Moving to a foreign country is one of the most exciting decisions you'll ever make. When you move, you create a whole new lifestyle for yourself and your family. You open up a world of new cultures. You discover the wonders of a new environment. Considering these changes, please allow an International Specialist from Rainbow to show you the best way to transport your familiar items from home
INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION
Whether you plan to ship your entire household or just a few personal items, Rainbow understands how important it is to you that your belongings arrive in a timely manner and in the same condition in which they left. That's why we invest in the people and technology that make a difference to you.
PACKING AND PROTECTING YOUR SHIPMENT
When it comes to protecting your shipment Rainbow's level of professionalism is unmatched. Here is an overview of the steps that will be taken to protect your belongings. The first step in protecting your shipment for the trip is its proper packing.
-
all packing materials and cartons will be new
-
all china, glass and crystal will be individually wrapped prior to packing
-
cartons will be taped across top, bottom and all sides
-
all rugs and carpets will be rolled and wrapped
-
customer's name, room and contents will be marked on each carton
All items, which are not suitable for packing, will be padded for transport. These items include furniture items, large bulky pieces and large appliances. These items are paper padded as a standard and where items require additional protection the use of double wrapping and crating is involved. Proper padding requires the following steps:
-
all furniture will be dismantled, if appropriate
-
all hardware (nuts and bolts) will be placed in plastic bags before being put in the master hardware box
-
all furniture will be wrapped in a minimum 3-ply paper pad
-
corner pads will be used to provide additional protection
-
all paper pad seams will be sealed using export vinyl tape
-
skeleton or full crates will be used on awkward or fragile pieces
SHIPPING CONTAINER OPTIONS
When it comes to shipping your possessions overseas, you can feel confident knowing that they'll be carefully containerized for export. Based on the size of your shipment, its handling requirements and destination, there are several types of containers and shipping methods that may be utilized. Rests assured all of them are designed to maximize cost-efficiency and protection.
-
air shipments, are loaded into wooden or corrugated containers
-
small ocean shipments, are loaded into waterproofed wooden liftvans
-
large ocean shipments, are loaded into steel steamship containers
MONEY SAVING TIPS
When it comes to moving your belongings, leave it to our team of professionals. In determining the cost of your shipment, we consider its density - the combination of its weight and cubic volume. Large, odd-shaped items decrease space-efficiency and increase the cubic volume of your shipment. To minimize the cubic volume and help keep your costs down, there are certain items, which may not make sense to take. For example:
VALUE
At Rainbow, we're available whenever you need us. With our agent network we are able to stay in close contact with you, answering questions and managing the details of your relocation. Providing you with the most cost-effective delivery strategy for your shipment requires the combination of the latest technology with the most professional employees. In fact, our highly trained staff calculates the best way to transport your shipment. In order to optimize cost-efficiency, we consider the following variables:
-
your final destination
-
size of shipment
-
transit time
WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN YOUR NEW COUNTRY
Upon arrival, you'll have forms to sign and procedures to follow. But with just one call to your Rainbow Representative, you'll have all of the necessary customs documents, as well as the latest information about your shipment. We're there for you when you need us most. Call your destination representative when you arrive, so they'll know where to contact you, and you'll know we're in touch with your move every step of the way. Here's a quick checklist of things to do when you arrive:
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Customs can be confusing. And the requirements vary greatly from one country to another. That's why we stay up-to-date on all the regulations. We're the moving experts serving your needs. While we'll keep you informed of all the changes in Customs requirements, there are some basic elements for you to keep in mind. After all, a simple oversight could result in delays, fines, or even seizure of your entire shipment by foreign Customs authorities. To be safe, don't take any of the following (and if you have any doubts, just leave it behind, or talk to you're Rainbow Representative):
-
Firearms
-
Alcohol
-
Narcotics
-
Agricultural products, including houseplants and seeds
-
Pornographic materials and magazines
-
Politically sensitive materials
In most countries, your used household goods and personal effects can often enter duty-free. It's important to remember that any duties or taxes levied against your shipment are in addition to our charges. In most cases, you can settle your customs charges with your overseas agent. However, there are times when you'll be required to deal directly with the Customs office. If that's the case, be sure to obtain an official receipt and keep it, as some duties are refundable when you leave the country.
DELIVERY TO YOUR NEW HOME
To assure everything has arrived when your shipment is delivered, carefully check off each item from the inventory sheet that was prepared at origin. And to help ensure immediate steps are taken when there are any discrepancies, notify your destination representative. We'll take care of the details, so you'll be totally satisfied. Once your shipment arrives, your destination representative will reassemble any of your belongings that were disassembled at origin. And to help alleviate the stress of moving in, your agent can unpack as much or as little as you prefer. In the unlikely event of damage, be sure to note it on the inventory and report it to your overseas agent. (Note: Carefully sorts through empty packing material and cartons to be sure small parts do not get discarded.)
CORPORATE INTERNATIONAL
The dynamics of worldwide business today have laid a variety of new, time-consuming responsibilities in your lap. Moving employees overseas involves issues and uncertainties that are quite different from a domestic move. That's why it's important to choose a mover experienced with international relocation.
Rainbow understands the growing demand for a comprehensive service partner who can be trusted to handle all of your international relocation needs, from a few employee moves a year to complex group relocation.