Removal firms (from UK to US)
#31
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: glasgow
Posts: 16
Cost of Small Moves (no furniture)
What removal company did you use and were you pleased with it?
Basically, it works out to 100 GBP fixed fee + 2.3 GPB/kg of stuff + insurance.
In my specific case, I had 5 tea chests (61 cm x 51 cm x 41 cm), each weighing the maximum allowed 30kg, so it cost me 100 + (2.3 x 5 x 30) = 445 GPB + insurance. Considering that my quote from AP was 750 quid and I would have had to wait 6 weeks instead of 2 for my things, I think I got a terrific deal.
Mari
Sep 16 update
Well, it's 15 days after my stuff was picked up in Glasgow, and still no sight of my boxes! I was told to expect delivery in approximately 10 days. I called last week, and they told me my stuff was still in London. Seven Seas blamed it on increased security at the airports, but surely the increased security didn't happen right after I got a quote and estimate of delivery time from them 3 weeks ago... Neither have they replied yet to my e-mailed query on Sunday, although every time I've called them, they've asked me for my e-mail address. Right now, I'm disappointed with them. Taking 50% longer than promised is rather a lot.
TIPS for filling boxes:
A. You need at least a bathroom scale so as not to go over the 30kg limit (although the penalty came out to 1.90 GBP/kg in my case). I think the boxes Seven Seas give you for free, weigh about 2 kg each.
B. I put most of my things in archival bxes (39 cm x 33 cm x 25.4 cm) from an office supply store, and stacked 2 archival boxes each in a tea chest. There are three advantages to this box within box approach. 1. It's easier to weigh archival boxes than a whole tea chest. With the archival boxes, you hold each box to your chest and stand on the scale, then subtract your body weight from the total. 2. You can protect fragile things from the weight of stuff above it. 3. It's easier to retrieve specific things and to mix and match box weights.
C. Then I stuffed clothes, shoes, linens and oversize things (calendars, trays, etc) into the space between the archival boxes and the tea chest. To weigh those extra items, I made a makeshift balance by placing a metal rod over a doorknob, hanging a plastic water bottle with a liter of water (= 1 kg) from one end, and my stuff at the other end of the rod in a plastic bag. I marked the pole where the weights balanced, and measured the distance from the mark to the ends. Weight of your stuff in kg should be equal to Length to water bag / Length to stuff
D. One archival box full of paper weighs about 15 kg, full of books, about 20 kg.
Last edited by mariawatanabe; Sep 17th 2003 at 3:07 am.
#32
Re: more removal firms
Originally posted by Jo Brayne
I'd like to revive this topic. Anyone else had any memorable experiences with a moving company? Any one in particular? Did your move go smooth or was it problematic?
I'd like to revive this topic. Anyone else had any memorable experiences with a moving company? Any one in particular? Did your move go smooth or was it problematic?
1) Does the price the movers charge depend on weight, or volume?
2) Would I have to have everything assembled in one room for them to come and estimate the cost?
3) What sort of insurance is best, do the movers insure or do you arrange it separately?
Thanks for any advice.
Debbie
#33
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: glasgow
Posts: 16
Re: more removal firms
1) Does the price the movers charge depend on weight, or volume?
If you're shipping by sea, it goes by volume. If you're 'shipping' by air, it goes mainly by weight. Small removals companies have a limit on size, so it may be best to give away your furniture unless you're really attached to them. Get a quote from Excess Baggage as well, they do student moves and send by sea.
2) Would I have to have everything assembled in one room for them to come and estimate the cost?
No, most companies come, walk around your house, and are good at estimating volume from visual inspection. But for my own case, I put everything in fixed size boxes from OfficeDepot, so I had a very good idea of the volume, and also weighed everything, so I knew for certain whether it would be cheaper to send by sea or air.
3) What sort of insurance is best, do the movers insure or do you arrange it separately?
The movers arrange it, but they're not the ones who actually do the insuring. Allied Pickford won't allow insurance on individual lots, unlike Seven Seas. Who can say what insurance is best? It mostly depends on what risks you are willing to take like any insurance. Some things are worthless but priceless, like your photo albums, but getting compensated for 'replacement value' is no consolation.
My two bits.
Mari
If you're shipping by sea, it goes by volume. If you're 'shipping' by air, it goes mainly by weight. Small removals companies have a limit on size, so it may be best to give away your furniture unless you're really attached to them. Get a quote from Excess Baggage as well, they do student moves and send by sea.
2) Would I have to have everything assembled in one room for them to come and estimate the cost?
