These tariffs simply won’t do. Dry dock models very expensive model parts.

[Desertanimal]

I placed an order last week at Dry Dock models for some blocks and things. They are in Canada, I’m in the US.  I spent about $35. It was shipped UPS so I was just tracking it to see when I can expect it. There is a notice that there is a balance due.

Click here to pay…. $61 in tariffs. 

That is a problem. 😡😡

 

 Chris

[Azzoun]

I hope you got some big , beautiful blocks!  Sorry for the bill!

[Chuck]

Those guys also sell and promote companies from Asia and abroad who steal designs from legit mfgs…and they openly support them.  Its a known fact.  
 

Luckily I know of a few honest mfgs right here in the USA.  Prices are already cheaper and the parts are better and no tariffs or fees.  
 

Those same parts bought elsewhere probably would have cost you just $20 …. maybe next time.

 

These tariffs are a bigly bummer.  

 

 

[Desertanimal]

I was unaware of those facts. Simply never gave a Canadian company a second thought.

 

 I’ll be using some printed blocks I’ve heard about 😉 for the next build. But I’m mid-build and need them to match. 

 

Chris 

[gsdpic]

That's interesting, and unfortunate.   I thought the $800 de minimis exemption still applied for stuff from Canada but I guess at least some of what you ordered originated in China and so maybe the Chinese tariff rules applied instead of the Canadian ones.   Did UPS provide a detailed breakdown of how they calculated the $61?

 

I have an interest in this and am just trying to figure out how things work now, as there is a Canadian reseller that has a Model Factor Hiro kit (from Japan) that I am interested in.   I've not ordered it primarily because of tariff uncertainty, though I have investigated a little bit and believe that the $800 de minimis exemption is still in place for both Canada and Japan.

[Desertanimal]

I am not able to find a breakdown of the extra charges. I’ve also emailed the company but no reply yet. 

[Desertanimal]

As a follow up, I just tracked the shipment and now it says “the fees on this shipment have been paid”. There is a little information “i” that looks clickable for more info but it doesn’t click. 
Do for now it looks like there will be no additional charges. 
Still no reply from seller. 

[Desertanimal]

So to clarify and follow up a couple of things. 
First I stated I hadn’t heard back from them. It looks like my fat fingers typed my email wrong on the contact form. So that’s all on me. 
He has now contacted me through text as my phone was smart enough to put in my correct number on the contact form.

 Second it seems purely to be UPS charging these fees with no prior notification that you’ll be subject to these fees. Not good on UPS. 

The seller paid the fees so my products will be delivered for my expected price. 
 

Chris

 

[rcweir]

I wouldn't be quick to blame UPS.   Everybody is being whiplashed by the constant fluctuations of very high tariffs.  I don't think that UPS has any better idea than you or I what they'll be tomorrow.    And be thankful that UPS will act as the broker in these transactions so it's still simpler  (and I doubt more expensive) than it might be if there was an extra party in there handling the tariffs.   My wife had a similar situation on an order from Germany a few weeks ago, but in her case there were more zeroes on the ends of those numbers.  But it did all get resolved pretty quickly with active assistance from the shipper (I don't recall if that was UPS or Fedex).

[paul ron]

On 5/28/2025 at 10:16 AM, Desertanimal said:

I placed an order last week at Dry Dock models for some blocks and things. They are in Canada, I’m in the US.  I spent about $35. It was shipped UPS so I was just tracking it to see when I can expect it. There is a notice that there is a balance due.

Click here to pay…. $61 in tariffs. 

That is a problem. 😡😡

 

 Chris

cancel the order! they should have told you the final price at check out, not surprise you after its been shipped.

Edited June 4 by paul ron

[hollowneck]

On 5/28/2025 at 5:59 PM, Chuck said:

These tariffs are a bigly bummer.  

Helter Skelter Time my friends.

I just received a shipment of milled wood from Estonia by regular post (mail). It took 19 days to arrive since it sat in U.S. Customs for about a week. I figure they couldn't figure out what to do on tariffs since it was a box of wood when they opened it (and didn't re-seal it well). Another fact: I've ordered rope from Canada and since it (com)packs into a normal letter-sized envelope it sails through to the USPS and usually within 7-10 days to my doorstep. No tariff nonsense, so far...

 

For U.S. Customs Declarations (all packages), most of our ex-U.S. vendors know to indicate that their shipment contains "hobby parts."

[Chuck Seiler]

1 hour ago, hollowneck said:

I just received a shipment of milled wood from Estonia by regular post (mail).

You should have gone with Modeller's Sawmill.  I believe the tariff from New Jersey is much lower.  😁  

[hollowneck]

6 hours ago, Chuck Seiler said:

You should have gone with Modeller's Sawmill.  I believe the tariff from New Jersey is much lower. 

Thanks for the recommendation Chuck. Good to know there are other vendors.  I guess I didn't make it clear that there was no tariff to pay for my wood shipment from Europe. I don't mind an extended delivery from Europe, or the additional shipping cost.

I've been very pleased with the vendor I use since they consistently maintain the tight metric tolerances I require and they can also supply hardwoods that offer color choice and consistency within the same species.  

[Chuck Seiler]

Ron,

    Understood.  Having grown up in Warminster, PA, I was using this as an opportunity to wiff on New Jersey.  

[Canute]

As a once Jersey man, I can appreciate that.😉

[hollowneck]

11 hours ago, Chuck Seiler said:

Having grown up in Warminster, PA, I was using this as an opportunity to wiff on New Jersey.  

Ah-Ha! Your humor went right over my head. Too subtle. I'm fond of San Diego BTW.

A large contingent of my family lives a couple miles away in Warminster. And many members of my modeling club (Philadelphia Ship Model Society) live in (Southern) Jersey. As a recent Connecticut to PA emigré, I still have much to learn about the various tribes of the Mid-Atlantic...e.g. South Jersey vs North Jersey, Delaware vs PA (and NJ).