PACK YOUR OWN SHIPPING CONTAINER
CargoMaster receives a lot of calls from people thinking of moving overseas and looking for advise in relation to packing international shipping containers, safely and correctly and questions about international removals and documentation too. Almost every country has different rules and regulations in relation to what can and cannot be imported, generally if you are relocating to another country ,personal and household goods do not attract taxes are are allowed however be on the lookout for HAZARDOUS goods when you pack your container, fuels, gas, bulk paints, anything flammable is a no no!
International Removals
Most importantly, make sure you do a packing list, make it as accurate as possible, without going into ridiculous details. For example, if you have many boxes to pack inside the container, with all types of personal and household things in the boxes, you should consider numbering the boxes, for example, box number 1 may have kitchen utensils and box number 2 may contain linen, blankets etc. total number of pieces packed into the container is very important as the number of pieces and description of the cargo is noted on the Seaway Bill or Bill Of Lading. The number of pieces on the packing list needs to match the number of pieces noted on the shipping documentation , if these two documents do not match you may have problems at the destination port with customs clearance and at best it will cost you extra money and possible customs fines, so remember, very important to number your pieces on the packing list and ensure your Seaway Bill notes the same number. You can compile your packing list before you load your container by moving around your premises noting everything.Remember to record the container number and if possible seal number on your packing list, write clearly or use a computer.
It is important to make sure you do not load any hazardous or illegal goods inside your container, items like BBQ gas bottles are flammable and should not be packed, to many haz and prohibited items to list here but use common sense and you should be OK, if you are unsure ask the guys at CargoMaster or check with Customs in the country you intend to move too. Outdoor equipment ,like lawn mowers, rakes, etc should be clean and free of soil and try to pack outdoors goods to the front of the container.
Try to pack your container so that the weight of the cargo is spread evenly all around the container.Use ratchet straps and ropes to secure your goods down to avoid movement and damage, plenty of tie down points inside the container for you to use. Its a good idea to put mattresses and lounge-suites inside big plastic bags, which will help prevent moisture and dirt damage. You can buy all types of equipment for packing including plastic crates, ask the guys at CargoMaster about purchasing packing equipment.