UPS Brokerage Fees on Express Saver Packages

[tweakerxp]

Hi All,

I just had an express saver package shipped to me. There were brokerage fees of $10 + HST, however it is my understanding and past experience that UPS express saver packages aren't subject to brokerage fees (http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html).

Can anyone explain how I can avoid this from happening in the future? Can I get someone else to clear my UPS packages? If this was an improper charge, how do I get my money back?

[krypt0nite]

The $10 fee is a bond fee and it's also normal to be charged HST tax.

You can avoid the bond fee but you cannot avoid the HST tax.

Bond Fees
Customers are responsible for payment of duties and taxes. When funds are not provided in advance by the customer, and UPS must post a bond to allow UPS shipments to be released in advance of payment to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), a fee of 2.7 percent (minimum $6.00 on Worldwide Standard™; minimum $10 on UPS Worldwide Express Plus™, UPS Worldwide Express™, UPS Worldwide Express Saver™ and UPS Worldwide Expedited™) of the amount advanced by UPS will be charged. To avoid bond fees, call 1-800-PICK-UPS and ask about our Prepayment or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) plans

Since you live so close to the border, it may also be worth it get your package delivered to point roberts and pick it up from there. You can google details on this.

[chinese zzz]

I just received my package from USA ...cost $350 ... some how they say the value for this (package cost $98.68 - Gift Allowance$60)= $30.68

I have to PAY $30.68 .?? the invoice stated "Gift"

Isn't this FREE ??

I've phoned them ask this.. They say All package from outside with the Value above $60 cost Brokerage fees..

Is that truth?

[Maymybonneliveforever]

Many thousands of people have been upset with UPS for many years. I stopped using UPS when they made an error in billing and wouldn't correct the error in time since they sent it to collections. They admited fault but said it would take time to fix it so they asked that I pay it in the mean time. I told them to call collections to stop them from giving me a bad credit rating. All this over a $20.** charge.

In the end we paid it so it wouldn't hurt our credit rating and UPS never corrected the problem nor did they reinburse us for the $20.** even though they admited to the error.

Yes the value of gifts can only be up to $60.00, anything over that amount is rated at full price. Your best solution is to avoid using UPS in the future.

As for the "Gift" or "Warranty" claims, it's been used too many times that it doesn't have the same effect as it once had.

If there is an item I want shipped to Canada and I find out it's being shipped UPS, I simply won't purchase it due to the brokerage fees, it's that simple.

[puccagirl]

Many thousands of people have been upset with UPS for many years. I stopped using UPS when they made an error in billing and wouldn't correct the error in time since they sent it to collections. They admited fault but said it would take time to fix it so they asked that I pay it in the mean time. I told them to call collections to stop them from giving me a bad credit rating. All this over a $20.** charge.

In the end we paid it so it wouldn't hurt our credit rating and UPS never corrected the problem nor did they reinburse us for the $20.** since they admited to the error.

Yes the value of gifts can only be up to $60.00, anything over that amount is rated at full price. Your best solution is to avoid using UPS in the future.

As for the "Gift" or "Warranty" claims, it's been used too many times that it doesn't have the same effect as it once had.

I have to say, I sort of snicker when I hear more issues with UPS shipments to Canada. You are right... thousands of Canadians have experienced the gouging from UPS for as long as I can remember (at least dating back to the late 90's) and paying absolutely ridiculous UPS fees when receiving items from the US.

That's the bread and butter of UPS... they love it because those "unsuspecting Canadians" who didn't know any better, have little choice when the UPS comes to their door.

[DdBigs]

Gift Under $60 is free. Sales under $20 are free. Some types of shipping like express post are free of brokerage but not tax. Take Anything on the right side is free of the brokerage so it might save you money to pay for the faster service.

http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html

Express saver should be free of brokerage. I do believe they have a different type of saver that is not express and is subject to brokerage.