: Hi all,
: Apologies for the cross posting (also on qajaqusa). I'm currently
: building an F1 with Cape Falcon kayaks in Oregon, having come
: over from Italy for the workshop. I didn't think getting it back
: to Naples would be difficult but the frieight companies I've
: contacted are telling me that at 14 ft it's too long to air
: frieight and that they also can't ship by sea anything less than
: 200lbs and that anyway they only ship commercial goods by sea eg
: fedex, dhl. I'm hoping a kayak manufacturer can help out but if
: anyone has any other ideas they'd be much appreciated!
: Thanks in anticipation
: Simon

Good day Simon,

You need to find a company that does LTL or "Less Than Load" shipments. I useTropical Shipping to the Caribbean. If they can't do it they likely can recommend someone that can.

You will likely be charged dimensional weight, typically (in inches) L x W x H / 133. Take the greater of the actual weight or the dimensional weight.

The biggest problem will be clearing customs in IT. Your country is notorious for customs clearance issues- I say with no offense intended. Anything made of wood will be difficult to clear. You will probably need CITES certification and have it fumigated. The shipper will have all the details on this. I strongly urge you to check with IT Customs on local clearance procedures or restrictions. You may be better off shipping to FR or GB and picking it up, crossing the border on top of your car and maybe not have the customs issues of shipping wood to Italy.

I am sorry for your dilemma and hope you find a solution. As a last resort, and it is a long shot, try finding a charter yacht headed that way and offer them use of the kayak for their guests in exchange for carrying the boat to Italy. They would probably love having a custom wood kayak to use for their guests and customs would not consider it as dutiable. Most big yachts actually ship their yachts between long destinations (ironic) but you may find someone headed your way.