[Miggy]

Had a company called John Mason International Shippers around, they came recommend from a friend in the forces who has used them more than once, they have offices in Liverpool and London. They reckon all our stuff will fit in a 20 Ft container and will take 2 days to pack, delivered within a 30 mile radius of Auckland - £2900 but this didnt include insurance. Not a bad price I thought.

Anybody else used them?

[gil]

Hi Steve and Lynn,
We haven't had a quote from John Mason's ourselves so no personal experience to share. Have you seen clarkydicko's post on here (about 3 below yours)? They're going with JM; also, try a search, I'm sure someone here will have some experience/opinons to share.
Good luck!
:cheers
Gil

[westies]

Hi there
That sounds really good, and from reading the various forums lots of people have used them, it may be worth getting some info from those the other side.
Also any problems seem to occur in NZ, do you know who they use once in NZ??
Good luck
Tracey

[Miggy]

Re-read the quote and it just says "our overseas partners" for movement at the NZ end so I will check that further. One thing I didn't mention is both JM and Pickfords have informed me that sea freight charges are due to increase on the 1st of March this year, so I guess the figure will move up slightly!

[StevieD]

Hi miggy, I going to look at JM, seeing as they are local to us in Liverpool, gotta give them a chance and that doesn't seem a bad price does it? Maybe there is a good thread there, who used, how much, what for etc.
Are you up for the meet in Feb by the way???

Steve

[Miggy]

Havent seen the thread on NW meet for Feb whats the date stevie?

[G&K]

Who ever you go with - GET GOOD INSURANCE !

That's the only lesson we learnt from moving here - to our cost

[clarkydicko]

Hi miggy, only just seen your post but have replied on the other thread too!

it's soooo difficult to make a decision, isn't it? the rep at JM's told us that they use either The Moving Company or Allied Pickfords at the NZ end but deborah was saying on the other thread that maybe TMC & NZ Van Lines are linked in some way...just looking into it now so let you know if we find anything out!

G&K thanks for the tip, we'll make sure we are well covered! it obviously sounds like you had a bad experience...did you have alot of breakages or did you loose some things? sorry to ask (as i'm sure it's a sore subject) but just really interested in your experiences.

Chantell

[Babette & Andy]

Hi Steve & Lynn

Hope to see you on the 18th of Feb- it's been ages, and think NW meet will be our last!!

We've had 3 quotes over the past 3 weeks: GB Liners (Altrincham), Crown (Leeds) and also John Masons (Liverpool). Recommendations and prices so far:

GB Liners
£3950
20ft container (currently exceeding this, need to reduce amount we're taking)
Using NZ Van Lines exclusively as local agent
They do all the packing (in this quote) over 3 days.
Offer 4 weeks free storage in UK if needed.
Sales person Chris Duddle spent around 2hrs with us, very professional.

Crown relocations
£5495
Groupage in 40ft container (1300 cubic ft needed, 20ft container fits 1000)
Crown offices in many NZ locations
They do all the packing over 3 days.
Sales person Andrew Heeley spent around 2hrs with us, very professional, would feel very comfortable in giving them the quote (did expect the high price though).

John Mason

£3278 for a 20ft container (estimated we have 1063 cubic ft)
£450 for residue of above 20ft container, to send seperately in groupage container.
They do al the packing in 2 days
Use 3 or 4 different NZ based agents, send them a price enquiry and go with best quote received.
Tony Riozzi spent just under 1hr with us (still went all through the house though), didn't give us all the 'spiel' as he knew we already had 2 other quotes. Very professional, been in the business for years. Quote we received back was ok, but inventory had quite a number of (small) errors on it (need to check this with a fine toothcomb. They recently started to use some digital gadget to record an inventory, and I think you are limited with choices. For example: 2 bags of ski boots became 1 skis on their inventory. Rather different in size and dimensions.

As you can see there's quite a bit of difference in size of container suggested and also in price. All did advise though not to take untreated wooden/pine/cane items, so have decided not to take Conservatory furniture and toychest. Also check your Christmas decorations for any pine cone / wooden items - MAF will not allow them.

Our next step:
GB Liners - advising them to remove some items on the inventory and see if all will now fit in 20ft container, asking them to reduce price closer to quote of John Mason.

Crown - asking them to requote based on 20ft container, asking them to remove certain items from inventory, tell them that currently they are more than £2k more expensive than cheapest quote.

John Mason - mention to them that their new 'gizmo' has some teething problems.

We also tried to make appointments with Pickfords and Anglo Pacific, both were very busy and couldn't commit to days we wanted them round.

