Shipping Issues

[minimallyviable]

I wanted to let you know what I am encountering getting parts from the UK. 

 

I placed an order with Caterham - for K-series cooling system parts - on April 30 or May 1.  It was quickly filled and picked up by Fedex on May 2.  It arrived in Memphis, TN on May 5 where it sat until May 12.  Calling Fedex (800-463-3339) twice I learned that there was a form -  Customs and Boarder Protection form CFR 24.5 to be completed.  I was told by Fedex that it would take 24 hours to review the form.  The form was sent to me via Docusign and I quickly completed and returned it. 

 

Not hearing anything for two days I called Fedex again where I learned that they needed an EIN.  I've long since closed my business and so do not have an EIN.  This was pointed out to the CS agent who agreed that I had indeed checked the correct box and provided my SSN as requested .  

Two more days pass (its now Saturday May 17.  Not hearing anything back I called again on Saturday since the package was still in Memphis.  I was then instructed to call Fedex Trade Network (800-249-2953) who coordinate with customers with international shipments.  Although the agent assured me the office was open on Saturday, it was not.

 

Today I learned the agents who review the forms are backed up due to additional documentation required.  Speculation is there are new processes and procedures Fedex needs to follow due to new executive orders.  There may also be an issue with the dollar value of the shipment (about $700 usd) that flagged it as well. The agent would not commit to a timeline for review and information regarding any updates on the package status.  I'll be calling on Wednesday if I don't see any movement on the tracking web site.

 

So, after all that:  Expect some delays. Whether it's Fedex and their lack of communication or new customs processes, shipments are delayed. 

 

I don't know the real issues involved with international shipping these days.  To me blaming various parties does no good. We just have to play the game and inform your local representatives of the obstacles you encounter.

 

So my advise is to just keep calling Fedex, UPS, DHL etc for updates.  Get a case number assigned.  I've included two phone numbers above.

[CBuff]

I just ordered a new grill from caterham parts on 5/2. Lo and behold it showed up in my door step on 5/7.  I was shocked it was so quick and no issues.  Maybe a smaller cheaper part didn’t get bogged down in customs.  It’s was $140 or something like that.  

[mrmustang]

22 hours ago, minimallyviable said:

I wanted to let you know what I am encountering getting parts from the UK. 

 

I placed an order with Caterham - for K-series cooling system parts - on April 30 or May 1.  It was quickly filled and picked up by Fedex on May 2.  It arrived in Memphis, TN on May 5 where it sat until May 12.  Calling Fedex (800-463-3339) twice I learned that there was a form -  Customs and Boarder Protection form CFR 24.5 to be completed.  I was told by Fedex that it would take 24 hours to review the form.  The form was sent to me via Docusign and I quickly completed and returned it. 

 

Not hearing anything for two days I called Fedex again where I learned that they needed an EIN.  I've long since closed my business and so do not have an EIN.  This was pointed out to the CS agent who agreed that I had indeed checked the correct box and provided my SSN as requested .  

Two more days pass (its now Saturday May 17.  Not hearing anything back I called again on Saturday since the package was still in Memphis.  I was then instructed to call Fedex Trade Network (800-249-2953) who coordinate with customers with international shipments.  Although the agent assured me the office was open on Saturday, it was not.

 

Today I learned the agents who review the forms are backed up due to additional documentation required.  Speculation is there are new processes and procedures Fedex needs to follow due to new executive orders.  There may also be an issue with the dollar value of the shipment (about $700 usd) that flagged it as well. The agent would not commit to a timeline for review and information regarding any updates on the package status.  I'll be calling on Wednesday if I don't see any movement on the tracking web site.

 

So, after all that:  Expect some delays. Whether it's Fedex and their lack of communication or new customs processes, shipments are delayed. 

 

I don't know the real issues involved with international shipping these days.  To me blaming various parties does no good. We just have to play the game and inform your local representatives of the obstacles you encounter.

 

 

So my advise is to just keep calling Fedex, UPS, DHL etc for updates.  Get a case number assigned.  I've included two phone numbers above.

 

I'll just throw this in, long before the wholemodern  tariff thing currently affecting us, I went through several similar situations with shipping higher dollar items in from overseas (mostly the UK, but a few coming from Australia). Sure the current issue may be playing in to the shippers internal paperwork, but I'm thinking not, and we are just caught in the shippers own 5-8% internal audit issues that Fed-Ex is currently experiencing due to management shake ups . One person in the office telling you a different story, or suggesting a different course of action vs the person sitting in the next cubicle over. (who all see the notes typed in from the conversations, both internal and external with you, sometimes including your frustration/anger if that occurs). Frustrating at best, but it will eventually be resolved one way or the other.

 

Best of luck with your shipment.

 

 

[Marek]

This seems like a situational problem to me as well.  In the past ~6 weeks I've had shipments from The Netherlands, Germany, and Italy via UPS and DHL and from shippers accustomed to shipping to the US.  One over the de minimis and the others below.  All have been been quick and on time.  As far as I can tell we aren't yet experiencing any significant shipping disruptions.

[minimallyviable]

I finally received the parts.  After speaking with FedEx it appears this is similar to what @mrmustang  and @Marek suggested with the exception that this seems to be a Customs initiative (at least that is what the documents show) rather than a FedEx audit.  Ultimately the parts were received.  This is the first time in about 25 years or so with international (primarily German and British) parts shipments I had been asked for additional information such as this.  Thanks to all who replied and for your help.