FAQS

When should I start making my enquiries?

Our experience has shown that there is a whole range of factors that can affect a move, ie, the finalisation of a property sale, the commencement of a new job and the end of the school term, etc. We strongly urge our customers to advise us sooner than later to discuss and advise timing. Most people begin making their enquiries at least two months ahead of any major move. However, as a result of our streamlined IT technology we are able to provide you with top of the range service even with one weeks notice.

What do I need to do if I need a quotation?

Contact one of our consultants by phone 020 8838 8448 or email on info@global-moves.com and we will discuss confidentially the best solution for your company.

How does Global Moves calculate the removal fee?

We treat each quote individually and base the price on the specific requirements for that customer. For airfreight, the fee is determined by weight or cubic size and for seafreight, fees are based on cubic size. Our prices are determined in this way to ensure you -the customer -receive the best offer.

What is included in the quotation?

Each quotation is different as we tailor make each one to suit your unique requirements. We provide you with a complete service that incorporates all prices such as:

  • Transportation of your goods from your home to your final destination
  • Export customs
  • Charges for UK and destination ports
  • Destination customs and quarantine clearance
  • Full unpacking of furniture and removal of unwanted packing materials To understand the customs formalities at your destination, please ask our informed consultants or alternatively contact your embassy or consular office.

Do I have to pay VAT?

In the United Kingdom it is a legal requirement to charge Value Added Tax. If you are relocating within the EU, VAT at the UK rate will be applied but the good news is that you are exempt from paying VAT where your ultimate destination is outside the EU.

When I am ready to book, how much notice do I need to give?

Our experience has shown that there is a whole range of factors that can affect a move, ie, the finalisation of a property sale, the commencement of a new job and the end of the school term, etc. We strongly urge our customers to advise us as soon as they know they are moving so we can discuss/advise timing.

When do I need to pay Global Moves?

We require full payment prior to the pick up of any goods. We accept cash, bank draft, cheque, debit or credit card.

Will I have a contact at Global Moves?

Our mission is to exceed our customers’ expectations, every client is assigned an individual account manager from our busy team. Our aim is to ensure that the entire process runs smoothly from start to finish. We guarantee you peace of mind.

What method of shipment does Global Moves recommend?

There are a number of considerations when selecting the most appropriate service for moving your home contents. The overall quantity of goods, urgency of delivery, insurance considerations, topography en route and budget all play a part in choosing the service that is right for you. Choose between:

  • SEA FREIGHT

    This is the most common mode of shipment. Household goods are export packed and stowed in steel water-resistant containers. Containerisation of cargo is the key to safety. Containers travel secured in an upright position on modern purpose-built vessels. The internal height is 8ft, so even the tallest items of furniture remain upright and contents rarely shift. With rear doors that are customs-sealed, the containers are virtually pilferage-free. Containers are generally available in 20ft (1050 cubic feet capacity) and 40ft (2100 cubic feet capacity) configurations on all major routes. Smaller 20ft insulated containers (850 cubic feet capacity) are also available to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and larger 45ft containers (2400 cubic feet capacity) are also generally available to the USA and the Far East.

    There are various container services to choose between:

    • EXCLUSIVE CONTAINER (FCL)

      If you are shipping sufficient quantities we will recommend a container for your exclusive use. This is the ideal solution as the container will be loaded and sealed in your presence, delivered directly to the port of departure and shipped on board the first available vessel. Often the container can be delivered direct from the destination terminal to your new home, subject to local customs and quarantine formalities, thereby avoiding any unnecessary handling throughout the journey. This method is also known as an FCL (Full Container Load). This method can also apply if you are shipping a motor vehicle with your household goods where the combined volume amounts to a full container load. Using specialist equipment the car will be loaded and over-cased at your home with your household goods.

    • GROUPAGE CONTAINER

      The alternative to the exclusive container is the groupage container, whereby your possessions share container space with other consignments bound for the same destination, as soon as sufficient volumes are available. Groupage is a cost-effective solution for smaller shipments as you pay only for the container space utilised. LESS THAN CONTAINER - Consignments destined for countries not served by regular groupage container services are export packed in sturdy outer timber cases (lift vans) and delivered to the container terminal for containerisation by the shipping line. This method is known as LCL (less than container load) and as bookings can be made for a specific sailing transit times are similar to those by exclusive container.

  • AIR FREIGHT

    Air freight has the obvious advantage of speed and is recommended for items that need to be there without delay such as wedding gifts, computers, business clothing and tools of trade. Air freight can be cost-effective, even for larger consignments, particularly those to inland destinations many miles from a container port. Consignments are export packed, secured in enclosed airline pallets (igloos) and transported in the cargo hold of passenger or freight aircraft. Transit time by air is typically between 7 and 14 days.

  • EUROPEAN REMOVALS

    Sea freight services are available to many European destinations; nevertheless, certain landlocked countries may be costly to service and transit times can be poor. In this event we recommend our European road trailer service, on an exclusive or part load basis, depending on the quantity of your goods, preferred delivery date and budget. Whatever the method selected, your goods will be fully export packed to withstand the rigours of transportation. Transit time by road is typically between 7 and 14 days.

What goods are prohibited for delivery?

By Law certain goods cannot be accepted for storage or transportation under general conditions of carriage and terms of insurance. For example: food, cash, bonds, jewellery, alcohol, fireworks or other explosives, flammable gases, liquids or solids, poisons and toxins, corrosives, radioactive materials, ammunition or firearms, scuba tanks, gas cylinders, aerosol cans, butane lighters and other pressurised vessels or pornography of any description. It is also inadvisable to include perishables or liquids, which could leak in transit causing extensive damage. If you have any concerns please contact one of our consultants.

What items are prohibited from importation?

For a full list of prohibited items it is advisable to apply to the Customs authority for a ruling in the importing country or their overseas representative such as the embassy or consular office. Most countries prohibit or restrict importation of the following items:

  • Firearms, ammunition and explosives
  • Hazardous items such as fireworks, toxic or poisonous substances
  • Swords, sabres, daggers, spears, switch blades, hatchets
  • Items made from animals on the endangered species list (eg ivory)
  • Foodstuffs, plants, herbs & spices
  • Dried flowers, bulbs, seeds, pine cones, pot pourri
  • Soil, sand, straw & hay
  • Unprocessed furs, skins and hunting trophies
  • Alcohol
  • Medicines & narcotic drugs
  • Pornographic materials