Shipping tools to Colombia

I send hand tools to Cali. Mechanics wrenches, just sent 50 pounds, cost me $100.00 door to door, normally takes about 15 days. Could not buy one of the two torque wrenches for $100.00

Im in a similar boat. can you tell me what service you used? need to ship household items, tools and books. Not too many.

Carga Aerea Maritima

@georgesbigg thank you for that excellent information

@georgesbigg thank you sincerely

I had a crazy expensive freight quote. It made me think. There are some tools, books and items that have sentimental value. Everything else will just have to go.

I have shipped about 10 boxes or more, never been charge over 2.00 a pound total for all fees. they pick up at the door  and delivery to the door. The minimum weight per box is 10 pounds the max 100 that is per box not total. Just shipped 3 boxes Tuesday 16 lbs, 66 lbs, 36 lbs. Now large items like furniture goes by boat, and that is a 3 month travel and I will say this, I did not ship my 50 in TV they wanted a $180. don't know why

@Rainsfordwaters

I would pack them up in two suitcases (pelican boxes perhaps) and just pay the airline fees. Many of the tools you have are likely unique, difficult to come by or of sentimental value and personally I would like to travel with them hands on so to speak.

lpd

@georgesbigg

Your post brought a smile to my face. I recall send a box to Colombia and it was around two pounds. I told the shipping clerk that I am happy to pay the minimum and she insisted that it have to weigh ten pounds. This went back and forth a few time and as a resolution I took my box out to the parking lot and packed a stone from their garden and it shipped fine.

lpd

As noted previously, bringing the tools in your luggage on your next trip is a good option. One 50lb bag is usually included, and a second bag may cost $30-150 USD, depending on the airline, destination, time of year, etc. Take a picture of the interior of the suitcase before you close it and head to the airport, so that you can verify that everything is still there when you arrive, and in case you need to make a claim for lost (read: stolen) items.

I believe that none of the US airlines weigh carry on bags, so you should be able to pack a lot there as long as each item is not prohibited by the TSA and you are able to lift the bag into the overhead bin. I realize that this is tricky with tools, as many of them are probably items that the TSA wants you to check and not bring into the cabin, but you may have some things that will work in a carry on.

If I remember correctly, the last time I flew COPA they did weigh my carry on, so be aware that some carriers do have carry on weight limits, and your bag may be weighed at the airport.

@Rainsfordwaters

My Hobby is woodwork, at the time (12yrs ago) I was living in Spain, and the quote to send my workshop by boat was more that they were worth, I just had to bite the bullet, sell the lot, and start over, I still haven't replaced all the tools I had.