Removal Boss goes to Jail

Here we go again.

 I know it’s common place but I didn’t expect to find so much evidence in the news.

This moving company boss offered “in-transit” insurance cover without having an underwriter. So there was no insurance cover. It’s like putting a bet on without a horse.

Selling insurance is a big profit earner in the moving trade. If the mover doesn’t have too many damages.

However if customers are constantly making claims, then the insurance company will increase the annual premium so the cost becomes unaffordable for the mover.

So the mover then decides to play the insurance game. Taking full risk for thousands of dollars worth of personal effects that are under his care.

A mover only has to have 10 average size houselots to accumulate a million dollars worth of personal effects. That’s allot of risk.

This chap was found out. I wonder how many other movers play the insurance game?

 To check that your mover has an insurance policy underwriting your removal ask to see it. If they can’t provide a copy then there’s something wrong.

Check the expiry date and make sure the policy’s current. Also check the excess.

Most moving companies choose to offer an excess of $500.00 but suppose their underwriting policy has a $5000.00 excess. In effect they are taking a $4500.00 risk on each removal.

This is okay if you have a contract and the mover is accredited. But if you’re expecting an insurance company to arrive and settle your claim think again. You’ll more than likely be negotiating a settlement with the removalist.

Conversely, international “marine-transit” policies are individual. In this case request a copy of the original policy and get the claims agents details at destination. It’s your right to know.

How to Spot a Dodgy Removalist

Read this article from the Edinburgh News about a dodgy removalist.

 The moving company arrived in an unmarked van, loaded this women’s effects and were never to be seen again. The police couldn’t track him down and nor could she. Imagine how she must have felt.

 I really can’t emphasize how important it is to use an accredited removalist.  Within the industry there are many stories like this one. Sadly it’s a common occurrence.

The industry attracts scumbags.

Essentially moving furniture is a labouring job. Anyone with a strong back and a bit of gumption can become a removal man. Packing, lifting, and lugging furniture isn’t everyones cup of tea so the industry is often desperate to employ labour. Especially during peak periods, such as Christmas and during the holiday season.

 Often the labour is hired from a recruitment agency. The recruiters don’t screen or train the staff so it remains a good avenue for a potential thief to get into the removals robbery game. He could be in and out within a day, and onto the next moving company, a new job and another victim. Indeed it’s a career.

Some of these guys have a get out of jail free card one minute, and are standing inside the bedroom of a 5 million dollar home the next. Can you imagine what’s going on inside their head?

Theft is an industry wide problem that requires urgent attention.

Removalists should be qualified and accredited just like a cabinet maker, butcher or chef is. It would be to everyones benefit.  Why someone within the industry hasn’t done anything about it I don’t know.

 The insurance companies simply increase the insurance premiums each year, so they’re not worried. The movers pass it on to the consumers so they’re not concerned, and the consumers pay.

 Industry training and dodgy removals men are less of an issue with the international moving crews. These guys have reached a level of skill which requires at least 3 years training. By which time they are making a good living and don’t need to steal.

 Experienced removal crews are the key to a good move.

 You can spot a good crew easily. They’re neat tidy cleancut and knowledgable. They don’t wear runners or sneakers, preferring polished thick leather boots, and thick socks. Their truck is clean, nicely signwritten and the pads are all neatly folded and secure. They sweep the floor of the truck before they commence loading. Are polite courteous and professional. Strangely they often have a cut lunch, and a drink bottle. They’re organised.

These guys are rare but they do exist.

 If you’re moving keep an eye out in your area by taking note of all the moving vans you see.

Is the truck clean? Are the guys in uniform? Is the van signwritten? Do they have the right equipment?

When moving internationally check the “accredited organisations” I have listed here.

The companies that are members have met stringent preformance standards which often includes the payment of a bond.  The bond is held by the organisation as a safety net for customer claims.

It’s up to you to do your homework. Be perceptive and rigorous.

If you want my advice, don’t select the cheapest quote select the best removalist.

What is Backloading?

Backloading is a term used in the moving industry to market an “inexpensive removal option”.

So what is a backloading?

Many truckies don’t have offices in other cities, and find it difficult to compete competitively with the larger movers for that reason.

In reality large nationwide removal companies offer “backloading rates” for every move. Ensuring their trucks run to capacity and they are able to offer their customers the best prices.

Makes sense right.

But many one man bands with one truck and no affiliations don’t have that luxury. So they advertise on the internet and in newspapers as a “backloading specialist” promising the world but seldom delivering.