Hope above info is of some use. Will let you know who we decide to use, and our experiences of them.

Babette

[mossum]

shipping

we're mile away from needing this but already i'm fretting about it . Please keep all comments comming as i want to be as informed as possible . JM seem to be a great price & reasonably local . I've been out & brought a big 1 page a day diary as i'm convinced we're going to need it - far far to much "stuff" in my head this year already .

vic x

[Neil,Emma & kids]

quotes we have recieved

all are for sole use of a 20 ft container


FN Worldwide £2,917


Baxters £3,095


Britannia £3.900 - £4,000 which includes insurance


and we have White & Co coming this week

its a tough decision

[G&K]

Our stuff arrived on Monday after what has seemed like an age - moved out to Wellingon from UK August 24th... Shipment left the week before ! Have been held to ransom, misinformed and generally feel neglected and let down by what has gone on up to now with our Shipping company...

Opening stuff has been really upsetting seeing how badly our belongings have so obviously been handled... Damaged table that has clearly been dropped, broken pictures etc...

I contacted the Insurance company recommended by the shippers yesterday to report these damages and their response was :

" Were your goods packed by a professional company - otherwise they are not covered for damages during shipping..."

The name of the shipping company we used that recommended the insurance company - U Pak We Ship !!!

We took a long time and a great deal of care, packing our stuff as we thought we could do a better job and would pack with a greater deal of care and attention...

It's a disgrace.

*UPDATE*
Just had an email from the insurance company :

Further to your e-mail we draw your attention to*the terms and conditions of cover which was sent to you along with your original quote on 10th August 2005, and*especially section 8 heading Owners Packed effects which reads Excluding breakage, scratching, denting, chipping, staining and tearing of owner packed effects including trunks. suitcases and the like, Also excluding claims for missing items unless a valued list of contents is supplied by the owner prior to commencement of transit.
*
Therefore we are really sorry that we are unable to help any further in this matter.
*
*
Kind Regards
*
Debbie Mesher



How helpful ! Well looks like that solves that then...

Watch out folks there are some crooks out there ! What with everthing else going on before we left - I didn't get around to reading the small print about section 8. I was of the understanding that I got out insurance to cover things like this ? My mistake - clearly the £400 odd pounds I shelled out was for something else, yet to work that one out...

I Don't recommend Martin Kemp Insurance OR U Pak we Ship !!!

Rant over.
Seems like minor threats DO pay off !

I've had a reply to my email below...

"Please remind me what was the point of the cover I paid out nearly 400 pounds for - so I can pass this information on to my Solicitor and friend who is a producer for the BBC. Watchdog are always looking for stories like these.

Between yourselves, Upak we Ship, and the agents here in New Zealand there is building up to be quite a story !

I would be grateful if you could reply as soon as possible, the Immigration Forum is keen to hear your response..."

To which - this arrived in my inbox today...

"Mr Morgan,

I was sorry to hear that some of your item's have been damaged in transit.

I have forwarded details of the loss to the underwriters for their consideration, once I have their reply I will be in touch.

In the meantime, could you please advise if any further damaged items have been discovered and an idea of the expected claim cost.

Additionally, do you know the reason for the delay in then items arriving, and had container been opened in transit, either by shippers or customs. Did motorcycle arrive intact?

Regards

Ivor Wood"

Now this is certainly a better response than

"Further to your e-mail we draw your attention to*the terms and conditions of cover which was sent to you along with your original quote on 10th August 2005, and*especially section 8 heading Owners Packed effects which reads Excluding breakage, scratching, denting, chipping, staining and tearing of owner packed effects including trunks. suitcases and the like, Also excluding claims for missing items unless a valued list of contents is supplied by the owner prior to commencement of transit.
*
Therefore we are really sorry that we are unable to help any further in this matter.
*
*
Kind Regards
*
Debbie Mesher



Fingers crossed all is not lost - I'll keep you updated !


