- How and when should I arrange for relocation services?
Allow as much time as you can to work with us on planning and executing your relocation.
If possible, contact us no less than four to six weeks before your relocation date,
so there is plenty of time to arrange for the in-home estimate, the moving plan,
and the packing.
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- How do I request a cost estimate for my international move?
Simply call 915-778-0861 or e-mail us at
quotes@Deseret-Intl.com
or complete the quote request form found at the bottom of this page and most other
pages on our website. We’ll work with you to quickly schedule a meeting at your
home so that we can better understand the scope of your move and prepare an accurate
estimate. Once we complete the in-home estimate, which requires about two hours,
you will receive a comprehensive price quote within approximately two to three days.
Our price quote will encompass packing, transportation options, and other specialized
services such as storage and crating, if needed. Duties and taxes paid to governmental
agencies are variable costs, which cannot be estimated precisely in advance and
thus are not included in the quote.
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- What is an in-home estimate?
You should be wary of any relocation company that does not perform an in-home survey
prior to providing you with a cost estimate. Every move is different. It is essential
that your relocation plan be tailored specifically to your individual needs. To
accomplish that, Deseret begins with an in-home estimate. One of our representatives
or agents will visit with you at your residence, and will conduct a walk-through
of all rooms, a detailed examination of the items you wish to ship, and an assessment
of the complexity of the packing and shipping you require. Only then can we give
you an accurate quote, and build a reliable and achievable relocation plan.
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- How do I prepare for the in-home estimate?
Before the visit, we will supply you with a list of questions and a checklist of
what to have ready for the in-home estimate. You will want to go through your home
and any out-of-home storage units, and determine those things you wish to move as
well as those things you might need us to store for you on a long-term basis.
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- How long does the in-home estimate take?
The in-home estimate for an average home (roughly 2,000 square feet or less) usually
takes approximately two hours. A larger home will, of course, require more time.
We will invest whatever time is necessary to do the survey properly and answer any
questions you have during that process.
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- How are moving costs calculated?
Like most domestic moves, the cost is based on the combined volume and/or weight
of the items to be moved. Our moving specialists have years of training and experience,
and will be able to closely estimate the volume and weight numbers during their
visit to your home.
For the most accurate estimate and to help eliminate unexpected charges, it helps
for us to know as much as possible about the final destination delivery address
of your new residence. We work diligently to provide fair and reasonable prices
for anything that you and we together cannot anticipate and plan for, but there
are often certain local accessorial services required at the final destination.
These could include, for example, local parking permits for delivery trucks, shuttle
charges in the event that your residence is on a street too narrow to accommodate
a truck with an ocean container, or “long carry” costs in the event that goods must
be carried up unusually long flights of steps.
Please keep in mind that even with our extensive worldwide contacts and years of
experience, not all costs can be estimated precisely before your goods are shipped
and arrive at the destination port. Port-of-entry charges and terminal handling
charges vary between ports, may change seasonally, and are often changed without
notification to agents such as Deseret. Additionally, there may be unknown or unanticipated
customs handling charges, random shipment examination and x-ray fees at multiple
points along the way, including both origin and destination ports. All such charges
will be paid by Deseret to keep your shipment moving, but these charges, too, must
be paid prior to final delivery of your shipment to your new residence. We will
provide you with a detailed accounting of any expenses paid on your behalf.
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- How long will it take to receive a quote for the cost of my international
move?
Due to the complexity of international moves and intermodal transportation, we typically
provide customers with a detailed cost estimate within two to three days following
our in-home visits. We work closely with customers to accelerate the quote process
if they have an urgent situation. Most of our customers ask to receive the quote
by e-mail or fax, but we find that a telephone call or personal visit by one of
our representatives or agents can be helpful in explaining the quote and answering
any questions that you might have related to the quote.
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- What is a GBL number, and why do I need one?
“GBL” is an abbreviation for “Government Bill of Lading.” This is a unique number
that is assigned to each military or government move. Deseret uses this number to
track military and government customer shipments from beginning to end, and our
military customers can use this number to track their shipments via our website.
Please contact us at 915-778-0861 or
info@Deseret-Intl.com
if you need to obtain or confirm your GBL, or if you have any questions about its
use.
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- How do I know what documents or forms, customs or otherwise, are necessary
for my move and my entry into my destination country?
