Resources

Arpin International Group offers the following services:

• Pre-move counseling
• Pre-move survey of household goods and personal effects
• Insight into customs requirements and necessary paperwork
• Quality materials to wrap and pack small items into new cartons at residence
• Packing of all clothing to be shipped in wardrobe cartons
• Wrapping, padding, and loading valuables/fragile items into specially constructed wooden crates
• Export wrapping of all furniture at residence, using superior quality paper pads and corrugated wrap when necessary
• Loading of all items into a steamship container, wooden lift vans, or IATA approved air containers
• Transportation to the port of exit and ocean or air freight to the port of entry
• Customs clearance and delivery to destination (customs inspections, duties, and taxes are not included in our rates)
• Unloading and unpacking of items at destination
• Removal of all related packing debris at time of delivery, space permitting
• Follow-up evaluation to ensure service excellence

Typically, your employer determines the scope of service and the volume or weight allowance. During the pre-move consultation, the RC will confirm shipping allowances. If upon completion of the pre-move survey the estimated weight exceeds the shipping allowance or the employer’s scope of service, the RC will request approval for the additional services and weight or volume overages. Services or overages not authorized by the employer will be the employee’s responsibility. RC’s can assist in minimizing the cost of any additional expenses.

If you have any questions regarding specific shipping allowances, please contact your employer or RC.

Air Containers

• “E”: 17.5 CFT. 100-125 LBS. 42” X 29” X 25.5”
• “D”: 62 CFT. 300-400 LBS. 58” X 41” X 45”
• “LDN”: 92 CFT. 400-500 LBS. 54” X 54” X 56”

Sea Containers

• “20 FT”: 1,165 CFT. 5,000-6,500 LBS. 19’5” X 7’6” X 7’9.5”
• “40 FT”: 2,377 CFT. 12,000-14,000 LBS. 39’6.5” X 7’6” X 7’9.5”

These dimensions are approximate and for informational purposes only. Capacity may vary depending on volume/density of items.

Appliances and Electrical Items

Electrical voltage and cycles vary around the world. Many home electrical items will work overseas with the appropriate accessories and adapters. The specific voltage and cycles for your destination can be found in the country information included in your introductory email.

Pornography

Many countries have very strict laws prohibiting importation of what they deem to be pornography. Even artwork depicting any form of nudity may be considered contraband and attempted importation could result in annulment of a work permit or imprisonment. It is imperative that you thoroughly review the country and customs information. If there is any doubt, please address your concerns with your RC.

Weapons

Importing weapons poses problems similar to those of importing alcohol. We strongly suggest that you leave all weapons at origin. Handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition cannot be included in your household goods shipment without approval from your employer and RC. In most cases, it will at the very least, cause severe difficulties in obtaining customs release of the entire shipment at destination.

Prohibited items

Certain items are prohibited by law in import/export/storage shipments. Including prohibited items in your shipment may result in unnecessary delays at customs or confiscation of part or all of the shipment. Examples include:

• Perishables
• Plants
• Hazardous materials such as paint, matches, and articles of an explosive nature e.g., aerosol cans, cleaners, flammables, corrosives, and explosives
• Pornographic material

Damage caused by perishables, flammables, or corrosives are not covered by insurance and are entirely your responsibility.

Employers may not authorize the shipment of certain items, while other items may require advance approval. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Wood, bricks, cement, lumber, building materials, rocks, and soil of any type
• Automobiles, boats, trailers, and farm equipment
• Alcohol
• Weapons
• Stoves, propane tanks, outboard and power motors must be completely drained of all fuel and thoroughly cleaned before moving day

Alcohol

We strongly suggest that alcohol not be included in shipments. Many countries impose taxes and duties and some even prohibit importation of alcohol altogether.

Customs officers may physically inspect shipments if alcohol is included causing delayed clearance and delivery times, and quite possibly, result in additional charges which are not normally covered in relocation policies.

If you do intend to ship alcohol, be certain your employer’s policy allows it to be included in household goods shipments and advise your RC well in advance.

Pre-move Survey

The origin agent assigned to pack your household goods and personal effects will conduct a visual survey of your home prior to packing. The pre-move survey takes approximately one hour, depending on the size of the home. The survey results are used to confirm the move will be within shipping allowances, determine the necessary packing materials and customized crating, and assess the size and type of the air or ocean container(s) required to safely pack and load the shipment in accordance with international standards.

This time with our representative is the best opportunity to discuss any special needs you may have for your shipment, including requirements like temporary or permanent storage at origin or destination.

In order to provide an accurate estimate, items will have to be identified by the preferred mode of transport (air, surface, storage, etc.). Please be sure our representative is able to view all items you intend to ship including items located in your basement, attic, garages, etc.

As a follow-up to the survey, your RC will contact you to review the results and confirm allowances, pack dates, destination address, and contact information.

If any items are purchased after the pre-move survey, RC’s must be informed as the inclusion of additional items may require a larger or additional container(s), and possibly result in taxes and duties not authorized by your employer.

Preparation

By reviewing your moving schedule in advance, you will be more prepared for the move-out process, with most important tasks already completed. If possible, allow an extra day after the move for unforeseen delays.

Depending on the size of a move, several days may be required for packing, wrapping, and loading of household goods. Please arrange to be at home when the movers arrive and throughout the process to address any questions or concerns that may arise. For your convenience, please maintain your telephone service during the move-out process.

Most moving crews have a designated team leader or crew chief. Please accompany the crew chief on a walk-through of your home indicating the goods to be moved. Identify items of special concern, as well as items not to be shipped. If these are already clearly marked, simply advise the crew of the method you have used to separate items. The crew chief will be able to address any packing and loading-related concerns, but all questions regarding logistics, scheduling, and timelines should be directed to your RC.

Packing

Please do not pack any boxes yourself. Packed-by-Owner (PBO) cartons may draw the attention of customs officials and result in inspections and delayed delivery. Carrier packing also ensures full insurance coverage. However, if you wish to pack boxes yourself, please leave the cartons open so the movers can ensure that they are wrapped safely for export and the contents are noted on the inventory.

Prior to loading, the movers will inventory the goods to be moved on the appropriate packing list (air, sea, or storage). Each item will be given an inventory number and its condition will be noted. Should you have any questions relating to the descriptions indicated, please discuss them with the crew chief. Each inventory page will require your signature. Please confirm that each packing list contains the correct items. The packing list the movers prepare does not replace your valued-insurance inventory. The valued-insurance inventory should be done in advance of your move. Please keep a copy of the signed packing list and all shipping documents close at hand.

Hanging wardrobes are not used for air shipments due to size restrictions. Instead, lay-down wardrobes are used. Please note that wrinkling of clothing during transit is inevitable.

Loading

Small shipments are loaded into wooden crates called lift vans. Lift van loading is similar to putting a jigsaw puzzle together; each piece has to fit securely in place to minimize shipment size for cost-effectiveness and potential damage due to shifting in transit. Once the doors are secured, the lift vans are brought back to the origin agent’s warehouse where they are labeled and steel-banded. Larger shipments are usually loaded directly into 20’ or 40’ steel containers using the same jigsaw puzzle technique. Containers will be loaded at residence unless access issues, scheduling conflicts, or weather constraints exist.

Before the crew leaves, a final walk-through of the home is required to be sure nothing has been overlooked. Again, be sure all items have been removed from attics, basements, closets, etc., as it may not be possible for us to retrieve items that have been left behind.
Within 48 hours of loading, the RC will confirm actual weights and volumes of each portion of your relocation. If the actual weight and volume is less than or equal to the estimated/authorized weight or volume, and required paperwork is available for importation to your destination, we will forward the shipment. If the actual weight or volume exceeds the estimated/authorized weight or volume, we will request approval for the overage. If your employer does not authorize the overage, the additional charges will be your responsibility. RC’s can assist in minimizing these additional costs.

RC’s will confirm the estimated door-to-door transit times. Please be sure to consider these estimates when planning your move dates and housing arrangements.

Customs Clearance

The country information included in your introductory email addresses documentation and customs requirements. Specific customs forms will also be included if they are available. Otherwise, our Destination Agent will provide them to you at destination. Because requirements may change without notice, it is best to confirm all the information with the RC.

Customs clearance is in the hands of government officials, and customs requirements vary worldwide. Primary concerns are that no restricted or illegal goods are imported and that goods eligible for duties are taxed. Customs inspections may still occur and are solely at the discretion of the customs officials, even if all paperwork is in order. Customs in every country considers importation a privilege, not a right. Therefore, please comply with all customs regulations to avoid delays or additional expenses.

Please contact your RC to confirm the local customs procedures and required documentation for your destination. Completing the necessary forms in advance will expedite customs clearance. Some countries may require your physical presence and/or original passport during the clearance process. Oftentimes, permits, visas, and other documentation are also required for importation. This can be a timely process. In order to avoid any customs penalties/fines, we will hold your shipment at origin until all paperwork is in order.

Delivery

The crew will arrive on the date and time previously scheduled with you. Arriving before the movers ensures no additional waiting time charges. Prior to delivery, try to decide where individual furniture items are to be placed in your new home. Please arrange to be home throughout the move-in process to guide the crew on the placement of your goods. Our door-to-door service includes unpacking boxes, placing the contents on the closest flat surface, unwrapping all furniture, and removing related unpacking debris on the day of delivery, space permitting. Unpacking and/or debris removal after the day of delivery will result in additional charges.

RC’s must be informed of any items disassembled at origin to ensure proper reassembly at destination. Some reassembly may require contracting a third-party/specialty service.

As each item is brought into your home, check off the inventory number on the corresponding packing list.

Although we take great care to protect against damage, it will sometimes occur. All missing and damaged items must be clearly noted on the packing list before you sign it.

If you will be unpacking a later date, note "Received; subject to further inspection" on the packing list.

Storage

The ArpinACES^SM warehouses are held to the highest standards for safety and protection. Warehouses contain dedicated vaults for household goods and are alarmed and fully insured.

We can also provide climate controlled and fully air-conditioned storage in some locations. Additional charges for air-conditioned facilities will apply.