International Moves

A. On our web pages there are pictures of containers with their exact specs. Listed, but please keep in mind that containers are 4 and 1/2 feet off the ground and don't come with platforms, lift gates or ramps. A 20 ft. standard container when filled to capacity with personal effects will hold up to 1000 cuft. / 6000 lbs., a 40 ft. standard container 2000 cuft. / 12000 lbs.

B. In matching the container size to your volume, we would recommend that you make out a detailed inventory list which will be used by Customs, insurance purposes and for Hermes. This list helps us determine the volume and weight of the shipment and to make the best recommendations for your shipment. A general rule of thumb is that 1 and 2 bedroom apartments will have anywhere from 300 cuft. to 1000 cuft. and will need a 20 ft. container while 3 and 4 bedroom houses will have between 1100 cuft. and 2000 cuft. and will require a 40 ft. container.

C. Now that you are aware of what a container looks like and it's sizes, let's discuss "drayage" or the details of trucking the container to your door. First, the trucker is only a driver. He is paid to drive. He can't assist you in any other way. Secondly you must take into account the local zoning ordinances and laws pertaining to fire, police, EMS, garbage pickup and no parking zones. Next you must take into account the physical conditions of the road, driveways and the trucker has total discretion on this.

D. The trucking term that we used in your rate "live load" is an important term because when the trucker shows up he will expect you to have everything planned out ahead of time, staged, and ready to go within a 3-hour time limit. If you run over the 3-hour limit you will be assessed an hourly overtime fee for trucking.

A. The first step is to use cheap labor to pack and load your container. Many of these people haven't been trained in container packing. However, if you are looking for somebody to just load the freight into the container, then using this type of labor is fine. Just remember to make sure they are fully licensed and insured.

B. The second is loading the container by yourself during the 3-hour time limit for a live load. It sounds hard but many of our former clients chose this option because it best suited their needs and budget. These people planned ahead had everything prepacked, staged and ready to go when the trucker showed up so that everything went according to plan.

C. Drop and pick option is a great option for those people who are doing their own packing/loading and need additional time to do so. The trucker drops off the container on a set date and will come back 3 to 5 days later and pick it up and bring it directly to the port. There is an extra charge for trucking for this service and it should be a double price. This process is known as a double pick too.

D. If you are doing your own packing or subbing it out to a local mover, please realize that loading a container is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. You have to visualize the concept of linear space and realize that once you get the right pieces in first everything else will fit together.

A. Personal effects go in first, followed by the bulk heading (building of a wall) of the auto, and lastly the auto.

B. Keep in mind the dimensions and linear space of the container, e.g. with a 20 ft. container you can load up to 200 cuft. of personal effects followed by the auto.C. With the 40 ft. container up to 1100 cuft. followed by the auto.

A. All Risks Policy: This policy is provided for personal effects and/or autos. The rate that we charge is 3% of the value insured ($30.00 for every $1000.00 of insurance). This is an all inclusive policy that provides full protection for your freight while it is in transit. In addition to major damages, it provides coverage for scratches, dings, dents etc.

B. Named Perils/FPA: This type of policy is sold at 1.5% of the value insured ($ 15.00 for every $1000.00).This policy covers damage to you freight that results in total loss such as fire, theft, container washed out to sea, container dropped at the terminal and customs inspection at the US port of call that results in total damage.

C. The minimum insurance premium amount is $ 30.00.

A. Duties: The general rule when shipping out of the US is that there will not be a duty on used personal effects that are over a year old and the shipper has no intention of reselling anything that is inside the container to the general public. However with shippers who are returning to their native country or who have purchased items that are less than 1 year old it is best to check with the consulate of the country that the shipper is planning on shipping to, please check before shipping, please go to: www.embassy.org.

B. Customs Clearance: For most countries shippers can contact the consulate of the country of the country they are shipping to and obtain the proper forms which are to be filled out and submitted to Customs. In some countries like the UK you can literally download the C-3 form and mail it in to Customs, but for other countries like Greece , Italy or France you may have to physically go to the port to clear the container.

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