How do you find an international moving company who will be the perfect company partner? Insurance industry statistics show that loss or damage claims are filed on 20 percent of all insured international moves each year. Expats also weigh in regularly on online forums to report their dissatisfaction: “The subcontractor seemed unfamiliar with some of the customs regulations;” “Rarely are moving companies ‘fabulous’ and loss of personal items often occur as well as breakage. It’s part of the game;” and, “Set your expectations low.” No, there are no perfect partners if you set your expectations for perfection. This article will provide you with recommendations you can use to find the best partner to help make your move successful.
If you are a private mover (not a corporate or government mover) the first thing you should do is check the online site of the FIDI Global Alliance to search for accredited members. It is the largest global alliance of independent international moving companies in the world and is highly regarded. Established in 1950 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, FIDI lists over 500 member companies that are accredited under its FAIM program.
You should also check expat chat groups and forums in your destination country. There is no better source for a reference than someone who has moved within the last year. You also can use online Find-a-Mover sites, but be forewarned that some of the companies listed may be questionable. Check to see if they are FIDI accredited.
When evaluating international moving companies look for those who have been in business for at least ten years. If they have a U.S. operation, check their Better Business Bureau rating.
The company also should be ISO 9002 certified, which is an international quality standard granted by the International Organization for Standardization. Meeting and maintaining international quality standards shows the company is serious about providing quality service. Also consider those companies that have a global footprint – owned operations and experience in many different countries – or a regional specialist that has owned operations and is an expert in a specific area, such as Asia. Most importantly, make sure they have expertise in moving goods to your country of choice.
Once you have narrowed your list of likely suspects, choose just three and then contact them directly. You should ask them to provide references. When you are satisfied that the three companies you have chosen meet your criteria, arrange for their representatives to do a visual inspection of your home and then prepare a bid for you to review.
Before you meet with the moving company representatives, clearly think through what you want to move. It is expensive to move to another country, so be thorough. Would it be cheaper to sell or give away household items and replace them at your chosen location? Will your appliances work in your new country? Will everything fit in your new home? What can or cannot be shipped internationally? Find out from the moving companies before you meet with them. Preparation can save you money, so do your homework.
The most important part of the initial meeting with the company representatives is the contract review. Norah Franchetti, vice president of marketing for the Crown Worldwide Group, a global moving and relocation firm with operations in 55 countries, told us that understanding the contract “is a huge grey area for people moving because there are so many terms and conditions and inclusive and exclusive items.” She said you should look for a contract that includes door-to-door service, including full packing. Most companies will not allow self-packing for security reasons. The contract also should include all the export documentation, the shipment charges (air, sea or truck), custom clearance documentation and delivery and unpacking, including taking away debris.
“Lots of times we hear people say I received a proposal that is lots cheaper than yours and then find out there are no delivery services included,” she said. “Understanding what is included is very key.” Items often excluded in the contract for bidding purposes are things like customs inspections, special handling requirements, special crating or packing at origin, difficult removal of large objects, special delivery requirements such as homes that are difficult to get to that require smaller shuttles and, a big item, insurance.
A little advance preparation by you and a thorough understanding of what will be included in the contract will ensure that the proposals you receive will be complete and detailed and there will be no surprises.