Every country has its own unique regulations and requirements concerning shipment,
customs (e.g., things which you are not permitted to bring into the country), and
arrival. These requirements are also subject to frequent changes by the governmental
agencies of various countries. Your Deseret Personal Move Coordinator will work
with you to help you determine what documents you require and to make sure all the
paperwork is in order before the move takes place, but you will want to also consult
the consulate of your destination country to insure that you full understand that
country’s current laws, regulations, and requirements. As a starting point you can
visit our
International Moving &
Shipping Guidelines page, and review the guidelines for your destination
country, currently on file with the International Association of Movers (IAM).
These
guidelines are subject to change by the destination country without notice, thus
the IAM site might not be complete or accurate. The guidelines presented on the
IAM site should be used simply as a starting point.
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- Who will be my primary contact during the course of my move?
Once you have selected Deseret as your agent and accepted our price quote, we will
immediately assign a Personal Move Coordinator to assist you throughout your move.
This trained professional will be your contact for the entire “door-to-door” process,
from planning and packing, through shipping and arrival – and resolving any unexpected
problems that might arise along the way.
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- How do I contact Deseret?
You will receive a direct number from your Personal Move Coordinator, but you can
also contact Deseret at any time using these numbers:
Inside the United States: (915) 778-0861
Outside the United States: (001) (1) (915) 778-0861
Email Address:
info@deseret-intl.com
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- What is “Door to Door Service?”
“Door-to-Door” service is exactly what it suggests: Deseret will manage your move
and guide you through the entire process, from planning and packing at your current
location through temporary warehousing (if necessary) and overseas transport, plus
unloading and unpacking at your new location. The removal of packing materials from
your new residence can also be included in the process if you wish. For a detailed
list of all our “door-to-door” services visit our
Capabilities page.
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- What are my responsibilities BEFORE moving begins?
Compliance with all governmental regulations and documentation related to your move
are ultimately your responsibility. Your Deseret Personal Move Coordinator will
work with you to help ensure that all the requirements have been fulfilled, but
you should contact your local consulate or embassy to verify all the details well
in advance of your move. As a starting point to help familiarize you with these
requirements, refer to the
Moving
& Shipping Guidelines provided as a courtesy by the International Association
of Movers, of which Deseret is a member.
As stated earlier, this information is provided
as a courtesy and is subject to change by the individual countries without notice.
This information is not a substitute for you contacting your local consulate or
embassy.
You may also want to check out our
Resources page, which has a number of helpful tools and information resources
as well as downloadable customs forms required by the U.S., Australia, and the UK.
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- What are my responsibilities DURING the moving process?
Your Deseret Personal Move Coordinator will work closely with you to complete all
the necessary documentation, but ultimately, full compliance is your responsibility
when it comes to household goods. Be sure to read your inventory form very carefully,
and have your Representative answer any questions you may have concerning the packing,
shipping, and unpacking of your goods.
You are also required to make sure than no prohibited items are included in your
packing. If you have any concerns about the move or individual items, contact your
local consulate or embassy to verify all the requirements.
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- What items should I take with me on the plane rather than pack for shipment?
Keep all items of high personal, sentimental, legal, or financial value with you.
Such items include birth certificates, family heirlooms, jewelry, collectibles,
photo albums, and even stocks or bond certificates. Make sure you keep all travel
documents, including passports, visas, and photo identification, with you at all
times. Medications should be taken with you on the plane as well. If you have an
extensive or valuable collection (art, stamps, coins, etc.) or highly expensive
clothing or other possessions, check with your Deseret Personal Move Coordinator
about additional insurance coverage or special handling.
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- What items should NOT be shipped overseas?
Alcohol, drugs, firearms and other weapons, ammunition, explosives, perishable foods,
pornography, narcotics, and contraband are restricted or prohibited by almost all
countries. Dangerous, flammable, or hazardous materials (gasoline, aerosols, paints)
are also prohibited. If you are moving as part of a corporate relocation, you should
also comply with your own company’s policies. If you have any questions about the
suitability of any specific items, contact Deseret or your company well in advance
of your final packing and departure. It’s a good idea to contact the local consulate
or embassy of your destination country as well, and request an up-to-date list of
items that are restricted or prohibited, as well as any changes in entry requirements.
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- What is the difference between “restricted” and prohibited”?
“Restricted” items are allowed into the destination country, but usually require
additional permits and costs. “Prohibited” items are illegal, and cannot be shipped
under any circumstances, at any time.