No, most companies come, walk around your house, and are good at estimating volume from visual inspection. But for my own case, I put everything in fixed size boxes from OfficeDepot, so I had a very good idea of the volume, and also weighed everything, so I knew for certain whether it would be cheaper to send by sea or air.
3) What sort of insurance is best, do the movers insure or do you arrange it separately?
The movers arrange it, but they're not the ones who actually do the insuring. Allied Pickford won't allow insurance on individual lots, unlike Seven Seas. Who can say what insurance is best? It mostly depends on what risks you are willing to take like any insurance. Some things are worthless but priceless, like your photo albums, but getting compensated for 'replacement value' is no consolation.
My two bits.
Mari
#34
Re: more removal firms
Originally posted by mariawatanabe
3) What sort of insurance is best, do the movers insure or do you arrange it separately?
The movers arrange it, but they're not the ones who actually do the insuring. Allied Pickford won't allow insurance on individual lots, unlike Seven Seas. Who can say what insurance is best? It mostly depends on what risks you are willing to take like any insurance. Some things are worthless but priceless, like your photo albums, but getting compensated for 'replacement value' is no consolation.
3) What sort of insurance is best, do the movers insure or do you arrange it separately?
The movers arrange it, but they're not the ones who actually do the insuring. Allied Pickford won't allow insurance on individual lots, unlike Seven Seas. Who can say what insurance is best? It mostly depends on what risks you are willing to take like any insurance. Some things are worthless but priceless, like your photo albums, but getting compensated for 'replacement value' is no consolation.
You're dead right about the photos and things though. Some friends lost all their stuff when their container went over the side. They got the material posessions replaced, but lost all the personal stuff. We now make sure we scan and back up everything of personal value before we move, and carry the back up cd's with us. I also leave a copy of the cd with my mother, just in case....paranoid? probably. peace of mind - definitely!
#35
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Sheffield, England to Bedford, Texas.
Posts: 152
PSS
Originally posted by ladyofthelake
We used a company called PSS International Removals
They deal only with international moves, so all their employees are very experienced with international moves. The quote (which arrived 2 days after the assessment) we had was the cheapest of all, but we chose them because we felt the most comfortable entrusting them with all our possessions. The packers were very good, prompt and efficient, nothing was broken when it arrived, and unpacking was included in the price. The container arrived in Miami 3 weeks after it left our house, so we were very pleased with the speed and ease that it all went through.
We used a company called PSS International Removals
They deal only with international moves, so all their employees are very experienced with international moves. The quote (which arrived 2 days after the assessment) we had was the cheapest of all, but we chose them because we felt the most comfortable entrusting them with all our possessions. The packers were very good, prompt and efficient, nothing was broken when it arrived, and unpacking was included in the price. The container arrived in Miami 3 weeks after it left our house, so we were very pleased with the speed and ease that it all went through.
#36
Re: PSS
Originally posted by Jo Brayne
In a fleeting flash of inspiration, to get a quote from someone besides "the big 3" , I invited PSS to survey my 'shipment'. They came wednesday and will get a quote back to me early this week.
In a fleeting flash of inspiration, to get a quote from someone besides "the big 3" , I invited PSS to survey my 'shipment'. They came wednesday and will get a quote back to me early this week.
Confused
Thanks
Debbie
#37
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: glasgow
Posts: 16
visa surcharge
Originally posted by Yorkieabroad
Just had a quick look at www.visa.com. In their Ask Visa section:
Quote
If you run into a problem like this with a merchant, please notify the financial institution that issued you your Visa card. These institutions have access to the appropriate Visa rules and regulations and can help you document and file your complaint.
Unquote
Just had a quick look at www.visa.com. In their Ask Visa section:
Quote
If you run into a problem like this with a merchant, please notify the financial institution that issued you your Visa card. These institutions have access to the appropriate Visa rules and regulations and can help you document and file your complaint.
Unquote
Mari
#38
Maybe, but its also in Visa's interest to get people to pay by CC rather than switching to another form of payment because of a surcharge....
When we've moved, we've normally found it a fairly competitive and price sensitive market, so if the moving company raise their prices to 'build in' a surcharge, they run the risk of losing out on business.
Personally, I always advise a trader who tries to levy a surcharge for paying by credit card that they are not allowed to, and if they won't drop it, I report it to the Credit card company and then avoid using that trader. Fortunately it happens very rarely - it has only happened to me a few times that I can think of - with moving companies and with travel agents, and once with an online booking agent.
The vast majority of businesses manage to charge the same prices whether paid by cash/debit/credit, so why do a few think they should be able to get away with charging extra? Especially IF they have signed a contract with Visa or whoever saying that they won't.
