How do you make your arrangements before going on your hunts to ship trophies?
I know most rely on their outfitters but that rarely seems to be in the best interest of the hunter/payor.

If you already have a taxidermist lined up, they should be able to assist you with this.

One way that is in your best interest is to use a customs brokerage. When you get a quote from the shipping company, inform your customs brokerage and discuss the options. If the quote is out of line or they are not a reputable shipper, you can tell them to hand your shipment over to another company. It is your property and they should have no problems doing this upon request.

If you wanted to arrange everything before your hunt, I would call your customs broker of choice and discuss your plans.

I've worked with Fauna & Flora in the past.
Do you call them in advance and work out expected costs? Do you find it costs you more if you don't?

quote:

Do you call them in advance and work out expected costs?

I think it is a good idea to speak with them before your hunt. This is especially true with a unique destination (not the normal safari destinations etc..) They can give you the heads up regarding any permit issues, sea vs. air freight etc..
The customs brokerage will tell you what the charges for their services will be. You may not get an estimate on shipping from them because there are unknown variables that will greatly impact the final cost of shipping (weight of crate etc..)

Keep in mind, shipping costs can vary quite a bit and you would have to know what you will be shipping in order to even get an estimate. I would talk to other hunters who have been on the hunt you plan to do and ask them about their shipping costs/companies used etc..

Im sure there are plenty of hunters on AR who would be willing to share their recent shipping details with you via this thread or PM. Where are you going and what are you bringing back?

I guess to try and answer your original question better, I would say that other than knowing WHERE your items will ship to, I would not bother too much with other details.

I would want to know the following before the hunt:

1.Who will be doing the dip and pack

2. An estimate of the dip and pack costs (for budgeting)

3.Who will be doing the taxidermy

4.What is the shipping destination of your crate and who will be clearing/receiving it.

5. An estimate of the shipping costs based on a recent hunter with a similar sized shipment (for budgeting).

Thanks for the information Grafton.

Go to your taxidermist and they should give you a heads up. Here at my studio I will supply the cleint with all the broker papers--power of attorney,etc...,laminated tags for the critters,tips,and other info that will make the trip a lot easier and when you get home all you have to do is contact the brokers--mainly coppersmith and I do use 3 others ones---and of course usfw if in need of cities permits and then wait for the trophies to arrive on our shores....Have a great trip.....

african-montana-taxidermy.com

Getting an estimate on dip, pack & crating is not a problem in most cases. Estimating air or sea freight is a gamble at best. Things can change quickly in the cargo business. Even with quotes your lucky to stay within budget. Once you clear your trophies, it's onto:
A. your home (finished trophies)
B. licensed tannery/taxidermist
C. a port of entry where you clear yourself through US Customs
Cross your fingers.
LDK