Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some frequently asked questions and more information on shipping, container shipping, plus packing tips!

 

F.A.Q.

What is the measurement of one cubic foot (CuFt.)?

One cubic foot (CuFt.) is the measurement of 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 foot or 12″ (inches) by 12″ by 12″.

How many cubic feet (CuFt.) are in one cubic meter?

There are 35.2 CuFt. in one cubic meter.

How do I know, if I’ll need a 20′ or a 40′ container?

20′ containers can hold about 850 to 1050 CuFt. and are usually enough space for a 1 to 2 bedroom household or 1 vehicle with a few, small-sized household goods.  While 40′ containers can hold about 1850 to 2200 CuFt. and are usually reserved for 3 to 5 bedroom households or 1 vehicle and a 2 bedroom household.

What items should NOT be shipped?
  • Jewelry
  • Pressurized spray cans
  • Alcohol (in hand luggage only)
  • Any flammable, hazardous, or toxic substances
  • Perishable goods such as food
  • Open bottles containing any liquids or other contents
  • Fire arms (license required in some countries)
  • Live plants or seeds (license required in some countries)
  • Valuable and important papers such as family records, birth certificates, marriage documents, financial information and other such documents.
Can we put household/personal goods in our vehicle that is to be shipped?

If your vehicle is shipped in a personal 20′ or 40′ container, then you may put some boxes of household/personal goods in the vehicle and the trunk of the vehicle.  However, if your vehicle is being shipped by RO/RO service, then the car has to be completely empty.

How much advance notice is needed prior to shipping?

For shipping full 20′ or 40′ container loads please notify us, with all the necessary information, at least 7 to 10 days in advance to when you want the container delivered to you.  For shipping less than container shipping loads, we need a 3 to 4 day notice with all the necessary information (see answer to question 7).

Information about customs (Shipping Full Container Loads)

Upon arrival of your container, the agent there overseas will notify you that your shipment has arrived.  You will have to clear customs, pay a port fee, and either pickup your shipment or make arrangements to have your goods delivered to your residence or final destination there overseas.  You have options in custom clearance and arranging for delivery of your goods to its final destination.  You can clear customs yourself, hire a custom broker to do so for you, or go through the agent.  This also applies for the arranging of your shipment to its final destination.  When your container arrives, you will be charged a port fee.  In general, the port fee for a 20′ container can cost up to $250.00 US dollars and for a 40′ container it can cost up to about $350.00 US dollars (this amount will vary depending on the port regulations of each country).  Plus the extra cost of trucking to your residence (by the door) or final destination there overseas can be arranged independently (self pickup) or, depending on country destination and regulations, through the agent who will contact you.  The approximation for the port fee is given in general, to give you an idea of how much things might cost, because services and charges can differ depending on the regulations of each country.  If you require any of these services, the agent there will be able to assist you when they notify you of your shipment arrival.

Shipping Less than Container Loads

Upon arrival of your less than container load shipment, the agent there overseas will notify you.  You will have to clear customs, pay a destination charge, and pickup your shipment.  Or you can make arrangements through the agent, or on your own, to have your shipment delivered to your residence or final destination there overseas.  When the agent calls you to notify you, just ask them about these services, and they will be able to assist you.  Also, these services are payable to the agent there.  Of course, you can clear customs and pay the destination charge on your own and just have the agent help you with the delivery of your goods to its final destination.  The destination charge is based on the weight and size of your shipment.  This charge usually costs around at least $100.00 US dollars.

Packing tips

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be or hire a packing expert to have your goods arrive safely and undamaged to its destination.  What you will need is some good, common sense, a little advice, and a few basic packing materials.  Believe it or not, packing your belongings yourself will actually save you time and money, and the hassle of making sure your valuable and personal goods are packed efficiently by complete strangers.  Here are some tips on packing:

Basic Materials You’ll Need

You will need any good, clean, strong boxes, suitcases, trunks, and/or plastic or metal bins.  You will also need some type of protective wrap or padding (for example:  bubble wrap, styrafoam peanuts, packing paper, newspaper, moving blankets, plastic wrap, etc.), some sealing tape, and a marking pen.

How To Pack

Wrap all small, loose items individually in packing paper, then crumple newspaper to use as padding (use at least 3 inches of crumpled newspaper or packing paper on the bottom and top of each box, bin, trunk, etc.), and then pack your wrapped items in them.  You can also use blankets, towels, sheets, and even clothes for padding when packing your goods.  Also, try to pack similar items in one box so everything is better organized and easily found (for example:  pack books in one box, dishes in another, etc.).  When packing books, keep in mind that books and magazines can be really heavy.  So try to pack them in boxes, trunks, or bins no larger than 1.5 cubic feet, which can, believe it or not, end up weighing anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds.  Use a sealing tape at least 1.5 inches wide and of good quality (strapping tape is the strongest choice), to seal your boxes, suitcases, trunks, and bins.  Then use a permanent marker to label the contents of each box on the lid, side, etc.  For fragile pieces it is best to use even greater cushioning and protection by wrapping each item in bubble wrap and packing them in boxes full of styrafoam peanuts.  In addition to labeling your fragile item boxes with the contents, it is suggested to write “FRAGILE” on all sides as well.  Also, for all goods, fragile or not, pack the larger, heavier items on the bottom and smaller, lighter items on top.  For big items or furniture, you can buy moving blankets or use plastic (saran wrap) to cover and wrap the limbs of your furniture.  Then use tape or rope to keep the moving blankets and plastic in place.  Global Shipping Services to worldwide moving. This protects your big items and furniture from scratches and dirt.

Where to buy Supplies and get them for Free!

You can purchase moving blankets (about $7 or $8.00) at stores like Home Depot, and buy plastic (saran wrap) in bulk from places like Costco Wholesaler or Price Club.  You can also buy moving boxes and packing materials from storage or moving centers like U-Haul Rent-A-Center locations, Public Storage, Office Max, The Packaging Store, or Office Depot.  You can buy bins and trunks from Target or Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) stores.
Or, you can go to your local department and grocery stores to get good, clean, strong boxes for free.

Where to buy supplies

If you want Global Shipping to provide supplies and packaging of your goods, the cost of this additional service will be added to your freight charges.