Moving Out of United States?

International Move – Terms and Definitions Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:02:00 +0000

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.

IntlMove’s tips for comparing moving estimates

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:17:00 +0000

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.

Guidelines on Packing for your International Move

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:59:00 +0000

Packing can be fun in one sense but overwhelming in another sense. It can be a bitter-sweet activity full of both joy and pain because packing for an international move requires some time and effort. You find yourself faced with the reality of not knowing what or how to pack for your international move. You question yourself as to what you should take or what you should leave behind. You begin to wonder if you are doing every thing properly.

There are guidelines in place that you should follow to ensure a smooth international move:

(1) Do an inventory of all your belongings. Determine what you want to move. After this is done, weed through the list of belongings again to determine what you should take or leave behind. Once you have decided on the items that are not coming with you, you can begin the process of selling, giving away, or disposing of these things. It is important to narrow yourself down to only what you need to take. More is not necessarily better when you making an international move.

(2) Less can be so much better when you are traveling overseas. Why burden yourself with strenuous packing if you can avoid it? It is important to not put more on yourself than you can bear for international travel. Since you are beginning a new life in a new country, you do not want to wear yourself down with a lot of chores. It is advisable to only take what you need so the packing will go smoothly.

(3) Seek professional advice on the proper boxes, seals, and wraps you need to pack your belongings in. An international move is on another level than a local or in-country move. It may not be the best thing to place your belongings in boxes from the throw-a-way pile at a grocery store. Professional moving companies know which boxes and materials are best to package your items properly. Ask the international movers about the best boxes you should use for overseas travel.

(4) Obtain a quote on the services needed to pack and ship your belongings. Packing and shipping your items overseas is not a matter you should take into your own hands. The packing and shipping of your items should be done with efficiency in cost and labor. After you have locked in a quote that works best for you, the international moving company can help you move forward with your overseas move.

(5) Allow the international moving company to help you pack. Because international movers are experienced at what they do, it may be best to allow them to pack your items for overseas travel. The international movers know how to properly pack your items for overseas shipment. They understand the importance of making sure your items are secure from unnecessary breakage or damage.

(6) Inquire about shipping regulations and customs. An international move is more involved than a local or across the country move. It is important to familiarize yourself with any rules and procedures you need to consider for proper packing as well as what you can and cannot bring with you. Ask your professional international mover to help you research the special things you need to know about your move.

(7) Find out what type of container you will need. Do you need a less than container load (LCL) or a full container load (FCL) for the items you are taking with you? Fill out an item list on line to determine the volume of your shipment. See if your international mover has a minimum volume to ship. An LCL shipment will be in a container with other shipments, a shared container. An FCL shipment means only your items are in the container, a designated container for you. If you require a full container for your shipment, the standard sizes are 20 foot and 40 foot. The 20 foot container will hold about 900 CFT of household goods and the 40 foot container will hold about 1800 CFT of household goods.

These packing guidelines will help lessen any anxiety you have about packing for your move. An international move is a major step, a life changing adventure and an experience to be enjoyed.

Packing, The Foundation of a Successful International Move

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:52:00 +0000

Imagine constructing a house. The whole process starts with planning, then the foundations are built and finally the house itself is built. If you were to compare an International Move to this process, packing would be on the same scale as laying the foundations.

What's the big deal?

You must be shaking your head now and thinking: "Packing? Really? Is it really that big of a deal?" The answer is "Yes, it is that big of a deal". The importance of packing is that it is a stage in the beginning of a long process that requires planning ahead and affects the success of the whole process all the way to its finish line. In addition, good and well planned packing can save you money.

How does packing better save me money?

To answer this you must know what happens with your packed household goods when they leave your residence. If your shipment is an LCL (less than container load / shared container) shipment, when the movers leave your residence they will transport your goods to a warehouse, your shipment will then be palletized and loaded into a container.

This container is simply a huge metal box in a shape of a rectangle. All of your boxes, furniture and any other goods are now palletized. This means that they are grouped as efficiently as possible and fastened to pallets so they will have a safer journey. Your belongings may create some “dead space” on the pallet or pallets. For example furniture and a lot of different sized boxes will create more “dead space” than more uniform shaped items. The better you pack your belongings, the more efficiently the space on the pallet will be used. Packing well may be more cost efficient since you are charged for the actual space, or volume, that your goods require out of the total container.

If your shipment is an FCL (full container load / designated or exclusive container), usually the case when you have a very large shipment, your goods will be loaded, braced and secured in the container but they will not be palletized. You are paying for the complete volume of a container even if you do not fill the container completely.

How can I pack better?

You could pack on your own or have your international mover pack your belongings. If you choose to pack on your own, you must remember to pack in as many similar sized boxes as you can. The advantage of having your international mover pack is they are very experienced, they know how to pack, they use the proper materials; they will perform this task much faster and in the most efficient way. You might even want to use this time for other tasks regarding your move.

A point worth mentioning with regards to packing is insurance. If you have your international mover pack, your shipment can be insured for loss and damage. If you do your own packing, your shipment can still be insured but for loss only.

Whatever you choose to do, remember that packing is the foundation; good packing will give you the advantage and will bring you closer to a smooth and successful move. The decision is in your hands.

International Shipping Terms and Definitions Part II

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Let’s learn some more shipping terms and definitions to help you better understand the unique set of terms and acronyms that are used in the shipping industry. If you have not read Part I of this article then we suggest you do it now.

Bill of Lading (B/L): A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company. It is a document of title, a contract of carriage or in layman’s terms a receipt for goods being transported or shipped.

Carrier: Is a term referring to a Ship Line, Freight Forwarder or NVOCC

Customs: Government agency charged with enforcing the rules and regulations passed to protect the country’s import and export revenues.

Customs Duties and Taxes: The documents, duties or taxes that you may be required to produce and or pay vary depending on your status for entering the country. The regulations are subject to change without notice. Each situation is individual and unique. You could be entering as a returning citizen, a retiree, a student, with a work visa or a tourist visa just to name a few. It is essential that you contact the consulate or embassy for your destination country or visit your destination country’s government Customs website for the latest updates in regulations or requirements. If you cannot find the information you need on the website, there is always a way to contact Customs via email and you can then ask questions unique to you and your shipment. It is your responsibility to have the proper documentation available for the Customs Clearance Agent.

Customs Clearance Agent: The person who facilitates the paperwork for normal customs clearance of your shipment.

Density: The weight of cargo per cubic foot or other unit of measure.

Destination: This is an easy one – the location where a shipment ends its movement.

Door to Door Service (D/D): Your household goods are picked up at your door (origin in the US – can be your home or a storage facility) and delivered to your door in your destination country (can be your home or a storage facility). Customs clearance will be handled (paperwork facilitated by Customs Clearance Agent) for you.

Door to Port Service (D/P): Your household goods are picked up at your door (origin in the US – can be from your home or a storage facility) and discharged at the port of destination. You will need to clear your shipment through Customs and arrange to have your items picked up and delivered to your home or storage facility.

Drayage: This is a term used by trucking companies that truck a container to and from the port and or container yard of the ship line.

ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) when your shipment is estimated to arrive in your destination country.

ETD – Estimated Time of Departure – the time and or date your shipment leaves the US.

Export: The shipment of goods leaving the US to a foreign country.

