General Tips

If this is your first time relocation or shipping, or you’ve done this a few times before. We suggest you read the information below. It’s helpful, and it will shed more light to an already stressful moment.

• Every business has its peaks and valleys of the natural business cycle during the course of any given year. The international shipping / relocating is no exception to the rule. The relocation for a full services door to door move is 3 fold. The pick up agent, the ocean freight and the destination agent. There is a few more minor tasks such as title clearance agent if you’re shipping a car in your container. High season starts during May and last through Sept. This means prices can be a bit higher, availability a bit tighter and sometimes delays can occur. International shipping requires the synergism of many vendors and a coordinated logistics team. Our dedicated staff ensures that all vendors work and pass the torch at the right moment to avoid any delays.
• Contact a PriceBreak!Shipping consultant for your estimate. Many times we can have an agent come to your home to give you a visual estimate. Make sure the mover marks on the visual survey form what is going and what is not. On smaller shipments we take the items list directly from you. Phone / internet estimates are accurate being that they are smaller and generally fit on 1 -2 pallets. We have a price protection that safeguards your wallet. Ask our agent to explain in detail.
• International shipping can have many options of services, it is very important that the type of service Is indicated on the with the price. E.g. Door –Door, Door – Port, self load, full load. As you can see, it is very important to understand what your price includes and the volume allotted to your service. Packing is something that can be biding and non-binding, it depends if the shipper can provide such services. PriceBreak!Shipping offers almost every services imaginable.
• You have the right to pack your own items, certain insurance companies to not insured PBO’s Packed By Owner. Please verify with your agent that your PBO is covered. Keep in mind that insurance has two types, all risk and limited cover. Limited cover is total loss and all risk is full coverage but generally does not cover scratches, nicks and nacks.
• If you decide to do your own packing make sure all packing is done and ready by move date. Everything needs to be labeled and inventory of all items in every box with a value of entire cargo.
• If your company is picking up the relocation tab, make sure you know how much they are covering.
• All fine arts and antiques need professional appraisal by a company such as ‘Sotheby’s’

Insurance & Liability

• Insurance When you order services for international shipping it gets tricky. If you have a full door to door then your cargo is only covered minimally by the pickup agent at origin, usually .60 per pound per article. Ocean freight insurance needs to be purchased separately, and then that covers your goods door to door to certain areas. There are places in the world that you cannot obtain insurance coverage to the door do to certain risk. If your service is Port –Port then you have no insurance unless you purchase or given as a promotion. You will be required to fill out a cumulative form that specifies each item you wish to insure and the value of each item. In the event that you have a claim due to damages, the mover or shipper has 30 days to respond, and 120 days to resolve the matter. Arbitration can be another choice for you, and if your still not satisfied then you can sue for damages.
• Basic Carrier Liability-Released Value Every International shipper must carry specific amount of Bond coverage, errors & omissions coverage, cargo liability coverage and be registered with the FMC if conducting business in the USA .
• Declared Value Protection It is very important that you declare the true value of your cargo whether you insure it or not. US regulation require that all shippers file an SED for every cargo above $2,500.00
• Failure to procure insurance will affect any claim for loss or damage to property.

How to pick movers

• Make sure you know exactly what you want to ship.
• Consider if you want the mover to pack, or you will have everything pack and ready for export.
• Call or email prospective international movers, clearly understand the process of volume, How they measure the goods, packing cost and time frame for your specific shipment. For big jobs request a visual estimate. Keep in mind that when you order an exclusive container the volume cannot increase unless you ship additional items besides what fits in the container. Only other charges is packing should you require it.
• Please advise your agent if any permits are needed for your community, if there is a far stretch of walking from the truck/container to the home, no elevator, tight stares and inaccessible areas. The more information you provide the accurate the estimate will be. Make sure that upon arrival of the movers, they are the company that you ordered for services. Mix ups can occur. Its easily fixed but creates a lot of stress.
• All International shippers needs to have FMC #, request one from your shipper.
• All international shippers must publish the ocean tariffs.
• All international shippers must participate in a dispute settlement program.
• Ask all shippers for references.
• Ask the shippers all questions, its important that you feel comfortable with your shippers. Keep in mind that you are giving them everything you have and money. You need to trust and know who your dealing with. If they are near you home or overseas makes no difference, this is a global economy and knowing your shipper is very important.

1. Find out about all extra charges that can normally come up.
2. Find out the shipping time frame for your specific shipment
3. Find out methods of payment, International shipping usually takes checks, money orders direct deposit and wire transfer.
4. International shipping requires payment in full before goods leave the origin port.
5. Movers will reassemble only large items and place boxes in any area you wish.
6. Following the initial estimate, the mover will give you another estimate and the final volume is measured at the receiving terminal by a third non vested party.

Services:

The type of services you order should compliment your needs and pocket. Request at all times all the options of shipping your cargo regardless of what you will eventually choose. This permits you to compare and get the most bang for your buck.

Port – Port Services

This services is designed for quick and simple boxed or crated items. We have created an easy to use system that breaks the prices into 4 categories depending on the destination you choose. Your responsibilities are as follows:

1. You must have all items boxed, crated or palletized
2. You must arrange to deliver your goods to the terminal of your choice.
3. All boxes must be labeled with booking #, destination address.
4. Prepare a detailed inventory list with detailing all items in all boxes
5. Once goods arrive to destination you must arrange to custom clear your shipment.
6. You must arrange to have your shipment picked up from the terminal.

Our online reservation system makes the process easy, simple and cost effective. The cost is relatively cheap, and the PriceBreak! customer service is always one call or click away.

Move with Family / Children's problems

The obvious signs that should tell you if any of your family members are having a problem with the move::

• Not eating
• No physical activities
• Arguing and mood swings
• Not making new friends
• sleeping more.
• If you are moving because of a death or divorce your family could benefit from counseling even before you move.
• Never wanting to leave the house Do not discount any of the above, seek counsel and assistance and always provide TLC.