Boston Pack and Ship

Next to losing your job and divorce, moving is one of the more stressful things you can do in life. In addition to all the logistics and the emotional turmoil of changing where it is you will live your life, moving scams add fuel to an already raging fire. That’s why new moving scams involving “guaranteed” quotes, packing materials and moving size measurements have created a raging inferno.

How big? The Better Business Bureau reported more than 8400 complaints against moving companies in 2009. According to Boston Pack and Ship, a small load shipping company based in Braintree, Massachusetts, even if you know nothing about the moving industry, you can avoid moving scams—even the latest ones—by doing a just a little homework and applying common sense.

For starters, you can avoid most of the scams—new or old—by only working with companies who are referred to you by people you know, getting a minimum of three bids and making sure the moving company is local and has a physical address at one end of the move or the other.

Besides common sense, you can also do a little research on sites like movingscam.com so you aware of the dangers out there, especially some of the newer ones.

These newer scams include:

• Guaranteed quote, wrong estimate – This is when the mover gives you a binding quote or flat rate. If that quote is based on faulty information—they forgot to add in that small bedroom downstairs—then the ‘guaranteed’ quote changes. The fix? Never sign off on a quote unless the mover does an onsite, visual inspection of everything that is to be moved—then get it in writing as a guaranteed quote.
• Packing material charges – Ideally, you pack everything yourself. But if you run out of time and/or boxes, having the moving company pack your remaining items can be quite costly—especially if it’s not an ethical firm. Wrapping boxes with yards of tape per box, packing boxes with one item and paper filling for the rest of are just a few of the ways movers can jack up the price of materials. Do yourself a favor and leave plenty of time for packing.
• Know what you are buying – Many reputable moving companies provide estimates in cubic feet, which is a term not many people are familiar with. It refers to the amount of space your stuff takes up. If you are not familiar with cubic feet, do not be afraid to ask questions until you have a thorough understanding. As a side note, remember that cubic feet can be converted into pounds (much like feet can be converted into meters). If you’re having trouble understanding your estimate, ask for it in a measure you can understand.

Moving scams have been around since the cavemen. While there is no one way to protect yourself 100 percent, the best course if you’re unsure or uneasy is to opt for the mover who was referred to you by trusted family or friends.

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

1. Trust your judgment! Go with your feelings!

Hire the company you feel most comfortable with. Did your phone conversation and quote process go smoothly? Did the mover ask ALL the right questions – When are you moving out? When do you want to move in? Any stairs/ elevator? Did the mover get a detailed list from you? Do you need an insurance certificate? Did the mover get back to in a timely manner? Were all your questions answered?

If the mover can’t get these things right then how are they going to handle your belongings??

2. Watch out for the low moving estimates!

Remember what your parents said… if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Anyone can give you a quote. A trained, seasoned professional will get all the details. They will ask for a complete list of items to be moved. Your timing for pickup and delivery will be discussed. The pricing strategy will be explained. Ask what you’re paying for–size, weight, volume, distance or added services. Know what you are getting for your money.

3. The Internet- a curse or a cure for finding a mover??

The cure- check out the website. Does it look professional? Does it list an address or is it a “virtual” company? Is the company a member of a professional organization (e.g. the Massachusetts Movers Association or the Better Business Bureau)? Does it invite you to call for a quote or simply prompt you to enter your information?

The curse- Anyone can create a website, but that does not mean it’s a reputable or honest business? There are many unscrupulous people in this business and most of them live off the Internet. In particular, be wary of online price quotes.

Also, beware of price quotes tied directly to weight! One thousand pounds to Los Angeles for $1000.00!! Is it actual weight or calculated weight? Has anyone spoken with you about the list of items that you want to move? Do not get sucked in by lowball estimates on the Web!!

Moving is the third most stressful thing you will do in your life behind divorce and losing your job. Do you want to add to that stress level? Also, if you have any suspicions at all about a moving company with just a website, check out websites that list unscrupulous companies, e.g. movingscam.com

4. Deal with a local company.

Your mover should have local ties to one end of your move- either the pickup or delivery. Hiring out-of-town movers is dangerous. What happens if you need to be out of your place on the first of the month and your out-of-town mover runs late? Or worse, when the mover finally arrives on the 3rd, their truck is already full and your move needs to be rescheduled to the next week? A local company can accommodate delays, schedule changes and extra items being sent. Local small businesses are owned by people who reside in your community and build their reputations through happy customers. Should a problem arise, the local guy is better equipped to handle it.

5. Get a written quote.

It doesn’t need to be fancy, just accurate! Make sure it lists what you are moving, where it is being picked up and where it is going with lots of specific details. The price should be based on this list. If you think you are going to have extras (items that you will add on moving day), get the quote ahead of time. If you tell the mover five items and it’s actually 15, the price will be higher for the extra items.

6. Be clear on insurance.

Know what is covered and what isn’t. Know how much coverage is included and what you have to pay for. Discuss the issue of damage. Things can happen during move, but a reputable, reasonable company can correct them. Ask how they handle damage and repair. Be sure that you’re comfortable with the mover’s responses.