FMC: You may have heard the term FMC, but what is it and why is it important in an international shipment? FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) is the U.S. Governmental regulatory body responsible for administering maritime affairs including the tariff system, Freight Forwarding Licensing, enforcing the conditions of the Shipping Act and approving conference or other carrier agreements. Now that you know this, you may still be asking yourself, what does this mean? To put it simply, a company that is shipping items overseas must be licensed by the FMC or they legally cannot ship items overseas. This OTI (Ocean Transportation Intermediary) license can be of a FF (Freight Forwarder) or an NVOCC (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier).

Freight Forwarder (FF) is a person whose business is to act as an agent on behalf of the shipper. Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC or NVO) is a cargo consolidator in ocean trades who will buy space from a carrier and sub / sell it to smaller shippers. INTLMOVE has an NVOCC License.

Look for more shipping terms in Part III.

International Shipping Terms and Definitions - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:12:00 +0000

Have you noticed when you talk to an international moving company that there is a unique set of terms and acronyms that are used in this industry? Sometimes it is confusing to compare apples to apples because you are not even sure what the international moving companies are talking about. Here are some terms to get you started understanding the terminology used for shipping.

Packing seems to be a simple term, but it may be necessary to clarify even a simple term like this. Packing refers to putting items into a box or wrapping, covering or protecting furniture in some way. This term should not be confused with the word loading. Loading refers to taking packed items and loading them into the truck or container. Loading is included in the cost, but packing is always an optional, additional cost.

Cubic Foot (CFT or CF) is a unit of measure for volume (1 foot L x 1 foot H x 1 foot W)
Volume is measured by the Length x Height x Width in feet of an item or group of items.
Cubic Meter (CBM or CM) is a unit of measure for volume HHG is the acronym for household goods.

You can ship your belongings in an FCL (full container load) shipment or an LCL (less than container load) shipment. An FCL shipment means you are taking either a 20 FT, 40 FT Standard or 40 FT HC (high cube) container for your shipment and your shipment only. This is also known as a designated container.

The 20 FT and 40 FT Standard are the most commonly used containers. They are the most economical and readily available. A 20 FT container will comfortably hold 900 CFT of household goods or one standard vehicle and approximately 200-300 CFT of household goods. The interior dimensions are 7’8” Wide x 7’10” High x 19’4” Long and if it was filled with sand or water would hold 1161 CFT. The 40 FT STD (standard) container will comfortably hold 1800 CFT of household goods or one standard size vehicle and approximately 900 CFT of household goods. The interior dimensions are 7’8” Wide x 7’10” High x 39’6” Long and it was filled with sand or water would hold 2372 CFT.

The term “self load” means that you load the packed items into the container yourself. Many of the ship lines no longer release containers to private residences. Many of the trucking companies that carry the containers from ship line’s container yard to the pick up location no longer will go to private residences due to insurance restrictions. For these reasons, the trend is to pick up your belongings in a truck, bring them to the warehouse and load the container at the warehouse.

The containers belong to the ship line. The containers are not for storage. You can store the contents of the container but you cannot store the contents in the container. The container sits on a chassis with wheels that is about 4 feet above the ground. The container does not come with a ramp or lift gate (like a moving truck) so if you were thinking about the self load option, this alone would be a reason not to even consider it. At the warehouse, a loading dock, ramp or forklift is used to load the items into the container.

An LCL shipment means your shipment will be loaded into a shared or consolidated container with other shipments. Your LCL shipment will either be palletized or put in a lift van to keep it separate from the other shipments in the container. When your shipment is palletized, the items are placed on a treated, wooden pallet (a platform without sides). The wood is treated to satisfy requirements in all countries. The items are then shrink wrapped (polyethylene or similar material heat treated and shrunk into an envelope around the items) to the pallet to secure them for shipping. A lift van is a treated, wooden crate that is used when items will not travel well on a pallet. A lift van will generally hold approximately 200 CFT of household goods. The lift van and the pallet are easily moved from place to place by means of a forklift. Look for more shipping terms in another article.

Armed with all this information you are now in a better position to understand the terms used in the international moving process, and negotiate all the more better with your international movers.

Intlmove - Tips on Moving to Australia

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:08:00 +0000

Australia is considered by many to be one of the most popular countries to relocate to whether it is for a job transfer, because you are a returning citizen, want to retire, or for any other reason. Australia offers breathtaking landscapes and a diverse, multi cultural population (about 21.7 million).

When you are not working, take advantage of the numerous activities Australia has to offer. You can ski and snowboard down Victoria’s powdered slopes or swim, snorkel, dive or sail the balmy waters of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is a living masterpiece that is so big it can be seen from outer space. Plan a walkabout or learn more about the Australian outback a place where plains stretch to eternity. Visit Sydney and view the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Western Australia will take you back in time; enjoy Freemantle’s majestic and historic architecture. Perth’s marine heritage will draw you to the ocean.

Are you’re a returning citizen? Do you know what documents you will need to relocate to Australia? Are you moving permanently or for a temporary period of time? Are you going by yourself, as a family, considering taking any pets, considering taking a vehicle? Planning is the key to make your relocation successful and stress free.

Contact the local embassy, consulate or contact Customs directly and start to learn what you will need to do and what documents will be required. How long does it take to get a visa? What costs are involved in getting the paperwork in order? Will you need an attorney? If you are bringing your pets with you, be aware that the application process will take time and your pet will more than likely be quarantined for a period of time (about 30 days) before being released.

For your household goods, you will be required to complete form B534 – Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement. Your customs clearance agent will provide you with the form or you may be able to download it directly from the Australian Customs website.

Terminal Handling Charges will be charged in the destination in Australian dollars. They are determined by the port authorities and are subject to change without notice. Your International moving company can provide you with an estimate of the charges at the current time.

If you are planning to take your vehicle, the vehicle will need quarantine clearance from Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services after the vehicle has arrived at the port. This agency inspects all vehicles upon arrival and requires them to be properly cleaned; generally steam cleaned and all soil and other matter (including the underside of the vehicle) must be removed. You will need Vehicle Import Approval from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Transport and Regional Services. You will be required to pay customs duty, goods and service tax (GST) and where applicable a Luxury Car Tax (LCT) and obtain customs clearance at the port of entry.

Australia has very strict laws regarding soil. All bicycle tires, all shoes (especially golf shoes), golf clubs, lawn mowers, garden tools, outdoor furniture, hiking gear, BBQ’s motor cycles must be clean and free of soil. If traces of soil are detected, then AQIS will issue an instruction that each item is steam cleaned prior to being released for delivery. The additional cost of steam cleaning, fumigation and deep burial (if required) will be paid by you. Items that could require fumigation and gamma treatments are pine cones, authentic Christmas decorations, cane products, animal skins, drum skins, straw packaging, wheat bags, fruit and vegetable cartons used for packing. Be sure not to use these types of boxes for packing if you are packing yourself. Pack all of your shoes in one carton. Provide, on the outside of each carton, a brief description of the contents of each carton. Avoid generic terms such as PBO (packed by owner) or miscellaneous. This will be especially important when packing kitchen items, should your shipment be inspected, they will be looking for food, seeds, etc. So if the box just has pots and pans in it, it should be labeled as such. This step of labeling will avoid packing and repacking of your items should your shipment need to be inspected. These costs are not included in the services of any international moving company. This is not considered normal customs clearance. It is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations of your destination country before you ship your belongings.

