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Shipping questions

wondering9

I notice there are already a lot of very helpful shipping-related threads on this forum; I have looked at them and I appreciate all the information. I still have some questions though; can anyone help shed some light on these?

(1)

"Mudanza" seems to have a special meaning here (besides just being the Spanish word for "moving"). When I google it, I just get Spanish-language moving company websites. When mentioned here, does it refer to some kind of specialized service? if yes, how can I find out more about that?

(2)

I will not have a lot of stuff. As a wild guess I'd say ~12 cubic feet, mostly books and clothes. No furniture, appliances, or car. Going as minimalist as I can manage, and I don't need it to arrive super fast. Any advice on the *types* of shipper I should be looking for (or should NOT consider, besides air freight)?

(3)

I saw EPS and CPS mentioned a lot. These are pretty common acronyms and I don't think I found the right companies. Does anyone have URLs for these? I did find Hispaniola Freight and BM Cargo. Did I miss any really good ones?

(4)

What's the deal with blue barrels? Is that still a thing?

Many thanks in advance for any tips. I am just starting the visa process so I have some time to work this out, but I want to get my ducks in a row as much as possible.

See also

Moving with your pets to the Dominican RepublicMoving to the Dominican RepublicMoving to PC with residentsShipping pallets OUT of DRResidency - updates and changes 2024
om2252001

If shipping from the states, like NY NJ Pa any of those places there are all kinds of shippers at pretty good prices, The blue barrels are used because they are reusable here in the DR. Don’t even think of using a company like EPS, that’s for small stuff. Their prices per lb will kill you. I believe prices run from $95 to $125 per box, a pretty decent sized one too, weight does not matter.don’t believe there is limit either. Retired in 2020, must of sent about 8 boxes gym equipment, and a piece of furniture.

Kris Wade-Thomas

@wondering9

Hello. Regarding question #2, depending on how much books/clothes you are bringing, just buying a really large suitcase may work.  United allows you to also check in a box, if you go to their site it tells you the dimensions.  I’ve don’t this several times.  Aside from this if you are in NY/NJ area, like the other person mentioned there are several options to use that are cost effective.  I personally use Luciano Shipping because they do pick ups from my home.  I also have a BMCargo account.  Hope this helps

planner

A Mudanza is a shipping company. That word is used a lot too indicate Dominican republic companies. They will do barrels, appliances, boxes etc door to door depending where you are currently located. Most of the time it includes clearing customs (Aduanas) here. Try them first.


If you search other threads you will find recommended companies, again depending where you are.

Kris Wade-Thomas

@wondering9

For the small stuff have you considered just bringing them in a large suitcase or a box? I fly United and they allow you to check in boxes, if you go to their website it will give you the dimensions.  I’ve done this several times.  If your stuff won’t fit, then like the other person said you can use a shipper like BMCargo.

wondering9

Thanks Kris, I think that's what I'm going to end up doing. I don't have that much stuff and it looks like it will be easier to downsize that last bit than it would be to deal with shipping, storage, customs, etc., especially since I'm a long way from a seaport.


I've been reading through the different airlines' baggage rules and trying to figure out how to get the most out of them without risking going over and owing a big penalty. My current preferred solution is 0.75" over the maximum so I'm wondering just how picky the airlines are on this, but probably better safe than sorry.


I still have a few weeks (optimistically speaking!) as I am still struggling with the US bureaucracy and haven't even gotten to the Dominican bureaucracy yet 😳. But I think I will end up doing what you suggested.

rfmaurone

@Kris Wade-Thomas

I just set up an account with BMCargo. I wasn’t able to figure out where to enter the credit card information so when I’m there next week, I’ll stop into their local office and see if I can complete the process. In the meantime I sent myself an inexpensive little item to arrive on there and I’ll track how long it takes and probably pay for it at that time. Wish me luck

rgwsf

@wondering9

there are companies in NY, NY and Miami.  Dominicans recommended them.  You can ship boxes (70-75 USD).  Pretty big ones.  Does not matter how much it weights.  I use them all the time.  Please DM me if you want more information.


Best wishes,

Anna

Papito NL

Another vote for mudanza, we use them from Europe, local Dominicans. Pro’s: fixed price, pick up at home and delivered at home in the DR, unlimited weight and aduanas clearance. No hassle. I always fill up every bit of space in items and the box. More expensive stuff halfway the box out of sight. Btw I always fully tape the whole box when ready, not only for the weight and transport (damage) but also for weather after witnessing one of our boxes delivered in the pouring rain in the back of a jeep, so soaked it almost fell apart!