FAQs
Q.
HOW DO I ARRANGE A QUOTATION?
A.
Simply click on Quotation Request and we will respond with our guaranteed quotation by the next working day. To calculate your shipping costs online click on Quick Estimate.
Q.WHAT METHOD OF SHIPMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
A.
There are a number of considerations when selecting the most appropriate service for forwarding your personal effects. Urgency of delivery, ultimate destination and budget all play a part in choosing the service that is right for you.
SURFACE FREIGHT
By sea — your personal effects share container space with other AFA consignments bound for the same destination. AFA is one of the largest container operators in the UK and offers frequent sailings to Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, Asia and the Mediterranean. Your personal effects are loaded and secured in steel watertight containers at our depot and shipped by modern scheduled container vessels.
Transit time is around 8 to 12 weeks.
By road — consignments bound for European destinations are delivered by road trailer service to kerbside at your European residence.
Transit time is around 7 to 14 days.
AIR FREIGHT
Nearly all airlines will permit only one piece of carry on cabin luggage and 20kgs of accompanied luggage in the cargo hold. Excess Baggage charges apply if you exceed your allowance. Some airlines charge as much as 1% of the first class passenger airfare per kilo! Air freight with AFA is the cheaper alternative and is suitable for those consignments that need to be there fast, such as wedding gifts, computers or tools of the trade.
Transit is around 7 to 14 days.
Q.DOOR-TO-DOOR OR DOOR-TO-PORT?
A.
Consignments only paid up to arrival port or airport will incur additional costs for customs clearance, handling and de-consolidation charges. With AFA's considerable buying power it is generally more cost-effective to select our all inclusive door-to-door service. Customs clearance, handling and de-consolidation charges are prepaid and your consignment is delivered to your front door.
Q.HOW SHOULD I PACK MY GOODS?
A.
AFA offers a full range of export strength triple-walled cartons designed to withstand the rigours of transit. Cartons can be kept for as long as you wish, however, we suggest you over-order as any excess cartons can be returned to us.
Bubble wrap and tissue are supplied for packing fragile items. You must ensure breakables are placed in the centre of the box and packed tightly to prevent movement in transit. Heavy items such as books should be evenly distributed throughout your consignment to limit risks of damage. Also, avoid packing clothing in plastic bags, as condensation will occur. If in doubt contact our experts for advice.
Q.WHAT SIZES ARE YOUR CARTONS?
A.
The following cartons are always in stock for owner packing:
 |
INCHES | CMS |
|
L X B X H | L X B X H |
| 2.0 cu ft book carton | 19x14x14 | 47x36x36 |
| 3.0 cu ft suitcase carton | 16x12x25 | 41x30x64 |
| 3.0 cu ft golf club carton | 13x9x47 | 33x23x119 |
| 4.5 cu ft tea carton | 20x16x24 | 51x41x61 |
| 6.0 cu ft linen carton | 18x18x30 | 46x46x76 |
| 9.0 cu ft bike carton | 59x9x39 | 147x23x99 |
| 9.0 cu ft packing carton | 40x24x16 | 102x61x41 |
Tea cartons are multipurpose and generally recommended unless you have a special requirement. We can also ship your own suitcases, skis, guitars, surfboards, backpacks, trunks, snowboards, flight cases, holdalls… ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING!
Q.HOW DO I GET MY BOXES DELIVERED AND COLLECTED?
A.
We offer a free delivery/collection service within Greater London every working day including Saturday. When making a booking please give us 48 hours notice to avoid disappointment. A small deposit will be required on delivery. If you prefer to deliver to our depot you will be entitled to a £5 discount.
If you live outside Greater London don't despair. We employ the services of a next day national courier who deliver and collect throughout the entire UK mainland at 48 hours notice. A credit card deposit will be required prior to delivery. Extra charges are as follows:
Delivery — £9.00 for an unlimited number of cartons
Collection — £9.00 per carton or owner supplied item
For ease of collection and stowage please do not exceed 35kgs per item.
Q.HOW DO I CALCULATE THE COST OF FORWARDING?
A.
Surface charges are based on the overall volume of goods for shipment. 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 2 ft = 15 cubic feet.
Airfreight charges are based on the chargeable weight of your consignment in kilos, being the greater of actual gross or volumetric weight. Volumetric kilos are calculated by multiplying length x breadth x height in centimetres, divided by 6000
Q.WHAT DO OUR CHARGES INCLUDE?
A.