You should plan to take delivery of your shipment about 10 days from the AQIS approval for delivery. If you are not available or cannot take delivery within the approximate 10 day period, then you will be charged for storage and handling.

The process of relocating to Australia is easy. Your part is to do the research, learn the rules and regulations on what and what not to bring and to plan. Your international mover can direct you to where to find out information, they can help you determine the volume of your shipment, whether to pack yourself or not, what kind of insurance coverage is available and will take care of getting your belongings from your home in the US to your new home in Australia. Now you ready for your adventure and experience of a lifetime!

INTLMOVE’S TIPS ON CUSTOMS INFORMATION

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:50:00 +0000

The greatest benefit if using an international moving company is that you have access to tools that will help you determine the volume of your shipment, help you to decide if you want to pack yourself or have the shipment packed for you, what kind of insurance coverage is available, what to expect throughout the process and to help you find out if you have to pay duties and taxes on your shipment in your new destination country. We will concentrate on Customs Information in this article.

The service of a customs clearance agent to handle / facilitate the paperwork for normal customs clearance is included in the door to door service. If you want door to port service, you will need to provide your own customs clearance agent.

The documents, duties or taxes that you may be required to produce / pay vary depending on your status for entering the country. Are you a returning citizen, a retiree, a student, looking for work, already obtained a work visa, etc? As you can see each situation is individual and unique. It is your responsibility to have the proper documentation available. For example if you are a returning citizen, will your country require you to prove that you were living outside in another country for a specified amount of time (the requirement could be 6 months, 2 years or other)? What kind of proof will they require? You will need to have that documentation available to send to the customs clearance agent. The regulations are subject to change without notice. Your international moving company cannot tell you the specific requirements for how you are entering the country for your shipment, but they can direct you on how and where to get this information.

You must contact the consulate or embassy for the latest updates in regulations or requirements. You can also visit our website www.intlmove.com, “customs information”, under the flag use the scroll down arrow next to the box “select a country”. This will open to the government Customs page for your destination country. If you are not able to find the information you are looking for, there is always an option to “contact us” meaning you can email the Customs personnel for your destination country to ask questions specific to your needs.

The government Customs site for your destination country will also provide information about what constitutes used or new household goods. Some countries consider goods new unless they are at least 6 months or older, but each country is different. If you want to bring in firearms (if you can at all) you will more than likely need to obtain special permits and or licenses. Products made from materials such as animals bones or ivory could be confiscated. Obviously you wouldn’t ship fresh meat, plants or any living thing in a container, but some countries will not allow dried grasses, seeds, animal hides or pelts to be brought into their country. Learn what items are banned and / or restricted and what items can be brought in but may be taxed. If you want to ship your car; did you know that some countries will only allow you to bring in your vehicle if you are a diplomat? Some countries restrict the age of the vehicle (over 5 years old is a very common restriction). The emissions requirements, the tires, etc may have different requirements in your destination country than what you are used to in the USA. Are you prepared to pay taxes and or covert your vehicle to meet their codes and rules? Most countries prohibit the sale of any household goods for a period of up to two years after importing. There can be extreme variations which are affected by religious and political cultures that may involve watching every movie or examining every book page by page that you bring into the country.

A shipment may be stopped at Customs even if you have followed all of the rules and provided all of the correct paperwork. Customs operations are entirely outside of your international moving company’s control. Think of it like the TSA at the airport. When you are flying, before boarding your plane, the TSA will sometimes set up spot checking of carry on baggage. If you are selected for this, you will comply. If Customs wants to inspect a shipment for whatever reason, you will comply. If your goods are held up by customs, remember to keep calm and cooperate. If you have done your homework, this will only be a temporary delay. It might; however, be a good idea to set aside an emergency fund for unexpected duties or similar expenses.

Over the years, the restrictions of what can and cannot be brought into a country have grown and are subject to change without notice. It is essential to check the guidelines for your destination country and make sure you are up to date so that your shipment can travel, unhindered, to your new home. When it comes to Customs regulations, do not assume or guess – KNOW!

Do I need an International Mover?

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:11:00 +0000

This question, if you are planning to relocate overseas, is very relevant. You could probably handle this task on your own, but you must take into account all of the following factors before you make a decision:

An international move is a very complex procedure that requires more-than-basic knowledge; it will have you spending hours on the phone in search of moving companies (domestic and foreign), trucking companies, shipping companies etc.

Does it really require experience?

In addition to the knowledge required and the proper license to legally ship your belongings overseas, nothing can replace the amount of experience that an international mover has and that you, probably, lack. Even if you moved before it couldn't have been as many times as an international mover has dealt with these procedures. Think of it in more simple terms: even if you changed the oil in your car several times, that does not qualify you as a fully trained mechanic yet – you will still need to learn a lot and acquire enough experience before you will be able to be good at fixing your car, not to mention other people's cars. If we use this example, an international mover is a very experienced, highly regarded auto shop with a very good reputation, and one you won't hesitate to allow to fix your car.

How complicated can it be?

To help you grasp the extent of the complications you might need to overcome if you choose to do this on your own, here are just a few of the types of companies you will surely have to deal with when moving overseas:

1. A domestic moving company
2. A domestic trucking company if shipping an full designated container
3. A trustworthy shipping company
4. Foreign Customs Authority
5. Foreign moving company

Those are just the essential basic services that you will need to know how to find and deal with. Sound easy? Hold on…

Finding a domestic moving company can be simple, but how will you know that they are really as good as they say? Do you have any experience with such services in an extent that enables you to be sure?

Same goes for finding a shipping company: do you know who is the best? Do you have the ability to negotiate with them on a good price?

Would you like to spend the time required to narrow the gap between the moving company and the shipping company? Someone has to make sure that all that left your home will be loaded on the ship. Someone also has to make sure that all that is unloaded at your port of destination, is loaded on a local truck and safely delivered to your new location.

Dealing with foreign Customs authorities is in itself worthy of a separate article. You will have to master all local laws and regulations and overcome, to some extent, the language barrier.
Now go find a local moving company in your destination country. If you thought finding a good one in the USA is a bit of a hassle, try doing it by phone / fax / e-mail in Italy, France or any other country where they probably speak less English than the local Customs personnel.

The bottom line – get a quote

In short, unless you have moved hundreds of times, it would probably be wise to let an international moving company that handles thousands of international moves annually take care of your move and allow you to make better use of your time in preparation for the big step.

Getting a quote is free, what have you got to lose?

Understanding the Steps of International Moving

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Are you just about to move internationally? If so, here are the basic steps you will need to take:
Once you have decided to move internationally and have a known destination, it is time to make all the necessary arrangements for your move. You will need, of course, to start packing. If you are packing mostly household goods you might prefer to do this on your own to save costs; although this can be done, for a fee, by the moving company in charge of transporting your possessions to the port of departure.

The moving company will be the first of many stages in the journey that you will have to deal with. They will be in charge of the first part of your move. When they have delivered your goods to the port another step takes place: storing and loading. Your goods will be taken to the port in a container, fully loaded (that's in case you ordered an exclusive container), or will be stored in a warehouse together with other goods being shipped to the same destination, and will be consolidated to a shared container and sent on their way overseas.

The next stage or link is the shipping company. They are the ones who run the ship onto which your container or the shared container holding your belongings is loaded and transported across the ocean.

