Evaluating an International Mover
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.
Shipping your Vehicle
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.
Getting an International Moving Quote
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 A Full Container Load (FCL)
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.
Advice and Tips for Moving Overseas
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!
Is an On-Site Survey Needed For An International Move?
Most reputable moving companies realize that moving can be extremely stressful and an international move even more so. Professional and very experienced international movers are dedicated to easing your concerns and answering your questions. One of the most frequently asked questions is why some moving companies do not send an agent to your home to do a survey to estimate the cost of moving your goods. This question is less likely to be asked by anyone who has moved before and observed on-site estimators at work!
Some moving companies send a representative or agent to the customer’s home and armed with a checklist and calculator they go from room to room, while you follow them around, marking down the furniture you think you might be taking, estimating the number of boxes that may be needed and they work out an estimated volume of the goods to be shipped. When dealing with someone it is easy to forget items in the basement, attic or off site storage facility because the agent will set the pace of the assessment; your role is reactive. Also realize that the agent will NOT come to your home multiple times as you change the list of things to be shipped. This is a one shot deal.
The agent will do some more calculations assuming you have forgotten things and will present you with a quote which they expect you to sign on the spot. After all, they have taken the time to come to your home, the company has paid their salary and they are expected to return with your sale! You are paying for this service. Despite the fact that international movers will advertise free quotations the money to pay these agents has to come from somewhere and this is reflected in the overall charges levied by some firms.
Why not deal with a moving company that trusts you to do your own survey? You, as the owner of the goods, are more qualified to do the assessment yourself. It is not necessary to employ someone to estimate boxes, list furniture and do simple calculations. You, the customer, are quite capable of working out your own requirements and with the help of online guides and assistance from the international moving company’s consultants you can eliminate the need for an on site survey. You can utilize easy to follow, on-line forms to estimate the volume of your shipment at your own pace, at any time. Take the form in hand completing it as you move around your home slowly and give yourself time to consider exactly what you want to ship.
There is no need to rush your choices or make an ‘on the spot’ decision. There is no need to allocate a day for a representative to call. There is no need to pay, indirectly through high moving fees, for an unnecessary service that simply puts more pressure on you.
Internet based companies use the World Wide Web to advertise and communicate with the customer. This enables them to keep overhead costs down and offer an excellent service.
This system of allowing the customer to estimate the volume of their shipment for a quotation is only one of the reasons why dealing with Internet based companies has become so popular. At first, this ‘self survey’ system was a cost saving exercise but now it is often regarded as another ‘stress reliever’.
Cost and stress are the two greatest issues that customers face. A good, customer service based international mover should be dedicated to relieving both. Allowing you, the customer to carry out your own site survey was initially a reflection of being an Internet business but it is now seen as one of the many innovative steps introduced to help change the process of international moving for the better. Over the years moving companies have listened to customers’ feedback and changed or altered procedures accordingly. They have added user-friendly tools to their websites to make the process of estimating quick and easy. Use the Internet; try an online, no obligation, and truly free quotation service.
Why do you need an international moving company?
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 the Steps of International Moving
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.
INTLMOVE’S TIPS ON CUSTOMS INFORMATION
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!
Intlmove – Tips on Moving to Australia
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 Harbor Bridge and the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbor 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!
