Doing research before my first SA trip last Sept, I had a hard time finding out what it would cost for us to get our trophies back in country. With that in mind, I thought I would post what I've paid so far so that other first timers will have some beginning ideas as what to expect.

Once our hunt was done, we selected Trophy Solutions Africa to process our trophies, recommended by AR's L. David Keith. They were very prompt and courteous in responding to all of our emails. Processing took nearly the full 99 days they quote but the crates are now ready for shipping.

Our crates will arrive at Houston Intercontinental airport and be received by WELL Worldwide Energy Logistics as recommended by our taxidermist, AR's own Jerry Huffaker.

The 7 animals that I took (6 capes, one flat skin, 4 back skins, two tails) cost $880 for the dipping and packing. My hunting partner took 12 animals. If I recall, it cost him around $1600 to do his capes, back skins, etc.

Even though we asked that all of the trophies be put in one crate, and it was listed that way on the invoice, we ended up with two separate crates. The crating, insurance, other various fees, and air freight charges that we received included both crates. The cost for that was $1566.

Hopefully, this will help others with some of the "unknown" costs.

Thank you very much for this post. It's exactly the kind of information I needed, as I head out for SA in 8 days. So, if I have my math right (and I don't know how you guys decided to divide the shipping charges), you're paying $1663 if you guys split the shipping charges down the middle. Is that about right? That's + or - a couple hundred bucks from the various estimates I've been told to expect for a 5-animal hunt like the one I'm doing (animals being kudu, gemsbok, blesbok, springbok, impala).

If anyone is interested, here are my costs from Namibia.

In country taxidermist charges

Cleaning of the kudu skull  - $85
European mount of gemsbok   - $110
Zebra Rug with felt back    - $520
Packing                     - $107
Documentation               - $50

Shipping Charges (IFN)

Ocean Freight to NYC        - $574

Clearing Charges (F&F)

Customs Entry Service Fee   - $407
ISF 10+2 Filing Fee         - $25
Cartage and Services        - $45
Terminal Handling           - $35
Fish and Wildlife           - $37

Inland Freight

NYC to Western PA           - $193

dla69.
Thanks I have been looking for prices and could not find any.
does anyone know air freight costs!

quote:

Originally posted by ddrhook:
dla69.
Thanks I have been looking for prices and could not find any.
does anyone know air freight costs!

Our costs are for air freight to Houston. It was charged at $3.20 / kg. of crate weight.

quote:

Originally posted by Luis L.:
Thank you very much for this post. It's exactly the kind of information I needed, as I head out for SA in 8 days. So, if I have my math right (and I don't know how you guys decided to divide the shipping charges), you're paying $1663 if you guys split the shipping charges down the middle. Is that about right?That's + or - a couple hundred bucks from the various estimates I've been told to expect for a 5-animal hunt like the one I'm doing (animals being kudu, gemsbok, blesbok, springbok, impala).

I'd say that's a good guess though some of the fees that we split would obviously be paid by only you. So adding those would probably add the $100-$200 you mention.

I should mention that one crate was 100 kg. and the other was 166 kg. for a total of 266 kg.

Our breakdown is:

international freight - $851.20 (3.20/kg)
fuel & security surcharges - $266.00 (1.00/kg)
customs & handling fee - $85.12
inland transport - $199.50 ($0.75/km?)
insurance - $64.00 (based on SCI value of trophies)
documentation fee - $85.00
facility fee - $15.50

quote:

Originally posted by ddrhook:
dla69.
Thanks I have been looking for prices and could not find any.
does anyone know air freight costs!

My box was 44 kg (97 lb). 140x70x52 cm (55x28x21 in)

Ocean freight was $574, air freight was priced at $1144.

My trophies are being shipped from RSA within the next week or so by air.

Question: do I need a Customs Broker or Receiving Service on this end or can I just go down to DFW airport and clear them myself?

