| What documents do you need from me? |
| To clear the shipment through customs, we will require a copy of your passport, and a packing list describing the contents of each package. Packing list forms, including an example form, will be provided after you make a reservation with us. If you expect to start packing soon, we suggest that you take notes of the contents. |
| How long will the delivery take? | |||||||||||||||
Below are average times from pickup in Japan to final destination, assuming that there are no irregularities and that we receive all necessary documents on time.
|
| How far in advance should I make a reservation? |
| We recommend that you give us 1 to 2 weeks notice. Longer notice would be even better. If you would like us to pick up a shipment on a notice shorter than a week, this can be arranged except in peak seasons; however, please start making arrangements as soon as possible. |
| Can I send suitcases? |
| Yes, you can. However it would be better if they are wrapped in vinyl sheet or bubblewrap to keep them from getting scratched during transportation. Plastic containers are also acceptable, however, in this case too, it would be best if you wrap them as described for suitcases. |
| I am not going home directly. Can you arrange storage while I am traveling? |
| Absolutely! In fact many of our customers do travel before going home. If you are shipping by air, we will try to arrange a flight that will arrive at the destination airport shortly before (or after, if you prefer) your arrival. In the case of sea shipment, we will try to arrange a ship that will arrive after certain date. The storage is 250 yen per cubic meter per DAY for sea shipments and 20 yen per kg per WEEK for air shipments if prior arrangements have been made. Hint: Storage is far less expensive at the origin (Japan) than at the destination. If you know in advance that you will be unable to pick up the shipment soon after its arrival or will not need it for some time, it would be better to arrange storage with us. |
| I noticed in your rate tariff that airfreight charges are sometimes based on the volume and not always on the actual gross weight. What is "volumetric weight"? |
| For air shipments, the volume is considered in calculating the freight charges. This is a regulation of IATA (International Air Transport Association), the worldwide controlling body of airlines. This is to ensure that the airlines receive reasonable amount of charges even if they carry a shipment that takes up a large space but weighs little, such as products containing feathers and the like. Volumetric weight is likely to apply only if you are shipping something that is very low in weight density, such as blankets, a boxed bicycle, an acoustic guitar and the like. |
| What about sea shipments? Does the weight matter? |
| There is a weight limit per cubic meter; however, it is one ton! Unless you are shipping something extremely heavy, such as industrial precious stones, the weight will not need to be taken into consideration. |
| Is there a weight limit per box? |
| There is no particular weight limit per box; however, no box should be excessively heavy. Ideally, it should be light enough for one man to lift. Heavy items such as pieces of furniture can be accepted as long as there is no problem loading them on the truck at the time of pickup from your residence. Note: We normally send one man (a driver) for pickup. Pickup by two men is available at additional cost (subject to conditions). It is acceptable if you or someone else assist the driver with such items to avoid additional charge for an extra person. |
| I'm having trouble imagining how big a cubic meter is. Can you give me some idea? |
| One cubic meter roughly equals 35 cubic feet and is equivalent to 20 to 25 fruit cartons or 5 to 7 medium-sized suitcases. For example, the volume of a box with dimensions of 30 x 40 x 50 cm is 0.06 cubic meter. If you have 15 of them, the total volume will be 0.9 cubic meter. You may have better idea if you measure a few boxes or pieces of furniture around you. |
| How can I send a large item such as a tansu (Japanese chest of drawers)? |
| If you are unable to find a box large enough to pack such items, we can provide custom-made crating at extra cost. This service is, however, limited to customers residing within about 40 km from the ports of Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Fukuoka, where we can arrange crating. |
| Will I have to pay any duties or taxes at the destination? |
| This differs by country. However, in most countries in North America, Oceania and Western Europe, there is no duty or tax if the goods have been owned and used for more than 6 or 12 months for returning residents. Please be aware that this might not apply to some countries and that, depending on the commodity, there may be duties or taxes. |
| Who measure the boxes to calculate the charges? |
| After your packages are picked up from your residence, they will be delivered to the port where they will be measured by government-authorized impartial organizations who specialize in measuring the packages shipped internationally (e.g., Japan Sworn Measurers' Association). Our freight charges are based on the official measurements reported by such organizations. |
| How much is insurance? |
| Insurance costs 1.5% of the value you declare on your packing list. The minimum is 3,300 yen. For example if the total of the items on your packing list has a declared value of 300,000 yen, then you will pay 4,500 yen. |