Service Chapter
(version 1.2 09-05-2018)
The service chapter is our standard for all other moves, unless other instructions and/or documents apply.
Explanation of words used:
PMQ* Post
Move
Questionnaire : Form to be completed and signed by client for either the origin (10 questions) and/or destination (5 questions) part of the move.
See specimen.
FCF* Final
Control
Form: Form on specifics of the move; to be completed by crew leader and to be signed by client and crew leader.
See specimen.
Checklist Service Chapter * Checklist to be completed and signed by crew leader.
See specimen.
*These forms are mandatory for accepting and paying the invoice for your services.
Origin
Survey
The moving company will always visit the client in the residence to perform a survey.
The surveyor will inform the client on the rules and regulations, determine the volume and possible special requirements, fill out the survey sheet, calculate the volume and have the client and the surveyor sign the survey sheet for the calculated volume. Please also ask the client for a copy of the motor vehicle registration papers if a motor vehicle is to be shipped.
Also ask the client for any new items that he/she intends to buy and specify these items on the survey sheet under “Items to be bought”.
If the client doubts about items to be shipped and/or stored, these items will be marked on the survey sheet (with an asterix *) and as a result a maximum and minimum volume will be reported. For any additional charges please specify why and take pictures to support the request for additional charges (shuttle/long carry, outside elevator, parking permit, etc.). All the necessary information and documentation is to be send to us within 48 hours.
Packing
Arrival at residence
The crew leader will introduce himself and his crew to the client and have a walk through the residence to have an idea on what should be packed. The crew leader will inform client on the special instructions on his work order.
Pre-packing
The crew leader will check the residence prior to the start of packing for any existing physical damages, will notify the client if any and report these on the
FCF.
The crew leader will take the same action after the final check / walk through of the residence once packing and loading is completed.
(TAKE PICTURES OF THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE THAT EXISTED AND THAT OCCURRED DURING PACKING).
General
The moving company should arrange professional packing for the smallest possible volume. The number of packages and the size/weight of the packages should not be bigger/heavier than necessary. If the client has special/original cartons for appliances and the mover is sure these boxes are fit for use, the movers will use these cartons for packing.
If the client has packed cartons or items himself please ask client to write the contents on the package/carton. The packer will state this content on the inventory and note “PBO” as exception
(e.g. Books PBO, Clothing PBO etc.).
Breakable / fragile and electrical items that are Packed By Owner are to be checked by the crew to verify if the packing is sufficient for the forthcoming door to door transport. If not, the goods should be repacked. If client refuses to show the packed items and/or refuses repacking, the goods are not to be loaded and the coordinator in the office is to be informed.
The packing material and/or stickers used for numbering the items should not, in any way, damage the articles. The mover has to make sure that the stickers with numbers will stay on the packed items, so the delivery company can check the inventory list at destination.
Final Control Form (FCF)
The crew leader will check the residence prior to the start of packing for any existing physical damages, will notify the client if any and report these on the Final Control Form. The crew leader will take the same action after the final check / walk through of the residence once packing and loading is completed.
Have the client sign for both situations on the FCF.
(Take pictures of the physical damage that was existing and that occurred during packing).
Remote controls, wires, assembly-items, keys, screws and bolts etc.
Through history finding the above is one of the major reasons for disappointment, both to the client as well as the moving crew arranging delivery of a shipment.
The client wants items to be assembled upon delivery and the crew wants to perform a perfect job.
To avoid discussions and an endless search for these items you are
instructed to have your packers use a
dedicated box for the items mentioned above.
The specific materials will have to be packed and marked separately mentioning to which item they belong and the corresponding item number(s) on the inventory list.
(e.g. remote TV Master bedroom # 33; assembly items oak cabinet living room # 54-62; keys oak cabinet living room #54-62, assembly items TV cabinet study #112-116).
This dedicated box will have to be marked as
#1, assembly-items,
remote’s etc. on the inventory list.
If a remote is co loaded in the same box with TV or stereo etc. mention TV + remote, stereo + remote on the inventory.
