International Moving & Storage in Arlington, WA
When most people think about a move, they usually think about simply going across town or to a new state. But as the world economy became “global” in the 1960s, more and more families began to relocate to different countries. Thus, international moving and storage in Arlington, WA, became a challenge for many.
The challenge wasn’t about the distance either. It was learning the skill sets required to prepare items for such long transits safely. It was mastering the available methods and routes, aligning with partners all over the globe, and understanding the rules and regulations of foreign governments.
The Difference Between International Shipping & Move Management
International shipping is simply moving cargo from port to port. This can leave the unsuspecting with the daunting task of finding their way through the multitudes of document requirements and customs regulations. That means what once might have seemed simple will likely lead to additional costs, delays, and hardships for those unfamiliar with the process.
By working with one of our agents, you receive comprehensive international moving and storage management that removes these unknowns and risks for you. From the beginning, you are made aware of the documents you must secure and possess for entry into your foreign destination. We also advise on the current regulations of the destination country, including what items can and cannot be shipped.
Through our moving services, we carefully analyze the volume of the items to be shipped and determine the most effective shipping methods to meet your needs. This includes selecting a trustworthy overseas affiliate to receive your shipment, assist you through customs, and deliver your goods to your new home. Every step of your belongings’ journey is tracked by a dedicated international moving and storage specialist who resolves any problems and follows your shipment until you are settled into your new home.
Accurate Pricing
International moving and storage is not a commodity like local or interstate shipping. A series of activities must be performed, and all of them have underlying costs. That means it is difficult to “comparison shop” without understanding these underlying activities and their fluctuating prices.
During a pre-move survey, one of our representatives will capture the information critical to determining the price of your move. While these estimates will vary, the objective is to capture the volume of the items to be shipped as the basis, with the weight as a secondary factor.
With this information, we then calculate the best shipping methods and the prices for the available options—taking into account any extra costs such as customs and port handling fees. If changes cannot be calculated in advance, your rate will reflect a potential additional charge payable at the destination.
The Stages of an International Move
Each stage of an international move hinges on the prior, so tracking and monitoring each step is crucial to ensure that your belongings make it to their destination successfully. As part of our international moving and storage services, your shipment is assigned to a dedicated specialist coordinating the activities to ensure each stage is completed. The stages include:
- Packing & Loading
- Equipment Positioning
- Transport to the Pier or Airport of Departure
- Export Documentation
- On-Board/Sailing Confirmation
- Foreign Agent Notification
- Document Transmittal
- Arrival confirmation
- Customs Entry & Clearance
- Delivery to Residence
Security Issues & Responsibilities
To ensure the safety of your belongings, we only work with federally licensed freight forwarders. Additionally, our international moving and storage business is subject to the rules of the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Maritime Commission, and the United States Coast Guard.
While many assume they can save money by packing their international shipments themselves, the Department of Homeland Security monitors the content declarations of every shipment departing from the United States, and the forwarder is held responsible for the contents of the freight. This is why we will not accept shipments that the owner packs themselves. Compliance requires that our foreign agents pack the contents of all shipments, which is true of most reputable, licensed international forwarders.
As each customer is different, so are the needs to be considered for every international moving and storage job. Our objective is to educate our customers in the international process, allowing them to make better decisions in selecting a global mover.