Indeed backloading is very high risk. For the customer I mean.

Backloading removalists are small companies without formal accreditation. This means little or no public liabilty cover and dodgy insurance policys.

Labour is commonly a mate, cuzzie or vagabond they pick up off the street or from the local pub. Yes, reeking of alcohol. They aren’t in uniform, have no training, and are often dirty. They rarely have the proper equipment, will probably use second hand furniture blankets from Sallie’s Army, and will undoubtedly be late for the pickup and delivery.

Their payment terms will be strictly cash on pickup. With a smirk.

They won’t complete an inventory of your goods. “Don’t be silly, we don’t need to use those. Don’t you trust me”.

So now the “backloading specialist” has your cash and your personal effects, and you don’t have any evidence of the pickup. Doesn’t sound good does it?

Straight after pick up with a fist full of cash it’s a quick puff on a roach and straight down to the nearest tavern for a few cold beers. At about midnight your driver will stagger from the bar, slip into the truck, and navigate blindly under the cover of darkness.

Are you getting the picture?

Backloading is a disguise. A myth. Even if you’re gullible, refrain from the calls of “cheap removal” and “save money” hailed from the pages of the internet or local rag . Steer clear.

You’ve been warned!

If you would like to share a story about “backloading specialists” please do so. Right here.

How Much Does it Cost to Move Overseas?

The cost of a standard door to door international relocation is calculated as follows.

Services at Origin:

Payment of Packing and Wrapping materials.
Packing Labour costs.
Creating an inventory and condition report.
Loading and delivery to store.
Consolidating/Loading into a shipping container.
Loading and delivery to port.
Preparation of shipping documentation and lodgement with the shipping company.

Shipping Services:
Payment of all shipping costs.
Payment of transhipment costs.
Payment of all landing fees.

Destination Services:
Collection from port and delivery to store.
Lodging documentation with customs and quarantine.
Clearance through customs and quarantine charges ( excludes inspection fees and ancillary charges)
Delivery to residence (first floor only)
Unloading, and placement in your home.
Unwrapping, unpacking onto bench tops and clearance of all packing materials.

Insurance is normally calculated at a rate of 3.5% of the insured value, with a $500.00 excess.

Service options include depot to door, door to depot, depot to ship side, door to ship side, and depot to depot.

By far the most popular option is the door to door service.

For further information regarding your overseas relocation please contact us.

Packing and Moving Fine Art and Antiques Overseas

Items such as fine art and antiques require professional care.

Only specialist moving companies have the expertise, personnel and equipment to handle items of a fragile nature.

To locate a specialist search under fine arts and antiques in your yellow page directory or online.
Alternatively consult your local art gallery or antique dealer for advice.

The important thing is to locate a business or individual who is familiar with the packaging requirements.

Depending on the size and weight, antiques and fine arts should be individually wrapped using paper, bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard paper. Paper is used first to prevent the bubble wrap from sweating and causing an indelible impression.

Then each item should be individually crated. Use treated timber so as not to attract a quarantine inspection, possible dismantling, fumigation, extra costs and the risk of permanent damage.

If the item is too large to man handle consider building a pallet under the crate. Use screws to secure the walls and, as well as a steel band wrapped from top to bottom and side to side.

Once crated use a stencil and aerosol spray to label the crate, with the full contact details at destination. Mark the item “fragile” and “handle with care” in red.

Now it’s ready to be shipped.

To calculate the shipping costs simply measure the breadth, height, and width and multiply these dimensions to obtain a cubic measurement. For example: 3 x 2 x 4 = 24 cubic feet.

To convert cubic feet to cubic metres divide the total by 35.315 feet.

Then multiply the cubic measurement by the rate offered by the shipping company. If you are shipping by air convert the cubic capacity by 167.7 kg per cubic metre to obtain a “chargeable volumetric weight”.

If you require assistance moving antiques or fine arts please contact us.

How to Save Money Moving Overseas

It’s a common question, so here’s the answer.

International removals are based on cubic capacity. That equates to how much space is required to pack your effects into a container.

Every cubic foot, or cubic metre equates to an extra dollar. There are extenuating circumstances but as a general rule, if you can reduce the volume of your shipment then you can save money.

How do you reduce the volume of your shipment?

Well there are a number of ways.

