True story.

A few years ago, a client wanted us to help her ship to Kenya by ocean some items she had accumulated in her apartment somewhere in Dallas, Texas.

We sent our usual 2 pickup guys and a truck to pick up her shipment to be in the next ocean container.

The lady had 3 large fire-proof, bugler-proof cabinets (they are metallic and heavy) each weighing approximately 1 tonne.

Because the cabinets were empty, she had bought Bath & Body Works lotions to fill up the empty shelves and take advantage of her space. 

She was in an apartment on the third floor without a lift.

How do you carry these items she's visualizing somewhere in her home in Kenya and make her dream come true?

Here are some common shipping mistakes people make when shipping from the USA to Kenya.

2. Underestimating Shipping Costs and Duties:

• International shipping entails various costs, including shipping fees, insurance, duties, and taxes.
• Kenya may impose import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain goods, and these can add significant costs to the shipment.
• Failing to account for these costs can lead to unexpected expenses and potential disputes with recipients if they're asked to pay unexpected charges upon delivery.

We provide you with either all-inclusive shipping cost for personal use effects and we can also quote you for CIF shipping for commercial commodities.

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3. Making Shipments Too Heavy to Lift.

If you cannot lift it, it is likely someone else cannot lift it too. In the story above, we ended up asking the customer to remove the lotions inside and pack them in separate containers.

We further had to dismantle the cabinets (at additional cost) to reduce the bulk and make it possible to move them down the stairs.

It is not uncommon to find someone with a heavy barrel in an apartment located on the 4th floor. Moving that heavy drum down the stairs is not just difficult, it is dangerous.

It is better to send your items to our warehouse in smaller boxes and we'd consolidate them into your barrel or boxes to load everything

4. Comparing Shipping Cost to Your Items Value 

Picture this...

A new iPhone that weighs a few grams is only a few 100 grams and costs around $1800 - not close to a kilo, right?

The fireproof cabinet above is approximately $1500 on eBay and weighs approximately 1,000kg.

The iPhone is much more expensive but it would cost you less than $50 to ship from the USA to Kenya by air shipping.

The cabinet, which is cheaper, was it to be shipped by air, it would cost over $14,000 to ship. It would cost $608 by ocean cargo.

How much you paid for an item has nothing to do with shipping costs. You might as well buy something quality because used, free, garage sale items take more space than new items.

5. Hiding Prohibited Goods in Your Shipment

You want to ship those prohibited goods like a power banks so much and since you know it is legally prohibited, you now want to hide it hoping it will pass through the cracks.

You want to hide alcohol & liquors in your barrels so you can celebrate with your friends back home but you know you're not allowed to ship alcohol without a license. 

We go through everything and later goods are X-rayed by TSA. Your goods will be seized and likely forfeited and in some cases, fines imposed on you.

Don't waste your time, you cannot hide it.

6. Double Shipping Through a Friend Address.

This is such a common and expensive mistake, especially for our customers in Kenya.

You want to ship from Amazon to Kenya but you use your friend or family address to ship your goods from Amazon.

Then your friend would pack them and ship them to our warehouse for forwarding. It is not only inconveniencing your loved one but it is also expensive and time-wasting.  

Just create a free shipping account and ship your items straight to our warehouse and we'll do the repackaging and consolidation for you.

Save money, save time, and preserve your friends and family relationships.

7. Assuming the Dollar Exchange Rate is Still 1:100

This is such a common mistake we see. Someone is requesting for assisted shopping from the USA to Kenya and they have budgeted based on 1 USD = 100 shillings. 

When we send the quote, they feel like we are either expensive or they start negotiating the exchange rate towards 1:100

We left those days back in Kibaki era, more than 10 years ago. 

As of today, the exchange rate is 1 USD 155 shillings. 

8. Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation:

• For international shipping, customs documentation such as the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and, in some cases, Certificates of Origin or other specialized forms are necessary. This is especially mandatory in commercial freight
• Failing to provide accurate and complete information can lead to delays, extra fees, or confiscation of the shipment at the Kenyan customs.

9. Overlooking Local Delivery Challenges:

• Inside the US, shipping a package from Seatle to our Texas address can be more costly than shipping to to Kenya by air, in some cases. These costs add up quickly and you're better off shipping straight to our warehouse from the seller.
• Kenya, like many countries, has areas that are harder to reach or require specialized knowledge for effective delivery.
• Not understanding the destination area or working with a reputable local delivery partner can lead to delays or lost packages.
• It's essential to provide accurate recipient details, including phone numbers, to aid in delivery and address any challenges that may arise.

10. Inadequate Packaging and Prepping for Specific Goods:

• The condition and method of packaging can heavily determine the safety and acceptance of items for international shipping.
• Torn Boxes & Spilling Containers: Boxes that are torn or containers that show signs of spillage are often rejected by shipping companies due to the risk of damage to other shipments, environmental hazards, and potential regulatory issues. It's imperative to ensure that containers are well-sealed and boxes are in good condition to prevent leakage or contamination.
• Engines & Machinery: When shipping engines, especially used ones, it's crucial to ensure they are free of oils and other fluids. Leaking engines are a safety and environmental concern and are typically not accepted for ocean shipping. Before shipping, they should be thoroughly drained, cleaned, certified and crated to prevent any residue leakage.
• Used & Assembled Furniture: Furniture that's been assembled or used poses unique challenges. They often have protruding parts, are irregularly shaped, and are susceptible to damage. Such items cannot be easily stacked, increasing the risk of damage during transit. To ship used furniture safely, it's advised to disassemble, cushion vulnerable parts, and utilize crates or specialized packaging to protect them.