Q:Hi Shmuel,

Don't know if you remember me or not - we used to work together. I see that you seem to have all the information about shipping household goods and that you are working at a shipping company so I am hoping that you can help me.

I made aliya from Canada 20 years ago. My mother passed away 3 1/2 years ago and my step sister has been keeping a few pieces of my mother's furniture for me.
There are two small antique end tables (somewhat fragile) that I would now like to bring over to Israel.
I don't have the faintest idea of how to go about doing this, -how to get them packed, shipped, if there are taxes, etc.
Can you please enlighten me on the process and perhaps give me an estimate of how much it would cost if I had your company do the shipping for me?

Thanks.

Devorah

A: Dear Devorah,

Of course, I remember you well from our days in the high tech world.

Now I am working for Sonigo Shipping which is somewhere between lo and mid tech.

Anyway, let's see if we can help with getting your end tables over to Israel.

First, as I have said before, small shipments like this are very difficult to do in an economic way. One off expenses are steep for a small shipment and shipping with someone like UPS who specialize in smaller shipments (via air cargo) will be incredibly expensive. You are probably best off finding someone making a big shipment (i.e.. a full or partial container) and hitching a ride.

One option might be sending with the Canadian Postal Service if the end tables, individually or together, weigh under 20 kilo. You should check with the Post Office to see if there any any size or other weight restrictions.

But let's talk about taxes as well. Israeli Customs does not give a break on inherited items - they will be taxed at the published rate (unless you are entitled to an exemption - i.e. new oleh or returning resident.) Since you are neither, you will be taxed.

However, if you send them via UPS or the Post Office and declare the value at under $50, there is no tax.

Obviously UPS and the Post Office do not offer packing services. A company like ours can professionally pack, but again, your job is probably best handled by a MailBoxes, Etc or similar kind of store where they will pack on the spot for you.

All the best,

Shmuel