FAQ : Worldwide shipping

It is quite difficult to find and hire international shipping companies than a local mover, as references are not readily available. Few people would have friends and relatives to whom they can query about an earlier international move. The best way to find a shipping agency is to discover companies that have been in business for a number of years. You can also check with local, state and federal agencies to establish whether the cargo shipping company has all its licenses and permits in place. Asking questions about the move and how the shipping agents answer the questions will guide you to make a decision.

Every country establishes its own standards as to which goods are considered documents and which are dutiable. You can do the following:

1. Refer to the International Service Center Details defined by Country located in the Help.
2. Prepare a shipment online using the Help me decide link next to the Customs Value selections; or can
3. Contact us for support with your International shipment.

We have online shopping cart, which will calculate all freight costs for you. There is no compulsion to purchase unless you complete the transaction; so you are free to add things to the shopping cart. If you would like to place a large order, you can e-mail us asking to quote the shipping. For large orders, we are often able to save considerable sums on shipping costs for large orders.

International orders are shipped by us speedily. If we have items in stock, they will normally be sent out the next day. Afterward, it depends on the method of delivery you have chosen when you place your order. For Europe, it could be as little as 3 days and as long as one to two months depending on the method of shipping selected. With previous orders, we have found that many times after a parcel has not arrived after a period that it may be located at your local post office requiring a signature, or duties.

There are many reasons for restricted items. For safety reasons we may restrict some items. We sometimes also allow particular items but then an additional shipping cost may incur. The governments of the countries involved will have restrictions on certain items as well. What may be common everyday items in the existing country may be contraband in the new country. You need to be sure to reveal everything to the shipping agents so a proper quote for shipping rates can be drafted.

While choosing us you need to be sure to receive quotes on the shipping cost from at least three or four cargo shipping companies. You can also compare the shipping rates from each shipping agency asking questions. One of the companies will come to the forefront showing they have more experience than the other shipping agents do.

No, this alternative is not available. The shipping cost must be displayed on international shipping labels, because it is required by customs. Items that do not display the shipping cost may be returned by customs.

Duties are fees compelled by customs on imported merchandise. The applicable charge will be based on the value and on the gross weight. It may different according to the service. You are answerable for payment of all duties and fees. Fees are implemented by the customs broker or agent for its services.

The first 2 hours are free of charge. Every hour thereafter is chargeable per hour. If you are loading a car, you will need to make your own arrangements with a flat bed tow truck. They are normally $45.00 per hour and can load a car in less than an hour. HIGH security seals are been used.

We sturdily suggest you select a shipping option providing a tracking number. Without a tracking number, there is a larger risk of an order getting lost. There are less shipping carriers offered by us at this time supplying tracking numbers.

Yes. You can obtain e-mail notifications of your shipment’s progress or status. To receive e-mail notifications, use the online tracking feature. You have the option of entering up to three e-mail addresses and a short message (optional). When the package is delivered, e-mail notifications will be sent to all specified e-mail addresses with a link to the most current package information.

Online tracking trait is always been used to follow the shipment. For this, you need to have the tracking number. If you do not have the tracking number, you have to contact the UPS Store location involved in shipping your items. If the information on the online tracking feature is unclear, contact the carrier directly to inquire about specific delivery details of your shipment.

The storage services are given for couple of weeks with less than container loads only. The services are given in certain areas and locations. Typically, once your goods are delivered or picked up, they will be shipped right away. When you are notified by the agent overseas that your shipment has arrived, you will get about 5 days after that the customs will be cleared and you can easily collect your shipment. You can also make other necessary arrangements. The time allotted after being notified varies. You need to make sure to ask the agent overseas the time you want to get. For more detailed information or questions about storage, please feel free to ask one of our shipping customer service experts.

Jewelry
Perishable goods such as food
Open bottles containing any liquids or other contents
Fire arms (license required in some countries)
Live plants or seeds (license required in some countries)
Pressurized spray cans
Alcohol (in hand luggage only)
Any flammable, hazardous, or toxic substances
Valuable and important papers such as family records, birth certificates, marriage and financial documents.

For shipping full 20' or 40’, container loads please notify us, with all the necessary information, as a minimum 7 to 10 days in advance, to when you want the container delivered to you. For shipping less than container loads, we need a 3 to 4 day notice with all the necessary information (see answer to question 7).

Shipping Full Container Loads
When you are ready to ship a 20' or 40' container load, then we need your complete name, address, and phone number for you here in the U.S. and overseas. We also need your passport number or social security number, plus the date you want the container delivered to your door. If the container being delivered is by live load method, we can deliver the container to your door, Monday through Friday only, which will exclude holidays. Though, if the container is delivered by drop off method, the container can be delivered on Friday to be picked up on Monday. You can e-mail or fax us this required information at 415-626-7443. As soon as we get this needed information, we can start processing your shipment.

Shipping Less than Container Loads
When you are ready to ship less than a container load, we need your complete name, address, and phone number for you here in the U.S. and overseas. We also need your fax number for you here in the U.S. (either work or home or a friend's fax #) in order to fax you dock-receipt. It must contain all the necessary information, including delivery address and directions. You can e-mail or fax us this required information at 415-626-7443. Also, indicate the number of boxes (pieces) you want to ship and the date you want to deliver them to the receiving warehouse. You can deliver your goods to any of the receiving & loading warehouses/terminals listed on the Home Page Monday through Friday only, excluding holidays. As soon as we get this needed information, we can start processing your shipment.