Like Clockwork
Update on moving to Ireland from America.
The Irish Customs, thanks to the Gardaí, now believes I am really here and the container of my personal effects has cleared Customs.
However.
The shipping company in America has told the local Irish haulage firm that final delivery charges were not included in what I paid back in Kansas City.
So I sent the original quote to the local Irish firm showing itemized charges for the local delivery here ($450) as well as for Customs Clearance ($375). And I sent them the paperwork showing that the quoted amount is what was paid, with more details of what was included.
However.
The Irish company want me to pay those final delivery charges all over again and then they will “arrange a refund if necessary”. Because the American firm is denying the charges they listed as being included were included.
To that end the Irish firm are refusing to tell me the amount of port duties and fees that I should be paying, legitimately, demanding only that I pay 756 euro and then see if a refund is due.
The truck arrives with my container in an hour. I am led to believe that the trucker will not hand over my personal effects unless I hand over a cheque for services I have already paid for.
Would you consider funding a large freight company’s cash-flow? Would you consider covering the risk for a large freight company when their agent in America is denying what they put in print? Would you consider paying for something by paying for it twice and then asking for a refund?
And oh look - the phone has just rung and they’ve turned up at 8am instead of scheduled 9am. Time for a stand off. Or it will be when the storage facility opens at 8:30
Earlier Installments:
• Readying For Ireland on the Streets of Kansas City
• Proof of That American Life
• A Life in Boxes
• Clearing Irish Customs
Eolaí gan Fhéile:
