When you move your valuable items, it’s like moving your own personal antiques roadshow. I’m not talking about your sentimental items like the blue ribbon trophy you won for “Best in Show” of your pet but your belongings that are worth a whole lot of money.

You want to make sure that these items such as computers, stereo equipment, flat screen smart TVs, high-end electronic equipment etc. are safely moved without being damaged.

Here are some tips to moving your expensive possessions whether to another state or overseas:
• Ensure your moving company has experience transporting antiques and other expensive valuables. Also check their references and reviews.
• Make sure to discuss with your moving agent to insure all of your items but especially your expensive valuables. It’s way better to be safe than sorry.
• Make sure to work with your agent to document your high-end valuables to show your valuables in their current condition. It’s all about your peace -of-mind.
Equipment
• When the surveyor is out to look at your items, make sure to point out your significant pieces when you do the walk-through to get your quote. Movers can transport these items safely, but most people can’t tell a King Lear table from a Louis Vuitton recliner. Make sure everyone knows what’s what.
• On moving day, make sure your agent has given the information about your expensive items to the employees who will actually be doing the heavy lifting. It’s important they are informed to protect your items.
Other valuable items
• For an extra minimal fee, moving companies will also pack your belongings. If you have valuable and fragile items, let them do the work because they are highly skilled on how to pack your important and valuable stuff so it’s not damaged during transit.
• It’s always best to move electronics in their original containers. They may be a pain to save, but your desktop computer will slide nicely into that authentic company box. After all, it was safely shipped that way once. The second transport should be no different if you still have the original boxes. If not, your movers will pack them safely.

If you make sure your mover has experience moving expensive items, have the moving team pack your items as well as ensuring your valuables are insured, you’ll fret less if you’ve done everything you can to provide a safe transition for your prized possessions.

Safe moving!

It’s no secret that the moving industry has their own common terms to describe overseas container shipping. But if you know what those terms are and learn about the differences of each one, it will provide you with important knowledge when you decide to move overseas, so you are aware of any potential additional charges when moving.  Some of the terminology can get quite confusing at times if you don’t know the meanings of container shipping and charges that come with it.

I’ll provide you with important key terms and to clarify each of them so that you will be better suited to know about container shipping and especially when you are talking to your moving representative or agent about your personal belongings or other shipping items headed out of the country.

Let’s begin with container demurrage and container detention. Both are uniquely different but can be confusing at times. The term demurrage relates to cargo while the cargo is in the container. Detention is when your possessions or general equipment (cargo) is empty and out of the container after unpacking or before packing.

Container demurrage is referred to when the container with a payload has either been offloaded from a vessel, also known as import or waiting to be loaded onto a vessel, known as an export. An import container can’t be shipped out until U.S. Customs officially releases it or decides to exam the container or schedules it for an inspection. If Customs decides to do this, it can impact the delay of the shipment and accrue demurrage charges if it’s not picked up in time. An export container doesn’t usually incur demurrage charges due to the return date and port dates are for the most part, extremely narrow. But if an export container does sustain demurrage fees, it’s due to a shipper or exporter deciding to delay a container or U.S. Customs chooses to exam or inspect the shipment.

Container detention is when the container is offloaded or discharged from the port with or without a payload, and is in possession of a drayage company that will then ship your possessions to an importer’s or exporter’s facilities before it is shipped to you. Detention just means that it’s in a facility being prepared to get the shipment out to you from when it was in the port or other locations.

Other terms include demurrage charges which varies from port-to-port and increases over time depending upon the length of time the container is at the port. Please know that demurrage charges must be paid to the ocean carrier before the container can be released. Keep in mind that ports set their own port free time which means no charges will be applied while the container is at their port (ports free time days vary). If free time days are exceeded, demurrage charges will apply. In addition, ocean carriers allow drayage companies to have containers in a facility for a set number of days at no charge which is referred to as container free time.

When moving a container on the road, you need a chassis rental for a truck to move the container. When a chassis has been provided, the owner of the chassis, whether an ocean liner or port operator, will charge a daily chassis rental charge which varies depending upon the location.

These are just some of the terms used in overseas container shipping. By getting to know these terms and shipping overall (please visit https://www.rainieros.com to learn more), it will prevent very little surprises if some fees are charged due to delays out of the control of your shipping representative or agent who are trying to manage and limit your fees as much as possible!

Safe moving!