Now your goods have landed on foreign soil; they must be cleared through Customs by a Customs clearance agent. Each country has different rules and regulations which are subject to change without notice. Depending how you enter the country will have an effect on the rules and regulations as well. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with these rules beforehand.
After your goods have cleared by Customs, they must be loaded and transported to your home. This is done by a local equivalent of the American moving company – those friendly people that you encountered in the beginning. These companies overseas may look the same as the domestic ones you are used to dealing with, but they might not be capable of communicating in English as well as you might expect.

Now you are at your destination, your belongings have arrived and all that is left is to unpack (whew, aren't you relieved?).

You must remember that during the process of moving, especially overseas (what would be referred to as an international move), you must handle many steps, or segments of the move and familiarize yourself with a lot of facts, figures, rules, laws etc. You will need to do all of these in a not less than perfect way since the safe arrival of your goods depends solely on your performance of all the above.

If you fear that it is too complicated or simply think (and who wouldn't), that it's too big of a risk to take on yourself, you are not alone. If you are wondering whether there are professionals out there doing this day by day, people who know all there is to know about international moving, whose field of expertise is getting your goods from the USA to any other place on the face of the earth – the answer is YES: they are called INTERNATIONAL MOVERS.

These people are the experts who will deal with all the stages of your international move and make sure that all is handled in the quickest, safest and most cost effective way, so that you will have the time to prepare for your relocation without the worries and hassle of transporting your goods overseas.

If you are worried about the price just remember: it may cost a bit more but will assure the success of your move. It may even cost less just because they know exactly who will do every step for the best price at any given time. You should consider hiring an International Mover and remember – getting a quote won't cost you a penny.

Why do you need an international moving company?

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:11:00 +0000

You have reached a stage in your life in which you are about to move overseas. It may be for work or personal reasons. You are used to doing things by yourself and you might even be generally opposed to using contractors or middlemen, so now you must be asking yourself: "can't I do this on my own?, how difficult or complicated can it be?".

In a sense, you're right – it shouldn't be complicated. In fact it isn't complicated. Nothing really is complicated when you're a pro. That's why a pilot will not consider flying a 747 complicated, a carpenter thinks building a new kitchen is a piece of cake and any other professional will tell you his job is simple. International moving companies will always tell you it's simple to move overseas, because that is their field of expertise. That means they have learned, sometimes the hard way, how to do it right, how to be cost efficient and who are the best in each stage of the complex procedure with whom are worth working.

The actual move begins with the packing of your household goods and transporting them to a warehouse where they will either loaded into a designated container, in case you need a full container, or they will be consolidated with other goods being transported to your destination – this will eventually save you money.

Do you really want to start looking for a good and reliable shipping company? Do you have the essential basic knowledge necessary for this task? An international moving company does and already knows who can be trusted with your belongings. When you hire an international mover, you purchase, amidst their variety of services, the experience and knowledge they already have and that saves you time, money and most important of all – the grief of disappointment that you might encounter when taking all of this on yourself without having the required experience.
If you're thinking "all this doesn't sound that hard" remember: getting your goods in a container and loaded on a ship is only half of the journey. Now that the ship has reached its port of destination, you will have to deal with local Customs. Would you rather learn the full manual of the Customs authority in your destination or have a local expert deal with them? Would you like to try and find that local expert on your own, while possibly dealing with a language barrier, or have one already waiting for your shipment on the spot? When your goods have been cleared, would you rather try and find a local mover on your own, or have a good and reliable one already hired for you?

When you plan an international move you could probably take the time to learn all of the required facts, laws etc. and spend time on the phone or even on the net, searching for the right people to handle each stage of the move and then supervise and coordinate between them as the moving process advances.

You could also hire the services of an international moving company, watch them pick up your packed goods and spend the time left for preparing yourself and your family for the relocation. You can sleep well at night and smile all day long, knowing the next time you will have to deal with this is when you unpack your belongings at your new location.

So why take upon yourself the hassle and gamble? If you are about to move overseas, call an international moving company and let them take the burden off your shoulders so you can keep smiling.

Understanding Moving – Full Container Load (FCL)

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Sat, 23 May 2009 09:25:00 +0000

FCL is the abbreviated code for a Full Container Load shipment. Whether you decide on a full container load or an LCL (less than container load) shipment depends on the volume of the belongings you want to ship. If you are not sure that you need a full container, it is essential that you complete an item list of your belongings.

You can do this on line, at your leisure, to determine the volume of your shipment. It is not difficult, and you can access an on line calculator through your International mover. Generally if you have 600 Cubic Feet (CFT) or more, you will want to ship in a full, designated container. It will more than likely be more cost effective and will reduce the delivery time frame. When shipping an LCL (less than container load) shipment, your goods will be consolidated into a larger container with other shipments. The consolidation process increases the time frame to receive your belongings.

Shipping containers come in two standard lengths, 20 feet and 40 feet. The dimensions of the 20 foot and 40 foot containers are the same in width and height but obviously differ in length. The interior dimensions for a 20 foot container are 7’8” Wide by 7’10” High by 19’4” Long. The interior dimensions for a 40 foot container are 7’8” Wide by 7’10” High by 39’6” Long. The 20 foot container will accommodate approximately 900 CFT of household goods, and the 40 foot standard container will accommodate approximately 1800 CFT of household goods.

There is also a 40 foot High Cube (HC) container that is approximately one foot higher than the 40 foot standard container and will hold approximately an additional 400 CFT of household goods. The volume that can be fit into a container depends on the shape and sizes of the items you are shipping. The more uniform in shape and size, the more the loading team will be able to fit into the container. The less uniform in shape and size, the less the loading will be able to fit into the container. Odd shaped items create “dead” spaces and these “dead spaces” take up volume.

The containers belong to the ship lines. Many of the ship lines and trucks that carry the containers are no longer releasing the containers to private residences for a variety of reasons. Some of the residences cannot accommodate the large truck carrying a container, special permits may be required and some of the trucking companies will no longer bring the container to a residence due to insurance restrictions. They are insured to bring container to and from warehouses. To accommodate these changes, your International mover will pick your belongings up in a truck, transport them to the warehouse and load the container at the warehouse at no additional cost to you.

Loading the container at the warehouse turns out to be a much safer and cost effective option for the customer. On the day of your move the pick up team will arrive with a truck, generally at a designated time and will carefully load your belongings into the truck without the time restrictions of a live load situation at the residence. There is no “wait” time for the pick up team and no need to coordinate the event with multiple parties who will be involved. Your belongings will be transported to the warehouse and unloaded from the truck. When it is time to load your shipment into the container, the trucker will bring the container from the port, drop the container at the warehouse loading dock and the loading team will carefully load, block, brace and secure your shipment into the container. When they are done, your container will be sealed and delivered to the port. This extra step of handling allows for greater control to care for your shipment and handle unforeseen circumstances such as a flat tire on the truck, without costing you additional expense and time.

If you require storage, your International mover will pick up your belongings in a truck, bring it to the warehouse where your shipment will be moved into secured storage until you are ready to have the shipment loaded into the container and shipped to your new home in your new country. The shipment cannot be stored in the container because the container is the property of the ship line.