You are to load the box
#1, assembly-items, remote’s etc. close to the doors of the transport unit, so the delivery crew will have easy access and can start assembling while unloading (if requested).
Disassembly
All items that are to be shipped and need to be disassembled due to their size, shape or to save space, will have to be re-assembled by the moving crew at destination.
The parts will have to be mentioned separately on the inventory with a clear description of the actual part (e.g. Right-hand side of cabinet, Middle part of cabinet, top part of cabinet). The assembly items, keys, screws etc. will have to be packed and stowed in the dedicated box “#1 assembly items”.
Packing materials
The packing materials used should be new, clean and friendly to our environment. The cartons for books, clothes etc. should have a compatible size to establish proper stowing and avoid weight overload.
Packed by Owner(PBO)
If the client has packed cartons or items himself please ask him to write the contents on the package/carton. The crew leader will state this content on the inventory and note “PBO” as exception
(e.g. Books PBO, Clothing PBO etc.).
Breakable/fragile items (e.g. glassware, china) can
not be packed together with unbreakable items. You should fill the empty space with packing paper. Next to that these boxes should also be marked with “fragile” and “Top load/stow”.
Silverware/Brass items will have to be packed in acid free paper.
Books are to be packed in special book cartons. On clients request the book cartons should be marked on alphabet or bookcase number.
Electrical appliances should be carefully packed and the brand, type and serial numbers are to be written on the inventory list. Please mark “ECU” on the inventory list if the
Electrical
Condition is
Unknown.(e.g. disconnected TV’s Computers, laptop’s, stereo equipment etc.).
Washing machine/ dryer/ refrigerator/ freezer etc.
have to be prepared for transport as per the instructions in the manual for these appliances. The client has to supply the original necessary item/screws for transport protection to the crew leader.
If not the crew leader should ask the client for these necessary items.
If the necessary items
are not available and/or can not be assembled please inform the client and report on the FCF :
“The necessary items for transport protection are not available and/or can not be assembled. Any damage as a result of the above can not be claimed under the transport-insurance.
The client will have to sign for this on the FCF. Loose parts (e.g. inner parts of the fridge) are to be separately packed and secured.
Kitchenware is to be packed in wrapping paper before it is placed in the carton. The inventory should read pots and pans, cutlery, plates etc. instead of kitchenware (not acceptable for customs!!).
Clothes are to be packed in wardrobe boxes (hang down clothing). Arrangements have to be made to avoid the hang down clothing to drop from the hangers. Lay down clothing and linen is to be packed in special clothing / linen boxes.
If the client requests the hang down clothing to be flat packed instead of wardrobe boxes (e.g. to save space in case of an overflow) inform the client that the cost for dry-cleaning etc. will not be picked up by the moving and/or insurance company and report on the FCF under remarks: “
Not all clothes are packed in the proper materials (e.g. wardrobe boxes) as per client request. Client is aware that possible cost for dry cleaning etc. can not be claimed” and have client sign for this on the FCF.
Mirrors/glass plates/paintings are to be properly protected and packed in hard carton (or crated when necessary). They are to be marked as “fragile” on all sides of the packaging.
Marble/stone plates are to be properly packed (or crated when necessary), marked as
“fragile” and
“this side up” to avoid breaking.
Lampshades are to be packed in paper and to be placed in cartons of a proper size. The carton is to be filled with “chips” and/or paper to avoid shifting through the box. The box is to be marked as
“fragile” and “
Top load/stow”.
Mattresses are to be packed in special mattress cartons of the proper size. They are to be mentioned on the inventory list as single, double or king-size mattresses. The mattresses
are not to be packed in plastic to avoid mildew from /to countries with a high humidity.
Carpets are
never to be folded. If more carpets are rolled together into one package the number of carpets packed, is to be mentioned on the package
and the inventory list.
Furniture is to be disassembled when possible and necessary. Packing should be done either in (paper) blankets or in wrapping carton.(depending on situation and destination).
Antiques/Artwork are to be very carefully packed and to be extra protected and stowed with extra care and attention. Be very careful with plastic and bubble wrap, especially in or to countries with high humidity.