Dis-assemble everything. Especially tables, wardrobes, and bookcases. Anything that can be dis-assembled should be dis-assembled. But remember, you’ll need to re-assemble these items at the other end so place the screws in a plastic bag, and mark their location on the inventory. Or make a note in your diary of the carton number. It’s a good idea to place all the screws in one carton, marked “bits and bobs”.

Throw out any items that you don’t need or haven’t used for years. Moving house is a great time to have a clean out.

If an item cost more to ship than it does to sell and purchase new at your destination, then leave it behind. Sell it and use the cash you save to buy new.

Don’t ship electrical equipment that isn’t serviced in the country you’re moving to. Parts and services may be difficult or expensive to find. Or both.

Remember “bulky items” cost allot to move. Often it’s cheaper to have these items replaced at your destination address. So “don’t ship it if it ain’t worth it”.

Another way to save a few dollars is to share a container with other people moving to the same destination. Sometimes the transit time is just as quick, and the costs are less.

Find out the cheapest shipping line. Some shipping lines are cheaper than others, and just as reliable. If your mover doesn’t know about them then you may be paying more than you need to. If in doubt, ask us.

Instead of getting a door to door price consider other options. Do some of the work yourself. There are options such as, depot to door, depot to depot, and depot to ship side.

If your only concern is total loss of your shipment than consider different insurance options. Negotiate the excess. Take a “total loss” cover instead of an “all risks” cover. There are many insurance options available for “marine transit” cover to protect your effects when moving overseas, so make sure you’re getting the right advice.

For more advice about moving overseas contact us.

Packing Tips that Save Time and Money

The first thing to be aware of when you are packing your own personal effects into cartons is that they will only be insured for loss. Not breakage.

If that doesn’t bother you and your have the time then why not pack yourself?

The first thing to arrange is some good quality packing materials.

Make sure the cartons are of good quality, robust, and of a uniform size. Don’t use grocery cartons, wet cartons, second hand cartons or cartons of all different shapes and sizes. This slows down loading time, makes the load difficult to stack, heightens the risk of damage and costs your money in the long run. Which is not your objective.

Use good quality tape.

Don’t use tea chests or wooden crates that could easily scratch furniture, or be awkward to carry.

Start packing early and don’t be in a rush. Take your time and be thorough.

Share the packing duties. Let your children pack their own toys, books, and personal belongings. As long as it’s not breakable. It makes packing and moving a fun activity, and the move less stressful.

Don’t use newspaper to pack your belongings. The ink from the print smears china and can be difficult to remove.

Use “fragile” ,”this way up” and “heavy” stickers to help the movers when they’re stacking the cartons into the back of the truck. Make sure you label each carton with your name, the destination, and room contents with a black felt tip marker.

When you’ve finished packing leave the cartons where they are. It makes it easier for the movers to inventory the load and speeds up the loading process.

Don’t pack books into large cartons. Each carton should weigh less than 20kg. Remember, if you can’t lift it the moving man probably can’t either.

As a general rule of thumb “anything that fits in a carton goes in a carton”. Again, it speeds up the loading process and provides better protection for your goods.

Don’t pack aerosols, lighters, or flammables or dangerous goods of any nature. This could jeopardise your ability to make a claim if the truck goes up in flames.

If you’ve got any personal effects that are of a high value consider letting the movers pack it. Then it’s insured for breakage. But make sure a note is made of this on the inventory, and you get something in writing from the mover which covers this item for damage. Otherwise, take it with you in the car, or on the plane.

Don’t pack jewellery, passports, or personal documents. As silly as it may sound plenty of people do, to their detriment.

Lastly, your mover is their to help. If in doubt call them for advice. Or post your comment or question here and we will be more than pleased to assist.

How to Select a Moving Company

This is a difficult decision.

Price is one factor. However it’s not the main one. Trusting a moving company with your personal effects should be a decision made with care.

Rest assured the industry is fraught with danger.

Here’s some questions to ask yourself when you are selecting a moving company:

• How long has the removalist been in business?
• Do they have offices at origin and destination?
• Are they a member of a local or international moving organisation?
• Do they provide references?
• How competent is their salesperson?
• Are their trucks clean and well maintained?
• Have you visited their premises?
• Is their storage containerised?
• Do they tranship your effects whilst in transit?
• Who is the underwriter of their insurance policy?
• Do they own their own trucks, or do they subcontract?
• If shipping overseas which shipping company do they use?

If you are seeking advice or require further assistance please email us or post your comments on our blog.