Plan Your Relocation To Do It With Unloading Services

Worry-Free Packing Services for your Move

Packing can be a big job, but our packing and shipping experts have been honing their skills for decades andle packing for you, and we’ll make sure your items are safe and secure for the duration of your move. Below you’ll find a detailed list of packing services, and a few tips to make sure your belongings are packed correctly.

PROVIDE FULL-SERVICE PACKING/UNPACKING?

There’s no way around it, packing takes a lot of care and time to be done right. So why not have our experts handle it for you? We offer full-service packing, crating, and unpacking services so you won’t have to go through the stress of doing it yourself.

HOW SHOULD I PACK FRAGILE ITEMS?

If you don’t want comprehensive packing services, but still want an expert to help pack your most fragile and valuable items, we can do that, too. This option can help you save money while still giving you peace of mind that your most valued possessions will be safe and sound. And you can always add more protection with a protection plan.

HOW DO I PACK ELECTRONICS FOR A MOVE?

Most electronic items can be easily damaged, which is why it’s often a good idea to have a professional handle this type of packing. Items that typically fall into this category include computers, tablets, speakers, gaming consoles, and televisions.

USING QUALITY PACKING MATERIALS

If you’re using our packing services, you can rest assured that our packers will use nothing but the best packing materials. However, if you decide to do your own packing, we strongly encourage you to use quality materials

Frequently Asked Questions | Moving Help

How many HOURS do I need?

A standard moves take anywhere from 2-8 hours. Every move is unique. You can access our Estimator Tool to help determine the number of hours needed based on the size of your home. Just remember some variables may increase your time needed, such as: stairs, heavy or bulky items, disassembling, and special placement of items.

Why a MINIMUM of 2 Hours?

Service Provider(s) need to have a minimum of 2 hours to make it economically feasible to perform a quality service.

Are there any hidden fees?

No there are never hidden fees. Any service that you are requesting through the website is all you will need to pay for.

How big of a truck do I need?

You can figure out what size truck you need by using the  U-Haul Truck Guide.

How can I file a claim?

You can file a claim by visiting Moving Help, clicking on “customer support” in the top right-hand corner, from there selecting “Issue Resolution”, and when you have reached the“Resolution Center” you will be able to file a claim.

How To Unload A Moving Truck The Right Way

Efficiency – you definitely want your efforts to yield the best possible results, regardless of how important, how challenging, or how simple your task is;

Speed – any extra minute you waste on a specific task could have been a minute spent in some enjoyable activity, so it’s no wonder you put your time management skills to the test every time you need to get something over with;

Safety – if you get hurt in the process or if you inflict damage to your property, it won’t matter at all how quickly and how efficiently you have accomplished your task.

So, if we assume that the above three crucial objectives guide you in most of your everyday activities and tasks, then they will be all the more important in the event of a grander project, right? Moving house is a good example of such a momentous event in life when achieving efficiency, speed and safety is of paramount importance for the successful outcome of the overwhelming endeavor.

They apply to every aspect of the moving process – from efficient organization and packing through a safe and trouble-free moving day to the proper unloading and unpacking of your household items. If you act promptly, make beneficial decisions and keep out of harm’s way, you have a fair chance of experiencing a smooth and gratifying relocation.

However well you may have scheduled and planned your relocation though, the successful end of your moving adventure depends primarily on how smooth things will go on moving day, during the transportation of your shipment to your final destination, and while unloading your items upon delivery. So, you need to take every precaution to avoid problems when taking your items out of your old property and loading them onto the moving truck, to avoid accidents and injuries during the moving procedures, to avoid moving scams and any other bad things that may happen while your belongings are on their way to your new home, and to avoid simple mistakes when unloading the moving truck and taking your things to their rightful places in your new property.

What To Do Before The Moving Truck Arrives

Unless you are driving the moving truck yourself, you will most certainly arrive in your future home before your items do. In this case, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare well before the moving truck parks in front of your door.