Inventory list The moving crew will make an itemized inventory (in the language required by customs in the country of destination) stating clients full name and initials, origin address and destination country.
The inventory should be clear on the contents (miscellaneous, kitchenware,
PBO as content etc. are not acceptable) and the numbers and description on the inventory list have to comply with the numbers and contents of the cartons/packages.
- (Parts of) Furniture should be described clearly (2 seater sofa, 3 seater sofa,
Top part cabinet LR, Bottom part cabinet LR, etc.);
- Electrical items should have the mark, type, serial number and ECU on the inventory list;
- Big carpets should have the color and room at origin on the inventory list.
- If smaller carpets and/or cushions are packed together the number of carpets or cushions should be mentioned on the inventory list.
- Seal number on the last page of the list.
The client is to be advised on damage to their belongings before packing these items. These damages will be marked on the inventory list via the exception symbols (scratch, soiled, mildew, rear, front, arm, etc. )
If there is an
overflow (more items than the maximum allowed volume/ container size
and/or more volume than initially estimated), this will be mentioned on the inventory list. The packages that can not be loaded in the allowed transport unit will be marked on a
separate inventory list with their original item numbers. The inventory is to be signed by the client and the crew leader in the appropriate places on the inventory.
If the client is not at the residence he will have to advise a person who signs in clients name. The crew leader will also advise his own name in clear writing (next to the signature). The date of loading at residence will also be mentioned on the inventory at origin. Copy of the signed inventory list with all the remarks/exceptions will be handed over to the client.
In those
exceptional cases where an inventory list is not necessary (e.g. local moves without customs check in the same country/region: packing, loading, transport and delivery door to door over a short distance via the same (sub)contractor and in the same transport unit) the moving company will prepare an inventory list stating damages before the move started, e.g.:
- #1 assembly items, remote’s etc
- dining room table (scratch on top)
- painting Madonna Living Room (broken glass)
- cabinet master Bedroom (Instable)
- 2 seater leather sofa TV room (torn on back)
- dining room chair/2 dining room chairs etc. (stain on back)
- washing machine (not secured due to missing materials)
- cabinet living room (already disassembled by owner)
Take pictures of the existing damage and inform the client directly.
Car/Motorcycle can only be accepted when they are clean and in driving condition.
Make sure there is a
minimum free space of 50 cm in front of
and 50 cm behind the car (so 50 cm between the bulkhead and the loaded car and 50 cm between the loaded car and the container doors).
Articles loaded in or on a car/motor vehicle will always be exempted from insurance. Same is applicable for the damage to the motor vehicle as a result of loading in or on the motor vehicle.
If client wants to load his/her motor vehicle him/herself, mention on the FCF under remarks:
“I want to (un)load the car/motorcycle myself and am aware that all damages and/or costs to the car/motorcycle, the transport unit and/or the loaded household goods will be for my personal account and will not be covered by any insurance.”
Please make sure client will sign for this before loading.
Car/Motorcycle report
The crew leader has to fill out a report on the car/motorcycle to be shipped. If the car/ motorcycle is dirty please mention on the same car/motorcycle report:
“Due to the fact that this car/motorcycle is not clean it is not possible to prepare an adequate report. The insurance company can waive a claim to this fact”.
All damages have to be marked on this report as per the exception symbols.
If there is damage “All around” please use the exception symbols, mention this on the same report (e.g. rusted/dented/scratched all around) and take pictures.
The car/motorcycle is to be shipped as they are, without co-loading of items in, on, under or next to the car/motorcycle. If the clients want to co-load items in the car/motorcycle crate you will mention on the car/motorcycle report.
“The goods co-loaded in/with the car/motorcycle (crate) are loaded on my request and for my risk. I am aware that damage to the car, motorcycle and/or co-loaded items is not covered by insurance. Any additional cost related to the co-loading will be for my own account “
Both client and crew leader will sign the report after completion.
Loading/stowing
Quality check
When the transport unit arrives at the residence the crew leader will check if the transport unit is dry, clean and odorless. He will also
physically enter the transport unit, close the doors, and then check for any holes and/or damages (light check).
