Frequently Asked Questions

Q01: What is “shipping by consolidation”?  

 

Q02: What is an “exclusive container”?

 

Q03: How can I transport my automobile?

 

Q04: Can I pack my belongings in my car?

 

Q05: How far in advance should I plan for international shipping?

 

Q06: How are shipping costs calculated?

 

Q07: How can I reduce the cost of shipping?

 

Q08: What type of boxes should I use for household goods?

 

Q09: What is the best way to protect fragile items?

 

Q10: What are the steps in loading a container?

 

Q11: What type of insurance coverage should I consider?

 

Q12: What happens when my container reaches the destination?

 

Q13: What is required to clear my container at the destination?

 

Q14: Do I need to be present when my container is delivered?

 

Q15: What exactly does “allowance” mean?

 

Q01:

 

What is “shipping by consolidation”?

A01: Consolidation is for LCL (less than container loads) shipments. There are three ways for  

your possessions to be loaded into the steel container:

  • Loose: Your goods will be loaded into the container just as they have been picked up from your home. Each box must be numbered and labeled with your name, destination address and phone number. It is recommended that this information be in English and the language of your destination country.
  • Palletized: Your goods will be put on to a pallet or pallets and shrink wrapped. These pallets will then be loaded into the steel container. This option is suitable if your shipment consists mostly of boxes.
  • Lift Van: The lift van is a standard size wooden crate, or it may be custom made to suit your shipment. We recommend the lift van as the safest and most secure way to ship your personal belongings.

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Q02:

 

What is an “exclusive container”?

A02: Exclusive container or FCL (full container load): If you choose this option, it means  

that your belongings and only your belongings are in the container. The two most commonly

used standard size containers are 20 feet and 40 feet long.

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Q03:

 

How can I transport my automobile?

A03: Vehicles can be shipped in two different ways: RO/RO (roll on/roll off) or in an exclusive  

container. With RO/RO, your vehicle is driven on to the vessel, protected from the elements,

secured for transport, and driven off at the port of destination. With an exclusive container,

your car is loaded into the container, prepared and secured for transport. The container is locked and delivered to the port of destination.

You may also ship some household goods in the container with the vehicle.

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Q04:

 

Can I pack my belongings in my car?

A04: As of 1998 the U.S. Dept. of Transportation ruled that you may NOT load any items in a  

vehicle on auto carriers. All trucks are subject to occasional inspection which includes

unloading the vehicles and the items in the vehicle. This could risk leaving the items

behind. Auto carriers are NOT licensed to carry household goods or personal items,

and are not covered by carrier’s insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household

goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle

are shipped strictly at the owner’s risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left

in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility. Also, items packed in the vehicle add

weight and may cause damage to the exhaust system and or suspension of the vehicle.

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Q05:

 

How far in advance should I plan for international shipping?

A05: The summer months are the peak months of the moving season. For a move planned from May to October,  

allow at least 4 weeks prior notice for all bookings. For a move planned from November to

April, allow at least 2 weeks prior notice for all bookings. In case of an emergency, though,

we will make every effort to arrange a move within 5 days.

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Q06:

 

How are shipping costs calculated?

A06: Moving costs are based on total volume (measured in cubic feet) or weight of your personal  

belongings. A typical move consists of three main parts: Origin, Ocean and Destination.

The basis for calculating Origin costs in the US is the weight of your shipment. Usually

rates are given in the trade per 100 pounds of weight. To simplify things, we convert these

charges to cost per cubic foot by dividing the weight in pounds by 7, allowing 7

pounds per cubic foot. If you are shipping regular Household goods you will never exceed

that. The Ocean portion is charged on volume. Shipping lines charge by container size,

meaning by volume. If you are shipping household goods you will never exceed the weight

limitation shipping lines have for each container. Destination rates are calculated in the

trade, depending on the country, by volume or weight. As you can see, working out the cost

of a move is not so simple. Sometimes, waiting for the Destination agent’s quote can take

a day or two. The cost of each move has to be calculated separately, and “pulling a price in

a minute” is irresponsible and we believe unprofessional. After getting all the different

rates, we convert them to per cubic foot and submit a price based on the volume of your

shipment. Although the exact volume cannot be determined until final packing is completed,

our training and experience enables us to provide a very accurate estimate.

