For what it's worth, I used sea shipping when I studied here umpteen years ago. I don't remember the name of the shipping company (they might not even be in business still)... but found that it was the best and most economical way to ship home my winter clothes as well as books.
I used Spain-Tir in the past to ship my many things from the UK to Madrid. I don't how much to ship to the USA but from the UK it was about �150 (well, free actually, as they forgot to charge me ).
Hi Mike My friend who just moved back to U.S, found that the cheapest way for her was to sent packages by the post. you'r allowed up to 25 kg each. though it takes 3 months to arrive. (by the sea) Nava
Age is a matter of mind, if you don't mind it doesn't matter.
Posts: 324 | Location: Israel >Madrid | Registered: 29 July 2004
I've sent things back several times via the Spanish post office regular surface (slow boat). I've never had any problems. I've had more issues with things coming from the other direction--US to Spain. As I remember, it usually took about six weeks.
Posts: 1081 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 10 December 2002
hey Mike, always best to do a search first (why does that sound farmiliar ). as Irene said, there is already a (or a few) threads on shipping.
ok, since everyone chimed in here before Irene (voice of reason ) sent you to the other already-existing thread, i will tell you to use the spanish postal service. they will have the best price and have a special price for books.
it will be sea shipping but, contrary to Nava's friends experience, i have never heard of it taking 3 months normally takes no more than 2 months and often arrives in 6 weeks weeks as mariposita said. this is my experience in shipping via "correos" to new york.
you will have to bring your boxed books to door "n" at the main post office (cibeles) and send them from there. door "n" is around the corner from the main entrance on calle "montalban".
important: tape the boxes up VERY well and i would even put a large plastic garbage bag inside the box, place the books in, seal up the garbage bag, close the box and then tape the hell out of it.
Search was done and content didn't satisfy, which was why I posted the question(perhaps i'm a bad searcher ). I guess I should have posted my question clearer which was just asking for people's experiences with sea freight.
Seems safe..and yeah I will definately protect the content of my boxes...perhaps even give them a little inflatable ducky. haha
Thanks for the insight guys!
Mike
"He who hath not a dram of folly in his mixture, hath pounds of much worse matter in his composition".
Posts: 334 | Location: New York, USA | Registered: 06 June 2003
Just thought I would post more shipping information.
Iberia allows you to take a 32 kilo suitcase on board for 120 euros.
Sea freight with Correos for 32 kilos runs you 82 euros (without insurance) for 20 kilo box + 54 euros (without insurance) for a 12 kilo box.
Iberia: 120 Correos: 82+54=136
It can be a good option I guess.
Also, Iberia Carga offers air frieght service, airport to airport
There is an initial 45 euro service charge. < 100 kilos = 5 euros per kilo =>100 kilos = 3.08 euros per kilo
I have 60 kilos of schoolbooks to take home. Correos: 82*3=246 Iberia Carga = 45 euros + (100*3.08) = 353 euros *You can pay the 100 kilos even if the weight of the box is less than 100.
Almost 100 euro difference. Not that bad if you really need your stuff and don't like waiting.
Ciao
Mike
"He who hath not a dram of folly in his mixture, hath pounds of much worse matter in his composition".
Posts: 334 | Location: New York, USA | Registered: 06 June 2003
used to be open to everyone but guess they had to change that.
one thing, you wrote in one of your post above...
quote:
The box costs 12 euros...
... but that 12 euros is actually the base price for each package shipped. just wanted to clarify in case people reading this thought that they sold you the box for 12 euros and maybe tried to avoid that charge by providing their own.
Moving slightly off topic but in response to the last post: there is a great shuttle service to the airport, Aerocity, www.aerocity.com . I don't know if they will deliver to the Cargo offices which are nearby but I don't see why not, it's worth a try. The good thing about these guys is that they give you a set rate for the trip, depending on where you are in Madrid, so you're not dependant on a tricky meter that overcharges you. Taxi services hate these guys because they have good, decent service, provided at a much cheaper rate. They also use minivans so multiple suitcases or boxes shouldn't be a problem. The only downside is that sometimes you end up sharing the ride with other folks, but to me that's a small price to pay for not getting ripped off by a taxi. Lena
1) The monovolumen taxi was great. Considering I had 100 kilos--220 pounds of stuff to load up it was good to have a helping hand. In total 22 euros for the ride.
I think it was 4.20 for airport charge (understandable) and 4 euro surcharge for ordering it.
2) Iberia Carga is not the airport. You have to get off before the terminals at the Centro Carga exit. I'm not sure if an airport shuttle will take you there because it is technically not the airport.
3) Apparently Iberia uses the 'bodegas' or cargo holds on the passenger planes to transport goods. Other source of revenue utilizing 1 plane. Good idea. Anyhoo...This is definately your 'ryanair do it urself' type thing. You actually have to go to the loading dock and speak to the guy there and load your stuff up on the platform and get it weighed and scanned. I felt funny standing there with my boxes and suitcase surrounded by large transport trucks and what not. The people very courteous and very good about security. I had a mini-tape recorder which popped up on the scanner and I had to reopen my box and show them, but they were very nice about it.
4) Payment. My total bill came out to 355 euros. I had been quoted three different prices per kilo over the phone. When I arrived I thought I would be paying the cheapest which was 3.08 euros/kilo. Actually I paid less..around 2.78 euros per kilo after the representative looked it up in the book. There were also like 60 euros in taxes/customs/security fees.
Today...my boxes are already in flight and my stuff will get to NYC TODAY!!!
I must say...355 euros vs. 450 euros with Correos and it takes 6-8 weeks by sea...is a very good deal. I would recommend it to anyone that must ship stuff back to the U.S.
P.S. ....One of the air hostesses at the counter even picked me up and gave me her email address! why am i leaving again? :cry:
"He who hath not a dram of folly in his mixture, hath pounds of much worse matter in his composition".
Posts: 334 | Location: New York, USA | Registered: 06 June 2003
).
). as Irene said, there is already a (or a few) threads on shipping.
) sent you to the other already-existing thread, i will tell you to use the spanish postal service. they will have the best price and have a special price for books.
normally takes no more than 2 months and often arrives in 6 weeks weeks as mariposita said. this is my experience in shipping via "correos" to new york.
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