International Shipping – Guide
Definitions:
- FCL(Full Container Load) – A container carrying your belongings exclusively. The net capacity of household goods in a 20 ft. container is 1,000cf (cubic feet), in a 40ft container is up to 2000cf. There is also a 40 ft. container High cube (the inside of the container is higher) that can hold 2400 cu ft.
- LCL(Less than Container Load) – When your shipment does not fill a complete shipping container, the shipping company will group several shipments together and fit them in a large container. The shipments are well separated in the container and the paperwork / customs clearance is handled separately for each one.
- Destination agent– The agent designated in the destination country to be available to assist or provide information to the customer regarding the shipment.
- Custom clearance– Formal inspection procedures carried out before allowing a shipment into a country. BestGuy Moving takes care of all necessary paperwork and prepares all required documentation.
- THC(Terminal Handling Charges) – a charge for handling services performed at terminals. The specific charge varies from country to country and is dependent on the shipment volume. The destination port usually carries additional charges and it is important to check what they are and what the charges will be.
- Airfreight shipments are calculated by weight or by volume (the greater of the two). The formula commonly used for this calculation is cubic meter/6=kg.
How are customers charged?
- International moves usually involve a full door-to-door service from your home in the United States to your new location abroad. The price of your international move is based on the size of your shipment, destination country and on the amount of packing that is required.
- Packing and packing materials – there is a charge for both labor and materials. However, the full pack option includes all packing materials and labor.
- Insurance – the insurance charge is not included in the initial estimate provided. The final charge is based on the value declared by the customer and is calculated as 2.5% – 3.5% of the declared value, depending on which deductible you choose.
- Destination delivery charges. The estimate includes the charges for “normal access”, which is a street that is wide enough for the container / truck to fit in and up to a certain number of outside stairs. If access is not normal, there will be additional charges.
- THC – Terminal Handling Charges.
Insurance
Insurance is not required for overseas shipments. However, we strongly recommend that customers l purchase insurance prior to their move. Overseas insurance includes a full replacement option. The customer will be required to prepare an inventory list, declaring the value of each item that needs to be covered.
Forms of Payment
The standard forms of payment are cash, check or a certified check.