If all these checks are OK, loading can start.
(TAKE A PICTURE IN CASE OF EXISTING DAMAGE/IRREGULARITIES TO THE TRANSPORT UNIT AND CONTACT THE COORDINATOR BEFORE LOADING STARTS)
Blocking and bracing
The crew will take care of professional loading and stowing of the personal effects and household goods. Stowing will be done utilizing the maximum width and height of the container.
The client and the crew leader will have a final check through the residence to make sure everything is packed and loaded, before the transport unit is sealed.
The load will be secured via a firm wooden bulkhead that will be secured to the container.
(TAKE A PICTURE OF THE LOAD AND BULKHEAD)
Volume check
The crew leader will measure the empty space in
meters between the secured bulkhead and the doors of the transport unit, enabling the contract holder to determine the final loaded volume.
(TAKE A PICTURE OF THE EMPTY SPACE AND THE MEASURED EMPTY SPACE)
The empty space in meters is to be mentioned on the
Final Control Form
(2
nd page)
-All Air, LCL shipments and road shipments smaller than 5m3 under A
-FCL and Road shipments larger than 5 m3 under B
PLEASE CHECK THE CHECKBOX FOR THE GOODS LOADED TO THE TOP OF THE TRANSPORT UNIT OR TAKE A PICTURE OF THE LOADED GOODS THAT ARE NOT LOADED TILL THE TOP OF THE TRANSPORT UNIT.
Motor vehicles
Are to be loaded and blocked/secured in the transport unit in a professional way. The use of “tensioning straps” is not allowed due to damage to the wheels. The blocking should avoid damage to the car, not damage the car itself.
Seal
The crew leader will secure the doors with a seal (steel pin with an unique number) and make sure to write the seal number on the last page of the inventory list.
(TAKE A PICTURE OF THE SECURED DOORS WITH THE THE SEAL AND THE CONTAINERNUMBER AND A CLOSE UP OF THE SEALNUMBER)
Fumigation of shipments!!!
For the health of our clients and staff and for the continued care for the environment, we can and will
not accept fumigation of containers using chemicals.
Household goods and personal effects being shipped overseas need to comply with a number of rules and regulations. One of these regulations is that wooden materials used for crating, blocking and bracing of goods in the container, should comply with ISPM15 regulations.
In effect, this means that
all wood used has to have received ‘Heat Treatment’ (HT)
or the whole shipment should be fumigated (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fumigation) with chemicals, for example Methyl Bromide.
The reasons for using chemicals are:
- cost saving compared to Heat Treatment
- easier handling
- killing vermin
The disadvantages of chemicals are:
- toxic
- extremely bad for the environment
- forbidden in the EC, USA and several other countries
- endangers our clients and our staff
- residue settles in linen, cartons, clothing etc.
- hidden extra cost for de-fumigation of a container at the port of entry
The following rules are mandatory
*We will not accept fumigation of shipments
*All used wooden materials for crates, blocking and bracing etc should comply with ISPM 15 regulations.
*Gas measuring of suspected and/or fumigated shipments, and the charges related to the de-fumigation of fumigated shipments, will all be billed to the origin agent.”
Final check /Documents
The crew leader will handover the
PMQ to the client and will wait for the client to complete and sign this document. Please ask client to explain a score of 6 or below in specified comments on the PMQ.
The crew leader will make a final check through the residence together with the client and make sure all necessary actions were taken.(sign off on 1
st page
FCF).
The crew leader will also complete the
FCF and have the client sign the first page of this form (and remarks on 2
nd page if applicable).
Meanwhile the crew members will check their tools and other belongings and remove them from the residence. Finally the crew leader will complete and sign the
Checklist Service Chapter enclosed to this document.
(This way he can verify that all requirements have been met).
Export custom clearance
All the necessary documents for exporting out of the country have to be arranged by the local moving company.
