Guide to Relocation 2

In Part I of this two series article dealing with international relocations, it was noted that in today’s cost conscious business world, the costs of relocations are often born more by the relocating employee himself. Instead of a company agreeing to foot the entire relocation bill, the employee is often allocated a monetary sum, i.e., $10,000, which is for the entire relocation process, including air fares for the employee and family, packing and moving of household goods, hotel accommodations upon arrival, and even the first month’s rental expenses! After deducting the transportation part of the allotment ( amounting to up to $4,000-5,000) it doesn’t take much calculation to see that what remains of that relocation budget, may not even pay for the shipping costs of the family’s possessions, much less all the other expenses involved. For this reason, employees often resort to finding their own relocation solutions, including choosing a moving company; either from the Yellow Pages, or through the Internet.

Internet moving and relocation websites are very common; and one only has to ‘click’ on to these sites to find a myriad of companies and agent solicitors who suggest companies to prospective relocation families. A recent article in a local Israeli newspaper covered problems in the local moving market in Israel, referring to small local movers, known by the slang word of “Khappers”; or ones out for a quick buck, at the expense of the unsuspecting customer. The international moving market has more than its share of these ‘khappers’ as well; and as an international move entails even greater costs, the dangers faced by those availing themselves to these movers are even more serious due to logistical factors, as well as governmental regulations at the destination address. Horror stories of these companies holding customer’s goods in warehouses and not releasing them until ‘extra charges’ are paid are just some of the problems faced. Other problems include failure to advise the goods owners of customs and security regulations at the port of destination, particularly in the U.S.A., resulting in goods being impounded in bonded warehouses, and substantial storage and inspection fees being levied before the good are either released, or simply returned to the country of origin, all at the shipper’s expense.

For these reasons, using the services of such companies usually results in the old English saying: penny wise and pound foolish; meaning that trying to save money by using small, unaccredited moving companies may cost more in the end; and not just from a monetary standpoint. Having to live with your family in cramped hotel accommodations because your goods are being held up, or were delayed due the ‘khapper’ company waiting until they had a full shipping container to send, is an experience the no one should have to undergo. It is therefore much more advisable to enlist the service of a world class moving company one which not only has ISO standard accreditation, but is a member of an international moving organization, as noted in the previous article. These companies, though perhaps costing a bit more, have been audited and passed by such firms as the Ernst & Young accounting firm. The most well-known and respected of these international organizations is FIDI, based in Belgium, and whose members are located all over the world, including China, and Africa. FIDI members are under strict entry requirements, and have to be monitored and audited annually in order to remain a member. Member companies also contribute to a central fund which is used to protect the customer, should a member company be in financial difficulties. A FIDI member company also assists the mover with a variety of detailed tasks, including completion of the proper shipping and customs documents, ensuring that all required visas and other regulations are complied with. FIDI member companies are easy to find either locally or via their website. Reputable Israeli member companies, include Globus, VASM, and Ocean Company Ltd.

Choosing the proper company will make a family’s relocation much more friendly and less stressful..

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