7. Packing

Who will do the packing of your boxes? Where will you get your boxes? Can you use old boxes? What if you have something you don’t want to pack, like china, artwork, computer equipment or a flat-screen TV? You will save money by doing your own packing, but there is a catch. Any boxes that you pack can be insured for loss only, not damage. So, if the china that belonged to your grandmother and the TV are expensive, you may want the mover to pack it for you. That way, if it is damaged and you declared value on it, you’re covered.

It’s YOUR Move!

Most people don’t realize there’s more than one kind of mover. When it’s time to move, they probably go to the phone book or Internet and choose the first mover they come across, most likely one of the larger movers. That’s fine if you’re moving a four-bedroom home. But if it’s less than a thousand pounds of stuff (e.g. sending your mother’s antique dresser and a few other pieces to your sister in Dallas), a large, national mover might not be the most cost-effective option.

Typically, large moving companies charge by weight with a 1,000-pound or 2,500-pound minimum. Small load shipping specialists like Boston Pack and Ship don’t have minimums, but generally handle shipments of 1,000 pounds or less. So if you’re moving less than the large mover’s minimum, you may want to consider more cost-effective options.

Besides minimums, there are several other differences between the larger movers and small load shipping specialists:

• Out of state moves – small load shippers strictly do out-of-state and international moves; large movers also offer local service within the same state.
• Estimates – small load shippers charge by the size of the shipment and where it’s going; movers charge by actual weight or a calculated weight based on the dimensions of your goods.
• Specialized packing services – many small load shippers offer custom crating and boxes, as well as higher-end technologies like foam-in-place packing. While larger movers offer packing, very few offer foam-in-place packing or custom boxes for delicate items.
• Transit times – if you’re moving an entire house, then your move takes up the entire truck. Smaller shipments using small load shippers share space with other moves. That brings the cost down, but can affect the timing of your move. Small load shippers can help you control the timing but you often save a considerable amount of money if you can trade off time.

Boston Pack and Ship works with a number of larger movers and if the move is smaller than their minimum or there is a fragile item that requires our packing expertise, they’ll refer the business to us. Many times, people think that they only have a small amount to ship. After speaking with them, we can determine that they are better suited for a large mover and we make the referral to the appropriate mover. The important thing for consumers to know is they do have options and to find the one that best suits their situation.

For more information, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Boston Pack and Ship expands international student division to aid students between semesters, after graduation.

An international college student living in greater Boston faces challenges the local undergrad or grad student doesn’t — particularly if you have to be out of your dorm or apartment by semester’s end or are unsure where your future will take you after graduation.

Boston Pack and Ship recently expanded its International Students division to better accommodate the special needs of these foreign students.

We offer temporary storage space in a secure, climate-controlled facility, conveniently located in our Braintree, Mass. warehouse. While other storage facilities charge a flat rate for a specific size storage room, Boston Pack and Ship only charges for the space you use. So, you’re not renting an 8-foot by 10-foot space if what you’re storing only requires half that.

In addition to storage, Boston Pack and Ship offers special overseas shipping services, including:

• One page introductory e-mail outlining the entire process – full explanation of all fees
• Preparation of all export customs documents.
• Door-to-port service – Boston Pack and Ship will pick up your boxes at your home or office. Delivery is to a bonded warehouse where you can pick up your goods or arrange for final local delivery.
• Consolidation of your shipment on a pallet – all boxes are stretch-wrapped in plastic and strapped to the pallet.
• Complete information regarding shipment – name of vessel, voyage number, date of departure and arrival as well as a booking number will be e-mailed to you prior to shipping.
• Complete contact information of overseas agent (name, address, phone, e-mail) to arrange delivery from port to final destination.
• $500 worth of insurance for loss on each box is included.

We offer these services at a far better price due to a special arrangement with an ocean consolidator freight service. And since Boston Pack and Ship puts you directly in touch with the agent at the port, you can arrange for shipping to your final destination with a local vendor—saving you even more.

If you know an international student looking for either temporary storage space or a less expensive way to ship their stuff, they can call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

Moving and Storage for the College Student

If term papers, exams, and finals aren’t enough, the end of the college semester brings a few special headaches for the college student. How in the world is all of the stuff you brought to school for the semester — not to mention all the can’t-live-without-items you accumulated during the term — going to make it home? For many college students, moving and storage are far more challenging than anything the professor could throw at them.

College students have some unique moving and storage challenges. First and foremost, many college students move four or more times in a year. Moving all the clothing and computers and books and furniture is challenging enough. Imagine the headaches that occur when the tasks of packing, shipping, and storing have to be repeated four or more times!

To make college student moving and storage easier, keep the following points in mind:

College student moving and storage is not a do it yourself job — especially if you’re trying to concentrate on making good grades, complete internship requirements, make some money at a part or full time job, and work in a social life. College student moving and storage can take a great deal of time unless you really know what you’re doing. Save time by hiring a moving and storage company.

College student moving and storage can be done on a budget. That doesn’t mean going with the cheapest company you can find. A cheap moving and storage company isn’t a bargain if you have to replace all the stuff that gets broken or lost in transit! For the ultimate in college student moving and storage, you want a company that delivers value: a company that has proven that they can do a good job at a reasonable price.

Call 800-400-7204 or click here for a free quote.