Common Questions About International Moving
Q. How will my household goods and personal effects be transported?
A. There are several types of overseas containers commonly used for transporting shipments internationally.
1. Air Freight Containers -- are used for very small shipments-mainly personal effects.
2. Lift Vans -- are wooden containers which have about 200 cubic feet of space. They are normally used for shipments weighing less than 4,000 lbs., and for shipments moving to those countries lacking capacity to handle larger containers.
3. Ship's Containers -- are steel containers and come in a 20-foot (1100 cu. ft.) size, and a 40-foot (2200 cu. ft.) size. They are frequently used when moving a complete household overseas, and because of their construction are the safest shipment methods available for international shipments.
Q. Who will provide delivery services at destination?
A. Atlas Van Lines has an established worldwide network of offices and agents. They can provide delivery at destination, storage, unpacking, debris removal and other customary moving services our customers may require.
Q. Can Atlas provide protection for my possessions?
A. Yes. Atlas offers Full Value Protection on all of its intertnational shipments. The purchase of this Full Value Protection may be required to ship your household goods overseas.
Q. How do I determine the replacement cost of my furniture and personal effects?
A. The average replacement cost for household goods is $6.00 per pound. If you shipment weighed 5,000 lbs., for example, the average replacement value would be approximately $30,000. Since the actual value of every household varies, however, it is always a good idea to obtain a professional written appraisal of your belongings, including photos or a video, on which to base the amount of protection necessary on your shipment.
Q. Are there certain articles I may not be able to ship internationally?
A. Yes, and it will be necessary for you to obtain the specific regulations and restrictions applicable for the country of your destination.
Some examples of items and articles, which are commonly prohibited in both domestic and international shipments, include the following:
1. Hazardous and/or flammable materials
2. Firearms and/or ammunition
3. Plants and/or soil
4. Corrosives and/or explosives
Q. Are all charges included in the price quote?
Sitterly Movers will provide you with an estimate for all services that you have requested. Those services will include: loading at residence, wrapping and protecting furniture as it is placed into the lift van or steel container, transportation to the port of departure, transportation via sea vessel to the port of entry, clearing through customs and delivery to new residence.If delivery to the port only is selected, you are responsible for clearing customs and arranging for someone qualified and authorized to remove the container from the port. In either case, you are responsible for customs fees, and duties or taxes related to your shipment and any other charges not normally included in international shipping. Examples could be: security screening, inspection of container contents, decontamination of containers, etc. Delivery assumes easy access for the delivery truck and a first floor residence.
When comparing international quotes, it is important to know what services are included in the quote. Your lowest estimate may not end up being you lowest actual price.