Whether shipping household goods to a new location that you’re moving to, or anywhere else, knowing the basics will ensure the fast, safe arrival of your items. It is important to know what you can ship, how to ship it, and partnering with a shipping company that will take care of the hassle for you.
What Can I Ship?
The short answer is “just about anything.” You can ship any kind of furniture from sofas to bedroom sets, table and chairs to clothing, cars, and pretty much anything that is mobile and does not fall under the category of hazardous materials. Hazardous material include the following:
- Gas
- Explosives
- Flammable liquids or solids
- Corrosives
- Radioactive materials
There may be additional items that fall under this category. If you aren’t sure what constitutes a hazardous material, contact World Cargo to find out which materials and substances are regulated and how they can be shipped.
Do I Have to Package Everything?
How your goods are package depends on the arrangements you make with your shipping company. Every item needs to be packed to ensure it is secure and does not incur damage. Your items will be shipped in a shipping container for ocean travel or an airplane hull for air travel. Both of these options have their respective processes. Choosing the right option for you will ensure the most cost-effective shipping method. The size and weight of your items will also determine the best option, as well as how soon the shipment needs to arrive to its destination.
Your goods will either be palletized or crated, depending on the item. Crates are often used with fragile and breakable items while pallets handle larger goods. Crates should be filled to capacity with heavier items on the bottom and fragile items on top. Pallets are easier to manage, can be moved more efficiently, and a good option for items that have more time to be shipped. While both of these methods are designed to reduce the risk of damage, all items should be securely packed, to prevent movement and damage, in the correct packing containers before they arrive at the warehouse prior to shipping.
What Else Should I Know?
Although your household goods may be securely packaged, it is also important to consider insuring them. In addition to being reimbursed for the value of any items that may incur damage, insuring your goods minimizes the stress associated with possibly losing the item and replacement costs.
For additional questions about shipping household items or help setting up a shipment, contact World Cargo. Find out how we can make the process of shipping goods via air or ocean easier, safer and cheaper.