Take pictures of (Mandatory):
-damage to the transport unit (before loading)
-damage to the residence before packing started
-damage to the residence after packing is completed
-picture of the loaded transport unit with bulkhead
-picture of the measurement of the empty space between the bulkhead and
the doors of the transport unit
-picture of the empty space between load and the top of the transport unit (if applicable)
-picture of the loaded and secured motor vehicle
-picture of the closed doors of the transport unit with the container number and the closed seal placed on the transport unit
-close up of the closed seal with the seal number
Document procedure
The crew leader will hand over all documentation to the coordinator.
The coordinator will e-mail the applicable documents and pictures to the assigned delivery agent within one day after loading is completed. Copies of these applicable documents and pictures will be e-mailed to us together with the completed
PMQ,
Final Control Form and the
Checklist Service Chapter.
(PMQ, FCF and Checklist Service Chapter should be send as 3 separate PDF’s)
Please be aware that we will not be able to register and pay your invoice if the PMQ (origin and destination), Final Control Form and the Checklist Service Chapter are not sent to us (fully completed and signed) in due time.
Enclosure
Checklist Service Chapter for the Crew leader and the Coordinator. (Mandatory to be completed and send as PDF to us within one day after packing/loading or delivery). We need one checklist for every service (Packing/Loading and Delivery are 2 services).
Delivery
Make sure that the delivery date is scheduled in close communication with the client and that all necessary documentation is arranged for.
Import customs clearance
All the necessary documents for importing into the country have to be arranged by the receiving moving company. If the inventory list is not in the correct language for local customs, the receiving moving company should arrange for proper translation in due time.
Delivery address
Check, before the actual delivery date, if the delivery-address is easy accessible for the transport unit. If you anticipate difficulties make sure to inform our coordinator
beforehand (and send pictures of the situation).
Actual delivery
The crew leader will introduce himself and his crew to the client and have a walk through the residence to have an idea on what should go where. The crew leader will present a copy of the inventory list to the client for his/her comfort and will make sure that one of the crew members will
check off all items that are unloaded.
Predelivery check
The crew leader will check the residence prior to the start of delivery for any existing physical damages, will notify the client if any and report these on the
FCF.
The crew leader will take the same actions after the final check / walk through of the residence once unloading and delivery is completed.
.(TAKE PICTURES OF THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE THAT EXISTED AND THAT OCCURRED DURING DELIVERY).
Seal
The crew leader will check the seal before opening the doors and make sure to write the seal number on last page of the inventory list. (If the seal number is the same as the seal number that was written on the last page at origin, then please confirm. If the number is not the same then write down the new number next to the origin number).
(TAKE PICTURES OF THE SECURED DOOR WITH THE SEAL AND THE CONTAINER NUMBER AND A CLOSE UP OF THE SEAL NUMBER BEFORE YOU BREAK THE SEAL/OPEN THE CONTAINER)
Quality check on arrival of the transport unit
The crew leader will check the transport unit on any visual damage. Upon opening the doors the crew leader will check if the transport unit is dry, clean and odorless. (be careful upon opening the doors: as a result of items being closely loaded to the doors they may fall out).
Any deviations are to be written on the
Checklist Service Chapter under Specified Comments
(TAKE A PICTURE OF THE DAMAGE/ IRREGULARITIES TO THE TRANSPORT UNIT AND INFORM THE COORDINATOR)
Motor vehicles
Check if the motor vehicle is blocked/secured in the transport unit in a professional way.
The use of “tensioning straps” is not allowed due to damage to the wheels.
The blocking should avoid damage to the car, not damage the car itself.
(PLEASE MAKE A PICTURE OF THE LOADED MOTOR VEHICLE)
Volume check
The crew leader will measure the empty space in
meters between the secured bulkhead and the doors of the transport unit, enabling the contract holder to determine the final loaded volume.
(TAKE A PICTURE OF THE EMPTY SPACE AND THE MEASURED EMPTY SPACE))
The empty space in meters is to be mentioned on the
Final Control Form
(2
nd page).
-All Air, LCL shipments and road shipments smaller than 5m3 under A
-FCL and Road shipments larger than 5 m3 under B
PLEASE CHECK THE CHECKBOX FOR THE GOODS LOADED TO THE TOP OF THE TRANSPORT UNIT OR TAKE A PICTURE OF THE LOADED GOODS THAT ARE NOT LOADED TILL THE TOP OF THE TRANSPORT UNIT.