Regards,
Scott

quote:

Even though we asked that all of the trophies be put in one crate, and it was listed that way on the invoice, we ended up with two separate crates.

My buddies and I put everything in one person's name. That why everything gets put into one crate and it does save us money, in that we are not paying for some of the same administrative fees for each person.

you can clear them yourself. However, there is a bit of paperwork involved. And, remember, you are not just clearing customs, you are clearing USF&W, and depending on what is being shipped Dept of Ag, too.

Since there's supposed to be a warthog in the crate I suppose the Dept of Ag will be involved?

Also have a babboon skull but not sure that'll create any hassles.

Thanks for your response, Dan. I've been very busy lately and with it having been almost two years since the trip I've kind of neglected doing my homework on this. If I understand correctly then, I can do it myself but it would be easier/safer to have an agent?

Thanks again,
Scott

ok, get a broker. Seriously. The wartie is by ag, yes, but the baboon is more than a little paperwork, both on the africa side of the pond and on ours.

I use fauna and flora for most, Coppersmith is another good company. having them do it is oh, so easy. A simple powere of attorney concerning the import, and yes, a couple hundred probably. Worth it in my mind.

I'm fairly certain Coppersmith has an offcie servicing DFW.

quote:

Originally posted by Vanderhoef:
Since there's supposed to be a warthog in the crate I suppose the Dept of Ag will be involved?

Also have a babboon skull but not sure that'll create any hassles.

Thanks for your response, Dan. I've been very busy lately and with it having been almost two years since the trip I've kind of neglected doing my homework on this. If I understand correctly then, I can do it myself but it would be easier/safer to have an agent?

Thanks again,
Scott

With the wartie and baboon in the shipment, I wouldn't hesitate to hire a broker. Contact Maria at Hunter International, you won't be disappointed with her service. She cleared my trophies in 2005 that came into Miami when I was living in South Florida, that included two warthogs. I'm headed to the Eastern Cape this summer and she'll be getting my business again when the trophies are ready for shipment.

Man, I love this forum!!

Thanks Dan and Graybird, I really appreciate it.

I'll give one of the outfits mentioned a call and let them deal with the headaches.

Regards,
Scott

The warthogs and baboons create a lot more hassle getting them cleared here in the US. Warthogs have to be checked by USDA and baboons get checked by the CDC. Using a broker is a very good idea especially if you are like me and do not have the patience dealing with gov't red tape.

We just received our shipment from Zim. on the 3rd of Feb. Here is a break down of one. It cost another $156. in F&W, ISC fees on this end. Had Always at your Service handle paperwork at PDX for a charge of $100. Very good outfit. Since there was a Warthog and Civet.


UTi is the shipper:

Freight HRE/PDX @ USD5.35 x 197KGS ---------------- USD 1053.95
Fuel Surcharge USD 50.00
Airline Security USD 50.00
GSP USD 15.00
Cites / Vet certificates USD 300.00
Fumigation USD 120.00
Documentation USD 50.00
Communication USD 20.00
Handling USD 200.00
Bank Charges USD 40.00
AWA Fee USD 10.00

TOTAL CHARGES PAYABLE USD 1918.95

Also the dip & pack fees by outfitter for $650.

Quite expensive overall I think of pushing $3000.

Now the real expensive part starts. TAXIDERMY.

Thanks David!

thank you everyone all the information is a great help. by the way YES coppersmith has a office in dallas/ft. worth

Just Wired my shipper $2600.00 for air freight Zim to Coppersmith in DFW. Checked a couple of locals (experts) and was advised this is what others are being charged. Seven animals, capes and backskins. Seemed outrageous to me but this Safari has been very expensive it seems. Guess one lives and learns but I already knew how to write checks and wire money!

REMEMBER, GET QUOTES ON ALL SHIPPING. SHOP AROUND JUST LIKE YOU DO FOR A CAR.
TAXIDERMIST IN AFRICA HAVE INSIDE DEALS WITH SHIPPING AGENTS ESPECIALLY IN NAMBIA.