You are relocating to another city, state or country and you have a long list of “to do’s” and may be wondering what your scheduled mover won’t or can’t move for you among some of your belongings. You don’t want to find out what your mover can’t take on the day of your move. It’s stressful enough to move and you don’t want a surprise when scheduled to be on the road.

Combustible chemicals
What personal items movers won’t move for you? Potentially dangerous chemicals include some of the following:
• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Corrosives
• Nail polish remover
• Propane tanks
• Aerosols
• Paint
• Gasoline
• Lighter fluid, kerosene
• Charcoal
• Other chemicals

Hazardous materials create too many variables in the moving process. Combustible items are simply too dangerous to transport in a moving van or truck. Luckily, most of these are household items that can be easily replaced when you arrive at your new home.

Pets/plants
• Pets – Movers simply will not move pets no matter how well-behaved they are or the type of pet carrier as well. Moving vans can get extremely hot or cold depending upon the weather. Too many variables that could go wrong, plus, it’s better to have your furry friend with you anyway.
• Plants – Did you know there are laws against moving certain plants to specific distances? Transporting plants may mean introducing such invaders to your new state. Because of laws like these, moving companies generally won’t move your plants across state lines especially to different countries. Even if they were allowed to move them, plants could soil or die in transit, potentially damaging your other personal belongings.

Other
• Perishable foods
• fireworks
• Explosives
• Ammunition

This might seem pretty obvious, but you would be surprised at what some people try to move including fireworks and other explosive items. Anything that puts your movers or your other belongings in danger definitely cannot be shipped.
It’s important to check your movers’ policy on food. Some moving companies will not ship any kind of food, while others just won’t ship the perishable items. Anything that can soil in transit should definitely not be shipped. In addition to potentially damaging the other belongings that you shipped, food like this can attract insects, which both you and your movers definitely want to avoid.

Valuables
• Cash
• Financial and personal documents
• Jewelry
• Checkbooks, credit cards
• Prescriptions, medicine

Even if your mover doesn’t have a policy against moving personal items, I would highly recommend keeping these items with you as you move especially family pictures and other belongings with high sentimental value. Keep in mind as a general rule, if any of your belongings are irreplaceable, keep them with you during your move don’t ship it.

If you are ever unsure on what can and cannot be moved, don’t hesitate to ask your mover. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more information about what items you can’t ship and items we recommend not to move.
Safe moving!
Cesar Castro is one of the owners at Rainier Overseas Movers Inc. He can be reached at mailto:cesar@rainieros.comcom or you can call him 800-426-9928. Please visit their website at https://www.rainieros.com/

When moving, there’s a lot to prepare for before you move especially if you own pets, whether a cat, dog, other household pets or even exotic pets like a parrot for instance.

Many people don’t prepare properly to ensure their pets are fully taken care of during a move especially overseas. Here are some tips to follow when you are locating elsewhere with your furry friend.

Laws and regulations
• Most states require special permits for certain animals such as large cats, monkeys, or any large exotic animals. You can find all animal-related laws and regulations online on your state’s Veterinary Office or Department of Agriculture websites.
• In addition, make sure to check with the City’s Clerk’s office in your new city or town regarding licensing laws, leash rules, and limits to the number of pets you can have. I would also ask about zoning laws in your new area that may prohibit certain animals as pets such as goats, pigs and chickens, in residential areas.
• If you are moving to an apartment or condo, make sure your pet is allowed before you move in. Many communities and Homeowners Associations do not permit cats, dogs, aquariums and exotic pets such as iguanas, venomous snakes, tarantulas, ferrets, etc. Call to confirm what is allowed before moving.
Documents
• Most states require a health certificate for dogs and many states require one for cats and other pets as well. The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and be no more than 10 days old. Up-to-date inoculation records should accompany it. Check with your veterinarian or animal-control agency for the state’s requirements.
• Also, be sure to get your pets health records as well from your current veterinarian. This information will help your new pet doctor to take the best care of your pet. You may need to purchase a permit depending upon the state or country you are moving to. Ask your vet for assistance with the application process.

