Which Countries do you ship to?
How do I obtain a quotation?
How long can I expect my shipment to take?
What method of shipment do you recommend?
Should I select door to door or door to port/airport?
How do I obtain packing materials?
How long can I keep the boxes for?
Do you arrange collection from my home?
How should I pack my goods?
What if I can't fill a carton?
Can Simpsons pack for me?
What documentation will you need?
What are the sizes of the boxes?
Can I send my own luggage or use my own cartons?
What is the maximum weight per carton or item?
How do I calculate my final cost?
Why are air freight charges sometimes based on volume and not on actual weight?
What do your rates include and exclude?
What items are prohibited from shipment and Importation?
Is marine/transit insurance included in the rate?
What happens on arrival at destination?
Do I have to be at home to receive my goods?
How can I pay?
If you have a question that has not been answered here please contact us and we will be happy to help.
.
Which Countries do you ship to?
We will literally ship your goods anywhere in the world. Very few places are totally inaccessible and with our network of partners around the globe, we are able to serve even the most adventurous of explorers.
Top of page
.
How do I obtain a quotation?
Couldn't be easier, simply click on quick estimate. You will find rates for all major destinations around the world. If you can not find your destination or you would like a specific quotation click on quote request and complete the simple form, we guarantee to be back to you with a rate by the next working day.
Top of page
.
How long can I expect my shipment to take?
Please click on quick estimate for a simple transit guideline. A word of advice, be careful of Companies offering greatly reduced transit times, these are often port to port times only making no allowance for consolidation and loading at origin or transfer and clearance at destination. It may be tempting to choose a Company that appears to be offering a faster transit time but is this just a ploy to obtain your booking? The transit times indicated on our website are realistic guidelines that are based on ACTUAL times achievable within our industry.
Top of page
.
What method of shipment do you recommend?
There are several points which you must consider when selecting the service most appropriate for you. First of all transit time; will you need these items as soon as you arrive at your new home? Are you traveling directly to your new home? If the answer to either of these questions is NO, then probably the most obvious choice would be sea-freight, if the answer is YES, then you should consider airfreight. Second, cost. Do you have spare cash and wish to be reunited with your personal effects as soon as possible or would you prefer to save the money and wait for your shipment? If money is a consideration, then seafreight is generally cheaper although slower, airfreight is faster but more expensive. Finally, destination! If you are traveling within Europe, the roadfreight option is often only slightly slower than airfreight although there can on occasion be delays at border crossings or at Customs points if traveling outside of the European Union. Or, you may be traveling to a remote destination where seafreight or roadfreight simply is not an option. You may even find a combination of different services most convenient combining speed of airfreight for your urgent items with financial benefits on the bulkier seafreight or roadfreight items. Consider your situation and what your requirements are carefully and if unsure, ask one of our consultants, our advice costs nothing!
Top of page
.
Should I select door to door or door to port/airport?
For certain destinations, door to door is not an option. This is often because the service is simply not available or the additional cost of delivery to a residence is restrictive. Where this is the case, we only offer a door to port or airport service. However, for many destinations around the world, door to door is an option. Generally, where we offer a door to door service, we would recommend that you opt for that service, particularly for seafreight or roadfreight. We have negotiated special rates for our clients with our partners overseas based on high volumes; these discounts are passed onto our clients as part of our door to door service. As a one off customer, it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve those same discounts and, even if you do make your own arrangements at destinations, you will undoubtedly incur additional costs from one or more of the parties that you select to handle, Customs clearance, collection and delivery of your shipment. With a door to door service, you also have the peace of mind that when your shipment leaves your address in the U.K. and you have settled your account with us, it will arrive at its destination with no additional expenses incurred (with the exception of local inspection fees, duty or taxes where applicable).
Top of page
.
How do I obtain packing materials?
Having decided on what cartons you need simply place your order online and we will arrange to deliver your packing materials to your address anywhere in the U.K. or Republic of Ireland. For clients using our service all box deliveries come with bubble wrap, wrapping paper and packing tape. Please remember to take more materials than you need, you only pay for the cartons you pack and return the materials that you do not need.
Top of page
.
How long can I keep the boxes for?
You may keep the boxes for as long as you want, there are no time restraints. Some people prefer to have their cartons for several weeks, if not months, before they will require collection, others prefer to pack their cartons within a few days.
Top of page
.
Do you arrange collection from my home?
When packed, we will arrange to collect your items from your home anywhere in the U.K. or Republic of Ireland.
Top of page
.
How should I pack my goods?