How to hire movers

Get multiple estimates

With everything you need to do for a move, it’s tempting to choose the first moving company that looks good. However, it’s crucial to research businesses first and contact at least two or three moving companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Getting a moving quote gives you an idea of what the company charges for your move, but sometimes estimated quotes can change. Some companies price match or throw in extras to gain you as a customer, so it’s beneficial to get multiple quotes

Conduct a walk-through

To get an accurate idea of how much movers cost, have multiple moving companies do a walk-through of your current home. Moving companies might charge extra for fragile items, bulky furniture or additional labor. The walk-through also gives you a chance to see if you feel comfortable with the company

Ask for references

Reputable moving companies provide references upon request. These references may be former clients, accrediting agencies or insurance agents. Checking references is an essential step when making sure a company is trustworthy, has a good track record and offers excellent customer service

Verify credentials and certifications

If you are using a long-distance or freight moving company, check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to see if it is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Verify your moving company’s DOT number when its employees show up for your move and keep the number handy in case you need to file a complaint later. You can also see if your mover is registered with the American Moving & Storage Association’s (AMSA) ProMover program. This organization conducts background checks on U.S. movers and holds them to high standards.

Read reviews

It’s essential to know how other customers feel about the company and the types of complaints that are commonly made against it. A mover might look good on paper, but former customers can tell you what it is really like working with the company.

Mover Duties and Responsibilities

Pack and Prepare Items

At the destination, movers help prepare and pack customers’ items to prevent damage during transit. Their tasks include taking apart furniture, wrapping items in bubble wrap or stretch wrap, putting loose items in boxes and sealed bags, and using straps and cardboard sheets on large items.

Load and Unload Items

Movers use equipment like dollies and ramps to load customers’ items from their buildings to the moving truck. They arrange items in the truck to fit the load and prevent objects from falling or getting damaged. At the destination, movers take the items off the truck and place them in the location the customer requests.

Take Inventory

Keeping track of the customer’s items to make sure nothing gets lost or damaged is an important responsibility that movers have. They write down a description of each package or item at the customer’s location before starting loading. Movers check this inventory when they reach the destination to ensure they unload all the items.

Handle Customer Requests

Movers also answer customers’ questions and address requests they have for how they want items packed, loaded, and unloaded. They also provide information about price and time estimates and address any concerns.

Perform Cleaning and Maintenance Tasks

Before leaving the customer’s loading site, movers clean up any supplies or garbage left behind during the packing process. They also keep their moving trucks clean and may help perform general vehicle maintenance.

Services Offered By Loading Services

Why Should I Choose Ocean Freight for My Shipment?

No matter what business you’re in, it can be tough to pursue the international markets while still keeping your shipping costs manageable. If you don’t have the added challenge of a tight deadline, ocean freight can be a good way to keep costs down while still using a reliable shipping method. Ocean freight gives you the benefits of worldwide capacity and reliable sailing times – and the best part about it is that it’s much more cost-effective than air freight for international shipments. Take a look at the reasons you may want to choose ocean freight for your next international shipment.

When Would I Choose Ocean Freight over Air Freight?

When choosing a freight method for your shipment, there are three factors you should keep in mind: cost, speed, and reliability. Ocean freight is your best option when you need to ship on a smaller budget and don’t mind when it reaches its final destination. Ocean freight does tend to be less reliable than air freight, but works well if you have a few days to spare. In situations where you require shipment on an exact timeframe, air freight is the only way to go. It wins in terms of reliability and speed.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders are a dime a dozen. A quick Google search will show that there’s no shortage of companies ready to ship your goods internationally. But, there’s a vast difference between any freight forwarder and a good freight forwarder.

If your business is new to international shipping, you may not understand the importance of freight forwarding. But the truth is, the success of your international business is heavily dependent on choosing the right freight forwarder.

The wrong choice can result in poor logistics management which can deter the success of your global expansion. On the other hand, choosing the right freight forwarder can make all the difference when it comes to international shipping.

To help your company find the right freight forwarder, read on. The article below highlights what your business must consider when choosing a freight forwarder for its needs.

1. EXPERIENCE

When it comes to freight forwarding companies, few factors are more important than experience.

Experience will determine how your freight forwarding partner will deal with shipping issues like:

  • Dockworker strikes
  • Port shutdowns
  • Cargo reroutes
  • Customs
  • Warehousing

These potential issues are common in international shipping. A freight forwarder with years of experience will know how to deal with such issues so your goods continue to their destination unhindered.

