[Brit Guy]

Can anyone please tell me if I can insist that our container be delivered unopened to our NZ address and have the MAF/Customs inspection there. The reason being that I have so much stuff, much of what will have been “self packed” due to the amount and complexity ie loads of workshop tooling and machinery. Also, firearms and related stuff, which will all be shipped in a locked safe, which won’t be “opened” unless I am present, as I have the security code.

I seem to have been given conflicting advice from my movers, when the rep came round to assess the move, he was pretty sure that given the amount of stuff we are shipping, we could more than likely get the container delivered direct to the house, and have the inspection done there. However, when i spoke to the shipping company today, i was told that it would be unlikely that this could be done!!?? Also, some of the items weigh about a ton, and quite a few will be palletised. So, can I insist that the container be delivered unopened. I even don’t mind paying extra, if that’s what it takes. Im sure that i have read somewhere (here) that someone says that you can insist...i will try to find the thread again.

Thank you.

[Babette & Andy]

Hi Brit Guy

Don't know if there are various options. Ours basically arrived in Auckland (East Tamaki port) at The Moving Company, we waited for it to clear customs (couple of days) than arranged for a day to have the containter delivered to our house. It arrived on the back of a trailer/lorry and was 'parked' on our drive. With my hubby present the 'seal' on the container door bolt was then broken, to show that the contents had not been touched since it left our house in the UK.

The rest is as you'd expect - all boxes / belongings taken from container to designated areas within our house / garage. The moving guys took our instructions with regards to putting pieces of furniture (mainly beds) back together - and were very happy to leave the rest.

Items which had been highlighted on the inventory that were of interest to MAF were kept aside (in our carport) for the MAF person later that same day - took around 30min to inspect.

And that was it. Ours was a 20ft container and all that was said to us was 'providing there was access to our house - i.e. a wide enough drive' the container would be delivered no problem.

Hope this helps.

Babette

[veronica]

Our experience has been the same, customs clearance at the dock (paper formality sort) and MAF asking about a couple of things that they came and inspected a few days later

[pieeater]

Same with us but it was a while ago now.

[tick tock]

We are in the process of moving and have arranged for the container to be delivered to the house and unloaded there. The MAF told us this is possible as long as the driveway is sealed. Two MAF guys are coming...we have to pay but hay!!!!!

The question is do you have a full container not shared...if its a part shipment with other people it must be unloaded at the warhouse but by the sounds of it you have a containe to yourselves.

Any one who has a container to them seleves should insist they are present when the container is opened..ie seal broken

[westies]

Our container came via the Moving Company, we were assured in the UK that the seal would not be broken until the containes arrived at our new address, we were surprised when our contents of a full 20 ft container arived at our property in the back of a removal lorry after being transferred without our knowledge or say so!! Everything was there all in perfect condition, but if you don't want it opened, then I would defo reiterate this at point of packing and signing it off!!!!