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- Can I have my firearm shipped?
Firearms and ammunition sometime have special restrictions or requirements. Work
with your Deseret Personal Move Coordinator and contact your destination country’s
consulate or embassy for more specific information.
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- How is my shipment packed?
All of your household items will be carefully wrapped and padded. Each piece of
furniture will also be wrapped in protective materials that minimize the possibility
of damage during shipment.
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- Can I pack some of my items myself?
Insurance and customs officials require that Deseret’s trained movers do all the
packing. Any boxes or crates that are “packed by owners” may increase the possibility
of delays and additional inspections in customs. If there are certain items you
want to arrange or organize, leave the boxed unsealed, and the Deseret movers will
inspect the contents, note the condition, and make the proper entries on the packing
inventory. You should also be aware that boxes “packed by owners” do not receive
full insurance protection.
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- How long will it take to pack, wrap, and loading my household?
The average house can usually be packed and loaded in one to two days. The estimated
pack-and-load time will be discussed with you in detail as part of the in-home estimate
process.
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- Will Deseret International move my car or other vehicle?
Deseret is happy to ship any vehicles to any country. However some countries discourage
importation, and may charge high taxes or duties. Talk with your Personal Move Coordinator
about any additional charges or challenges you may face in shipping your vehicle.
You will also need the
original title, your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number),
and the year, make, and model of your car.
Your vehicle title must be free and clear
of any loan or other lien if it is being shipped to a destination other than the
U.S. or Puerto Rico.
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- Can I move my pets or animals?
If you hope to move a pet or other animal such as a horse, you should begin planning
your move immediately! The planning and preparation associated with moving
pets and animals can often take up to six weeks. Moving animals is a complicated
logistical and legal challenge (often involving temporary quarantine upon arrival
at your destination) and is best handled by experts. We have a close working relationship
with Air Animal, a service firm which specializes in this aspect of international
moving. While we do not directly provide pet relocation services, your Coordinator
will be happy to supply you with a list of reliable pet relocation services and
discuss this part of your move with you so that it is factored appropriately into
your move schedule.
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- Can Deseret International provide storage for my household goods?
Yes. You may want to store some of your household goods in your country of origin;
or you may want to move and store some items, temporarily or long-term, in your
destination country. Talk with your Deseret Personal Move Coordinator, so we can
offer you the best solution to your needs. Deseret is part of the Spectrum Relocation
Group of companies, which has secure, modern warehouse facilities located strategically
across the state of Texas, including near the Houston seaport, major international
airports, and U.S./Mexico ports of entry.
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- What mode of transportation will Deseret International use in my move?
Your Personal Move Coordinator and our transport experts will determine which containers
are most appropriate for your move based on the size, nature, and destination of
your shipment. Household possessions are typically packed and shipped in wooden
crates called “lift vans” that can be handled by a forklift. Those vans are then
loaded into steel containers, also known as steamship or ocean containers. For larger
shipments, household goods may be wrapped and loaded directly into ocean container(s).
These containers, available in 20- and 40-foot lengths, have a capacity of 1,100
to 2,400 cubic feet respectively. Smaller or more time-sensitive shipments may use
air freight containers constructed of wood or industrial-grade cardboard; they come
in various sizes.
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- What does “transit time” mean?
“Transit time” is defined as the time that elapses from the day the shipment is
loaded in your original location until the day it is delivered to your new residence.
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- How long does a shipment take to arrive overseas?
Obviously, different destinations and shipments of different sizes have different
transit times. Generally speaking, shipments from the U.S. to Europe take four to
six weeks; shipments from the U.S. to Asia or South America take six to eight weeks,
and shipments from the U.S. to Australia take eight to twelve weeks. Air shipments
usually take from eight to fourteen days, worldwide. Customs clearance issues or
other unavoidable circumstances can delay the final arrival or your shipment, but
we work diligently to minimize such delays.
For military or government personnel shipments, the delivery date for your
shipment will be listed on the GBL; however, as stated earlier, customs clearance
or unforeseen circumstances can delay the final arrival of any shipment. Military
shipments may be tracked using our online eTrack system or through your Personal
Move Coordinator.
Non-military household goods shipments may soon be tracked using our eTrack
system, In the meantime, you can use either e-mail or telephone to contact your
Deseret Personal Move Coordinator regarding the status of your shipment.
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- How will I know the status of my shipment, and if there are any unexpected
changes in the schedule?
