Questions on International Freight Shipping Service

[3002 tii]

I’ve shipped hundreds of things in the past between here and eBay, but I rarely shop across the border (I hate customs forms). But I could really use folks help here.

I’m trying to purchase a custom roll bar from Germany. I won’t get into why this product, seller, manufacturer. Just humor me and assume this is my only option. The only issue for whatever reason they’re not able to secure competitive ship rates. They even suggested I reach out to a US reseller to see if I can piggyback off their shipping and/or cancel my order and place with them. But even that is not an option as the reseller has no interest in adding these products to their catalog (currently limited to small items like strut bars). So it seems I’m SOL because the best rate the roll bar manufacturer can do is around $1000 USD, just insane. As one last desperate attempt, I asked the company to give me the shipping weight and dimensions so I could shop around...

At 20kg, weight isn’t bad but it’s the awkward dimensions that makes this tough (137cm X 15cm X 135cm). FedEx is crazy expensive but it looks like UPS Air Freight Consolidated and Air Freight Direct are somewhat reasonable. For those who have experience with this kind of shipping, So my questions are…

1. Does freight include door to door service or is it only airport to airport?
2. Should I opt (pay) the customs brokerage rate offered by UPS (>$150)?
3. Are there other carriers I should be considering?

[HondaRC51]

I can't be much input but have you tried DHL as they are a international freight company? I haven't shipped anything personally with them but I've never had any bad experiences using them.

[Markr]

If the German supplier ships overseas a lot, ask them for a DDP (Delivered, Duty Paid) price, so that they handle all this for you, including the customs paperwork.

I buy lots of things globally and have them shipped to UK and US. DDP is much simpler and takes all the stress out of it - also stops things being stuck in port of entry with the onward carrier asking loads of stupid questions.