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Posted for Wclarkstill@aol.com:
I just picked up my Walter 601E engine and Avia Prop at the port of entry
(JFK Airport in New York). Lancair arranged with Expeditors International to
have the engine and prop shipped at the same time so I had only one trip to
make.
I'm not sure on the exact figure, but I seem to have saved a considerable
amount (~$1000) by having the items shipped to the port and picking them up
myself without a customs broker or having Expeditors handle it.
It seems there was also an advantage in customs duties too. In particular,
Expeditors International estimated the customs charges to be ~$1800 for the
prop and engine if they handled everything and delivered the items to my
door.
But by going to the port and seeing a customs inspector myself, there were no
duties at all, only a $9 transaction fee of some sort. I had called Customs
before I left and talked with their specialists for props and engines to get
the
appropriated 'Harmonized' designation numbers for each. Then when I saw the
inspector, I entoned the apparently magic phrases: "these items are for my
PERSONAL USE" and "I am a FIRST TIME IMPORTER". I also gave him the
designation
numbers for the items (which I suspect he ignored). Worked great!
The engine and prop will fit nicely in the back of one of those $19.95/day
UHaul Cargo Vans, and the big Harbor Freight shop crane you'll use to hang
the
engine can also be used with some chain to extract the 880 lb engine
container
from the back of the van.
Total cost of the operation: Air freight including Expeditors fees $1777,
Customs $9, Van rental including gas and mileage $280.
BTW, Expeditors wants a Bank Cashiers Check - no cash, personal checks, or
credit cards.
Took less than one day to extract the engine from the van and container and
hang it on my engine mount. Cheers, Clark Still (NY, 85% LIVPT)
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