Is an On-Site Survey Needed For An International Move?

Most reputable moving companies realize that moving can be extremely stressful and an international move even more so. Professional and very experienced international movers are dedicated to easing your concerns and answering your questions. One of the most frequently asked questions is why some moving companies do not send an agent to your home to do a survey to estimate the cost of moving your goods. This question is less likely to be asked by anyone who has moved before and observed on-site estimators at work!

Some moving companies send a representative or agent to the customer’s home and armed with a checklist and calculator they go from room to room, while you follow them around, marking down the furniture you think you might be taking, estimating the number of boxes that may be needed and they work out an estimated volume of the goods to be shipped. When dealing with someone it is easy to forget items in the basement, attic or off site storage facility because the agent will set the pace of the assessment; your role is reactive. Also realize that the agent will NOT come to your home multiple times as you change the list of things to be shipped. This is a one shot deal.

The agent will do some more calculations assuming you have forgotten things and will present you with a quote which they expect you to sign on the spot. After all, they have taken the time to come to your home, the company has paid their salary and they are expected to return with your sale! You are paying for this service. Despite the fact that international movers will advertise free quotations the money to pay these agents has to come from somewhere and this is reflected in the overall charges levied by some firms.

Why not deal with a moving company that trusts you to do your own survey? You, as the owner of the goods, are more qualified to do the assessment yourself. It is not necessary to employ someone to estimate boxes, list furniture and do simple calculations. You, the customer, are quite capable of working out your own requirements and with the help of online guides and assistance from the international moving company’s consultants you can eliminate the need for an on site survey. You can utilize easy to follow, on-line forms to estimate the volume of your shipment at your own pace, at any time. Take the form in hand completing it as you move around your home slowly and give yourself time to consider exactly what you want to ship.

There is no need to rush your choices or make an ‘on the spot’ decision. There is no need to allocate a day for a representative to call. There is no need to pay, indirectly through high moving fees, for an unnecessary service that simply puts more pressure on you.

Internet based companies use the World Wide Web to advertise and communicate with the customer. This enables them to keep overhead costs down and offer an excellent service.

This system of allowing the customer to estimate the volume of their shipment for a quotation is only one of the reasons why dealing with Internet based companies has become so popular. At first, this ‘self survey’ system was a cost saving exercise but now it is often regarded as another ‘stress reliever’.

Cost and stress are the two greatest issues that customers face. A good, customer service based international mover should be dedicated to relieving both. Allowing you, the customer to carry out your own site survey was initially a reflection of being an Internet business but it is now seen as one of the many innovative steps introduced to help change the process of international moving for the better. Over the years moving companies have listened to customers’ feedback and changed or altered procedures accordingly. They have added user-friendly tools to their websites to make the process of estimating quick and easy. Use the Internet; try an online, no obligation, and truly free quotation service.

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Choosing the Best International Moving Service

Living overseas is a wonderful, exciting adventure but it can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead of time. You should consider many things before you actually make the move to your new destination. You should think about the new environment for you and your family, the new language that you will have to learn, the expenses and the culture in your destination country. But one of the most important things to consider when you are moving abroad is how to pick the best international moving service.

The international moving company will be the one to handle the shipping of your personal belongings from the United States to your new country; therefore, utmost care should be taken in making this choice. The question now that may come to mind is “What is the best international moving service for me?” This article offers you some pointers to consider in choosing the best international moving service.

When making your decision as to what company should handle the shipping of your belongings, check the licenses and associations of the companies you are considering. First and foremost your international mover must have an OTI (Ocean Transportation Intermediary) / NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier License. A moving company that tells you they “use” a company with this license is not operating legally. A company that carries a DOT (Department of Transportation) or MC (Motor Carrier) license can move your belongings from city to city, or state to state within the US but they cannot legally ship your belongings overseas. Your international mover should also be certified by relevant associations like IAM (International Association of Movers) formerly the (HHGFAA) Household Goods Forwarders Association of America, (AMSA) The American Moving and Storage Association, etc.

Moving abroad costs money. The very first thing to consider is the price. How much are you going to spend? How much can you afford to spend? Shop around and learn about the different services that are offered to suit every budget. You can move door to door, door to port. You can pack yourself, or have the international moving company pack for you for an additional cost.

When you get quotes from different international movers, are you comparing apples to apples? In other words are you comparing the same services, and the same volume? If you see one company is much cheaper, you need to investigate because they are much cheaper for a reason. The reasons for this could be that the volume they quoted is lower or the service is not door to door but door to port, etc. Do you need to hire an international shipper? Most of the international shipping companies have minimum volumes for shipping and if you are only taking a couple of boxes, it may not be cost effective. These questions will help you determine the budget for your move. Once you have figured out your budget, you can prioritize your belongings. In other words, are you taking everything; special items or personal effects only?

Check with the Embassy, Consulate or Customs about items that can and cannot be brought into your destination country. You can find your country’s Customs website on the internet. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, there is always a “contact us” page and you can email the Customs directly to find answers to specific questions.

Are you going to ship via air or sea? Air freight can be very expensive but is fast. Sea shipments are slow but less expensive. Delivery dates are not guaranteed. The ship line controls the sailing schedules and there are factors that can cause delays such as a ship needing repair, storms, etc.

Does your international moving company offer insurance for your shipment? Your international moving company is not an insurance company. Ask about the coverage types and cost of the insurance.
Does the international moving company explain the process and will they keep you informed of the progresses? If they are attentive to your needs and provide you with information, you can rest assured your goods will be well handled.

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