Airgun import experiences - via post/ courier route

[vmanicks]

Shiv@ Good Show.

FedEx is definitely doing a fine job in clearing their packages.
Pyramyd Air gives the best deals on pellets , however getting them to India is one big task
However Pyramyd Air packing is still not the best as I have had incidents in the past were the Sights were moved out or optic fiber sights damaged. Partially the blame is on the Customs as they rip your package apart to inspect your rifle. Top of it you can't send your shipment back for an replacement

So if anyone planning to use UPS to get their shipment, better be prepared

[deepakvarde]

When I got my GAMO whisper from Natchez, they sent it via USPS. Clearing it from there was faster than my experience with FedEx.

[vmanicks]

USPS is the cheapest way to ship products from US to India. However their tracking system works till the time the product is in US. Once it reaches India you will have to rely on our postal department.

Natchez ships products through USPS or UPS

[andy_65_in]

MARAUDER held upwith customs at delhi since 6 nov 10-spoke 2 fedex-sent them all documents by email(thanks to vmanicks help)-holiday on 6th and 7th-lets see what happens today-they are to open at 12 afternoon

[vmanicks]

Shipment getting delayed due to weekends and holidays are quite common.

We have no control over the shipment arrival timelines and etc. Usually customs inspect the package post lunch and before sunset.

Try to avoid contacting the FedEx clearance team as they get busy all day with several other paper work and I have experienced getting dead responses. So I would consider to be left it in the hands of the FedEx to do their job

Shiv@ Has your shipment reached? Looking forward to hear more on your Alfa

[andy_65_in]

spoke to the clearance chap-all documents handed over to customs-so expecting clearance soon

[vmanicks]

Stay in peace

Keep checking your FedEx tracking for updates.

I know it gets bit nail biting till the time status on the site changes to Int'l shipment release

[shiv]

@vmanicks
Fedex could not send the package by air from Delhi as it was marked dangerous! so they shipped via road and the update email says its reached Bombay yest and Bangalore in 2 days then to COCHIN!!!
They said the delay is due to the holidays.

The Fedex tracking update says
Nov 2, 2010 2:23 PM - Shipment exception - NEW DELHI IN - Unacceptable pkg or incomplete paperwork.

Spoke to Dhushyant at Fedex who cleared my package, he said that they have not got a updated scan thats why the status shown as such(got a real scare when i read the tracking update)
But the Fedex customer care is very good they sends me the progress of my package by email!

[t20]

I have used DHL couple of months back. The tracking status I was getting (after one month of the product delivery) as such "The shipment is being processed in the delivery depot "

[andy_65_in]

airgun cleared from customs but the fedex idiots not cooperating to despatch the airgun-they want some form 38 to be sent to them -i am based at bareilly where rthey dont have any fedex locations-whats this form 38
-other option is i collect it from their location at mayapuri
--

[shiv]

@ andy_65_in
Form 38 is more like a road permit for transporting the package to UP
ref : http://www.bluedart.com/regulatory.html
http://www.bluedart.com/regulatory.html#n26
Uttar Pradesh
Form 31/38 is mandatory for all commercial shipments travelling to Uttar Pradesh
- Form 39 is mandatory for all personal/non commercial shipments traveling to Uttar Pradesh
Inbound shipments
- Commercial shipments to Uttar Pradesh require to be accompanied by Form 31/38, Along with Form 31/38 a commercial invoice filled with all details is a must. The Form should bear stamp and signature of the shipper, consignee and the sales tax authority of Uttar Pradesh.

Any local transporter can help you regarding Form 38!

[vmanicks]

Shiv & Andy:

There is no way for FedEx to air lift the consignment between Delhi to any other Metro, City, Town, or Village. This is mainly due to the legal laws on domestic courier, this is applicable for FedEx, even UPS had similar challenge when they handled my RWS/Diana 350 Mag.

So once its cleared by customs there is no one in India who can detain your shipment, at times you can face a delay due to festivals and holidays. During these situation, just stay calm and tell FedEx folks that the shipment needs to be sent through SURFACE MODE only if you are located beyond the NCR or Delhi Region (NCR, Delhi Members can collect it from FedEx Mayapuri or get it delivered at home).

Sincere request for club members importing air rifles/air pistols, please avoid Pellets, Scopes along with their shipment. Currently FedEx has been doing a smooth and faithful operation to all IFGian's.

Lets maintain this relationship and keep our channels clear for FedEx and Customs

[shiv]

@vmanicks
Yea I know, Dhushyant at FedEx had explained that, but the problem is once the package leaves Delhi by Surface mode there is no way of tracking it.
Delhi is one end of the country and I live on the other end so guess have to show a little more patience!

Maybe next time I will take it from Delhi as I often come to Noida ! but then it will be difficult for me to carry it to Cochin dont know if any Airlines will allow that

Regarding pellets, my mistake

will be more vigilant next time! don't want to rock the boat, as its a very thin line with the Customs.

[andy_65_in]

what should i do-go to delhi and pick up the airgun or again request fedex to ship the airgun to me through surface transport for which they will again insisit for form 39

[vmanicks]

Andy @ Please go ahead with the surface mode.

Not worth travelling and spending monies on your fuel.

Ask them to connect with Gati or other alternative courier if FedEx doesn't have an office in Bareily.

You can check with your friends regarding the Form 39 and keep the form ready to collect your stuff.