[rescue] US customs - a warning

[Gavin Hubbard]

Hi Lads

Just a quick warning for anyone considering shipping used computer equipment into the USA. Some US customs inspectors are applying very rough handling techniques.

I sent a pair of SGI 1100 servers from NZ to the US about ten days ago. They were packed in a foam-lined wooden shipping crate. At Tampa, Florida they were subjected to a customs check that resulted in bent rack-ears on one of the machines (WTF!?), a missing rack-rail, a CDROM that won't eject, and a damaged HDD. 

This matter is now in the hands of the shipping company's insurance agent.

Regards,

Gavin