Proper ID/transportation
• If your pet can wear a collar, put one on it and attach an identification tag. The tag should include the pet’s name, your name and the destination address. Most states require a rabies tag for dogs and cats, and for some exotic animals. Also, consider putting a microchip in your pet which provides a permanent ID.
• Moving can be stressful for you but also for your pet as well so it’s important to choose the right form of transportation. The least expensive and best security is moving them in a motor vehicle. If your pet isn’t used to car travel, take it on short rides before the move to get accustomed to the motion of the vehicle. Your vet can also provide pills to lessen the symptoms.
• Do not feed or water your dog or cat for a few hours before you leave. After you are on the road, feed once a day only. Make frequent stops for water and exercise, and be sure to keep your pet on a leash for its protection and yours.
• For air, some airlines will allow your pet inside the cabin, in an approved container, under the seat. A guide dog, properly harnessed, may sit at your feet. If you do not accompany your pet, or if your pet is too large to travel in the cabin, it must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Most airlines will allow dogs, cats, birds and fish. However, some may not take venomous snakes or other exotic pets.
• Most movers are not permitted to transport pets, and neither are buses or trains, with the exception of transporting guide dogs. If you can’t take your pet with you during the move, there are several professional pet service companies that will transport your pet for you. It’s a must to purchase a pet carrier of some sort whether traveling by car or airplane. It will ensure your pets’ safety and comfort.

Follow these simple tips before moving and it will be a lot easier for you and especially for your “best friend” when you hit the road and move to another location.  Rainier Overseas has worked with Animal Land Pet Movers in the past and can highly recommend their services. Let them know Rainier Overseas referred you.
Safe moving!

Summer months are the busiest time of the year for moving so it’s important that you act fast to schedule a professional move. Almost a third of all moves take place in the summer, peaking in June, according to the U.S. Census. The busiest times are often near the end of the month and on weekends.

Scheduling your move mid-month or mid-week can reduce stress and sometimes result in savings. Begin contacting moving companies at least one month to two months prior to your move. Reputable moving companies can reach capacity quickly, and procrastinating may result in missing your preferred move date.

Make sure to ask your moving company for referrals and testimonials too. Here at Rainier, we provide free in-home estimates for the move at no obligation to you. Even if you are considering handling the move yourself, you have nothing to lose by inviting us into your home so you can find out if a professional move is the best option for you (highly recommended).

If you decide to go with another moving company, be sure the mover has a federal motor carrier, or MC, number so you know your mover is legitimate. You can verify their status by contacting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration by visiting https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/. You can also visit the Federal Maritime Commission for overseas moves at www.fmc.gov.

Safe moving!

When you decide to move, hire a professional to pack your belongings, it will save you a ton of stress and even more importantly, your time!

Packing your possessions on your own or with family assistance may save you a little pocket change but what you may not realize is you are putting your belongings at greater risk of damage during your move. Professional movers have the expertise and quality packing materials to best protect your belongings. Why add additional stress in your life and spend valuable time when you can let the pros do the packing for you!

Smart tips
Here are some important and “smart” tips when hiring a pro to pack your household goods:

• Schedule a date – Call a reputable moving company and provide at least one month notice if not more (months before summer for example) before the moving truck is scheduled to arrive. A reputable company will always send out a surveyor to review and provide a quote of all the household belongings you have to move.

• Be there – Your moving company should work with you to create an inventory of your goods, and it’s important that you know what is in which box before signing the inventory document. Make sure all copies are legible and all boxes are properly identified. Label valuable items to ensure you can claim their full value in case of damage. Some appliances may require servicing prior to the move, which your mover can schedule for you.

• Save money, purchase containers and boxes – Buying from your mover usually saves money, and the quality is better than the cardboard boxes purchased from the grocery store. The moving company will also be able to provide an estimate of the number and types of boxes you need to buy specifically for your move.

If you decide to pack some of your items yourself, it is never too soon to start. It is important that you know, though, that most moving companies will not accept liability for any damage to items packed by the owners. Use only sturdy boxes and really strong tape. Pillows, blankets and towels can be used to provide cushion support for breakable items.

It’s important to look at all of your options when you move, but you will soon realize by hiring a moving company to pack your belongings, will save you time and provide you peace-of-mind knowing that your possessions will be moved properly and insured as well.

Safe moving!
Cesar Castro is one of the owners at Rainier Overseas Movers Inc. He can be reached at cesar@rainieros.com or you can call him 800-426-9928. Please visit their website at https://www.rainieros.com/.

This week’s edition focuses on international moving and countries that are still open for business despite some challenges in troubled areas.

