International Move – Terms and Definitions Part 3

The following is a list of additional shipping terms and their definitions that will help you navigate through the terminology of the shipping industry. When shipping household goods there is a weight volume ratio to be considered. The land portions of the journey (origin and destination) are generally calculated by weight.

The ocean portion of the journey is calculated by volume (cubic feet or cubic meter). International shipping companies will quote prices in cubic feet. Estimating volume is a much easier form of measurement. The most common weight volume ratio used for the shipment of household goods is 7 Pounds per Cubic Foot. This is not per item, but for the entire volume of the shipment. For example the weight volume ratio for 200 CFT is up to 1400 LBS. If you are shipping normal household goods, you will not exceed the weight volume ratio. If you are shipping nothing but books and papers, lead weights or similar heavy items, the weight volume ratio will be exceeded and these are not considered normal household goods.

Demurrage – this is a penalty imposed by the ship line for delaying their equipment beyond the allowed free time.

Full Packing (FP): This means that every item in your home will be packed professionally for your international move. You may see CP (carrier packed) PBC (packed by carrier) to describe this service. Packing of any kind is an optional extra. You can pack some of your items and leave others to the professionals. This would be known as partial or what I like to refer to as “ala carte” packing.

You can pack all of your items. You may see PBO (packed by owner) to describe this method of packing. The choice is yours. Again don’t confuse packing with loading which was discussed in Part 1.

GRI – General Rate Increase – is a term used to describe an across-the-board tariff rate increase implemented by conference members and applied to base rates for shipment.

In Transit – Simply put this means the shipment is moving from home to warehouse, from warehouse to port, over the sea, from ship to warehouse and finally from warehouse to your home. All forms of movement are considered “in transit”.

Insurance – Insurance is recommended but it is optional.
You can purchase two types of insurance coverage; Limited Coverage and All Risk.
Limited Coverage will cover your shipment for total loss only; it will not cover damages of any kind.

All Risk Coverage will cover your shipment for loss and damages.
Insurance companies will not issue a policy for All Risk insurance unless the shipment is professionally packed. If you are packing your own shipment, you will only be able to purchase a policy for Limited Cover (total loss only). The cost of the insurance is based on a percentage of your declared value.

Live Load – Is a term used to describe a container that is loaded while the trucking company that carries the container to and from the port waits. The first 2 hours are generally free, and there will be an additional per hour fee charged after 2 hours. The driver that brings the container will not assist with the loading of the container.

Quarantine – This means the shipment is not allowed to leave a protected point because it is suspected of being a health or other hazard to the destination country. During the quarantine period (determined by the port authorities), the “Q” flag is raised.

RO/RO is the abbreviation for Roll On / Roll Off which is a method of shipping wheeled vehicles using ramps rather than cranes to lift the vehicle on or off of the ship. The vehicles are not in containers, but generally loaded in an area of the ship where the vehicle is secured at four points for the shipment.

THC – Terminal Handling Charge – is a charge made for service performed in a terminal area.

When comparing quotes and talking to international movers, knowledge and a little common sense goes a long way to a stress free move. Enjoy your new adventure.

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IntlMove’s tips for comparing moving estimates

The reasons for your international move are as varied as each individual or family that decides to make such a move. The move can be for a lifestyle change, employment, retirement or another reason altogether. It was a big decision but it was only part of the many decisions that you will now face. There is so much to do, so much to think about and where does one begin now that the decision to move overseas has been made.

Deciding what you will bring with you, what you may want to get rid of or what you may want to store will be determined in part if this is a temporary or permanent move and, of course, the cost. Once you have made the decision of what you would like to bring, then you can start finding out about the cost.

The moving estimates you will receive will be as varied as the reasons for the move. Unfortunately, there is not a uniform standard used for quoting by international movers. Of course you will want to get the best price, and the best service. The best price should be the most realistic, competitive price in the market. If it sounds too good to be true; it probably is! The best service should be a reputable company that is properly licensed, answers your questions, is responsive to your needs and is someone you will be able to contact throughout the move.

A price may look lower but unless all companies are quoting for the same volume, and the same service you cannot really compare apples to apples as the saying goes.

For example:
If a company is quoting 300 CFT, door to door service, but the other company is quoting 300 CFT, door to port service, of course, the second quote will be lower. It’s the same volume but a different service.

If a company is quoting 300 CFT, door to door service, but the other company is quoting 450 CFT, door to door service, of course, the first quote will be lower. It’s a different volume but the same service.

You can only compare the cost if both companies are quoting the exact same volume with the same service. How do you determine the volume of your shipment? Volume is determined by measuring Length x Height x Width in feet.

Are all the companies quoting door to door or door to port service? What service do you need and / or want? Do you know the differences between the services?

Door to Door service means that your belongings are picked up at your home or storage facility in the U.S. and delivered into your home or storage facility in your destination country. Customs Clearance Services are included with Door to Door Service.

Door to Port Service means your belongings are picked up at your home or storage facility in the U.S and delivered to the port in your destination country. You will need to clear Customs and pick up your belongings and take them or arrange for someone to deliver them to you home on your own.

If you require a full container (FCL) for your belongings, is the international mover loading the container or are you? Do you know what is involved in loading a container? Did you know that there is usually a time limit to load the container and an hourly charge if you exceed the time limit? A container sits on a chassis that is four feet off of the ground. It doesn’t come with a ramp, or lift gate (like a moving van). Is this a task that you really want to undertake yourself?

Is packing included? Are the packing materials included? Make sure you understand the difference between packing and loading. Packing means putting your items in boxes and or wrapping / packing furniture. Loading means putting already packed items into the truck or container. Some international movers will tell you packing of the container is included in the price, and you automatically think packing your belongings is included. They are really stating that they will load the container, and they will charge you for any packing.

Some companies will tell you that packing services are included. You will naturally assume that packing is included – it says so correct? Often times what they don’t tell you is that the materials and labor will cost extra.

Select a company that is transparent in their offering.

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