*UPDATE*

Mr Morgan,
*
Apologies for the delay*in replying.
*
I have been in contact with the underwriters for clarification on this matter and I must advise that unfortunately there is no cover for the**type of*damage caused to your goods* for the following reason*:
*
The policy cover is very clear* and as per*CLAUSE 8 of the Household Goods & Personal Effects Clauses cover specifically excludes breakage etc.etc. on**owner-packed effects.*
*
*The policy summary drawing attention to the full details of the policy cover*was provided prior to any cover being issued, these were sent by fax together with*the**proposal*form, inventory and our**terms of business prior to cover being arranged.* And the policy documents themselves were sent to you in good time.*
*
On *the**proposal**form you stated the name of packers as* "SELF" and* the Shipping Company asU Pack We Ship*. Insurers are therefore assuming that the goods were packed by yourself. If this is not the case please let me know and I will have the claim re-opened.**
*
I have made further enquiries on your behalf and you may have* rights of recovery against the shippers if*you can identify where/when the goods were damaged, but this will of course be*limited by the* Trading Conditions of the Shipping Line in any case, which only offers a limited liability.* Mr Kemp is very unhappy that you*are in this situation and would like us to provide as much advice/assistance as is possible. do you know yet the full monetary value of the amount of damage, by the way?*
*
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance**in this matter*.*
*
Yours**sincerely*
*
Ivor Wood****
General Manager

Is the general long and short of it...

Sorry - if it went on a bit - but that's what has happened

G

[Smiler]

G
Phew I've read and re-read that, it's not easy is it. I'm sorry to hear this has happened. Did your goods walk over, why did they take so long?

U pak we ship and we recommend the insurer :confused: but you are not covered?

First off I think you should start a thread with U Pak etc so that will warn others of your experience ( not good for you though).

Have you responded yet to Mr wassiname? Do you know if anyone else has used them so that you could get together?


Deborah

[clarkydicko]

G

OMG! i can't believe what i'm reading...how upsetting for you! i felt angry for you whilst reading the post. we all maybe expect some items to arrive with slight damage, as accidents happen, but this is blatant mishandling & someone/comany must be held accountable for this. also, the delivery time is just an absolute outrage!

i agree with Deborah...think you should definately start a new post about your experiences, as these companies maybe don't realise that alot of us future migrants rely on recommendations from this forum & others. i know it's not going to help your situation but it will certainly prevent this company from getting any future business from forum members & may bring your situation to the attention of someone who can help.

i know the rep who visited us recently (from another shipping comany) said that they monitor the forums as they don't want any bad press.

just a thought, but does anyone know of an organisation or governing body that may be able to help in situations like this?

Chantell

[Miggy]

Babette & Andy,

Thanks for the info - keep us posted on what happens. I phoned Pickfords at the very begining of Jan and the earliest they can make it is this Thursday and really i cant see them coming close to John Masons but we will see!

We will make the 18th NW Meet, where is it planned for?

Our house is on the maket so as soon as its sold (was gonna rent but changed our mind) we're out of here.

[Babette & Andy]

Great will see you on the 18th then. Here's the thread:
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5280

It's the Mascrat Manor at Junction 21 - not too far for you to travel I think. It's a 2for1 pub (cheap!) and has a playbarn too.

We're still 'negotiating' with the shippers. GB and Crown have both come down in price but will post the final figures and our decission when we've made it.

[Babette & Andy]

Update:-

We've decided on GB Liners with Euro Pacific as agent in NZ. Crown did requote but still came in way too high (real shame as have 100% confidence in that company).

Not gone for John Mason, price quoted was the lowest but not overly impressed with website, literature, mistakes in quote and few other things. Sure they're fine but GB Liners feels better (hope we're right).

GB Liners reduced their original price by £200 by using Euro Pacific opposed to NZ Van Lines in NZ. And a further £150 by us asking to some of the packing (children's toys, books etc) ourselves and leaving the boxes open for them to inspect and seal. Also reduced the insurance to 2.25%

Hope that I'll be able to give positive feedback when we open the container in Auckland!

Babette

[katandbob]

I had a quote from these guys, I will not be getting them to give a further quote!

How they can have the cheek to send you to an insurer that clearly does not have cover to do the job you needed it for is beyond me!

I would seriously consider contacting Watchdog, as it is clearly mis representation, and there may be lots of others that have had similar problems.

If you kick up enough of a stink, you may get some money out of UPac?

Good Luck and keep us posted.....Kat

G
Phew I've read and re-read that, it's not easy is it. I'm sorry to hear this has happened. Did your goods walk over, why did they take so long?

U pak we ship and we recommend the insurer :confused: but you are not covered?

First off I think you should start a thread with U Pak etc so that will warn others of your experience ( not good for you though).

Have you responded yet to Mr wassiname? Do you know if anyone else has used them so that you could get together?


Deborah

[starkhorn]

Wow. An insurance policy that doesn't cover breakages.....what use is that ?!?

I did have one question? You use an entire 20ft container for all of your stuff? Would you mind if I asked how much stuff you had to ship? Was it a 3 or 4 bedroom house or something like that?