Our door-to-port service includes:
- Supply of cartons and packing materials
- One free delivery and collection in London
- Removal of unused cartons
- UK customs formalities
- UK and destination port handling charges
- Shipment to arrival port or airport
Our door-to-door service also includes:
- Destination customs clearance
- Handling and de-consolidation charges
- Delivery to kerbside at residence
- Australian GST at 10%, where applicable (sea freight only)
- South African advalorem wharfage/Cargo Dues, assessed on the declared value of the goods (sea freight only)
Please note that VAT @ 17.5% will only apply to consignments shipped to EU member countries.
Q.WHAT DO OUR CHARGES EXCLUDE?
A.
- Destination import duties
- Taxes or other sums due to government departments, quarantine examination or steam cleaning fees, if ordered in Australia or New Zealand.
Consignments paid to port only will incur additional charges for customs clearance, handling and de-consolidation fees. For information on destination customs formalities please click on Customs Guides. Alternatively contact your embassy or consular office.
Q.WHAT ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED FROM SHIPMENT?
A.
Certain items cannot be accepted under general conditions of carriage and storage, e.g. food, cash, bonds, jewellery, alcohol, explosives, flammable gases/liquids/solids, poisons and toxins, scuba tanks, gas cylinders, aerosol cans. If in doubt speak to one of our qualified consultants.
Q.WHAT ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED FROM IMPORTATION?
A.
For a country by country guide on Customs regulations please click on Customs Guides.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, switch blades, hatchets
- Items made from animals on the endangered species list (eg ivory)
- Foodstuffs, plants, herbs & spices
- Dried flowers, bulbs, seeds, pine cones, pot pourri
- Soil, sand, straw & hay
- Unprocessed furs, skins and hunting trophies
- Alcohol
- Medicines & narcotic drugs
- Pornographic materials
WHAT ABOUT MARINE/TRANSIT INSURANCE?
A.
All due care is taken to ensure safe delivery of your possessions, nevertheless, it is advisable to insure your effects to full destination replacement value. Our comprehensive policy, which is underwritten by Lloyds, includes loss of any single item or package in transit, fire and water deterioration, including or excluding damage. In the event of a claim, insurers will deduct a £50 excess from settlement. The premiums are as follows:
COVER A: All risks including damage — 5.0% of the sum insured
COVER B: All risks excluding damage — 3.5% of the sum insured
Premiums are subject to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) at the current applicable rate.
Q.CAN YOU STORE MY BELONGINGS?
A.
Many countries require your presence to clear your goods through customs. You may therefore wish to store your effects prior to shipment, following which we will arrange delivery to coincide with your arrival at destination. If you require storage before shipment the first month is free of charge, thereafter @ £10 per item per month. We can also arrange to insure your goods during storage at a monthly premium of 0.5% of the sum insured + IPT.
Q.WHAT HAPPENS FOLLOWING SHIPMENT?
A.
Following shipment we will immediately courier your shipping details to our accredited destination representatives. To assist with your shipment we have developed a Shipment tracking system that will enable you to monitor the progress of your shipment from wherever in the world you may be. Using your invoice number and consignee surname, you can access our computer system 24 hours a day and thereby plan your delivery; simply click on Shipment Tracking.
Q.WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AT DESTINATION?
A.
When your consignment arrives at the destination port or airport our appointed representative will contact you to arrange customs clearance and a suitable date for delivery (if required).
Q.HOW DO I KNOW YOUR DESTINATION REPRESENTATIVE IS REPUTABLE?
A.
Through our affiliation to the International Furniture Movers Association (FIDI), and the annual vetting of its members worldwide, you are assured that our appointed destination colleagues conduct their business to the similarly high standards employed by us. Our representative will arrange customs clearance and delivery, if required. They can also store your goods, pending collection, should you require.
Q.WHAT FINANCIAL PROTECTION DO I HAVE?
A.
AFA is a member of The British Association of Removers (BAR), which offers you the protection of the International Movers Mutual Insurance (IMMI) Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme. In the unlikely event of financial failure, the BAR will appoint another member to undertake the remainder of the contract at no additional expense to you. IMMI is the only authentic scheme of its kind in the UK offering total protection against insolvency.
Q.HOW CAN I PAY?
A.
If you live in London payment is made direct to our driver. We accept:
- Cash
- Postal orders
- Cheques
- Travellers cheques
- Debit cards e.g. Switch, Delta, etc.
- Credit cards e.g. Visa, AMEX, Master Card (2.5% surcharge applicable)
- Direct transfer to our account
If you live outside London payment can be made over the phone or by post. No payment or documents should be given to the driver. All business is undertaken subject to British Association of Removers contract terms and conditions.
