vary from country to country, so check with the Customs Office in the country of destination for more information.

Are all parcels subject to international tariff?

All goods shipped internationally have to go through customs inspection. If the Customs inspector determines that the goods shipped are not subject to Customs fee / duty, they are released promptly. If the Customs inspector determines the value of the shipment to be more than 45 EUR, the Customs Office will contact the recipient with further payment instructions. Keep in mind that the tariff rules vary from country to country, so check with the Customs Office in the country of destination for more information.

Do parcels containing gifts bypass customs fees?

All goods shipped internationally, including parcels containing gifts, have to go through customs inspection. Only parcels of value of 45 EUR or less are duty free. Keep in mind that the tariff rules vary from country to country, so check with the Customs Office in the country of destination for more information.

 

Shipment of internet purchases made in the USA

 

I make frequent purchases in the USA based on-line stores, how can I make internet based purchases using your service?

ShipTu provides shipping services for purchased made in the USA based internet stores. Goods have to be purchased by individual clients and then sent to us. ShipTu Courier Air Shipments get to recipients in Europe within 7 business days. We use the latest tracking technologies.

Do you offer an option of consolidation of several small goods purchased from different internet based stores, into one package and shipping it to a single address in Europe? If so, what is the cost of this service?

We tend not to do it, to avoid loss of individual goods. We might do it occasionally, and only if one of the parcels received is an oversize box that will allow for additional packages to be put in it. This will be done at no charge.

Is it possible for European based shoppers to order goods directly from the USA based internet stores?

Yes it is. For example, we have many clients that buy electronics from the USA based retailers. Some on-line stores might require additional payment or address verification faxed to them, for transactions of $500 or more in value.

Some internet stores note that they will ship their goods only to the USA address. Can we use your services in those instances?

Yes, of course. Serving as the ‘middle man’ that provides USA shipping address and then forwards these orders inexpensively to the final recipients overseas, is at the core of our business.

Do you ship goods purchased on on-line auction sites?

Yes, many of our clients make purchases in on-line auction sites such us E-Bay.

How can I check if shipping cost was calculated properly?

You can check our price list on our website. Also, our shipping cost calculator automatically calculates shipping cost as long as you know your parcel’s weight and dimensions.

Can you repackage a parcel, so it would not show that it was shipped from an on-line retailer but from an individual?

From our experience we can tell you that this is not necessary, and it will not help in avoiding customs inspection if the goods shipped are valued at more than 45 EUR.

Can you forward parcels shipped not from a retailer but from a private individual?

Yes, of course. The process would be the same as for goods shipped from on-line stores.

Can you purchase goods in my name and then forward them to me?

No, we provide international shipping services. We are not a purchasing agent. Our clients must make purchases and pay for them on their own.

Do you charge a commission or a fee for your forwarding services?

No, we do not charge any commission. Our profits come from our shipping services only.

Does the value and description of shipped goods have to be included on your order form?

Yes, it does. The customs or duty fee (or the lack of it) is determined by this information.

All goods shipped internationally have to go through customs inspection?

 

Payment

 

How can I pay for your forwarding services? Can payment be made to your delivery agent?

We accept PayPal and all major credit card payments. All payments must be made prior to shipment. Unfortunately payments can not be made to our delivering agents.

Can you facilitate internet purchases for costumers without major credit card or PayPal account?

No we can not. We do not offer sales broker services. This service would require an international banking license.

Is your shipping cost calculator up to date? And does it include all necessary taxes and fees?

Our shipping cost calculator indicates current pricing, and it is inclusive of all required taxes and fees.

 

Individual parcels

 

Can you ship parcels from individuals anywhere in the USA?

Yes we can. Just register as a user on our webpage and follow instructions listed there, then have your package delivered to our NJ location.

 

Tracking

 

How can I check if my parcel has been shipped already?

Your package will be shipped within few days from the time we receive your payment, once it is shipped you will be able to track it on line.

How can I change recipient’s address, once my shipment is en route?

Just send an e-mail to questions@shiptu.com with the change of address information. If the shipping cost has increased, the final recipient will have to pay the difference to the delivery agent.

 

Address

 

What can I do if while making an order in the on-line store, my order form shows an error message in the address box?

Some times our clients use the wrong state as they are typing delivery address for their orders. We are located in the state of New Jersey (abbreviation NJ) not New York (abbreviation NY).

My order was shipped to your previous location in Bayonne, NJ. Will it still be delivered to you?

Yes it will. Purchases sent to our previous address will be forwarded to our new location. However with all new orders use our new address:

 

Shiptu Inc. 633 Division Street Elizabeth, NJ 07201 USA Tel.: 201 339 3838 Fax: 201 339 5656