According to *ConFlo Lines, many countries around and in the #Middle East and surrounding areas are open for business for the most part. Here’s the scoop and latest regarding some of the troubled hot-spot countries:

Iran
Since the United Nations agreement with Iran, it’s expected there will be a huge demand for oil and gas along with aerospace supplies, consumer goods, and infrastructural equipment. With increased business and volume of commercial goods, Iranian ports won’t be able to handle it all. Such routes as Djulfa or Mersin will handle much of the traffic. Flights to Tehran from cities such as Zurich, Frankfurt and Milan are all booked. Expect lots of moving in this country with 80 million people.

Myanmar
Foreign direct investment is still slow in the country and the government is cautious with exports but, places like Singapore, Thailand and China are trading with some eastern provinces such as Kachin and Shan.

Mongolia
There’s a current slump in demand for Mongolian exports (especially to China) put a stop to the rapidly expanding mining sector. This had an immediate impact on other imported goods, such as automobiles and consumer goods. Recovery won’t be seen until the second half of 2016. Otherwise the transit from port Xingang by rail to the capital is working flawlessly.

Nepal
Due to the earthquake, Nepal is still trying to recover after the heavy toll on human lives and infastructure. The roads from port Kolkata to Kathmandu are still serviceable although there is a 350 km deviation due to collapsed bridges. Delays can be anticipated due to heavy lorry traffic and weight restrictions are in effect.

Middle East
There is no service to Yemeni ports and thus Iraq suffers politically and economically. Iraqi Kurdistan can be served via Turkish ports only.

Cuba
Since the U.S. has re-established diplomatic ties to this country, there should be plenty of opportunities for new and developing relations within the logistics industry.

Afghanistan
There is going to be a continuing American military presence which requires logistical support. Likewise foreign direct investment will increase and support infrastructural improvements.

Nigeria, DR of Congo, Niger, Chad and Car
The entire West African region is under political and economic pressure but both port facilities as well as rail and road connections to interior destinations are still functioning without major problems.
Safe moving!
Cesar Castro is one of the owners at Rainier Overseas Movers Inc. He can be reached at cesar@rainieros.com or you can call him 800-426-9928. Please visit their website at https://www.rainieros.com/.
*Country updates provided by ConFlo Lines

There are plenty of scammers in the moving industry but unfortunately, people don’t look out for the warning signs of crooked movers. Many so-called “discounted movers” are unethical, shady and disreputable moving outfits who are more interested in liberating you from your cash than delivering your possessions safe and sound.

Signs of disreputable movers
Some of the signs are obvious. Poor phone manners should be a big red flag. A website that looks woefully out of date is another. Likewise, a general feeling that the movers are disorganized or lack experience shouldn’t be ignored. None is proof that a company is dishonest, but if your instincts say there’s something fishy, go with your gut and move away from them as soon as possible or jeopardize not only losing your money, but potentially all of your belongings too.

Tips to avoid scammers
Here are some important tips to go by and know how to avoid crooked movers:
• Check out a company’s reputation and its business licenses – Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and do your research to insure the moving company you may be hiring is legit and reputable in the industry. Don’t call the company of interest but talk to other people and organizations to check if they are in good standing or not.
• Visual inspections – Ensure the company is willing to come to your home to do a visual inspection of the items you wish to move. They will send out a surveyor with an electronic handheld machine to enter information about your belongings, an estimate of how much possessions you have and the weight of it etc. If someone provides you a quote over the phone without coming to see your stuff, that’s a really bad sign.
• Payment in advance – If a moving company requests, demands that you pay in advance or provide an abnormally large portion of the payment before the organization actually does the move – that should set off alarm bells. Run the other way.
• Insurance policy – Ask if the moving company has an insurance policy for at least $1 million. Most businesses or buildings etc. will require movers to have their own insurance policy before they can enter into any building or area. If the movers accidentally ruin the property, the building owners know their property will be covered by the mover’s insurance policy. Request their policy number and ask the name of their insurance company, make a call to insure the mover is insured.
It ultimately comes down to common sense and doing a little homework on your part. Before you commit to a mover, ask around. Check out websites and references. If a company has a bad reputation, somebody will have written about it online. You don’t want to take a chance when it comes to your belongings. Do your research, and you’ll be far less likely to get burned by disreputable and crooked movers.
Safe moving!
Cesar Castro is one of the owners at Rainier Overseas Movers Inc. He can be reached at cesar@rainieros.com or you can call him 800-426-9928. Please visit their website at https://www.rainieros.com/.