The reason I ask, is that I've only got stuff that fits a 1-bedroom flat and I'm trying to think about how much space I'd need in one of those containers.

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers
Brendan

[katandbob]

Had a company called John Mason International Shippers around, they came recommend from a friend in the forces who has used them more than once, they have offices in Liverpool and London. They reckon all our stuff will fit in a 20 Ft container and will take 2 days to pack, delivered within a 30 mile radius of Auckland - £2900 but this didnt include insurance. Not a bad price I thought.

Anybody else used them?

Hi I have spent most of today (bad arnt I) emailing the following companys for quotes, this is for part house plus nissan terrano, will post updates on a separate thread when I have had there initial quotes:

ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL
AVALON OVERSEAS REMOVAL
BRITANNIA MOVERS (Hull depot)
FOX MOVING & STORAGE (have local depot in Louth which is 30 mins away)
JOHN MASON
PSS INTERNATIONAL

I have had a replys back from all to say that someone will contact me in the next day or two with an initial quote and John Masons have already rang Rob, but he said to the guy 'my wife deals with all of that' :nice1

Oh well better get some work done

Kat ;)

[Peter]

Check out the following website http://www.bargateinternational.com offering international removals up to an all inclusive door-to-door- service. UK storage available prior to shipment.

Peter

[Peter]

Please note that it is extremely difficult to get insurance on self packed goods. Insurance underwriters are reluctant to give cover unless goods are prefessionally packed. This is understandable when it comes to determining whether goods were sufficiently packed to protect them from transit damage.

If you are self packing do not use supermarket boxes, go and buy quality export grade boxes from packing suppliers, there are a number of specialist companies offering packages of various size boxes, with tapes, labels pens etc. all included. Why risk the disapointment and an expensive loss for the sake of saving a few pounds

When insuring make sure you get all risk cover up to total loss written into the policy. Do not rely on the shipping line insurance whilst on the water, nor any road transport company insurance as each has limitations on claims and claims can take a long time to process. If you put your goods into storage ask to see the warehouse insurance certificate to insure your goods are covered.

Peter

[Avalon]

As this has floated to the top again - Ta Peter-

I just re-read through it and Thought it worth saying that John Masons use a company called Allied MOVERS - not Allied Pickfords (which is part of the Pickfords company we all know and love (?).

We had allied movers for our first shippers with John Mason. Tey arent very organised - and we did have to email JM and get them to jump up and down on AM for us - but - most importantly - $150 for maf fees and no "extra" charges.

John Masons DO use NZ VAN LINES as well - so beware!

[Peter]

Hi G & K,

I read with interest your situation with insurance claims. As a shipping/removals operator we always advise customers in our first communications that insurance cannot be offered on self packed goods. Underwriters will only cover professionally packed goods. This is simply because it is difficult to prove whether goods were sufficiently packed and protected for international transit. In all honesty, professional packers are always the best option. It may cost a little more, but as you have found out, the saving you made have now been lost, along with the £400 you paid for the insurance. We would never recommend the self pack option because the limitations on insurance cover from shipping lines and hauliers is such that you will never recover full costs and the claims procedures are very long winded. For anyone considering self packing please do a quick calculation on the value of your goods against the cost of professional packing, insurance and piece of mind.
Another recomendation is prepare a complete itemised list of valuable items and exclude such items as kitchen utensils etc., CDs DVD and other items that are low cost and can be replaced easily. This will help reduce your insurance premium. Also make sure your have an 'All Risks up to Total Loss' cover written into the policy.

G & K - Under the terms of your insurance cover, what were you actually covered for?

regards
Peter

[Hannah]

Hi G&K

incredible that U PAck We Ship recommend a useless insurance company!!!

Have read your responses to and from the insurance company and pointed out the following in one of the letters from the company:

Additionally, do you know the reason for the delay in then items arriving, and had container been opened in transit, either by shippers or customs. Did motorcycle arrive intact?

I am assuming someone must have had access to your container at some point during the jpurney in order to drop the table and other goods. Why would they need to have done that. Surely if you pack and then they ship there is no cause for anyone to enter the container.

I'm interested to know whether anyone can access container during the journey either to damage items or at worse steal them!!!!!

did you respond to the insurers question regarding this, and would this help you identify the point at which goods may have been damaged?

Does anyone know if it possible to have goods put onto a container with you present and then be guaranteed to be shipped across without anyone else accessing the container until it reaches your door in NZ? Or is it inevitable that they will be accessed at some point (increasing possibility of damage such as in G&K's case or theft as in the case of Paul and Linda's crate!!! - that's another story)

Cheers!