If yours is a military shipment, you can track your shipment at any time
through our online Military eTrack page. There, you can use your GBL number, or
your last name and social security number, to learn about the current status of
your move. Notes about delivery dates, current status, and delays can be found there,
24 hours a day.
Non-military household goods shipments may soon be tracked using our expanded
eTrack system. In the meantime, you can use either e-mail or telephone to contact
your Deseret Personal Move Coordinator regarding the status of your shipment.
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- Who handles my shipment at the destination country?
For shipments to countries outside the U.S., we will assign a reliable Destination
Agent who will be responsible for receiving your shipment and guiding it through
customs, final delivery, and unpacking. You will be given the name of your Agent
and complete contact information well in advance of the shipment’s arrival. Our
Agents are trusted, trained and experienced professionals, and a vital part of the
Deseret commitment. Deseret is, however, responsible and accountable ultimately
for every aspect of your move; and your Deseret Personal Move Coordinator is available
to assist you at all times throughout your move.
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- Do I need to request unpacking services?
Unpacking is normally included in the Door-to-Door service that Deseret provides.
“Unpacking” includes having your items removed from the shipping containers and
their placement on nearby flat surfaced, as well as the removal of all crates and
shipping materials from your property. You can waive unpacking, but Deseret or its
agent will not return to pick up any materials or trash that may result. If you
wish for trash to be removed on a date subsequent to unpacking, special arrangements
must be made.
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- Will my household goods and other possessions be insured?
Absolutely. Deseret works with a wide range of reliable third-party insurance providers
to protect your shipment from damage or loss.
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- What is insurance coverage based on?
The cost of the insurance premium is based on the destination replacement cost of
the inventory that you provide and the value you declare. Talk with your Personal
Move Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns.
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- What type of insurance does Deseret International provide?
Deseret offers three types of insurance for your shipment:
a.
Full Replacement Value Coverage (with or
without deductible): This coverage protects your goods
from any damage that may occur
during shipping.
b.
Released Value Coverage: You may opt for
no insurance coverage. In the event of damage, you will
receive the basic coverage
provided for in maritime law, which is calculated on a per pound/per item
basis. Check with your Personal
Move Coordinator about the current rates.
c.
Coverage Extensions: Deseret can also offer
additional coverage for specific items, including protection
from mechanical or electrical
damage, mold and mildew, and even damage to pairs or sets of items.
Check with your Personal Move
Coordinator for details.
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- Why should I buy insurance when my goods are packed professionally?
Deseret offers three types of insurance for your shipment:
Long distance, weather, and the hazards of loading and off-loading, are all realities
of international shipping. Deseret has a very low claims ratio, based on the proven
quality of our personnel, systems, and even the packing materials and crates we
and our agents use. Still, insurance offers you and your family peace of mind while
your household is in transit.
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- If necessary, how would I file a claim?
If, unfortunately, you do need to file a claim for lost or damaged goods, we encourage
you to contact us quickly so that we can respond promptly. You could easily and
conveniently
initiate a claim
online via this website; or you could simply contact your Deseret Personal Move
Coordinator or destination agent, who will guide you through the claim process.
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- When do I pay for my shipment?
The amount of the agreed-upon estimate is paid at the time of loading. An actual
weight is taken between your residence and the international port, and final charges
are calculated. Final charges must be paid prior to the arrival of the shipment
at the port of entry in the destination country.
Please keep in mind that even with our extensive worldwide contacts and years of
experience, not all costs can be estimated precisely before your goods are shipped
and arrive at the destination port. Port-of-entry charges and terminal handling
charges vary between ports, change seasonally, and are often changed without notice.
Additionally, there may be unknown or unanticipated customs handling charges, random
shipment examination and x-ray fees at multiple points along the way – at both origin
and destination ports. All such charges will be paid by Deseret to keep your shipment
moving, but these charges, too, must be paid prior to final delivery of your shipment
to your new residence.
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- How can I determine the duties and taxes for which I will be responsible?
Your Personal Move Coordinator can offer you information on duties and taxes in
your destination country; household goods and personal effects are usually allowed
to enter most countries without taxation or the payment of duties, but it is recommended
that you verify this information with your destination country’s consulate or embassy
as you plan your move.
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- What payment options are available?
Deseret accepts cash, cashier’s checks, wire transfers, and major credit cards (MasterCard,
VISA, and American Express). Personal checks are not accepted at this time.
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