When we've moved, we've normally found it a fairly competitive and price sensitive market, so if the moving company raise their prices to 'build in' a surcharge, they run the risk of losing out on business.
Personally, I always advise a trader who tries to levy a surcharge for paying by credit card that they are not allowed to, and if they won't drop it, I report it to the Credit card company and then avoid using that trader. Fortunately it happens very rarely - it has only happened to me a few times that I can think of - with moving companies and with travel agents, and once with an online booking agent.
The vast majority of businesses manage to charge the same prices whether paid by cash/debit/credit, so why do a few think they should be able to get away with charging extra? Especially IF they have signed a contract with Visa or whoever saying that they won't.
#39
Skyscrapered
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 169
Hi folks.
Thanks for this thread - some excellent pointers in here.
My question is, I will only be taking around 600 or so cds, maybe 50 books (at the most) and my cd-recorder, amp & speakers. Has anyone else shipped so little and would it be cheaper/easier via airfreight or sea? I know the 600 cds won't take up too much volume but they will be kinda heavy.
Thanks
Andy
Thanks for this thread - some excellent pointers in here.
My question is, I will only be taking around 600 or so cds, maybe 50 books (at the most) and my cd-recorder, amp & speakers. Has anyone else shipped so little and would it be cheaper/easier via airfreight or sea? I know the 600 cds won't take up too much volume but they will be kinda heavy.
Thanks
Andy
#40
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: glasgow
Posts: 16
Originally posted by Haggischomper
I know the 600 cds won't take up too much volume but they will be kinda heavy.
I know the 600 cds won't take up too much volume but they will be kinda heavy.
#41
Skyscrapered
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 169
Thanks. I guess that gives me another option to ponder.
#42
former Rochesterian
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Maryland / husband originally from England
Posts: 179
My husband used Seven Seas as well, earlier this year. We had some problems on this side with miscommunication from UPS, but the boxes finally got delivered, and everything ended up okay. He wrote up his experience here: http://k1fun.envy.nu/emigrating.html.
#43
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: glasgow
Posts: 16
Final Report Card 7 Seas Removal
FACTS
Time promised -- 7-10 days
Time taken from pick up to delivery -- 25 days
Price quoted excepting insurance for 5 x 30 kg boxes --
Invoice excepting insurance--
Condition of boxes on arrival:
Battered. 3 boxes with repaired bursts. One box with unrepaired hole the size of a clothes iron. Some things were dented, but nothing was broken including an expensive camera. The UPS delivery man rolled the boxes end over end to get the boxes up stairs despite the giant red arrows and wine glass symbols on each of the boxes. Nothing was missing from the boxes, despite all of them having been opened by customs (unlike US security people at the airport who will confiscate, i.e., steal, things from your suitcase without telling you why or what they took).
Communication:
Always friendly and polite.
Always called back, even internationally, if they promised to.
Did not reply to e-mail inquiry.
Did not keep me informed of where my shipment was and head office never knew either. They always needed to call their warehouse to get such information.
Did not warn me at all before trying to deliver shipment. Just rang doorbell one day.
FACTS
Time promised -- 7-10 days
Time taken from pick up to delivery -- 25 days
Price quoted excepting insurance for 5 x 30 kg boxes --
Invoice excepting insurance--
Condition of boxes on arrival:
Battered. 3 boxes with repaired bursts. One box with unrepaired hole the size of a clothes iron. Some things were dented, but nothing was broken including an expensive camera. The UPS delivery man rolled the boxes end over end to get the boxes up stairs despite the giant red arrows and wine glass symbols on each of the boxes. Nothing was missing from the boxes, despite all of them having been opened by customs (unlike US security people at the airport who will confiscate, i.e., steal, things from your suitcase without telling you why or what they took).
Communication:
Always friendly and polite.
Always called back, even internationally, if they promised to.
Did not reply to e-mail inquiry.
Did not keep me informed of where my shipment was and head office never knew either. They always needed to call their warehouse to get such information.
Did not warn me at all before trying to deliver shipment. Just rang doorbell one day.
Pick up and delivery:
Pick up was 5 minutes later than the end of the hour promised.
Delivery was up to my 2nd floor flat, despite the contract stating that delivery would only be to front door of apartment building.
SUMMARY
They were cheap and faster than shipping by sea for the amount that I wanted to move. I would use them again. However, if there is a next time, I would make sure to use a lot more tape, esp. around the middle of the boxes to lessen bursting, and pack my things snugger so they wouldn't be damaged even if someone rolled or threw the boxes. Shipping by air is a lot rougher than shipping by sea, it turns out.