AFRICA IS A KICK BACK HAVEN.

In 2006 I used W. R. Zane at IAH. Good to work with, they've got several offices around the USA.

anyone have suggestions on good shippers for air freight??

I have stopped wiring funds to Africa to pay for trophy shipping to the USA.

Many, if not all, import brokers will arrange for the shipments to be sent "Collect" and then I pay all the Shipping and Import charges on a credit card to the broker!

Yes there is a small fee for the collect shipment, BUT, you money does not leave your account before the trophies arrive in the USA!

[and I get points or miles on my credit card!]

Les

quote:

Originally posted by LHowell:
I have stopped wiring funds to Africa to pay for trophy shipping to the USA.

Many, if not all, import brokers will arrange for the shipments to be sent "Collect" and then I pay all the Shipping and Import charges on a credit card to the broker!

Flora and Fauna allowed the shipment to be sent collect, but they would not take a credit card. They would only accept a certified check or money order.

yup, F&F doesn't take credit cards, some others, do.
Using an experienced customs/shipping broker has saved me some serious $$ on most shipments than going with what I'm told from Africa.

Getting them shipped collect also puts a bit of pressure on the shipper to get them out toot-sweet as they want their $$.

FWIW-

Just my two cents.

You can clear baboons and warthogs yourself. For the baboon you can get the form from the CDC website, fill it out and send it back. I got in back in about 4 hours from the gentlemen at the CDC who was a pleasure to work with.

I am fortunate I live close to an airport (30 minutes) but I have cleared 7 crates myself over the last 9 years and have never had a problem. The longest its ever taken me is about 60 minutes. I figure all that money I saved on customs brokers is another safari.

quote:

Originally posted by Hutty:
FWIW-

Just my two cents.

You can clear baboons and warthogs yourself. For the baboon you can get the form from the CBD website, fill it out and send it back. I got in back in about 4 hours from the gentlemen at the CDC who was a pleasure to work with.

I am fortunate I live close to an airport (30 minutes) but I have cleared 7 crates myself over the last 9 years and have never had a problem. The longest its ever taken me is about 60 minutes. I figure all that money I saved on customs brokers is another safari.

True, but if you don't live near the location of import, or you don't have time to clear the trophies yourself, then you're dealing with a whole different situation. Some don't have the same luxuries as you may have; therefore, the customs broker is worth the money.

one way to avoid dipping charges and some grief with usfw is to have the skins tanned in africa. you want to make sure that they get done correctly, but if you know the outfit does it right it is also a good deal cheaper there than here

Here is a recent charge and breakdown.

2010- Zimbabwe to Baltimore (Air)
Chargeable Weight 111.5kgs
$1066.00
The breakdown was
Air Bulawayo to Joberg 189.55
Air Joberg to Baltimore 484.68
Documentation Fee 50.00
Communication Fee 10.00
Airline Handling fee 20.00
Agency Fee to Shipping Company 129.14
Fees collected on behalf of Maple Freight 200.00
In transit permit fee 20.00
Insurance Premium 16.50

Hutty,

If you don't mind me asking, what was included in your shipment?

Thanks,

Graybird

In my last shipment was zebra, kudu, warthog and blue wildebeest.

Awaiting quotes on my next shipment from Zim for a buff, zebra, and bushbuck.

when I came back from Namibia in 2008, we had IFN ship collect to Fauna and Flora and had F&F clear the trophies. I shipped via Ocean freight. We had the following shipped - capes, skullls, horns and back skins for the following - 4 kudu, 5 gemsbok, 3 blue wildebeest, 2 eland, 1 red hartebeest, 4 zebra(skin only), 2 blesbok, 1 impala. Total shipping charges, clearance and inbound freight to the respective taxidermist was $1086 per man. I was shipped in one container under my name to keep the F&F charges down.