Important International Moving Tips

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Whether you are relocating as part of a career move, or seeking new opportunities abroad, moving overseas is definitely a life-changing experience. Regardless of the reason, moving overseas requires planning and organization. One of the biggest concerns of planning an overseas move is knowing where to begin, what questions to ask and where to go for answers. Your plan and what you will take depends if this is permanent or temporary move. With the assistance of an International Moving Company, you can lessen the stress involved with moving and enjoy the thrill of this new adventure.

Many countries have restrictions on what can and cannot be brought into the country and some forbid certain items such firearms or agricultural products to name a couple. Take some time to find out which household appliances will work in your new home. Different countries operate with different voltages and plug types than what you are used to in the US and your electronics may need some customization or replacement. In many countries, room sizes are much smaller than in the US so it is essential to find out if your furniture will fit. If that California King bed will fit in your new home, will you be able to buy sheets for it? Most countries use the metric system and consequently every measurement and dimension will differ to what you are used to in the US.

If you are planning to bring a vehicle, first you must find out if you can bring it. Some countries will only allow you to bring in a vehicle if you have diplomatic status. Some countries will not allow vehicles over 5 years old. The vehicles may have to be modified to drive on the roads of your destination country. Some countries require the vehicle to be steam cleaned. All of these variances will cost extra money.

You will want to contact the consulate or embassy for your new destination country. The consulate will assist you and will be able to answer any questions you may have. They can also provide valuable information on visas, customs, and other documents that you may need. Depending on how you are entering the country will determine if you will be exempt from duties and taxes. If you have to pay duties and taxes, what is the rate? Are there restrictions on how many things I can bring into the country? Most countries also have a Customs website where they provide information and there is usually a “contact us” page so you can email questions directly.

When you have decided what you want and or can bring with you, the next thought is the budget you wish to allow for this move. How much can I ship for what price? Do I pack myself or let the professionals do it? Do I want to insure my shipment? What kind of coverage is available and what are the restrictions of the coverage? How much will all of this cost? How long will it take to get my things? How far in advance do I need to begin?

Learn everything you can about your new country and prepare yourself to become accustomed to your new surroundings. If English is not spoken in your new country, you may want to start learning their language. If you need to refresh your skills or learn a new language from scratch, purchase audio tapes, books or take a class to learn how to speak, read and write the language. If you can’t be fluent by the time you get there, it would be helpful to be conversational. Take a cooking class and learn about the flavors, spices and aromas of the foods that are prepared and served in your new country.

Find other people who have lived or live in your destination country to get their perspective and tips for a stress free transition. It is a good idea to research local traditions, practices and customs, to prepare ahead of time and hire the right international mover. The more you know, the more comfortable you will be when you arrive so you can really enjoy this exciting new adventure.

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

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:07:00 +0000

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.

Advice and Tips for Moving Overseas

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Whether you are starting a new life, exploring other parts of the world, satisfying wanderlust, a job transfer or other reasons, you now have to decide how to plan for your new adventure.
There are probably many thoughts and questions running through your mind. How do I get started may be at the top of the list. How much is this going to cost? How long will it take for your shipment to arrive? How far in advance do you need to place your order?

Decide how long you will be gone. Is this a temporary move or a permanent one? Do you want to take all of your belongings, furniture, keepsakes or just some personal items to bring a little of your old home and country to your new home and country? Once you make that decision, then you can concentrate on finding an international mover.

What services does an international mover provide? The two most common types of service are door to door and door to port. What is included with each type of service? Door to Door means your belongings are picked up in your home in one country and delivered into your home in another country. Customs clearance is included in this service. Door to Port service means your belongings are picked up in your home in one country and delivered to the port or terminal warehouse in another country and you will need to arrange for Customs clearance and to get your belongings from the port to your home.

(Note: Customs clearance means there is a Customs clearance agent included in the cost to take care of your paperwork. It does not mean that duties and taxes will be paid for you. Depending on how you enter the country you may or may not be exempt.) It will be your responsibility to find out. Your international mover can tell you how and where to get that information.

Other services to consider are packing and insurance. What kind of packing services are available? Are materials and or boxes included? If not, where can I purchase packing materials? Do I need special boxes? (Tip: you will want to use sturdy corrugated boxes) Can I pack my own things? Can I have the international mover pack everything? Can I have them pack some things? What is the cost? Can I purchase insurance? Is insurance mandatory? How much does it cost? What does it cover?

Make sure when you are comparing the companies that you compare the same services and that they are quoting you for the same volume. Otherwise you cannot possibly compare. For example: If one company is quoting you for door to door service but another company is quoting you for door to port, of course the company quoting door to door will be more expensive. The volume they are quoting will also affect the prices.

Are the people you talk to or communicate with by email helpful and understanding? Will the international mover you are considering keep you informed about the status of your shipment? Does your international mover have the proper license to ship belongings overseas? (Note: They must be licensed by the FMC - Federal Maritime Commission –- if they are not, they are not legally allowed to handle transport of your international shipment.) Price is an important consideration when choosing, but it should not be your only consideration.

Make a list of the companies you talk to, the services they provide and the quotes they send. Decide what services you want and can afford. Just remember the old saying, if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Planning and the right international mover are essential for a successful relocation overseas. Take a deep breath, relax, have fun, and make good choices. You are on your way!

Shipping A Full Container Load (FCL)

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:35:00 +0000

There are primarily three sizes of containers to consider when shipping your household goods as an FCL (Full Container Load): 20’ Standard (STD), 40’ Standard (STD), and 40’ High Cube (HC). The standard sizes have identical width and height dimensions and are differentiated by their length. The 40’High Cube has the same width and length of the 40’STD but has an additional foot of height. The 20’STD holds a maximum volume of 1,172 cubic feet, the 40’STD holds a maximum volume of 2,390 cubic feet, and the 40’HC holds a maximum volume of 2,694 CFT.

IMPORTANT NOTE: THE MAXIMUM VOLUMES ARE ACHIEVED WHEN FILLING THE CONTAINER WITH AIR/WATER/SAND OR SOME OTHER MEDIUM THAT LEAVES ZERO DEADSPACE. HOUSEHOLD GOODS SHIPMENTS WILL NEVER REACH THESE MAXIMUMS.

One of the biggest advantages to shipping your goods as an FCL is the exclusivity that this shipping method offers. In a Less then Container Load (LCL) shipment, your shipment will be consolidated with other smaller shipments (and not necessarily Household Goods shipments) in order to make up a full container. With an FCL, your shipment will be the ONLY cargo in the container. FCL shipments also offer a higher level of security and a decreased chance of damage as there is less handling of your shipment.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to loading your household goods into a container: loading at residence and loading at a warehouse.

Like a majority of shippers, the “loading at residence” option instantly jumps out as the more appealing option. With this method, you are able to see your household goods loaded into the container and watch the seal be placed on it before it returns back to the port. While this is a valid point, it leaves out many other important factors and potential extra costs. First and foremost, this practice is actively discouraged by a majority of the major ship lines. They will have stipulations in their contract rates that Household Goods shipments from Door (residence) are not allowed.