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Q07:

 

How can I reduce the cost of shipping?

A07: You can consider a Door-to-Port service, especially if you are familiar with your destination  

country and confident you can get a good deal from a destination customs broker and or mover. For

small loads, consider delivering to our warehouse yourself. This can save the Origin cost.

Packing by owner, materials and labor can produce a substantial saving.

(Don’t confuse packing with loading: when you pack

the furniture and your personal effects, we still load them to the truck or the container.)

Remember though, shipments packed by owner can only be insured for total loss, and packing

must be professional export packing. One of the best ways to save on moving costs is by eliminating items you don’t really need or will not be useful at your destination. Will that

king-sized bedroom set fit into your new home abroad? Will that appliance work on the electrical

current in your new home? Will you be able to get spare parts for it? These are questions you

should ask.

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Q08:

 

What type of boxes should I use for household goods?

A08: Use new packing materials. Although the boxes you might obtain from your neighborhood 

supermarket may be free, they are not nearly as strong or padded as new boxes. They are more

susceptible to causing damage to your valuables in transit. There are many packing material

suppliers that will deliver within few days anything you may need. You can place your order

online, or contact your local packing materials supplier.

For more information, please click here.

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Q09:

 

What is the best way to protect fragile items?

A09: Be sure to point out to our packing crew the boxes in which you’ve packed fragile items . 

The team leader will advise you on whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier,

more appropriate boxes. The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good

rule of thumb is if you can’t lift the carton easily, it’s too heavy. Label all boxes.

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Q10:

 

What are the steps in loading a container?

A10: The boxes you will need first should be loaded last. This might include toys, cleaning  

supplies, light bulbs, blankets, pillows and sheets. Read the inventory form carefully,

and ask the team leader to explain anything you don’t understand. Make a note of your

shipment’s registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy. It is your

responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until

loading is completed. To insure that nothing gets left behind, always do a final inspection

of the premises. Do not sign any releases without completing this inspection.

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Q11:

 

What type of insurance coverage should I consider?

A11: We will take the best possible care of your belongings. There may be times, however, when for  

reasons beyond our control your goods may be damaged or lost. For this reason, we suggest you

insure your goods with all-risk, door-to-door marine insurance.

This insurance can be arranged through IntlMOVE.

While the cost of insurance is not covered by our

estimate, we will be glad to guide you in this matter. Remember, always insure your goods for

the amount of money it would cost to replace them in the country to which you are moving. Costs

overseas are often much higher than in the United States.

For more information, please click here.

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Q12:

 

What happens when my container reaches the destination?

A12: When the ship reaches its destination, the outer steel container will be taken to a  

port-bonded warehouse and opened while your carrier supervisor watches. However, your

individual lift van will not be opened until you come to clear customs. The carrier

representative in your new country will send you an arrival notice as soon as the steel

container is unloaded. Then, our customs representative will assist in getting your goods

cleared. If you select door-to-door or port-to-door service, you can make arrangements at

that time for the delivery of your goods to your new home.

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Q13:

 

What is required to clear my container at the destination?

A13: Depending upon the county to which you are moving, you will need some or all of the following  

documents in order to clear customs: Passport, immigration certificate, detailed packing list

with value of contents, receipts for appliances and new furniture, tenancy contract or title

for new house, proper proof of tax exemptions, if entitled, copy of agreement with your

carrier, and delivery order notice.

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Q14:

 

Do I need to be present when my container is delivered?

A14: Be sure to be present when the delivery crew arrives. Plan to stay around while they unload  

in case they have any questions. If you cannot be there personally, be sure to authorize an

adult to be your representative to accept delivery. Inform the destination agent of your

chosen representative’s name. Your representative will be asked to note any change in the

condition of your goods noted on the inventory at time of loading.

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Q15:

 

What exactly does “allowance” mean?

A15: Packing, wrapping and palletizing of your goods takes up space.  

Unless everything in your shipment is uniform in shape and size, the spaces between

the items also takes up space. We provide the allowance feature so you can take

this into consideration when determining your final volume.

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