Thanks for the reply. Freight forwarders may be just the ticket.
For reference, how many cubic feet are in a 20 or 40 foot container? Or, what are the dimensions?
Thanks.
Ray
Shipping less than a large container
It's time for us to start researching shippers from the Eastern US to France. So far, we've been moving via checked luggage - everything from pots & pans, sheets & towels, etc. to our house in the Dordogne. We've also purchased furniture in France, so we only need to move a few things. When we do move, the contents will come in VAT free as it's all older (much older) than 6 months.
We're looking at moving some medium-sized things like a couple of small pieces of family heirloom furniture, 2 trail bicycles, artwork, and heavier small things like my wife's favorite cast iron skillet <s>.
From what folks have said, a modest container might work. I have a few questions:
Thanks, in advance, for your assistance.
Ray
We're looking at moving some medium-sized things like a couple of small pieces of family heirloom furniture, 2 trail bicycles, artwork, and heavier small things like my wife's favorite cast iron skillet <s>.
From what folks have said, a modest container might work. I have a few questions:
- Does anyone have names & contact info for container shippers you've used? Any recommendations of who to use or who to stay away from?
- Does the shipping company pack or do we?
- Are there different sized containers? If so, what are the sizes?
- How does one get the container contents from the port of entry to one's home (in our case, in the Dordogne)? Are the containers delivered or do we rent a truck and re-pack it all into the truck?
Thanks, in advance, for your assistance.
Ray
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For reference, how many cubic feet are in a 20 or 40 foot container? Or, what are the dimensions?
Thanks.
Ray
DavidRay,
Check out the use of "lift vans" - they are wooden boxes which fit exactly into containers so you simply pack the number you need to make up the shipment. You can then easily share a container. Lift vans can be delivered to your house to pack, then sealed and shipped and delivered without opening.
If you pack yourself you will only be insured against total loss, damage etc is not covered. If the shipper packs it you can get complete coverage.
Cheers
Thanks. I think, in the States, you might be referring to shipping Pods. Maybe not. Do you have any company names?
Ray
BevThis was in the Boston area - if you're in that part of the woods, let me know and I'll drop you a PM with the name of the place. Frankly, I was startled that the moving company would recommend a package store like this, but they did a really good job.
Cheers,
Bev
I don't think we have a package shop here on Cape Cod (at least that I know of). But we're certainly close enough to Boston to go in and talk with them, especially given what you've said about delivery. Or maybe they can suggest someplace local if we call them.
Thanks!
Ray
Wish I'd known. We're just outside Hyannis. Or at least, I'm here. My wife is still at our house in the Dordogne.PS, I was on the cape today!
Based what everyone has said, I think we'll need only a modest amount of shipping space for a couple of pieces of furniture, a large wool rug we got in Turkey, clothes, and artwork. We've already furnished our house in France.
Ray
Hope you have a safe trip. we had a house built for us in Sandwich at one time.-mia- said:Well, I didn't know either until this morning when we decided to get a sandwich in Sandwich.Then we got "pain" at the airport. LOL
Thanks for the tips.
DavidNo, pods are different. A lift van (and that is the term the US shippers use) is about 190 cu ft and holds about 1000 lbs. The benefit is that they fit into standard trucks & containers so they can do shared loads easily.
I won't recommend my shipping company but 'any reliable' should be able to quote.
Cheers
I see the difference - reliable. Sorry you had a difficult time of it. Thanks for clarifying the term. It's one I'd not run into before.
Ray
Thanks for the information. YES, I would appreciate Rainier's contact information!!I used a lift van to move here. Like David said, it's around 190 cubic feet. Door to door (everything included) was around $3000. I had quotes from a couple different companies that all were highly recommended, but the lowest was from Rainier. They did an awesome job, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. If you want, I can PM you the contact info.
Ray
Interesting. LCL originated in the railroad world (with which I'm qutie familiar) and originally meant "Less than CARload".It is called LCL in English, less than container load, and "groupage" in French. All removal companies or freight forwarders are well aware of it.
Rates are far cheaper than own container.
I wondered if that's what folks were talking about but was concerned that the term LCL wouldn't translate well.
Thanks.
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