Second, many of the trucking companies that have authorization to pull containers from a port will not deliver them to a residence due to insurance restrictions. Also, most residential loads are “live loads” as there is no space to “drop” and leave the container. Depending on the trucker, they will allow 1-2 hours of “free time” to load the container before charging hourly detention charges for waiting. Furthermore, if a loading team will have to wait an extended period of time for a trucker to arrive with the container, they will have extra charges for the wasted time. Therefore, the loading hinges on seamless coordination between the loading party and trucker with zero tolerance for unexpected events like: traffic delays, port congestion creating delays in pulling the container at port, mechanical breakdown, flat tire, etc. The list could go on and on, and the ramifications of even a minor glitch could increase the costs of your move.

Loading at a warehouse actually turns out to be a much safer and smarter option. On the day of your move, a pick up team will arrive with a truck at a designated time, have the ability to carefully pick up your shipment without being “under the gun” to load within an hour or two, and leave when the job is complete. There is no wait time or coordination with multiple parties. Your household goods will then be transported back to a warehouse and unloaded from the truck.

When it is time to load your shipment into the container, the trucker will bring the container from the port to the warehouse and drop the container at the warehouse’s loading dock. The loading team at the warehouse can take additional time to carefully load your shipment, block and brace, and secure your shipment in the container. When the loading team at the warehouse is finished, your international movers will close the container and place a seal on it.

The trucker will then be able to come to the warehouse, pick up the loaded container, and deliver it back to port. This loading method has an extra step of handling, but it allows for greater control of the handling of the cargo and greater allowance to handle unforeseen circumstances without creating additional costs to you.

Getting an International Moving Quote

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:39:00 +0000

People who are moving overseas will search for an international moving company to ship their belongings. During this search they find that comparing costs and services can be very confusing.
The internet is an excellent way to shop for your international moving company. Many companies have websites that provide detailed information about everything you will need to plan your international move. This information includes tips on packing if you want to pack yourself, definitions of shipping terms so you can understand what you are being quoted and customs information.

The rules and regulations vary depending on how you are going to enter the country (work visa, student visa, returning citizen, retiree, etc.). It is your responsibility to find out if you are going to pay duties and taxes on your shipment or be exempt from taxation in your destination country. Customs information or a link to your destination country’s Customs website will be loaded with information on what you can and cannot bring into the country and duties and taxes information. Another source of information is the consulate or embassy for your destination country. Every country has its rules and regulations and they are subject to change without notice.

Before you speak to the international moving company, you will want to determine your budget and to be able to provide them with a realistic list of items you want to ship.

Now you are ready to speak to the international moving company to learn more about the services they provide, what lead time is required to schedule a pick up, how long the shipment will take, how they will handle your shipment, what kind of insurance is available, payment options, the deposit required and when the balance is due.

Insurance is recommended but optional. There is no basic coverage included in international shipments. Some companies will include “basic coverage” and this coverage is from your door to the port in the US. If you want Marine insurance, you will need to purchase it and complete an insurance application complete with the items you are insuring and their replacement values. If you pack your shipment, you can purchase insurance but it will be for total loss only. Unless the shipment is packed professionally, no insurance company will offer damage coverage.

Now that you have your quote, you will want to compare it to other companies. It is important that you compare the same services and the same volume on each quote. Price is important, especially in these difficult economic times, but price is not the only measure for choosing your international moving company. Remember the saying: “If it sounds too good to be true, it is.” A company is not going to ship your goods for free or at a loss to them.

Here are some other factors that you should consider when making your decision. Does the company answer your questions? Are they attentive to your needs? Do they respond promptly? Can you see their operation? Is their price reasonable? Do they carry the proper license? For international shipments, the proper license is an OTI license not a DOT or MC license. Will they keep you informed during the process about the status of your shipment? If the answer is yes to these questions, then you have found a company that will take good care of your belongings.

Shipping your Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:35:00 +0000

If you are planning to ship a self propelled vehicle internationally, you should expect plenty of restrictions overseas. Import restrictions differ from country to country and you should research the allowances of your destination country. A self propelled vehicle, defined by the US Customs and Border Protection, includes any automobile, truck, tractor, bus, motorcycle, motor home, self-propelled agricultural machinery, self-propelled construction equipment, self-propelled special use equipment, and any other self-propelled vehicle used or designed for running on land but not rail .

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding shipping your vehicle in an international move:

Are you licensed to drive in your new country?
Does your vehicle meet the environmental standards required in that country?
Is the cost of shipping your vehicle within your budget?

Shipping a vehicle internationally is accomplished one of two ways: via container or via Ro-Ro service. In container shipping, your car is loaded into a 20 ft or 40 ft container at a loading terminal. The vehicle is secured to the container floor by strapping to stop any movement. The main advantage is you can also load your personal effects into the container. The limitation of container shipping is that the vehicle you are shipping has to fit into the container. Ro-Ro stands for “Roll on/Roll Off”. It involves driving the vehicle into the ships hold and secured inside the covered car deck by a series of straps and braces. This is how car / vehicle manufacturers ship new cars / vehicles. There is virtually no size limitation to the vehicle you want to ship Ro-Ro; however, the vehicle must be shipped alone and can not be accompanied with household goods.

Exporting vehicles from the United States is a complicated process that involves validating the title with US Customs and Border Patrol and the Office of Homeland Security. The process and necessary documentation required by US Customs and Border Protection for title validation is not standardized throughout the United States. Instead, it is set by the Port Director of the port from which the vehicle will be loaded and shipped.

Despite the varying standards from port to port, at minimum, you will need to prove ownership of the vehicle. Only the original certificate of title, or a certified copy of the original, is considered valid proof of ownership. Other registration documents, by themselves, are not considered proof of ownership. If the car has a lien, encumbrance, or is leased, the exporter will have to attach to the certificate of title a notarized letter from the lien holder or lease holder authorizing it to leave the country.

If the vehicle is a new car that has never been titled, it can be exported by submitting a document known as a manufacturer’s statement of origin in lieu of the title. The manufacturer’s statement of origin may be obtained from the auto dealer. The original and two copies must be presented to Customs.

Some very old used vehicles and some foreign vehicles purchased abroad may not have a certificate of title, or junk scrap certificate in force and for which a manufacture’s statement of origin was not issued. In these cases, a bill of sale, sales invoice, right of possession, or other documents sufficient to prove lawful ownership may be used. In addition, the owner must certify in writing to Customs that the procurement of the vehicle was a bona fide transaction and that the vehicles presented for export is not stolen. Again, the original and two copies must be presented.

Exporting a vehicle is often expensive and can complicate what would otherwise be a relatively simple international move. When planning your international move, careful consideration must be given to the pros and cons of bringing your vehicle with you.

Evaluating an International Mover

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:33:00 +0000

It is time to get the ball rolling on your international move! You have gone through your pre-planning and it is time to start gathering quotes from international movers. Whether directly submitting a quote request on a few companies’ websites or submitting to a lead source website that will send out your to request multiple companies for you, the end result is most likely the same…INFORMATION OVERLOAD!

The Internet is open to everyone and a powerful tool that has connected our world and allowed us to exchange information in unimaginable ways. Anyone can post reviews, blogs, opinions, and even create websites of their own. Unfortunately, we do not always know who that “anyone” might be on the other side of the screen. They could be a fellow consumer like you…or they could be a company’s competitor spreading false information.

How do you tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys” with all these conflicting reports and reviews and questions on the validity of the source?

Do not despair! By being a little proactive and not relying on the Internet to feed you all of your information, you can do a little investigation and have a much better idea of the company with whom you are dealing.

