For most people, relocation means moving across town or across state lines. As the world economy became "global" in the 1960s, a challenge was presented to moving professionals to relocate an ever increasing number of families to and from overseas locations.

The challenge was not in the distance. It was learning the skill sets required to safely prepare items for long transits. It was mastering the available methods and routes. It was aligning with partners all over the globe, and it was understanding the rules and regulations of foreign governments.

International Shipping versus International Move Management

International shipping is simply moving cargo from port to port. This can leave the unsuspecting with the daunting tasks of finding their own way through the multitudes of document requirements and customs regulations. It will, at the very least, create additional costs, delays and hardships to those not familiar with the process.

As an Agent for Allied Van Lines, Beverly Hill's has an integrated service that removes these unknowns and risks for you. From the very beginning of the process, you are made aware of the documents that you must secure and possess for entry into your foreign destination and whether your presence is required for customs clearance. You are advised of the current regulations of the destination country, and what items can and cannot be shipped. You are advised of electrical and broadcast standards and their compatibility to U.S. manufactured electronics.

Beverly Hills carefully analyzes the volume of the items to be shipped and determines the most effective shipping methods to meet your needs. We select an overseas affiliate to act in your behalf to receive the shipment, assist you through customs, and then deliver your goods to your new home. Your move is tracked every step of the way by a dedicated International Services Specialist who resolves any problems which may occur and follows your shipment through until you are settled into your new home.

Precise Pricing

The international move process is not a commodity. It is a series of activities with underlying costs. As it is not a commodity, it is often difficult to "comparison shop" without understanding the underlying activities.

The pre-move survey conducted by the Beverly Hills representative captures the information critical to determining price. Although estimates will vary, the objective is to capture the volume of the items to be shipped as the basis, with weight as a secondary factor. With this information available, Beverly Hills then calculates the best methods of shipping and the prices for the available options. We then take into account any extra costs such as port handling and customs fees. If there are charges that cannot be calculated in advance, your rate will reflect a potential additional charge payable at destination.

An international move has multiple stages:

• Packing/loading

• Equipment positioning

• Transport to pier/airport of departure

• Export documentation

• On board/sailing confirmation

• Foreign agent notification

• Document transmittal

• Arrival confirmation

• Customs entry and clearance

• Delivery to residence

Each stage hinges on the prior, so it is crucial to track and monitor each step along the way for a successful transit package. As part of Beverly Hills International Move Management Service, your shipment is assigned to a dedicated International Services Specialist who coordinates the activities though our exclusive tracking system to assure that each stage is successfully completed.

Estimating Your Shipment

The only way to obtain an accurate estimate for movement of your goods is to have them physically surveyed by a professional moving estimator. In addition to the obvious furniture items, items that must be placed within cartons may add an additional 30% to 60% to your overall volume. Since the cost of shipment is based upon volume and weight, "ball-park" estimates are only as accurate as the guess of volume and weight. Beverly Hills will be more than happy to arrange for a free, no-obligation estimate.

If you want to get a rough estimate of the weight and volume of your belongings, calculate the number of rooms in your home (including basement, garage, shed and attic) times 1,500 pounds. This will give you an approximate weight range. To estimate the volume (cubic footage) of your goods, divide that weight by five.

Volume is important because it determines the size of the shipping container(s) that will be required to accommodate your goods. Standard units are:

Liftvans, which measure 7 feet high by 7 feet width by 4 feet depth. One will usually hold up to 170 cubic feet/1,000 pounds of household goods.

A 20 foot ocean container, which has the interior capacity of 1,100 cubic feet and an average weight capacity of up to 6,000 pounds of household goods.

A 40 foot ocean container, which has an interior capacity of 2,200 cubic feet and an average weight capacity of up to 12,000 pounds of household goods.

As an international mover, out network is not geared toward small package shipments.

Shipping Motorized Vehicles

Each country has very specific regulations regarding the importation and exportation of motorized vehicles. Certain countries heavily tax vehicles and others strictly prohibit their entry. In any case, some research is required before undertaking shipment of any form of motorized vehicle. Beverly Hills can guide you as to the general status of the destination country.

United States law also has standard requirements for shipping of vehicles that must be adhered to:

Ownership

Original title or original letter from lien holder authorizing shipment must be presented prior to shipment. Rules of presentation vary from state to state.

Preparation

Vehicles must be professionally prepared prior to loading. This usually requires that fuel tanks hold no more than 1/8 tank of fuel and that batteries be disconnected and cables be securely lashed.

Contents

A vehicle cannot be used as a shipping container and cannot contain any other items other than a spare tire and jack.

Insurance

Most forwarders/movers will not accept any liability for transit damage to vehicles and require that transit insurance be purchased as a condition of shipment. Items that are not factory installed (CB radios, radar detectors) left with vehicles are not allowed and exempt from insurance reimbursement.

Security Issues and Responsibilities

As a Federally licensed freight forwarder, Beverly Hills has responsibilities and requirements for security purposes. Our business is subject to the rules of the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Maritime Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Many people assume that they can save money by packing their international shipment themselves. Although there is no law prohibiting individuals from doing so, the Department of Homeland Security monitors the content declarations of shipments departing from the U.S., and the forwarder is held responsible for the contents of the shipments that they book for transport. It is for this reason that Beverly Hills will not accept shipments that are packed by owner (PBO). Compliance requires that our designated agents pack the contents of shipments. This is true of the majority of licensed and reputable international forwarders.

As each customer is different, so are the needs to be considered for each and every move. Our objective is to educate our customers in the international process, thereby allowing them to make a better decision in their selection of an international mover. We are proud to say that the majority select our services, and that we are among the highest ranked in the industry in customer satisfaction.