You buy a new car, drive it off the lot and park it at the store. Upon your return, you notice a “ding” or dent on the driver’s side door. Your stomach begins to ache, heart races, disappointment can’t even describe your feelings and panic begins to set in. You begin to get angry wondering who did this, no note was left. But you stop and think, whew, I have car insurance to fix the door and make it like new again.

Just like car insurance, when you move, whether within the U.S. or overseas, it’s vital that you insure all of your belongings so they are protected from unwanted accidents or mishaps.

Accidents happen to the most careful people including folks in the moving industry. Having moving insurance can help mitigate disaster. It may not be able to replace grandma’s antique drum set but at least you’ll know you will be compensated monetarily if something unfortunately happens to it.

Insurance coverage tips:
It is important to know what type of insurance coverage you can choose from and which coverage best suit’s your moving situation. By looking into the types of coverage options and going by these tips, it will help you protect your worldly assets and make your life and your move a lot easier.

Basic coverage
Federal regulations require that all moving companies offer two types of coverage to consumers regarding for out-of-state and overseas moves.
• Released-value protection covers up to 60 cents per pound. This protection is standard and included in moving charges. We only charge about 2.5 percent from the total cost of your move.

• Full-value protection covers the value of the entire item damaged, and is based on the customer’s valuation of the goods that are being moved. The customer pays about 1 percent of the valuation for the added coverage. If you decide all of your belongings being shipped are worth $50,000, you would pay approximately $500 for full-value protection.
Note: If something is damaged, the moving company can repair the damage, reimburse you monetarily, or replace the item. It’s up to the moving company to decide but we here at Rainier do. For instance, if your 2-year-old refrigerator is damaged beyond repair, we will likely give you the fair-market value of a 2-year-old refrigerator.

Another caveat: Movers are not required to reimburse you for any item valued at more than $100 per pound unless that item is specifically listed on the shipping documents. This is set by the Surface Transportation Board, the federal organization that oversees moving companies. For example, a bracelet that weighs four ounces and is worth more than $25 ($100 per pound) must be listed on the shipping documents or it will not be covered if it is lost, damaged or destroyed during the move (we don’t recommend including expensive jewelry when you move, more on that in a future blog).
If you opt for this coverage, you will have to list everything that is valued at more than $100 per pound on the shipping documents. It will take a lot of time to figure this out if you are moving a lot of items but well worth it if something happens during the transportation process.

Expanded mover coverage
We highly recommend upgrading your insurance coverage to provide you with peace-of-mind. Understand that, if your moving company is covering your belongings, it is not insurance. Moving companies are not allowed to sell insurance. Instead, you are paying for stated liability setting the limits for your moving company’s liability if your belongings are damaged, lost or destroyed.

Valuation options
You can ask moving companies or a third party if they offer other valuation options, often called “assessed value protection,” that covers damage beyond the “up to 60 cents” coverage movers have to provide you by law.

• Expanded valuations: Declared value allows you to set a per-pound amount for your belongings. For example, if you decide your belongings are worth $6 per pound and your total shipment is 10,000 pounds, you are placing a valuation of $60,000 on the total shipment. That would be the maximum you would receive if the entire shipment were destroyed or lost. Individual items would be replaced with like-kind, a two-year-old washing machine for a two-year-old washing machine. This is important to consider because items such as used clothing have little actual cash value.
• Assessed value: This coverage is basically the same as expanded valuations, except the consumer sets the amount by value instead of weight. This is better if you have a lot of small, high-value items that don’t weigh much.

What insurance doesn’t cover
With valuation coverage, movers are not responsible for items in boxes they did not pack. Unless the box shows significant damage, you are not likely to be covered for damage to anything inside the box. You also are not covered for damage or loss from natural disasters, such as fire, hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, etc. That said, I’d recommend the movers box everything up for you – less hassle and it saves you time.
Whichever type of insurance coverage you select, make sure to inspect your goods when they arrive at their destination so you know if there has been any damage or not. Insuring your personal possessions when moving is really important and gives you peace-of-mind because anything can go wrong during the moving process.

Safe moving!

Cesar Castro is one of the owners at Rainier Overseas Movers Inc. He can be reached at cesar@rainieros.com or you can call him 800-426-9928. Please visit their website at https://www.rainieros.com/.