How long has the company been in business? Generally if a company has been in business for 5 years or more, they have gained the knowledge, experience and network to handle your move properly.

Does the company own their own facilities? Companies that own their own warehouses, offices, etc. maintain much better control over the handling and quality of your shipment. It should also be a comfort to you that this company does not intend on going any where any time soon and is in business for the long haul. You can not obtain this same feeling from a broker in a leased, high rise office space.

What associations/affiliations does the company maintain? There are many recognized industry associations and certifications for International Moving companies: AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association), IAM (International Association of Movers), FIDI/FAIM, OMNI, RIM (Registered International Mover). These organizations require their members to meet industry standards, provide training and certification of their staff, and, if applicable, maintain their equipment and facilities to industry standards.

Is the company licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission? If a company is not licensed by the FMC, they are NOT LEGALLY ALLOWED TO HANDLE TRANSPORT OF YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT. Any FMC licensed company posts a substantial bond with the FMC and agrees to abide by the Shipping Act of 1984. This is for your safety! Licensed companies are listed on the FMC’s website. Most will also provide you with a copy of their license on request.

Is the company accredited by the Better Business Bureau? Better Business Bureau accreditation is important, but remember to do more than glance at the letter grade and number of complaints! While a quality business will strive to offer the very best in customer service at all times, unfortunately, as the saying goes, “You can’t please everyone all the time”. Customer complaints are inevitable and as the volume of customers increases, so will the number of those inevitable complaints. Don’t believe it? Perform a search on some big, brand name companies and see the number of complaints filed. Instead of focusing on a letter or number, try to look for things like how quickly the complaints were addressed and how many of the complaints were closed. These are good indicators of the level of care and attention a company has when they deal with an issue, whether it be good or bad.

Choosing your international mover is an important decision! Do not put the power of this choice in the hands of some anonymous poster floating around in cyberspace! Take the time to do a little investigation on a company and you will sleep easier knowing you made the right choice.

Choosing the Best International Moving Service

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:22:00 +0000

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.

Tips on Moving from USA to France

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Moving to France can be a very exciting adventure. Seeing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre Museum or experiencing the culture of France may cause you a sleepless night of sheer excitement, but moving internationally should and can be stress free if you choose the right international mover. Whether you have a family or living alone, there are some things that you should consider to make your relocation to France successful. Here are some things that you need to prepare beforehand to avoid any hassles upon arriving in your new destination country.

Securing the proper paperwork saves you time and effort. Check with the embassy, consulate or visit the customs website for your destination country. The documents, duties or taxes that you may be required to produce/pay vary depending on your status for entering your new destination country. The regulations are subject to change without notice. Each situation is individual and unique. It is your responsibility to have the proper documentation available. You should contact the consulate or embassy for the latest updates in regulations or requirements. Most countries maintain a customs website for their country which provides useful information as well as the ability to contact them via email and ask questions specific to you.

The location of your new home is important to you and your daily activities. Whether you are a working person, single or with family, the location of your new residence is important. Determine if your new residence is close to you workplace. If you have children, will the new home be near their school? In cases of emergency, is your new home near the hospital and / or police station? How far is the airport? Planning ahead will make the entire transition more pleasant and stress free.

Learning the language will make you feel more apart of your new country. Just because you are from the US does not mean people in France will speak English just for you. English may be your first language but it is not theirs. Learning the language will make it easier for you to communicate with the local people in your community and shops. Learning about the culture of your new country will be fun and will make you part of your new community where new friendships can be made.

What kind of work are you going to have once you get there? This question is very important because it concerns your source of income once you arrive in France. Are you going to have work secured by your present company or are you going to look for a job? If you don’t have a job, you may want to start looking for work before you leave. The French Embassy and / or Consulate here in the US will post employment opportunities in France. Be sure to carry enough money with if you do not plan to have a job for 18 moths upon your arrival and until you are able to set up an account in a bank.

Immerse yourself into the French culture. Proper research on your new country helps you plan things ahead of time. Through the internet, you can learn about holiday celebrations, learn about their music, dance, food and much more. Try to attend the events in your area that are organized by the French embassy. Planning ahead will help your comfort level so you don’t feel homesick in your new surroundings.

There can be no greater pleasure than seeing your dreams fulfilled right before your eyes. If you are planning to move to France, you are embarking on an exciting adventure. Prepare, do research, gather paperwork and important documents, and select the best international mover to ship your personal effects to your new home. France and all of its wonderments await you.

Moving internationally - Why Hire a Professional Mover?

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:16:00 +0000

Moving internationally takes a great deal of planning; especially if this is your first time moving overseas. They say that in the course of a person’s life, he or she will move 11 times. Whether your reason is work-related or not, moving to another country to start a new life can be overwhelming.

When you move to another place, you usually bring your belongings with you. They make you feel good and make any new place feel like home. Some of those belongings are sentimental; some are necessities and some you are not sure why you even have anymore. Nevertheless, they are yours and now you have to figure out what to do with them. The best way to help you make sense of this task is to talk to and hire a professional international mover.

A professional international mover is someone who only does international shipments. They know what to do, how and when to do it. This professional international mover will be able to assist you in determining your volume, will take care of all the details behind the scenes, and will take good care of your belongings. The journey begins in your home in the US by packing your items (all of them, some of them or none of them), transporting your belongings, advising you about customs and delivering your belongings into your new home in your new country.

If this is your first time to live abroad, there are many questions you probably have regarding your belongings. What is the best way of transporting your possessions? How long does it take to get my belongings once they have been picked up? How far in advance should I place my order for pick up? Is packing included? Can I pack myself? What does packing cost? Do I need insurance? How much does insurance cost? What does insurance cover? Are there any items that are not allowed in my new destination country? Will I have to pay duties or taxes on the items I bring into the country? All of these questions can be answered by your international moving company.

The administration skill of the international mover you hire to manage your move from pick up to delivery will make your move successful. Understanding the structure of an International move will help you decide on the right international mover. There are many steps in the process to get your belongings from your home in the US to your new home in your new country.

Once you hire to the right international mover, you can start to relax because you know your belongings will be well taken care of and they will be moved along in the process safely. Shipping by ocean freight is not fast and the waiting can sometimes be difficult, but if you have hired the right international mover, you know that your belongings will arrive and you will be kept informed of their status.

It is challenging to move abroad to pursue your career, ambition or because you simply want to move, but selecting the right professional international mover to help you achieve that goal of relocating your personal belongings to your home, you new life, your new country will make the transition easier.

International Move Cost Per Volume or Weight?

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:57:00 +0000

There are several factors that can influence the cost of your international move. To be able to negotiate for the best rates from international movers, its best, you as the customer, understand the variables of cost per volume and cost per weight.

The quote for shipping household goods and personal effects from the USA overseas is calculated according to the volume of your shipment with a rate per Cubic Foot (CFT). The bigger the Volume of your shipment, meaning the more CFT you intend to ship, the higher will be your cost.

In addition, the Weight of your shipment may also affect your final cost. Your shipment will be weighed and its Density calculated to detrmine the cost. Density is defined as the Weight of your shipment in pounds (LBS) divided by the Volume of your shipment in CFT.

The higher the Density Limit your International Mover allows; the heavier the shipment your International Mover will accept, before charging you per Weight instead of per Volume.

Density Limits vary from one International Mover to another, usually from 5 LBS per CFT on the low side to 7 LBS per CFT on the high side.

