Q1 - How is moving internationally different from moving within the same country?
movinggal There are so many more things to consider in an international move as opposed to an international move.
movinggal I think a move between the US and Canada is pretty seamless. However a move to the UK is not. Many more steps in the process.
PortageCartage @movinggal We'll save US/Canada moves for another chat, but you're right, they are much simpler than int'l.
PortageCartage Obviously one of the big differences is border customs & foreign country regs. movinggal When we moved to the UK, I remember all of the extra steps involved and how more organized I had to be.
PortageCartage Overseas moves are much more expensive too.
movinggal Another thing to consider is short-term and long-term storage. You may not want to bring all of your things with you.
PortageCartage We also don't control as much of the move, since we rely on steamship lines & foreign movers to handle other parts of the move.
HolmanMoving Main diff is understanding border regs and custom control. We can make it pretty seamless with UTS, but more ppl always involved.
QMMAllied I agree with @PortageCartage, different custom regs for each country means a much more complicated process/learning curve
movinggal International moves take much longer. You will not receive your goods as quickly because of the shipping and extra steps involved.
PortageCartage @movinggal Good point!
PortageCartage I should mention I've also got Doris from our company here with me - she's our int'l guru.
QMMAllied As with @PortageCartage, I'll be retaining Francis, our int'l Yoda, for some answers. :)
Q2 - What are some things that can go wrong when shipping internationally?
PortageCartage For example - rough seas can damage goods if they were not packed in the containers well.
QMMAllied Unexpected costs such as fines, inspection fees, quarantine fees, etc. Our job is to make them aware of these beforehand
HolmanMoving Border control can slow things down, which can lead to additional fees and delayed delivery.
PortageCartage Demurrage/storage charges can apply if the shipment is held for inspection by customs.
movinggal A big problem is declarations and customs. Need to make sure customer understands what is allowed in the country.
PortageCartage In rare cases, a freighter captain can choose to dump containers overboard if the ship is in danger. GET INSURANCE!
AMSAProMover Make sure the carrier in UK/England is a member of BAR or similar trade Asociation otherwise who do U call if challenges arise?
MovePoint customs
QMMAllied Make sure the inventories are properly labeled!
HolmanMoving Absolutely. Our international yoda/guru is diligent bout education. RT @movinggal Make sure cust. know what is allowed in country.
PortageCartage Yes - and avoid domestic jargon like "PBO" - doesn't translate. RT @QMMAllied: A2: Make sure the inventories are properly labeled!
AMSAProMover @AMSAProMover we field consumer complaint calls everyday and help where we can. Do your research!
StephenPeeler @AMSAProMover we field consumer complaint calls everyday and help where we can. Do your research!
Q3 - What resources do you rely on for import & export regulations?
HolmanMoving Ha! Our yoda! Our international expert is fantastic - he reads up on regulatory matters daily. News sources and gov. sites.
QMMAllied Allied International (we're their Western Canadian agent) provides resources & an updated regs directory for all countries
PortageCartage Like @HolmanMoving, we rely on @UniGroupUTS for their expertise. By the way, UTS - if you're able, come join the chat!
PortageCartage @HolmanMoving How would your Yoda counsel a customer on importing fossils from Europe to North America?
AMSAProMover @AMSAProMover, @FIDI and @IAM all have resources to assist consumers and movers w/International moves Keyword International
StephenPeeler @AMSAProMover, @FIDI and @IAM all have resources to assist consumers and movers w/International moves Keyword International
HolmanMoving @PortageCartage I would answer that if yoda was here but, alas, it's just me. Don't want to give bad info.
movinggal Are there some countries that are really difficult to move to based on your experience?
PortageCartage @movinggal Oh yes - Saudi Arabia, Australia (lumber regulations are nasty)...
PortageCartage Lots in the Middle East & Africa are tough to ship to too.
QMMAllied @movinggal Some South American countries can be tough too, with tough restrictions and high customs fees.
HolmanMoving @movinggal Yes, Nigeria is incredibly difficult. Intense custom regs that must be followed to a tee. Brazil is also tough.
Q4 - What lessons have you learned about international moves? How do you educate your clients?
PortageCartage A key point is to have a detailed inventory in plain language. Checklists for the move process are vital too.
movinggal I think the biggest thing I ever learned is to be flexible. It can be a moving target at times but it all works out in the end.
movinggal The more the customer is organized and understands what is involved will make the move much easier.
movinggal Helping educate the customer and providing them with some research materials or resources helps tremendously.
HolmanMoving The biggest thing we've learned is to be crystal clear about what the shipper can and cannot take. Education is critical.
QMMAllied Important to educate clients on transit time & risk of delays etc. Esp if going via groupage (if 1 is flagged, all are searched).
AMSAProMover And pack patience! @movinggal: The more the customer is organized and understands what is involved will make the move much easier.
StephenPeeler And pack patience! @movinggal: The more the customer is organized and understands what is involved will make the move much easier.
PortageCartage A big challenge is when customers don't take seriously the regulations around importing & exporting.
HolmanMoving @PortageCartage So true. And sometimes, the mover has to be the bad guy to make sure they adhere to them. That's tough.
PortageCartage @HolmanMoving Exactly. Next week's topic will be a doozie: Admin vs Sales vs Ops.
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