http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide.php One of the most complex and sensitive issues regarding your overseas relocation is shipping your belongings. This section covers many important issues such as packing, type of services available as well as many more issues which are crucial to familiarize yourself with. You will save time, money and frustration by carefully reading this information. http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_2.html Planning and organization are the secrets behind a smooth move. http://movingcompanies.us.com/moving_tips.htm#p2 Our services includes the following:Warehouse to Door (includes #3 through #10) Warehouse to Port (includes # 3 through # 9) Door to Port (includes # 1 through # 9) Door to Door (includes # 1 through # 10) 1. Preliminary expert packing of fragile/breakable goods at your home, wrapping all furniture (packing materials are supplied). 2. Removal of household goods from your place of residence to Gateways Moving loading facility for final export packing. 3. Receiving your goods and consolidating all the additional outside purchases at our loading facility. 4. Export packing into heavy duty wooden crates, lift van / containers 5. Placing the crates into steel containers. 6. Preparation of all documents. 7. Transportation of container to steamship line. 8. Pre-payment of ocean freight. 9. Releasing your goods at port of entry. 10. Destination service includes - Customs Clearance, In-home delivering, Unpacking and removal of all debris. http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_3.html The important decision regarding which items you choose to ship abroad should be made with the consideration of certain factors: The choice is easier if you have already purchased or rented residence overseas. If one knows the approximate size of the rooms and has a floor plan, you will be able to easily determine just how smartly your furniture and appliances will fit. Our expert advise in this case, would be to have you make certain that the delivery into your residences will not cause any insurmountable problems due to, for example, a piano, oversized entertainment center, or furniture. You should consider hallway and stairway dimensions, elevators/lifts may sometimes be too small to transport some large items. The decision as to what to ship can often be more difficult for those individuals who do not have definite housing arrangement already made. Make sure the articles selected are not only desirable for your new home, but also worthwhile to ship. Everyone should know their rights with respect to customs regulation. Laws are often subject to change. Information may be obtained from the Consulate's Office, but bare in mind that International Movers representatives are very knowledgeable regarding rights and customs information. http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_4.html 1. Contact International Shipping Inc.2 to 3 months prior to your moving date to arrange for a free estimate. 1. Contact International Shipping Inc.2 to 3 months prior to your moving date to arrange for a free estimate. 2. Plan items to be shipped. 3. Plan and purchase any new goods to be shipped. 4. Make an itemized inventory. 5. Determine value of inventory. 6. Confirm moving date. 7. Arrange and have all documents and valuables with you. These should include passports, inoculation records and visas if necessary. 8. Invoices of new items. 9. Shippers name and address - date of sailing - expected arrival date - your container number - number of units shipped - seal number. 10. Provide list of all purchases made and delivered to the warehouse. Itemize your list of goods being shipped with US dollar value for insurance purposes. 11. Provide your address abroad including telephone number, so that you may be contacted by our shipper's office. http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_5.html International Movers trained professionals will expertly pack all your breakable items including dishes and glasses. We do not suggest packing fragile items yourself. Our proficient professionals have many years of experience working with breakable items. They can pack them better in a fraction of the time. We also include all the necessary boxing and wrapping supplies, such as bubble wrap. If, however, you would prefer to pack by yourself, be it for economic or for reasons of convenience, we suggest you follow these instructions: 1.Never pack over the edge of the container. 2.Pots, Pans and Kitchen Utensils Follow the rules above, always fit items within one another when possible to conserve space. 3. China, Dishware, Glassware, Silverware, Small Pictures Frames and Valuable Items Breakable items should be wrapped individually in paper. Large dishes and heavier pieces should always be placed on the bottom of your container. Small plates, cups and saucers towards the top. Plates and dishes should be placed vertically, separated by wads of paper. We recommend 3" of paper on the bottom and 2" paper between layers. 