We supply a complete range of export strength cartons specifically designed to withstand the rigors of sea, air and road transit. We will also supply, free of charge, packing materials including, cartons, bubble wrap, wrapping paper and packing tape. Remember when ordering cartons and materials, you can take as much as you wish, you only pay for the cartons you pack and return those that you do not use. Many people prefer to take their packing materials well in advance to allow them time to consider carefully what they wish to take. You must ensure that breakables are placed in the centre of the box, away from edges, corners and sides. Use bubble wrap, wrapping paper or even soft materials such as clothing and linen to pack around any fragile items and to fill any spaces. It is most important that you do not leave space in a carton; all cartons MUST be packed as tight as possible to prevent movement within the box which may cause damage to your belongings. Heavy or dense items such as books, CD's, tools etc should be spread evenly throughout your consignment to ensure that no individual carton is too heavy and to limit risk of damage. Avoid packing clothing in plastic bags as condensation can occur. You MUST ensure that any sharp objects are packed away from all edges or sides. Should they puncture the side of a carton, handling staff could risk injury and your effects may be damaged you also may be subject to a repacking charge or even refusal to move should the offending item be viewed as dangerous to staff. We do not recommend the packing of fluids such as wines, spirits, perfumes etc. In most cases alcohol will be subject to import duty or taxes at destination and may be subject to a formal Customs clearance which will cost you extra but, more importantly, in the unlikely event that your box is dropped, the item could leak and ruin the rest of your belongings and potentially, other peoples also. Any insurance policy that is in place will NOT cover such an incident. If you have any doubts about packing, please contact our office for advice.
Top of page
.
What if I can't fill a carton?
It is essential that you pack all cartons as tightly as possible. This will reduce movement of your belongings within the carton which may result in damage. DO NOT LEAVE SPACE in the top of a carton. When loading your cartons into the container, vehicle or whilst at our storage, if there is a void left in the top of a carton, this will cause the top to collapse causing damage to both your belongings and other peoples. We offer a complete range of cartons, if you can not fill a carton, use a smaller carton, this will ultimately save your money but more importantly, ensure the safe transit of your goods.
Top of page
.
Can Simpsons pack for me?
For a small additional charge, we can fully export pack your shipment prior to removal. We will supply a crew suitable for an export pack from as little as a single carton up to a complete household. Generally, for a small removal or excess baggage, a single export packer is all that will be required and your items could be packed and removed as quickly as 30 minutes after arrival but allow 1-2 hours for a large quantity of items. Our crew will have on board all necessary boxes and materials to complete the job in a professional manner.
Top of page
.
What documentation will you need?
We supply you with all relevant documentation to ensure the transit of your shipment. This will include a shipping instruction form, packing inventory and insurance proposal. In addition, we will require a photocopy of your passport which should include your picture/detail page plus the relevant visa page if you are traveling to your destination on a visa. For Australia and U.S.A. we will also supply you with relevant Customs forms in order to clear your shipment at destination, Customs forms for other destinations will be supplied to you at destination by our overseas partner. All forms can be downloaded from our site, please click on download documents.
Top of page
.
What are the sizes of the boxes?
For full details of our complete range of our packing materials, please view our package guide.
Top of page
.
Can I send my own luggage or use my own cartons?
You may use your own luggage or cartons. These will be charged at the rate most appropriate to the size of the item. If you do use your own cartons, they MUST be to export strength and you CAN NOT use cartons that may have contained food products of any type.
Top of page
.
What is the maximum weight per carton or item?
All items must be manageable by one man, overweight items may prove hazardous and our driver may refuse to remove overpacked items unless specifically prebooked with our one of our consultants. The maximum weight of a large carton is 35 kilos; if you feel that a carton may be heavier you should split the consignment over smaller more manageable cartons. If you have specific items or cartons which are going to be heavier, we can make alternative arrangements for special packing materials or crating and a full crew with specialist handling equipment, at an additional cost.
Top of page
.
How do I calculate my final cost?
Seafreight and roadfreight shipments are calculated on the volume of your items. We have simplified our rate schedules so that charges are calculated based on the number and type of package you ship. To calculate your final cost, simply take the largest box or item as your first item and then each box thereafter is priced at the additional carton rate. Airfreight is calculated on weight or volume whichever is greater. You should first of all calculate the volumetric weight by multiplying the length x breadth x height in centimeters and divide by 6000, this will give you the volumetric weight in kilos. The volumetric weight should be compared with the actual weight and whichever is greater will be used by the airline for calculation of your final account. All items are check weighed and measured by our warehouse on return of your items to our store and you will be notified of the final calculation.
Top of page
.
Why are air freight charges sometimes based on volume and not on actual weight?
It is an international air cargo convention to charge for weight or volume whichever is greater. This ensures that the airlines receive a reasonable return for light weight items. For example a box of feathers has very little weight and therefore, the airline would earn very little revenue from the carriage. On most routes, the weight to volume conversion is 6000 cubic centimeters per kilo with the exception of some African routes (excluding South Africa) where the conversion is 5000cc per kilo. This can be a rather complex calculation and our trained staffed will be happy to explain the calculation in more detail to you. All items are check weighed and measure by our warehouse staff on return to our store and again when received by the airline.
Top of page
.
What do your rates include and exclude?