Time promised -- 7-10 days
Time taken from pick up to delivery -- 25 days
Price quoted excepting insurance for 5 x 30 kg boxes --
Invoice excepting insurance--
Condition of boxes on arrival:
Battered. 3 boxes with repaired bursts. One box with unrepaired hole the size of a clothes iron. Some things were dented, but nothing was broken including an expensive camera. The UPS delivery man rolled the boxes end over end to get the boxes up stairs despite the giant red arrows and wine glass symbols on each of the boxes. Nothing was missing from the boxes, despite all of them having been opened by customs (unlike US security people at the airport who will confiscate, i.e., steal, things from your suitcase without telling you why or what they took).
Communication:
Always friendly and polite.
Always called back, even internationally, if they promised to.
Did not reply to e-mail inquiry.
Did not keep me informed of where my shipment was and head office never knew either. They always needed to call their warehouse to get such information.
Did not warn me at all before trying to deliver shipment. Just rang doorbell one day.
FACTS
Time promised -- 7-10 days
Time taken from pick up to delivery -- 25 days
Price quoted excepting insurance for 5 x 30 kg boxes --
Invoice excepting insurance--
Condition of boxes on arrival:
Battered. 3 boxes with repaired bursts. One box with unrepaired hole the size of a clothes iron. Some things were dented, but nothing was broken including an expensive camera. The UPS delivery man rolled the boxes end over end to get the boxes up stairs despite the giant red arrows and wine glass symbols on each of the boxes. Nothing was missing from the boxes, despite all of them having been opened by customs (unlike US security people at the airport who will confiscate, i.e., steal, things from your suitcase without telling you why or what they took).
Communication:
Always friendly and polite.
Always called back, even internationally, if they promised to.
Did not reply to e-mail inquiry.
Did not keep me informed of where my shipment was and head office never knew either. They always needed to call their warehouse to get such information.
Did not warn me at all before trying to deliver shipment. Just rang doorbell one day.
Pick up and delivery:
Pick up was 5 minutes later than the end of the hour promised.
Delivery was up to my 2nd floor flat, despite the contract stating that delivery would only be to front door of apartment building.
SUMMARY
They were cheap and faster than shipping by sea for the amount that I wanted to move. I would use them again. However, if there is a next time, I would make sure to use a lot more tape, esp. around the middle of the boxes to lessen bursting, and pack my things snugger so they wouldn't be damaged even if someone rolled or threw the boxes. Shipping by air is a lot rougher than shipping by sea, it turns out.
Last edited by mariawatanabe; Oct 15th 2003 at 5:15 pm.
#44
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2
Re: Brittania
Originally Posted by Jo Brayne
well we got our quote from Brittania-Appleyards today, more than a week after they came to survey. Their base quote is £3,068 which is right around where I was expecting it to be. And it doesnt include a £200+VAT cancellation waiver and £25 +IPT + VAT (yep) premesis insurance and 3% charge for credit OR debit cards! Talk about scandalous, debit card transactions only cost them 50 pence!! That's for 306 cubic feet "groupage" consignment. For our own small container, they quoted us about another 8 percet. I also expect that trying to trim down wont help the cost much either. They all said that if it ended up being less volume than quoted they'd adjust it but I'll wait to see that! I suspect they'll all be like this with their own quirks. I'll keep you posted on the other 2 as they come in.
Don't be fooled by their slick sales people and glossy brochures.
#45
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2
Re: Removal firms (from UK to US)
Hi all.....well I’ve been lurking here for long enough so i guess its time to make a contribution
I used "Abacus" in Southampton and cant recommend them enough......got my stuff yesterday after shipping it from the UK over Xmas...total charge was 1086 GBP including insurance....that was for around 1200 cubic foot, packed and wrapped by the shippers
Didn’t have to pay until everything was packed and loaded and they were quick and friendly both sides of the pond...and they kept in touch during the whole operation even down to the exact time they would arrive at the door this end
The thought of shipping my stuff was causing me more stress then any other part of my move here and at the end of the day it turned out to be the smoothest
I used "Abacus" in Southampton and cant recommend them enough......got my stuff yesterday after shipping it from the UK over Xmas...total charge was 1086 GBP including insurance....that was for around 1200 cubic foot, packed and wrapped by the shippers
Didn’t have to pay until everything was packed and loaded and they were quick and friendly both sides of the pond...and they kept in touch during the whole operation even down to the exact time they would arrive at the door this end
The thought of shipping my stuff was causing me more stress then any other part of my move here and at the end of the day it turned out to be the smoothest