Houston international movers know that the process of a move like this is not the same as one that is interstate or intrastate. Even long distance moves don’t face the same complexities, so it is important to look for someone with years of experience. The best Houston international movers should be aware of customs clearances and the import laws, such as what will require a tax and what will not be permitted. They should be informed of the timetable and destination in order to provide accurate quotes and excellent customer service. Like all moves, one of the most important elements is organization.
Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has stringent rules for moving companies, an international move is subject to the same guidelines. Due to this, the utmost care should be used when choosing one of the many Houston international movers. Ask for quotes and references. Inquire about storage options. Compare the different companies. Membership or affiliation with certain associations can indicate the integrity and quality work ethic of a business.
Check to see if they have a membership in FIDI, the Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux or RIM (Registered International Mover) Certified. An RIM certification is one of the most exclusive that Houston international movers can have. In order to qualify, the company’s facilities and equipment must meet certain standards, and they must undergo an examination. Once this is complete an on-site inspection follows. After that, in a span of 3 years the company has to participate in 15 hours of RIM training and education, after which they will be inspected again. These inspections continue every 3 years, forcing a business to never slack and maintain their standards in order to keep their certification. Because their expectations are so stringent, very few businesses become eligible for this certification. Besides FIDI and RIM, a business should be licensed with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) if they conduct shipping or ocean transportation. The FMC not only enforces but creates shipping laws.
The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 resulted in self-packing being a thing of the past. Houston international movers will load all items into shipping containers or lift vans (waterproof boxes made of metal, fiberglass or plywood), and the price is dictated by the size and weight of the shipment.
Something to keep in mind is that moves of this nature and scale take more time than one that is interstate or intrastate. Transit is more time consuming, and appropriate paperwork must be filled out. Sometimes one will arrive at the destination before the bulk of their belongings. This is not shoddy work on the part of the moving company, but rather the natural progression of things.
There are “door to door” services, where the entire move is handled by one company that oversees the task from the origin to the destination. Others offer “port to port”, meaning they only deliver the items to the port of discharge and another, presumably a local business, does the rest. A door to door service will result in only one bill and allow the customer to hold one company accountable for everything, which can be much simpler for everyone involved.
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