Shipping company or moving company?

International Moving/Shipping Company

• The problem. How to move our household goods to Panama. Ideally: a full shipping container would be dropped at our house in Austin,. TX. We pack up the container. Then it is picked up and dropped off at the our condo in Panama City, Panama in November 2006. We pay one price for the full container regardless of the weight. Different companies will have different rules and prices. Your job us to find the best deal. If it only costs a little more for the shipping company to pack and/or unpack the container, that might be a better deal 4 us. We need to know asap the price of a full and half container and whether or not weight makes a difference. Any researcher is welcome but especially the following researchers who have experience in shipping research. bookes19 sjb123 unclewiggly13 trailhead pinkfreud umiat hummer crabcakes politicalguru bikerman Thank you

• Answer:

  Hi taylorluker, Thank you for referring to me as someone you'd like to work on this for you. I'm sorry it has taken so long to receive an answer, but it is probably because it is not possible for researchers to get quotes on your behalf. Unfortunately, there doesn't exist a handy set-price per container, there are just too many variables that go into the equation. I've done my best to gather up the information that you will need to make a informed decision and I've copied and pasted some relevant sections below, but please click on the links for full details. >>> Weight vs Volume Generally, the price will be determined by whichever is higher, volume weight or actual weight. Rating, Tare Mass and Payload of Containers "In general, light cargo is charged based on measure, while heavy cargo based on weight. Most sea consignments are charged based on measure, while most air consignments are charged based on weight." http://www.export911.com/e911/ship/w_or_m.htm Weight or Measure in the Freight Cost Calculation "The freight rate on export goods is often based on W/M (weight or measure), that is, based on the weight or the volume of cargo (the cube or measurement of cargo). The rate uses the comparative relation between weight and volume of cargo. A cargo that is large in relation to its weight is charged according to its total cube, while a cargo that is heavy in relation to its size is charged according to its gross weight." http://www.export911.com/e911/ship/w_or_m.htm Rating-Tare Mass-Payload http://www.export911.com/e911/ship/dimen.htm Containers http://www.indonesiaexport.com/html/freight.htm Weight Calculator http://www.boxbros.com/estore/weight_calc.php >>> Price range "Okay, you have decided to ship to Panama. Here is the skinny on your choice. If you want the moving company to do all the packing and loading you are going to pay a high price for that service. The shipping of the container only can run around $2,500 to $5,000. You still have other cost to keep in mind. When we did our moving we got prices ranging from $7,000 to $12,000. We did it all, the whole 9 yards, for right under $6,000. Looking back at the move now, we could have knocked off $1,000. The secret is to start early and get quotes in pricing. If you can have family or friends help you it will save you a lot of cash. If you are moving heavy furniture rent a small forklift to hoist the furniture into the container." http://forum.internationalliving.com/viewtopic.php?t=242&sid=c84ee4e47784f2abd7dbcd64525161a8 >>> Get Quotes "...MovingScam.com has compiled a short list of companies that have done a good job for people posting on MovingScam.com: * Rainier Overseas Movers Contact Doug Wiviott at 800-426-9928 x220 www.rainieros.com * Security Relocation Group Contact John Schafer at 800-345-0673 www.wemove4u.com * Stevens International Contact Michelle Dillon at 800-316-1065 or 260-244-7004 www.stevensworldwide.com 155 Diplomat Drive, Suite D Columbia City, IN 46725 http://www.movingscam.com/news/internationalMove.shtml Removal Location "Select the country you are moving or shipping from and the country you are moving or shipping to using the Locate International Movers wizard above. The search results will display up to six international removal and shipping companies that can provide you with a moving or shipping service. Complete the form and all listed companies will contact you." Moving from Texas to Panama - Crown Relocations - Links Relocations - Rainier Overseas Movers - Southern Winds International http://www.removalquotation.com/ International Movers - Texas to Panama - Rainier Overseas Movers, Inc. - Unitrans International - Crown - USA - TX - IntlMOVE Inc. - Global Ocean Freight - Roadrunner International http://www.intlmovers.com/Article_How_To_Deal_With_Moving_Quotes.html Moving Companies ? Find Movers & Moving Quotes "Remember to call a few different companies in order to get a feel for the differences between their pricing and their services. Also, make sure that you are asking for the exact services from each company in order to get the most accurate price from each company." http://www.formove.com/moving/select_mover_guide.aspx Compare moving or relocation companies. http://www.oneentry.com/moving_request.jsp?box1=Move&box2=private+household&ship_from_country_id=221 Find a Texas Moving Company http://www.movedirect.net/usamovers/texas_moving_companies.php "Immigrating to Panama for many of us, means bringing Household Goods/Cars from the United States; as permitted by the Pensionada laws of Panama. Here's an overview of some of the things you will need to consider. For shipping from the US. We used a company highly recommended by friends who had shipped overseas several times. The company is Crown International Forwarders..." http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20041003123541424 Crown International Forwarders To obtain our competitive quote via E-mail, please fill out the form below. You can also fill out the form and fax it to us at: (919)644-0223 or call toll-free at : 1-800-631-6881 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.crown-intl.com/book.html >>> General BBB Planning a Cost-Effective Move "Companies will offer estimates to help you approximate moving expenses. Such estimates can be binding (the mover guarantees the price prior to the move) or non-binding (the mover estimates the price and provides final charges after the shipment is weighed). To assist movers in calculating the cost of your move, show them every item to be moved, including the contents of your attic, basement and garage. Ask the mover to explain the estimate in detail, and reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services you'll require. Also, be sure you receive a copy of the estimate." http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=229 Planning an International Move By Michael Zlotnik How to Begin: "Many of the steps for preplanning an international move are similar to those of a domestic move. Do not get quotes over the internet, make sure the company is willing to come out to your home for a visual survey and provided you with International Relocation Brochures. Special allowances must be made, however for the added length of time in transit, the necessary paperwork and the various regulations existing in the United States and foreign countries." What to look for in an International Mover: "Although most forwarders won't meet all of these criteria, here are five important things to look for in an experienced forwarder. 1. The forwarder has been in business for at least 10 years 2. The forwarder is a FIDI Member - www.fidi.com 3. RIM (Registered International Mover) Certification. 4. OMNI (Overseas Movers Network International) 5. ISO 9002 Certified" Surveys and Estimates: Cost to overseas destinations is based on weight and (cubic) measurement of the household goods when packed for shipment. It includes air or ocean transportation charges and packing and unpacking services of the carrier's origin and destination agents. Most shipments will be shipped in 20' or 40' containers. It does NOT include charges for storage, servicing of appliances, custom duty, liability coverage or extra pick up or deliver." As with moves within the United States, we suggest that you get three estimates. International rates are not regulated and can be very competitive." http://www.movingscam.com/news/internationalMove.shtml Customs Regulations applicable while Shipping To Panama http://www.movers.com/international_movers/customs_regulaton/140_Panama_intlService.htm I was glad to work on this for you. If you have any questions, please post a clarification request and wait for me to respond before closing/rating my answer. Thank you, hummer Some of the Google search terms used, but most of my time was spent following links within links: freight 20' 40' containers by weight or volume moving to panama from texas international movers removals household removers