In addition to contact info and photos of Boston Pack and Ship staff, the Facebook page features posts offering helpful packing tips. It also includes reviews from current and former Boston Pack and Ship customers.

On the surface, a Facebook page for a small load shipper might seem an odd combination. The reality is that most people or businesses at one point or another have had to ship an item that’s a little too delicate to handle on your own. That’s our specialty. The Facebook page provides another vehicle in addition to our Web site or calling us on the phone, to answer your questions and provide information.

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.

“Nowadays, the technology improves so quickly that leasing really is the only option for many businesses,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “The problem is most businesses do not have the capability in house to pack and ship leased equipment, some of which can be an awkward size and fragile.”

As a small load specialist, Boston Pack and Ship builds custom crates and packaging and employs foam-in-place solutions to safely pack and ship leased office equipment. That can include:

• Computers, monitors and servers.
• Telephone systems
• Copiers.
• Chairs, desks and other office furniture
• Video equipment and other electronics
• Small machinery (less than 1,000 pounds)

In addition to onsite pickup and customized packing, Boston Pack and Ship will handle all the necessary paperwork, including arranging the appropriate amount of insurance.

“In this economy, leasing equipment makes quite a bit of sense for small to mid-size companies but they don’t necessarily plan for when the lease ends,” said Fell. “By having a shipping company in mind from the beginning, companies can enjoy the full advantages of leasing without having to worrying about returning equipment if you decide to upgrade or downsize at the end of the lease.”

Is it time to leave the Bay State behind? Are you planning to move to another country? Congratulations! This is an exciting decision. Moving internationally offers many rewards. You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! However, this adventure also presents many challenges. The best way to handle moving from Massachusetts overseas is to secure the services of one of the international movers in Massachusetts.

The international shippers in Massachusetts are well-practiced at transporting households all around the globe. Whether you’re headed up North to Canada or traveling halfway around the globe to Hong Kong, the international movers in Massachusetts have the experience to help you.

Moving internationally is definitely not a do-it-yourself job. There are a number of logistical challenges to consider. What is the best way to pack your belongings to minimize breakage and yet save space? What is the most cost-effective way to transport your household? What will you do about your car? Are you allowed to bring your collection of exotic houseplants to another country? What about the guns you’ve inherited from your Grandfather or collected over the years? One of the international movers in Massachusetts will have the answers.

Hiring an international mover in Massachusetts will allow you to sidestep some of the more challenging aspects of relocation. It’s likely you’ll have your hands full: securing a residence overseas, adjusting to a new job and household routine, finding schooling for the children, helping everyone acclimate to the inevitable culture shock. Why not let the international moving company take care of the headaches for you?

From the initial packing process, to picking up and shipping your possessions from your home, through the transport process, and finally delivering and re-installing your household belongings in your new abode, the international movers in Massachusetts can handle the most cumbersome, difficult aspects of moving internationally.

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

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.

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.

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.

As a small load-shipping specialist, we build crates to fit some rather unique sized objects-e.g. artwork, grandfather’s clocks, high value computer servers/electronics. Yet for overseas shipments, that crate not only has to fit whatever is being shipped, but be made from the right wood.

You see, in recent years, there have been a growing number of incidents of infested wooden crates being shipped overseas. This has caused damage to trees, vegetation and crops abroad and in the U.S. (e.g. there was a recent case involving longhorn beetles in Worcester). That’s why new customs laws require any international shipment to be stamped by a governing body. Hence the importance of Boston Pack and Ship’s recent certification by the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NeLMA).

Established in 1933, NeLMA is the rules writing agency for Eastern White Pine Lumber and the grading authority for Eastern Spruce, Balsam Fir, Spruce Pine Fir (SPFs) species grouping and other commercially important eastern softwood lumber species. For wood to be used for a crate going overseas, it must meet NeLMA’s criteria of being heat-treated for 30 minutes at a temperature of 133 degrees F. This treatment eliminates the possibility of infestation by beetles and other insects that could literally jump ship when the crate reaches its final destination overseas.

“Many of the softer woods like spruce can’t be used for overseas crates because though they have been heat-treated, they have not been treated for the right length of time and temperature,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “That’s something that NeLMA really stays on top of. Even with our certification, we still undergo random audits to ensure that every crate that ships out of here meets NeLMA standards.”

“There are a number of moving scams out there, everything from an out-and-out theft of your belongings to holding your belongings hostage because you didn’t pay a made up fee or you had more pieces than your estimate,” says Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “People are even more vulnerable to these scams in tough economic times because everybody’s trying to keep their costs down.”

So, what can you do to minimize the risk of falling for one of these scams? For starters:

• Beware of virtual movers – make sure the moving company has an actual physical address, preferably in your area or where you’re moving to and especially if you found the company on the Internet.
• Find out who’s actually doing the moving – beware of companies who broker the move to unknown third-party service providers. Ask more about the entire process; who is making the pickup, who is providing the long distance transport and the final delivery?
• Ask for references – better yet, ask friends you know who have moved lately to refer a mover.
• Check the mover’s Web site for professional accreditation – there are mover’s associations in every state. A mover affiliated with an accredited association does have more creditability than one that is not. Even better if the mover is a member of the Better Business Bureau. That allows you to not only check their credibility but the company’s history for handling complaints.
• Get a minimum of three quotes – scam victims are often victims of their own impatience and wanting to get their move underway and over with. Getting a minimum of three quotes may slow things down slightly, but it will make you look a little closer at the company you eventually hire.
• Fear the lowball quote – like the saying goes, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. While no two moving companies are exactly the same, true professionals should not be more than a few hundred apart. If an estimate is more than $1,000 less than the others, that’s a red flag and you might want to scrutinize the estimate and company further.
• Stick to national carriers for cross-country and out-state moves – If your entire home is being moved, stick to a national carrier. That way, you will have an actual physical address for the mover on each end of the move, not to mention a corporate office who the agent has to answer to should anything go wrong.

“These suggestions should help you avoid most scams but if you’re still not sure, always opt for the mover who was referred to you by trusted family or friends,” says Fell.