Can you recommend a customs broker in Seattle?
 

Hi

My bike is about to arrive in Seattle, in a container from Valdivostok.
I've just received a phone call saying I need to find a customs broker to handle things for me.

Can anyone recommend a broker in Seattle? I'd sooner find a broker to clear the bike I think, I imagine it being a pain, and I'm not going to be in Seattle for a few days at least.

Many thanks folks

Contact Tony Shan...Apex...he knows how to handle a motorcycle shipment.

Tel: 206 246 3422 Fax: 206 246 3104

tonyshan "at" apexwt "dot" com

Spot on, thanks
 

Thanks MotoEddy, I couldn't get Tony on the phone, but have fired over an email.

In case there are problems with using Tony, or maybe just for a cost comparison, is there anyone else that anyone can recommend?

No luck with Tony, any other suggestions?
 

I just got off the phone with Tony, and he said he's unable to help with this.

Can anyone else recommend a customs/freight company in Seattle that I could try?

Why can't he help? Tell him I said hello...and that I will have a talk with Wendy Choi!;)

edde

Update
 

Not sure why he couldn't help. I explained exactly what the situation was, and he just said that wasn't the sort of thing he gets involved with.


Anyhoo, with the help of a German biker (Marc) that recently did the same shipment route, I think I'm getting somewhere.

In actual fact, all you need a broker for, is to truck the shipment from the port, to a warehouse outside the dock. The containers are stored in an area of the dock, that the public cannot access, hence you need the help of a broker (that has authorisation to enter this secure area) to move the shipment for you.

It looks like I'll be using the 'airport broker' company for this step, but they're been useless at getting back to me, so I'm not sure I'd recommend them. But in case anyone needs to use them;

Their phone number is 206-246-6580
You can deal with Jeff on ext 150 or Gary on ext 120.

I first tried dealing with the customs office in town, address is 20th floor, 1000 2nd Ave. They weren't so helpful, and insisted on an EPA clearance before clearing the bike.
Instead I would definitely use the portside customs office, 7 S Nevada St.
Deal with the helpful Office Harrell 206-553-1581.

Hope this helps someone.