2. A NETWORK OF GLOBAL AGENTS

How your international shipments are handled at both your origin and destination port is the responsibility of your freight forwarder. As international shipping requires considerable logistics, the right freight forwarder for your company is one that has the right network of global agents.

When choosing a freight forwarder for your business, make sure their network and connections work in the destination country your goods will be shipped to. This will keep the flow of information running smoothly, confirming that your products are arriving in a timely and secure manner.

3. RANGE OF SERVICES

Each industry has specified requirements when it comes to international shipping. When choosing a freight forwarder, confirm that they have the services you need. This will ensure all your international shipments go smoothly.

The services that a freight forwarder should provide includes:

  • Tracking inland transportation
  • Preparation of import and export documentation
  • Packing and storage
  • Inventory management
  • Booking cargo space
  • Customs clearance
  • Negotiating freight charges
  • Freight consolidation
  • Insurance

When doing your research, acquaint yourself with the type of services your desired freight forwarder provides. They should not only provide services that align with your supply chain processes but also guide you through the documents required for freight forwarding.

4. CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATIONS

When sourcing a freight forwarder for your company, ask to see their credentials and certifications. Certifications and credentials will inform you whether or not a freight forwarder has the specialized training and security requirements to handle your goods.

While you’re confirming credentials, ask for references as well. A list of references providing unsolicited praise for a freight forwarder is a good indication that they have the experience and expertise to manage your international shipping requirements.

5. CUSTOMER SERVICE

Like any other industry, customer service is important. A freight forwarder with excellent customer service will provide the support you need to expand internationally. This is particularly crucial if this is your first foray into the overseas market.

Exceptional customer service ensures you always have direct access to the agent managing your cargo.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An International Shipping Company

Given the complexities in ocean freight shipping, it’s important to select an international shipping company that specializes in the shipment type, route, and mode you’ll be requiring.

These are some of the most important factors for your shipment you should consider:

  • Will you be shipping FCL or LCL?
  • Will you be transporting your merchandise via ocean freight or air freight?
  • Do you require a door-to-door service or will a port-to-port, door-to-port, or port-to-door service suffice?
  • Which country are you exporting to or importing from?
  • How well do you know the import/export laws and customs clearance procedures of your shipment’s origin and destination countries?
  • How flexible is your supply chain and do you want to be able to track your shipment?
  • How quickly do you need a quote?

Let’s take for example that you will be shipping FCL shipments to China on a regular basis. You should consider working only with an international shipping company who not only has a physical presence in China but also specializes in sending FCL shipments to China. This will come to be extremely handy — especially given the language barriers.

Reliability

A ship being off schedule is not uncommon. For most businesses, a load that’s a few days late isn’t going to do much harm. However, for businesses in some industries it may be costly. Ocean carriers operate on weekly schedules. So, if a ship misses a cutoff at a seaport, it may mean that your shipment will be delayed for quite awhile.

Timing is important but so is the safety of your cargo. When you choose a carrier you’re trusting that company with thousands (sometimes millions) of dollars worth of your product. Accidents do happen and some incidents are unavoidable (inclement weather, war, etc.). However, you’ll want to make sure that the carrier you choose has an exemplary safety record and up-to-date insurance. If reliable transit is high on your priorities list, you’ll want to do your homework before you choose a carrier.

Why Is It Important To Choose The Right International Freight Forwarder For Your Business?

When products are shipped Internationally there are so many important processes that are involved to get goods delivered through to end customers.  Because of this, freight forwarders have access to a broad network of logistics providers along the supply chain. This allows them to connect services between integrated modes of transport, from road, sea, rail and air.  They will have existing relationships with trucking companies, port services, International shipping lines, customs agents and marine insurance brokers around the world.

Think of your freight forwarder as a long term business partner.  In doing so, you must choose a freight forwarder that understands your exact requirements and that can provide you with the level of service that you require in your business.  Very large global forwarding companies normally deal with very large shippers and therefore don’t focus on providing a high level of service to a smaller shippers. On the other hand, small freight forwarders may not have the tools, resources or networks required to service very large volume shippers.