4. Clothing, Linen, Towels and Draperies These items should be folded and neatly packed into clean cartons or dresser drawers. 5. Mirrors, Painting and Marble For small painting and mirror cartons, we suggest items be wrapped and then crated. 6. Lamps and Lampshades Remove bulbs and shades, pack the lamps with linen or wrap separately and place in clean cartons. Shades should be wrapped in tissue and placed in large linen cartons. 7. Rugs/Carpets Roll and wrap in plastic. 8. Tools Remove all fuel from power tools (do not ship flammable fuel under any circumstance). Pack tools in small cartons. Wrap fragile items separately. http://movingcompanies.us.com/moving_tips.htm#p6 If possible, have your phone connected a day before move-in day. http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_6.html It is recommended not to ship the following items: Valuable and important papers such as family records, birth certificates, marriage documents, financial information and other such documents. 1. Jewelry 2. Fire arms (license required in some countries) 3. Live plants or seeds (license required in some countries) 4. Open bottles containing any liquids or other contents 5. Flammable cleaning solutions or other toxic liquid substances 6. Alcohol (in hand luggage only) 7. Pressure spray can http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_7.html After preliminary packing is completed, and your effects have been received at International Movers warehouse, goods are now ready for the final phase of boxing. All interior space is utilized so that we can provide you with the maximum density factor. You can choose to be present at our plant during the packing procedure if you wish. We highly recommended that you be present at the loading time. Sometimes the entire household is loaded next to the house. The cubic feet cost of your shipment is determined by the services provided and the final cubic volume of your shipment. The lift van size is standard or may be custom made to suit your shipment. To view an image of a Standard Lift Van (Crate) - http://internationalmoving.tv/images/popup_02.jpg http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_7.html http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_8.html Marine insurance is an absolute must for every person moving overseas. You may ask "Do I really need it?". Well there is only answer to give. Yes, after all this is not your typical move down the street of across town. This is a move across the ocean which passes through many hands and goes through various obstacles. As such, one needs a strong and reliable insurance policy to protect you from the very moment you ship your household goods and appliances, till the final moment when they are delivered to your doorstep. This insurance could be all that you have in the event of damage, missing items or any catastrophe that could arise. This is the only way to protect your belonging. There are many reputable insurance companies that offer all-risk Marine Insurance of household items. But make sure to insure your shipment for its full replacement value. Ask for the "all risk" policy, it is the most comprehensive and protective policy available to the consumer. Discuss with your International Shipping Inc.representative how much the deductible will be in the case of a claim. Sometimes there are special deductibles for items such as a piano or computer. In order to fully protect your belonging, it is your responsibility to provide the insurance company with a detailed dollar value inventory list. The lack of such an inventory or any discrepancy / inaccuracy in the data may complicate or delay settlement of any claims. This is avoidable when documentation is precise. Claim procedures requires that you notify the nearest office as indicated in your insurance policy for survey of damages, immediately after taking delivery of your shipment. You may do this by phone or in person, but do not fail to make a written report and keep a copy. The surveyors report, original insurance certificate, packing slip, bills and other documents, as required, will be submitted to the underwriters for approval of the claim. A well documented claim will always help expedite settlement. http://internationalmoving.tv/shippingguide_9.html The alternative to shipping by consolidation is shipping your own container. This involves the rental of a metal shipping box, either 20' or 40' long, from the steamship line. International Movers employees will fill this container with your goods and bring it to the ship according to the booking number. It is recommended that all items to be shipped be in the warehouse 2 weeks prior to date of sailing. If you are having your goods picked up, make an appointment as early as possible, this enables International Movers to give your shipment the personal attention and time required to export pack, complete paperwork and make all necessary shipping arrangements. - http://internationalmoving.tv/images/20_container_01.jpg http://internationalmoving.tv/images/20_container_01.jpg - http://internationalmoving.tv/images/40_container_06.jpg http://internationalmoving.tv/images/40_container_06.jpg