If you ship normal household goods and personal effects, your shipment Density should be below 6 LBS per CFT.

If you decide to ship only your books and your private gym, including all the weights (a very bad idea), your shipment Density is going to exceed 7 LBS per CFT and your shipment cannot be considered normal household goods and personal effects.

You can ship all the contents of your home such as bed room suites, living room furniture, dining room set, clothing, kitchen wares and appliances like your refrigerator, stove (heavy items) etc… and you will average about 6 LBS per CFT or less.

The Density limit protects International Movers from losing money when executing moves consisting only of items which are far heavier than normal household goods and personal effects.

Your International Mover has to enforce the Density limit because his costs for some portions of the International Move are per weight and not per volume.

The cost of the Pick Up from your home in the USA are sometimes paid according to a US $ rate per 100 LBS and sometimes according to a US $ rate per CFT, depending on the International Mover or the Pick Up Agent (PUA) executing the pick up.

If your shipment is a Less than Container load (LCL) shipment, it has to be transported to the Consolidation Warehouse were it will join other LCL shipments and be loaded into one consolidation container.

The cost of Trucking LCL shipments are nearly always per weight and not per volume
If the trucker’s weight report shows that the Density is higher than the Density Limit, an Equivalent Volume will be established and you will be charged according to this Equivalent Volume.

The Equivalent Volume in CFT is calculated by dividing the shipment’s weight in LBS by the Density Limit.

The higher the Density Limit the lower the Equivalent Volume will be, and accordingly your additional charge will be less.

Most of the International Movers allow a Density Limit of 7 LBS per CFT.

Many of the Destination Agents (DSA) in your future country charge per weight, giving a US$ or local currency rate per 100 LBS.

Ocean Freight, the cost raised by the ship line and their agents, is the only charge which is always calculated by volume when shipping household goods and personal effects.

The Role of International Movers

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 05:03:00 +0000

International movers are in demand to the people moving from United States to overseas. With the many documents, files and requirements that you need to take care of before moving abroad, the hassle of shipping your household items on your own should not be added to the list of things that you need to do. The main role of an international mover is to assist you with this task.

International movers are the ones that handle the transportation of the client’s belongings from one country to the other. An international mover is the one responsible for the safe transportation of your worldly belongings from your old country to your new country. When choosing an international moving company, you should know their responsibility as the transporter of your goods. When looking for a reputable, professional international moving company, use the internet. Most of the moving companies have websites and are easily found on the internet.

Your selected international mover will pack your things properly and professionally if you wish. They are will load, brace and secure your personal belongings so they do not move around during transport. If you do not want the international mover to pack your items, they can provide tips and methods on how to properly pack your items. It is in everyone’s best interest to have your belongings arrive safely to your home in your destination country.

In addition to the safety issue of your items, the international company that you hire should have a method of securing your belongings in the container to prevent them from moving around and getting damaged in the journey. They can use pallets or a lift van. Palletizing the shipment is an industry standard. A lift van is used if items will not travel well on pallets, of if the customer requests a lift van which, of course, would be an additional cost. Make sure your international moving company is professional, attentive to your needs and most important, carries the proper license to ship your belonging overseas!

Proper communication is the key and is another important role of your international moving company. But as a customer, you also have the responsibility to stay in contact. Open lines of communication are paramount for a stress free move eliminating the many moments of anxiety that a person will have about their personal belongings. It’s so easy today with email! A good international mover will understand the importance of you knowing that your possessions are safe and the shipment is moving as planned by their trusted partner. Communication is essential.

The international moving company that you hire will have a counterpart company in the country that you chose to relocate if you are moving with door to door service. If you are not moving with door to door service option, but chose instead the door to port service option, you will need to clear your shipment through customs and set up delivery to your home. There are a couple of ways to get your belongings from the port warehouse to your home. You can use a friend or relative with a truck or you can hire a local moving company. Choose the service that best fits your budget and make sure you understand the services that are included and not included with each type of service.

Delivery dates cannot be guaranteed. There are many factors that can alter delivery times which are not in anyone’s control. It is in everyone’s best interest to keep the shipment moving and to deliver it to your home or to your destination port as quickly as possible.

An international moving company will be able to offer you insurance for your personal belongings. The international moving company is not an insurance company, but they can handle the paperwork for you with the insurance company. Although, should a claim need to be filed, it is generally done directly with the insurance company. Insurance is optional but it is always recommended. The very nature of insurance is to insure your items against unforeseen disasters. Your belongings will be treated with equal care and professionalism whether your shipment is insured or not, but insurance is always recommended.

The Structure of an International Move

noreply@blogger.com (John Mover) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:37:00 +0000

We all have moved at sometime in our life, for most of us it was a Local Move or a Long Distance Move. In both kinds of moves, the loading, transporting and offloading has all been done by the same team, in the same truck. The only difference is that a Local Move is defined as a move within the boundary of one state, and a Long Distance Move is a move where you cross from one state into another.

Both kinds of moves are done by Moving Companies, Van Lines, etc. which are controlled, monitored and supervised by the Department of Transport (DOT) and are required to have a DOT License.

The logistics and complexity of these moves is very simple in comparison to an International Move.

In International Moves, the following parties (“Links”) are involved:

Pick Up Team - Usually a local mover that will come to your house, do the packing and loading into a truck for an LCL (less than container load), or sometimes (not always) into a Container in for an FCL (full container load)

Consolidation Agent - If your shipment is LCL, your HHG (Household goods) will be brought to the Consolidation Agent’s warehouse for consolidation with other shipments

Trucker - If your shipment is FCL the service of a trucker will be required. This is a company or the individual that will pick up the container from the container yard and transport it to the loading location and back to the port

US Customs authorized specialist - An individual or a company that will prepare, check and submit your shipping documentation at port of exit

Steam Ship Line -The Company that owns the ship on which the container holding your HHG will be loaded

Overseas Customs Agent -The company or individual that will handle the release of your HHG from customs overseas at port of entry

Destination Agent - Overseas Agent that will handle the receiving and distribution of the various shipments consolidated into the container

Overseas trucking company - Usually hired by the Destination Agent. The moving company that will deliver your shipment from the Destination Agent’s warehouse to your new home or to your new country when Port of entry is in a different country. If your shipment is FCL, and if (not always) your dedicated container will be brought directly to your residence, then the trucker that delivers the container to your new home.

Overseas delivery team - Usually a local mover in your new town, delivering your HHG into your new home, in case of FCL this is the team that will offload the container, position the HHG in your new home and remove the packing debris

The success of your International Move depends on the performance of each and all of the above Links. If one Link fails; your International Move may be less than successful.

A successful International Move requires excellent administration and control. Experience, integrity and professional pride are also essential. Only a well organized company, possessing the above is suitable to handle your International Move.

No company in the world owns and operates all the ‘‘Hardware” and Links described above.

Understanding the structure of an International Move makes it clear that Local Movers, Van Lines etc. are the wrong type of company to use for International Moves.

You need an international mover that will follow the move from pick up to delivery, a company that generates most of its revenue from executing International Moves, even better, a company that ONLY does International Moves.

This company MUST be licensed and under the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). If you are using a company not licensed by the FMC to execute your International Move, you are using a company that operates illegally and you will not have recourse if things go wrong
This company MUST have an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license.