[Mels]

I am just looking at shipping quotes (sole use crate) and am surprised with what two companies say - as they differ.

JM says crate is packed and sealed in the UK shipped and then opened with MAF at our rental with us present.

Anglo Pacific say crate is packed and sealed in the UK shipped and then 'destuffed' to release crate to shipping company and all boxes are stored in a bonded warehouse until MAF get to check it. There will be a MAF person and removal person (but not necessarily us) present. MAF are taking 3 weeks to clear at the mo due to extra fears over bird flu and blue tongue. They are treating all crates for safety just incase 'bugs' have crept into the crate at ports along the way.
After this is done they will load up boxes and deliver to us, unpack to surface and take rubbish away.

So now I'm confused either I've got the process completely confused or I misheard one of them.

Please can anyone tell me, what in your experience, is what really happens?
In light of Jade's terrible experience I would just like to get this clear in my head so I am prepared when sorting out the details with a company.
Thanks
Mels

[Mickstim]

Mels - I hope you get an answer to that! Can I add that we are getting totally conflicting info on whether or not we can take rattan - some say it's ok and others say not.

B x

[victoria]

Firstly Barb, Email Maf NZ telling them exactly the items you think come under the "difficult" category(ie. rattan etc) They are very friendly,helpful & efficient.I received a reply within 24 hours. Print off their reply & keep it & I mean all the way until you're here.It"s good backup.
Mels,as you've read Jade's post you'll know I couldn't possibly recommend a particular moving co. That said & done, It's really when your shipment arrives that you'll know what MAF want to see. The shipping co. would've forwarded the paperwork on the enclosures & MAF then pick the numbered parcels etc. for inspection.Generally these are taken to an inspection area for this purpose or as some contracts allow,inspection takes place at your final address in NZ. I'd ask for a WRITTEN clarification from any mover on what actually happens with their NZ partner co. I'm sure there is more info from the gang that will help you.

[Georgebulldog]

We were told at first that MAF would come to our house to unpack, great I thought but then & I'm not sure if this is because we had to have Customs look through our stuff to find a pipe, MAF went to the Moving Company & did our inspection there without us. The Moving Company highlighted everything on a sheet of paper that MAF had looked at way too much I thought but sure enough everything was taped with MAF tape or Customs tape. I also e mailed MAF to find out their charge for the day & it got reduced from$403 to $240
Hope this helps

[thezorbster]

I have to say that different companies do things in different ways and it also seems to depend upon your ultimate destination in NZ. We used the Nelson branch of NZ vanlines over here and as we are rural, Maf would not travel out to our house so our entire container was unloaded at Vanlines depot, all the items maf wanted to see put to one side in storage and the rest reloaded onto a truck and delivered immediately. The maf inspected stuff followed 2 days later. If we had been living in town Maf would have inspected at our home. We also could have been at vanlines depot when the container was opened but this was impossible at the time as OH was away and I had a 4 yr old to control. Everything arrived clearly stickered as having been inspected and we had no problems whatsoever.

So, there is not really a definitive answer to the OP's question, it will differ dependant upon where you are and who you use.

[Mels]

Thanks for the info guys.
Victoria - it wasn't a recommendation of a particular company I was after but more details of the 'mechanics' of delivery and MAF, but as the Zorbster says it varies depending on where you are. Which just confuses me even more. I had assumed, probably stupidly, that the crate is unsealed and opened only when we are there, but this is clearly not the case.

But now I am aware that I must get absolutely everything written down. Next stop insurance, is it something like Letton Percival - I'll search

Mels

[Smiler]

Hi Mels

Yes it's www.lettonpercival.co.uk (http://www.lettonpercival.co.uk)

HTH

[Mels]

Thanks Smiler, will investigate.

Mels