- When should i contact the removals company?
- How much will it cost?
- What areas do you cover?
- How do you calculate costs?
- What does the removal quotation include?
- Will I have to pay VAT?
- How much notice should I give to book my removal?
- When do Squab require payment?
- Who will be my contact?
- The different methods of shipment?
- What items are prohibited from shipment?
- What items are prohibited from importation?
- Does Britannia Squab employ trained export packers?
- What size are your vehicles?
- Do you dismantle and re-assemble my bed, wardrobe etc.?
- Do we use quality packing materials?
- What happens following shipment?
- What happens on arrival at destination?
- Cant find an answer in this list?
When should i contact the removals company?
It is never too early to make a start. In an ideal world we would recommend you start searching for a specialist international mover two to three months in advance, to allow yourself sufficient time to obtain competitive quotations, finalise your shipping and/or storage requirements and make all the necessary arrangements.
How much will it cost?
It's always ideal for us to visit your home to determine the cost of your move, as it depends on numerous factors such as packing, access, size of lorry, number of staff etc. With this information we can compile an accurate quotation tailored to your individual move. If we aren’t able to do this then we may suggest using our self survey form, which you can fill in and send back to us.
What areas do you cover?
We move households from Warwickshire to the majority of countries around the world.
How do you calculate costs?
Sea freight are calculated on the overall volume of goods for packing and shipment. Volume is expressed in cubic feet. To calculate the volume of a given item we multiply the length, breadth and height in feet, e.g. a trunk measuring 3ft x 2.5ft x 2ft = 15 cubic feet. As a general rule the greater the overall volume for shipment the lower the rate per cubic foot, and vice versa.
Airfreight is calculated on either the actual gross weight of the consignment or the volume weight, whichever is the greater. Weight is expressed in kilograms. To calculate the volume weight of a given item we multiply the length, breadth and height in centimetres and divide by 6000 to obtain the volume weight in kilos. For household goods the volume weight generally exceeds the gross weight.
What does the removal quotation include?
- On site export packing by our skilled professionals
- Removal to port or airport of departure
- Export customs formalities
- UK and destination port charges
- Shipment to arrival destination port or airport
- Destination customs and quarantine clearance
- Delivery to residence of normal access up to 1st floor level
- Full unpacking of furniture and removal of unwanted packing materials
The quotation excludes storage at origin or destination, import duties, taxes or any other sums due to government departments. For information on customs formalities contact us or contact your embassy or consular office.
Will I have to pay VAT?
Removal costs are exempt from VAT if the ultimate destination is outside the EU. VAT applies at the current UK rate if you are relocating within the EU.
How much notice should I give to book my removal?
The moving date can be governed by a number of factors; typically completion of a home sale, the commencement of a new job and the end of the school term, etc. Please give us as much notice as possible.
When do Squab require payment?
We will require a deposit with your confirmation of booking (please see our quotation for details). The balance is payable upon receipt of our invoice, following packing. We accept payment by personal cheque, credit or debit card. Please note that payment by cheque will require bank clearance prior to shipment. All business is undertaken subject to British Association of Removers contract terms and conditions. For further information please click on terms & conditions.
Who will be my contact?
From the initial quotation right through to final delivery we will assign a highly experienced and qualified move coordinator who will facilitate a smooth and successful move.
The different methods of shipment?
Sea fright:
This is the most common mode of shipment. Household goods are export packed and stowed in steel water-resistant containers. Containerisation of cargo is the key to safety. Containers travel secured in an upright position on modern purpose-built vessels. The internal height is 8ft, so even the tallest items of furniture remain upright and contents rarely shift. With rear doors that are customs-sealed, the containers are virtually pilferage-free.
Containers are generally available in 20ft (1050 cubic feet capacity - a typical 3/4 bedroom home) and 40ft (2100 cubic feet capacity) configurations on all major routes. Larger 40 ft High Cube (2400 cu ft capacity) are also available on many routes.
Whilst internal container dimensions can vary marginally from one shipping line to another the following configurations are generally accepted as industry standard:
| Container Type | Internal dimensions | Load Capacity | Tare weight |
| Dimensions in cms | L W H | cu mts | kilos |
| 20ft General Purpose | 589x235x238 | 30 | 2200 |
| 40ft General Purpose | 1205x234x234 | 60 | 3700 |
| 40ft High Cube | 1205x234x268 | 68 | 3000 |
This information is not definitive and is intended as a guide only.
There are various container services to choose between:
Exclusive container (FCL)- If you are shipping sufficient quantities we will recommend a container for your exclusive use. This is the ideal solution as the container will be loaded and sealed at your home and in your presence, delivered directly to the port of departure and shipped on board the first available vessel. Often the container can be delivered direct from the destination terminal to your new home, subject to local customs and quarantine formalities, thereby avoiding any unnecessary handling throughout the journey. This method is also known as an FCL (Full Container Load).
This method can also apply if you are shipping a motor vehicle with your household goods where the combined volume amounts to a full container load. Using specialist equipment the car will be loaded and over-cased with your household goods.
Groupage container- The alternative to the exclusive container is the groupage container, whereby your belongings share container space with other Britannia consigments bound for the same destination, as soon as sufficient volumes are available. Groupage is a cost-effective solution for smaller shipments as you pay only for the container space utilised.
