How to compare International moving quotes
POV: You've just finalized your plan to move and now you need to find a moving company. Where do you start?!
Typically, reputable overseas shipping companies would include many moving services. This may include services like household moving, corporate moving, furniture moving, packing & crating, car transportation and handling, and door-to-door deliveries… just to name a few. If you are an artist or musician you may want to use a company that has specialized moving services for fine art or pianos, harps, or other bulky musical instruments. If you have a lot of antiques or very bulky pieces of furniture, you may want to research companies that specialize in that field.
The cost of your move will depend on the volume of your shipment and what services you need. The prices vary from company to company and do not include all fees you may need to pay for an international move, like port fees or customs inspections.
When you're trying to compare different international moving companies, consider their presence on the web and social media, as well as their reviews.
Your first task will be knowing what services you need and then requesting prices for it.
Know your needs:
Moving Costs are based on the total volume (measured in cubic feet) of your personal belongings.
Most international moving companies offer both full door-to-door service and a la carte shipping services. Sometimes they can even customize your moving package to fit your needs and your budget.
For international moves, you can choose to ship your belongings in an exclusive container, also known as FCL or Full Container Load (either a 20' or 40') or a shared container, also known as an LCL or Less than Container Load. What you choose will be dependent on the volume of your shipment. If you are unsure of what you need, your relocation consultant can help you understand what you may need. Keep in mind that exclusive container shipments containing personal household goods and/or vehicles bear no volume restrictions influencing the shipping costs! The steamship lines do not charge by weight, so neither do we. Now, while most shipping companies price their moves based on cubic feet, there are few that still charge be weight. This is not something that is recommended as weight can be manipulated, while you cannot manipulate volume.
If you requested a quote and the moving company chose a shipment type (FCL or LTL) for you, you can always ask them about it. They can explain why they chose one option over the other. For example, if one company quotes LCL and another quotes FCL.
Comparing quotes:
The key is to always compare APPLE-TO-APPLE.
When requesting quotes from multiple moving companies, make sure to provide all estimators with the same information. Every small detail can impact the pricing of your move, so try to provide your moving consultant with as much information as possible about your upcoming move. Provide your consultant with a comprehensive list of items you want to move, any packing services needed, additional delivery or pickup addresses (if applicable), and all other relevant information.
The complexity of international moves gives dishonest moving companies a chance to include many hidden charges within their quotes. Pay attention to the following guidelines to minimize your risk:
- Rates are always based on volume; make sure that movers come up with a reasonable volume and that it is Gross volume, not Net volume. If your list of items adds up to a certain volume, an approximate additional 15% - 20% is needed to account for palletizing.
- Make sure that movers state, in the estimate, how much you'll be charged for additional volume (if applicable).
- Insurance - most companies will not include insurance rates within the quote as this is optional and there can often be more than one policy offered. It is important for you to know upfront what the cost is for insurance since rates can vary between 2 ‐ 4 % of declared value. Make sure they also advise the types of policies and can tell you the difference between the policies.
- Documentation - Some companies do not include this in their quote; charges vary between $100 ‐ $200.
- Make sure it is clear who is packing what. Packing & containers are the first choice for dishonest companies to inflate prices. Make sure that the quote clearly states what items need to be packed by the carrier and what boxes are included within the quote.
- Do not automatically assume that the lowest offer is the best one. Always compare all items included in your estimates and consider the "bigger picture" before you make your decision. Beware of companies that use bait and switch techniques: If one mover gives you a dramatically lower estimate than other companies, there is a good chance that figure will eventually double or even triple on move date!
Of course, we also need to point out some things that will not be included in the price no matter which company you choose.
These fees are typically not included in internationally moving quotes:
- Taxes, customs or port fees, and penalties
- Import customs duties/taxes
- Double Handling
- Full Coverage Insurance
- Quarantine/fumigation Charges
- Demurrage/detention/port storage
- Customs scanning and exams fees
- Complicated access delivery (Long Carry, flight of stairs, elevator, hoisting or Shuttle)
- Handling of pianos, safes, and other heavy items
- Unpacking of boxes
- Third party handyman services
- Parking permits and tickets when applicable at customer's new residence
If you happen to have moving quotes that need comparing and still aren't able to confidently compare them yourself, feel free to reach out to your favorite moving consultant at Uplift Movers and we'd be more than happy to help.