Big move across the big pond?

USA (SANEPR.com) September 5, 2008 -- What would it take to pack up your life and live overseas for a few years? Or perhaps return home after studying in the States? Would you ship everything you own, or just what you need? And how much would it cost? Boston Pack and Ship, a small load shipping specialist for two decades, has helped customers on both sides of the equation by offering door-to-port international shipping options.

“As a U.S. citizen planning to live abroad for work or school or somebody from another country coming here and eventually returning, you don’t want to take everything you own because (a.) you want to travel light and (b.) you know whatever you bring with you will probably have to ship back. That limits your options internationally because most large movers will not ship orders less than three to five cubic meters,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship.

Boston Pack and Ship can ship smaller loads via a special arrangement with an ocean consolidator freight service. The consolidator ships cargo containers all over the world. These containers can accommodate up to 73 cubic meters, a size not easily attained by one single shipment.

“The consolidator pays a fixed cost for the cargo container. So if they’re leaving port without a full load, it costs them money. Because we’re shipping smaller sized loads we help them fill up their containers so they’re leaving with a full container and that translates into a better price for our customers,” said Fell.

Boston Pack and Ship’s international shipping services include:

? 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.

Adds Fell, “Moving in general is stressful. Relocate to another country and you’re upping the ante tenfold on stress. With our international shipping options, we reduce a lot of that stress by giving you the information you need, taking care of your paperwork and then showing up at your door to get your stuff. Granted, there’s a lot more that goes into an overseas move, but that takes quite a bit off your plate.”

Boston Pack and Ship offers international shipping agents at most ports around the world. For more information on the breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s services, 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.

Small load specialists
Formerly known as The Packaging Store and now repackaged as Boston Pack and Ship, these small load specialists have 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.