Gentlemen,
I've been advised by the taxidermist in SA that my three skulls are finished and a shipping quote is being assembled. I'll have them shipped through JFK for close proximity to home. Who would you suggest to handle the import process? I don't have the time or inclination to take the day off to go through USF&W myself.

JJ Meehan at Fauna and Flora Custom house has done for me in the past when going through there.

I have used coppersmith to clear 3 shipments and all went well. Best service for the money I have found.

I suggest D and L Custom Brokers out of Chicago.

Safari Specialty Importers has done a good job for me at a very reasonable price three times now.

Coppersmith cleared my shipment in 2015, and their service was flawless.

Thanks, guys. Can anyone give me a rough estimate of what they paid and their shipment size?

if it is just plains game it should be 400 to 500. Some charge dam near 1000 and that is crazy to me.

I have used JJ Mehan at Flora and Fauna 3 times. They have done a great job. You can negotiate as well. There are many extras on the invoice and quotes that you can have removed. I would suggest contacting the above suggested companies once you know the size and weight of your crate. You can ask for a quote for delivery to your home. I see you live in Connecticut. You could also pick it up at their facilities.

1) If you can take off work for a half-day, consider self-clearing at Newark airport. If interested I can provide the steps I followed.

2) Estimates at JFK:
Safari Specialty Importers $1,100
Fauna and Flora $500
Coppersmith $450

These prices are the quotes I received a few years ago. If I were to import at JFK, I would use Coppersmith.

I have never used a broker or clearing house. I've done my own since the mid-'90s and if it can be done here in AK, I'm sure it can be done in the Lower 48. Here's what I do:
I get a notice the crate is in a building for incoming cargo.
I call Fish and Wildlife and set a time to meet at the importer and papers are cleared. As long as the doucmentation is correct from the country of origin there are no worries. Pigs must be picked up by a licensed taxidermist for dipping.
After F&W does their thing, I take the paperwork to Customs for their stamp.
Then, back to the freight company with all paperwork and the shipment is released to me (except for pigs).
It's simple, no cost, and on my schedule. I don't know why more don't do this.
Oh yes, if the crate enters the US far from where you live, have the crate sent "in bond" to your nearest airport and gov't offices. Being in Alaska, my crates enter the US in Atlanta or Houston, or where ever but are not opened as they are in bond to Anchorage.
Cal

Coppersmith now. Used to use Fauna and Flora but they are not as user friendly now.

Used Fauna & Flora 4 times, no bobbles, great results every time.

Fauna and Flora is now owned by MIQ Logistics. JJ Meehan is still heading up the JFK operations.

https://www.miq.com/industries...and-household-goods/

Thanks, all. I've been in touch with Mr Meehan and he will be handling my import for me.

Good choice. Fauna and Flora have done all of my importing work, many times and always flawless.

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Ferrall:
Safari Specialty Importers has done a good job for me at a very reasonable price three times now.

+1