Car/ Motorcycle report
The crew leader has to fill out a report on the car/motorcycle that has been shipped.
If the car/ motor vehicle is dirty please mention on the same report:
“Due to the fact that this car/ motorcycle is not clean it is not possible to prepare an adequate delivery report. The insurance company can waive a claim to this fact”.
All damages have to be marked on this report as per the exception symbols.
If there is damage “All around” please use the exception symbols, mention this on the same report (e.g. rusted/dented/scratched all around) and take pictures.
Both client and crew leader will sign the form after completion.
If client wants to unload his/her motor vehicle him/herself, mention on the
FCF:
“I want to (un)load the car/motorcycle myself and am aware that all damages and/or costs to the car/motorcycle, the transport unit and/or the loaded household goods will be for my personal account and will not be covered by any insurance.”
Please make sure client will sign for this before unloading.
Checking the inventory list
One of the crew members will check off the inventory list for every unloaded item.
*:If there is an
item with no number open the item and write down the contents on the
FCF under remarks
*If there is an
item with a double number open these items and write down the numbers and the contents on the
FCF under remarks.
*If there are missing items please write the item numbers on the
FCF under remarks as
missing items.
Unloading and unpacking
The crew will first secure the dedicated key box ”
#1 Assembly items”.
The crew will unload all items from the transport unit and place them in the rooms as advised by the client.
The crew will unpack all furniture etc. and will take away the debris; furniture
disassembled in the origin country will be assembled again (new furniture will not be assembled).
Cartons will be unpacked (tabletop) or will be placed in a room assigned by the client to be unpacked by the client.
The crew leader will inform the client on any known damage or loss.
Both client and crew leader will sign the checked inventory list.
The client and the crew leader will have a final check through the residence.
Additional charges if any
For additional charges (if any) make sure to specify why and take pictures to support the request for additional charges.
(PICTURE)
Pick up of debris
The crew will take all debris from the residence upon delivery.
Final check /Documents
The crew leader will handover the
PMQ to the client and will wait for the client to complete and sign this document. Please ask client to explain a score of 6 or below in specified comments on the PMQ.
The crew leader will make a final check through the residence together with the client and make sure all necessary actions were taken.(sign off on 1
st page
FCF)
The crew leader will also complete the
FCF and have the client sign the first page of this form (and remarks on 2
nd page if applicable).
Meanwhile the crew members will check their tools and other belongings and remove them from the residence.
Finally the crew leader will complete and sign the
Checklist Service Chapter enclosed to this document.
(This way he can verify that all requirements have been met).
Take pictures of (Mandatory):
-damage to the residence before unloading started (if applicable)
-picture of the closed doors of the transport unit with the container number and the closed seal placed on the transport unit
-close up of the closed seal with the seal number
-damage to the transport unit (before/after unloading)
-picture of the loaded and secured motor vehicle
-picture of the loaded transport unit with bulkhead
-picture of the measurement of the empty space between the bulkhead and
the doors of the transport unit
-picture of the empty space between load and the top of the transport unit (if applicable)
-damage to the residence after unloading is completed (if applicable)
Document procedure
The crew leader will hand over all documentation and pictures to the coordinator.
The coordinator will e-mail the applicable documents and pictures to the assigned delivery agent within one day after unloading is completed. A copy of these applicable document and pictures will be e-mailed to our coordinating together with the completed
PMQ,
Final Control Form and the
Checklist Service Chapter.
(PMQ, FCF and Checklist Service Chapter should be send as 3 separate PDF’s)
Please be aware that we will not be able to register and pay your invoice if the PMQ (origin and destination), Final Control Form and the Checklist Service Chapter are not sent to us (fully completed and signed) in due time.
Enclosure
Checklist Service Chapter for the Crew leader and the Coordinator.
(Mandatory to be completed and send as PDF to out coordinating within one day after packing/loading or delivery).
We need one checklist for every service (Packing/Loading and Delivery are 2 services).