1. When should I contact a moving company for a quote?
Due to the preparations involved with an international move, you should contact VIP Transport 8 weeks prior to your move. This can also provide you valuable information to prepare for the move or even cut down on costs with suggestions on what not to bring. This will allow you plenty of time to take care of required items and plan properly.
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2. Are there items that I cannot take with me?
While each country has its own requirements for allowable and non-allowable items, we have provided a general list of prohibited items to assist you in the process. Please click here for more information. We advise that you contact the local embassy office of the country you are relocating to for current updated information of their requirements. Our move coordinator can assist you with obtaining this information as well.
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3. What is insurance coverage based on?
VIP’s move manager will discuss your insurance options. It is important for you to know that your insurance is based on the value of your items, which can change at your destination. For example, if an item needs to be replaced, the value of that item at destination could be different than the costs in your origin country. It is recommended that you research the value of your items at the replacement value at destination. For corporate relocations, your employer can often assist you in determining how to value your personal property for protection purposes.
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4. Who handles my shipment at the destination country?
VIP will assign on of our destination partners based on the country and city you are moving to. The destination agent will clear your shipment through customs and arrange final delivery to your new residence. Our VIP move coordinators will work with the destination agent through this entire process.
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5. What items should not be shipped overseas?
Contraband, pornography, drugs, alcohol, weapons, ammunition and perishable foods are strictly prohibited by all countries.
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6. What are my responsibilities during the moving process?
We highly recommend that you are present for all loading and packing processes. This will ensure that all items that are to be moved are properly packed and accounted for. It is also your responsibility for compliance with the specific regulations for the country you are moving to. Our VIP move coordinators and managers can assist you with this process and provide the documentation, but it is your responsibility to verify your information.
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7. How long does a shipment take to arrive overseas?
In general, please allow the following time for your shipment to be delivered via ocean container:
Europe
4 - 6 weeks Asia
6 - 8 weeks
Australia
8 -12 weeks South America
6 - 8 weeks
For air shipments, you should allow approximately 8 - 14 days for a door-to-door transit time. Based on the destination city or remoteness of an area of your final destination, the transit times may vary, either shorter or longer.
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8. What about packing my own items?
Customs officers in most overseas countries will be looking for inventories that show owner packed items (PBO). This can lead to inspection of the shipment and cause further delays at arriving at destination. Please keep in mind that insurance for international relocations will only cover carrier packed items.
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12. What type of containers will be used to transport my shipment overseas?
Please click here for a description of containers used for overseas transit.
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13. How long will packing, wrapping and loading take at my residence?
Of course each move is based on your individual needs and size of your home. VIP will be able to give you an estimated amount of time after the survey has been performed, however, we have listed the following time table as a guideline for you:
| LCL (Less than container load) | 1 day |
| Air shipments | 1 day |
| 20 ft container | 2 days |
| 40 ft container | 3 days |
14. How does the claim process once I am at destination?
If you notice you have a claim or damage to your shipment at destination, we recommend that you contact your move manager immediately. Your move manager can review the steps you need to take based on the insurance that you purchased prior to your move. Since there are time limits for filing a claim, we suggest that you make contact immediately to ensure proper filing and settlement.
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15. What about the duties?
Normally, used household good shipments and personal effects are exempt from duties, usually for a one-time move to each country. However, the regulations are based on each country and we recommend that you check with your destination embassy. VIP can also assist you with this information, however, it is important for you to know that new goods purchased free of duty will be taxed as per rate applicable in the country where they will be used.
