Why finding the “cheapest shipping to Israel” can cost you more.

You are planning your family’s move to Israel.
Or maybe your company needs to relocate an employee to Israel.
Or your business needs to send equipment or purchases to Israel.

No matter what your shipping needs are, cost will be a consideration, and it should be.
However, when you set your mind to find the cheapest shipping to Israel, be very careful in your search.
Here are some reasons why, and how to avoid expensive pitfalls that can end up making the cheapest shipping quote the most expensive actual final bill.

1 – Hidden Fees Not Included in the Cheapest Shipping to Israel Quote
Some companies will include everything in clear formats, while other companies will bury charges in the “not included” section, or even in another document completely.
When shipping to Israel, it is very important that the quote list (either as included or not included) the Port Fees and Terminal Charges that you will need to pay here in Israel.
If you do NOT see this, it is NOT included! These fees may be listed as any of the following:
Terminal Handling Charge (THC or DTHC)
Delivery Order
Port Fees or Charges
Israel (like many countries) does not regulate these charges, so you must get these fees up front, and in writing.
Of course, Sonigo International Shipping to Israel quotes always list these fees clearly and up front.

2 – Services Not Included in the Cheapest Quote for Shipping to Israel
In addition to the fees you might have to pay, check that the services listed are what you need. Does your cheapest shipping to Israel quote include Packing and Materials?
Customs Clearing Services?
Read the quotes carefully, and if the quote has a link to read, click the link and read it!
If the quote says “subject to our terms and conditions”, read the terms and conditions.
A port to port quote will always appear to be the cheapest shipping to Israel quote, but that is because port-to-port is only a fraction of the services needed to do a complete move.
Not only that, but a port to port quote will never show the costs due in Port Israel, and as mentioned above, these fees can vary greatly.

3 – The Cheapest Shipping to Israel is Often the Worst Level of Service
As in any business, it is always possible to lower the price by lowering the quality of materials or services.
This is true in shipping to Israel. Any company can lower costs by using cheaper packing materials, weaker boxes, or skimping on wrapping.
Untrained workers cost less than trained workers.
Crews that do not pack to international standards cost less than crew that do pack to international standards.
All of this means the cost might appear to be cheaper, but in the end, extra damages, delays, and stress can make this the most expensive way to ship.

In conclusion, when searching for the cheapest shipping to Israel, consider the price last.
Add in all of the factors, both the out of pocket costs, hidden fees, and level of service.
This way, you can see what your actual cost will be, budget properly, and find the best way to ship to Israel, at the lowest cost.

Feel free to call or email us for more information or a free quote for your shipment to Israel.

Aliya Shipping Customs Clearing Methods and Time Constraints

If you are shipping an FCL (Full Container Load) you are only allowed 4 days free storage and demurrage (container rental charges) before expensive daily charges start to accrue.
This means we must start the customs clearing process as soon as the ship arrives, and we must have your aliya Shipping documents before the ship arrives.
You also must be able to accept delivery on one day's notice (as the day we clear customs is the day before we will want to deliver).
If this is not practical, let your Aliya Shipping Specialist know before pick-up.

LCL loads receive thirty days free storage.
Port facilities are fine for short term storage, but not for storage of over 30-60 days.
If your Aliya shipping needs require long-term storage, Sonigo suggests and storing in our secure, clean, alarmed warehouse after clearing customs.

We will need the following documents to clear your shipment through customs. You can meet us in Ashdod, Haifa or Jerusalem.

In order to clear your Aliya Shipment, bring us the originals of the following pages/documents (Husband and wife both):

1. Foreign Passport (Picture Page)
2. Foreign Passport (Aliya Visa Page)
3. Tuedat Zahut
4. Tuedat Oleh (Picture Page)
5. Israeli Passport (if you have one)
6. Lease or housing agreement
7. Receipts for anything new

We will complete the following forms with you when we meet:

1. Customs Declaration (ask your Sonigo Aliya Shipping specialist for help)
2. Signed Power of Attorney

3 - Completed Delivery Instruction Sheet (If you have any questions about access to your house or apartment, ask us BEFORE we schedule delivery).
We will return the original documents when we deliver your shipment.