Our Excess Baggage rates INCLUDE supply of cartons and/or packing materials (bubble wrap, wrapping paper and tape), one time delivery of materials to your address within the Greater London area (a small surcharge applies for deliveries elsewhere in the Country), one time collection and return to store of your packed items, removal of unused cartons and materials, U.K. Customs formalities, port/terminal handling charges in the U.K., security handling (airfreight only), freight charges to arrival destination terminal/port/airport. A DOOR TO DOOR service also includes, destination port/terminal handling and de-consolidation/transfer charges, destination Customs clearance, and delivery to kerbside at residence. Rates EXCLUDE additional delivery of packing materials or collection of packed items, professional export packing (available if required), Customs or hand searches in U.K. (if undertaken), storage in U.K. or at destination (available if required), import Customs or Quarantine/Port Health inspection at destination, fumigation (if directed/required), Import duty, taxes or Government levies at destination (if applicable), placing inside residence, unpacking or disposal of debris (available if required), transit insurance. For shipments within the European Union, V.A.T. is applicable to transport/shipping charges calculated at 17.5%. A DOOR TO PORT/AIRPORT service excludes ALL costs/charges at destination.
Top of page
.
What items are prohibited from shipment and Importation?
Certain items or products can not be accepted for transportation or are restricted under general conditions of carriage. There are also other items which are inadvisable to pack and ship and which may affect the terms of your insurance cover. For example; foodstuffs of any description or liquids which may leak in transit causing damage to other items, cash, bonds, jewellery, alcohol, fireworks or other explosives, flammable gases, liquids or solids, poisons, corrosives, ammunition or firearms, swords, sabres, daggers, spears and switch blades, scuba diving tanks, gas cylinders, aerosol cans, butane lighters and other pressurised articles. Additionally, you must not pack perfumes in an airfreight consignment and we recommend that you check ALL cosmetics as to their contents and potential hazardous nature before packing. You should also not pack wood, bricks, cement, sand, rocks and soil of any type, plants of any kind including dried flowers, bulbs, seeds, pine cones and pot pourri, untreated animal pelts, furs and hunting trophies and pornography of any description including articles of simple nudity if you are relocating to a Muslim country. You should also take special care when packing household cleaning products or items from your garage or shed, check their contents, if they are flammable or hazardous in anyway, DO NOT PACK THEM. Speak with your local Council as to where and how you can dispose of them safely. This is not a complete listing by any means and each country will have its own regulations. Above all, common sense will dictate what you should or should not pack and if in doubt, please contact one of our consultants who will be able to offer you advise.
Top of page
.
Is marine/transit insurance included in the rate?
Insurance is a matter of choice and is calculated based on a declared value, as such, it can not be included in the cost of shipping. We offer a comprehensive transit insurance policy; please click on insurance for full details. As with all insurance policies, terms and conditions will apply and there is an excess, please be sure that you understand how the policy works and that your have adequate cover for your belongings. If you have any doubts, please discuss with one of our trained consultants.
Top of page
.
What happens on arrival at destination?
For seafreight shipments where time allows, a short while before the arrival of the vessel at the destination port, our local representative will send out an arrival notification to your destination or contact address. This will detail the anticipated arrival date of the vessel. If the shipment is on a door to door basis, they will include relevant documentation for you to complete or will request specific information and documentation to enable them to complete the Customs clearance process for you. If your shipment is on a door to port basis, they will request either details of your appointed Customs agent or will offer to undertake this service on your behalf should you wish. For airfreight and roadfreight shipments where transit times are reduced, our local representative will contact you by either telephone or email to notify you of the arrival of your shipment and will request the same or similar information as with a seafreight shipment. Please remember, if you are travelling within the European Union NO Customs clearance is required.
Top of page
.
Do I have to be at home to receive my goods?
In most cases, Customs clearance at destination and delivery of your belongings can only take place if you have actually arrived back at destination. This is to stop people sending items home under the auspices of personal and household effects when they have no intention of resuming residence. For exampled, South Africa and Canada will require you to produce your passport to a Customs or authorised authority to prove that you have arrived at destination. However, some countries, such as New Zealand, will allow your items to be cleared and removed from Customs to the care of a family member or friend, on payment of a deposit of duty and taxes which is refundable on the owners return at destination. Other countries, namely Australia and the United States of America, will allow shipments to clear Customs assuming that you do intend to take up residence and so long as you produce a fully detailed inventory/packing list, photocopy of your passport (picture page and visa page if necessary) and complete the relevant Customs forms (available on our site please click on downloadable documents) your belongings can be cleared and delivered home before your arrive yourself. As each Country has their own requirements, please discuss your particular situation with one of our trained consultants who will be able to give you advice on your particular circumstances.
Top of page
.
How can I pay?
We accept personal cheques (subject to clearance prior to shipment), travellers cheques, postal orders, debit cards e.g. Switch, Delta etc (no surcharge applicable), all major credit cards e.g. Visa, Mastercard, J.C.B. (subject to a 2% handling fee), Amex and Diners Club (subject to a 5% handling fee), direct transfer to our account (please contact our office for full details, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEPOSIT FUNDS BEFORE SPEAKING WITH OUR STAFF, this may result in delay of your shipment). We can also accept cash if delivered either by hand to our office or by registered mail. DO NOT HAND CASH TO OUR DRIVER, it is unreasonable to expect our drivers to perform their task fully when carrying large amounts of cash. Sadly it is a sign of the times that a driver with cash may be subject to robbery and mugging. All payments and relevant documents must be made to our offices and not handed to our collecting drivers.
