I hope to erect an original totem pole in my garden. However I have no idea how to ship one from North America without breaking the bank. Anyone any tips to cut down the expense?

Sure,

I imported one about ten years ago from New Mexico to my house just outside Holmfirth.

Originally investigated the use of typical shipping carriers such as FedEx and DHL, but those both have maximum dimensions. Unfortunately my pole exceeded their restrictions by around 20feet.

Your other issue is that of girth. Some carriers don't accept parcels wider than a few feet or so.

I finally resolved the problem by employing a local craftsman to break the pole into manageable chunks, and then stowing the resultant parts into Shipping Containers.

Took about 6 weeks on the cross-Atlantic ferries, but the end result is magnificent.

My erection can now be seen from across the valley. It even featured in the last episode of Last of the Summer Wine. Norah Batty even commented on its size during filming.

Let me know how you get on.

Thanks for the tips though I was hoping to erect my prize possession whole. The main shaft is carved from an ancient hardwood Padauk tree and it would be sacrilege to chop it into chunks.

Hi,
with such an amazing sounding shaft I think I would very reluctant to let anyone get their chopper anywhere near it if it was mine. There are specialists out there than can handle and erect such things, I've never used any myself so I'm afraid I cant recommend any. Sorry not much help, just encouragement really! I look forward to the pics of your pole when its up!

Well it looks like my pole really is going to be a handful. In fact I think it will need many hands for this job. It really is a monster.

Managed to find this, which may be a useful method for getting your shaft moved by a few feet or so.

http://vilda.alaska.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/cdmg21&CISOPTR=5913&REC=11

Probably unsuitable for long distances I'm afraid