Shipping overseas is a job that a person performs only a couple of times in a lifetime. Deciding the perfect company for moving your stuff to another country is by far the most long haul and tiresome task. It’s not just about saving a few hundreds of dollars but also getting the quality shipping service. In the end, how well your good arrived at the destination matters the most, right? That is the reason, comparing international moving quotes becomes an important task.
But choosing the right international moving quote is not that difficult as it sounds. Just keep these simple factors in mind and get the most reliable moving services without overspending.
Comparing International Moving Quotes Easily With These Tips:
Don’t get impressed by the price first
While comparing multiple quotations, it’s very obvious to get overwhelmed by the low and attractive prices. But, it’s not enough to finalize a company. The price is just a tentative factor that will vary according to factors like packaging charges, service fees, destination terminal handling charges, cubical volume price and many more.
Generally, the quotation you will request will only be showing you the gross prices that are just a standard proposed price which will vary considering the above factors. A professional company will get you through with the most accurate quote to rely on. It’s better to give preference to an experienced player rather than the newcomers. You don’t want to risk your valuable shipment, right?
Licensing and Accreditation Of Shipping Company
In terms of authorizing, make sure with complete assurance that the agency is entirely accredited, registered and channeled with the proper authorizations. If they aren’t certified, there is a serious chance they are a broker and won’t be the actual one who will be managing your freight.
Every quote you receive should be of an international shipping company authorized by the FMC (Federal Maritime Commission). You may question how this influences the shipping charges, actually, it does. If you choose to export with an unlicensed courier, then in case of any mishap, you might end up dealing with third party companies that are not even certified and registered under the FMC. This will lead you to an unbearable condition of loss.
Companies like FIDI, IAM, and AMSA all have strict conditions for accreditation by their systems. With these, you can be sure a shipping agency follows the rules for the greatest hierarchy of safety and protection for your goods.
Dealing with the destination terminal handling charges
It is very important to have a look at the DTH charges. Most of the companies don’t include this charge in the quotation and you need to pay them separately. If the shipping company does not cover these charges, the agent who is dealing with the shipment from the overseas will send you the bill for the pending amount. You need to clear the destination terminal handling charges to receive your goods. Sometimes it becomes complex to locate these companies locally. It’s better to get his thing cleared from your shipping agent to avoid any kind of hassle.
Extra/Hidden Packaging Charges
After you read the quotation carefully and found that the company has not mentioned the packaging charges, it’s best to ask them directly. This small thing might end up costing you hundreds of dollars just for the packaging. They might charge you on the number of items you are having and it’s an expensive option. Contact the shipping agency and get this confusion cleared.
Cubic Weight / Volume
When comparing quotes, it’s not just about the final price but prominently about the cubic volume/weight. You need all quotations to be followed by the standard volume/weight for the convenience of comparing the quotes. If a shipping company’s price is lower but they are leveraging a lower weight it requires to be fixed to hold a decent estimate. And, if you are getting an idea about where to start, don’t overcomplicate it. Call the shipping company and get all these jargons cleared at once.
Look for the right accreditation in the quotation
If you search online, you will find a lot of different types of accreditations that can easily make you go confuse. To cut the clutter, below are the most important memberships that you should be focusing on:
AMSA – American Moving and Storage Association
FMC – Licensing
IAM – International Association of Movers
FIDI/FAIM – Federal Association of International Movers
If the shipping company is having any accreditation among the above, you can trust them as your shipping partner confidently.
Looking for a certified freight partner? SDC international shipping is one of the best international moving companies that make the transportation of your goods smooth and hassle-free. Get in touch with the experts in shipping and save your precious time.