Less than container (LCL)- Consignments destined for countries not served by regular groupage container services are export packed in sturdy outer plywood cases (lift vans) and delivered to the container terminal for containerisation by the shipping line. This method is known as LCL (less than container load). As bookings can be made for a specific sailing transit times are similar to those by exclusive container.
Air freight:
Airfreight has the obvious advantage of speed and is recommended for items that need to be there without delay such as wedding gifts, computers, business clothing and tools of trade. Airfreight can be cost-effective, even for larger consignments, particularly those to inland destinations many miles from a container port. Consignments are export packed, secured in enclosed airline pallets (igloos) and transported in the cargo hold of passenger or freight aircraft. Transit time by air is typically between 7 and 14 days.
What items are prohibited from shipment?
Certain items cannot be accepted for storage or transportation under general conditions of carriage and terms of Standard Liability. For example: food, cash, bonds, jewellery, alcohol, fireworks or other explosives, flammable gases, liquids or solids, poisons and toxins, corrosives, radioactive materials, ammunition or firearms, scuba tanks, gas cylinders, aerosol cans, butane lighters and other pressurised vessels or pornography of any description. It is also inadvisable to include perishables or liquids, which could leak in transit causing extensive damage. If you have any concerns please contact one of our sales consultants.
What items are prohibited from importation?
For a full list of prohibited items it is advisable to apply to the Customs authority for a ruling in the importing country or their overseas representative such as the embassy or consular office. Most countries prohibit or restrict importation of the following items:
- Firearms, ammunition and explosives
- Hazardous items such as fireworks, toxic or poisonous substances
- Swords, sabres, daggers, spears, switchblades, hatchets
- Items made from animals on the endangered species list (eg ivory)
- Foodstuffs, plants, herbs & spices
- Dried flowers, bulbs, seeds, pinecones, pot pourri
- Soil, sand, straw & hay
- Unprocessed furs, skins and hunting trophies
- Alcohol
- Medicines & narcotic drugs
- Pornographic materials
Does Britannia Squab employ trained export packers?
The most important element of any move is the quality of export packing at the point of origin. With this in mind, our operations staff are chosen with great care and are trained to British Association of Removers Export Packing Skills, the highest industry accolade. Our packers are familiar with the very latest techniques thereby ensuring that everything, from your most delicate antique vase to your largest pieces of furniture, is transported with care.
All packing and preparation will be carried out at your home giving you the opportunity to witness the care and attention your possessions receive. Pianos, long case clocks, gilt-framed mirrors and other items of a heavy or delicate nature may require removal to our antiques and fine art unit for packing. These items are packed in specially constructed wooden outer cases, which minimise the risks of unaccustomed pressures. Each carton and case and every item of furniture is labelled and a detailed inventory is completed.
What size are your vehicles?
We operate a range of vehicles from 3.5 ton vans up to 18 ton purpose built removal vehicles. Please let us know if there is difficult access at either address as this will allow us to plan your move with smaller vehicles or make the necessary arrangements to tranship your goods.
Do you dismantle and re-assemble my bed, wardrobe etc.?
Unless this was agreed at the quotation stage, then all items needing dismantling are expected to be dismantled and ready to move prior to our arrival. If agreed at the quotation stage our staff will carry out dismantling and re-assembling to the best of their ability. It is essential that we know what is required at the quotation stage to allow for the necessary resources and equipment to be provided.
Do we use quality packing materials?
We spare no expense in applying the finest quality, new packing materials to protect against extremes of temperature or humidity, sub-standard roads or high seas to which your possessions may be subjected en route. So your possessions can travel around the world and still arrive in perfect condition.
- Books, pictures, mirrors, wine, computers, bicycles, golf clubs, etc are packed within suitable export cartons specifically designed for the items they contain
- China, glass and ornaments are wrapped first in clean, new protective paper and placed into crockery cartons
- Sheets, blankets, pillowcases are packed into linen cartons
- Clothing that may suffer creasing in transit can be packed in upright wardrobe cartons
- Mattresses, settees and armchairs are packed into specially cushioned bags
- All furniture is carefully padded and wrapped in multi-ply paper blankets
- Antique and designer furniture is further protected by corrugated card and sheet board
- Table and chair legs are protected with flexi-pads, edges with corner pads
- Silverware, brass and chrome are wrapped in acid-free tissue paper to prevent tarnishing
- Crystal, glass and other select fragile items are protected with bubble wrap
- Chandeliers, figurines and porcelain are cushioned in polystyrene chips
What happens following shipment?
Following shipment we will immediately courier your shipping details to our accredited destination representative and forward our certificate of shipment to your next available contact address. Using your invoice number and consignee surname you can access our computer system 24 hours a day and thereby plan your delivery date; simply click on Shipment Tracking.
What happens on arrival at destination?
When your consignment arrives at the destination port or airport our appointed representative will contact you to arrange customs and quarantine clearance, storage (if required) and a suitable date for delivery, unpacking and reinstatement of furniture and effects in your new home. Following unpacking, used materials and any debris will be removed from your home.
