S Korea will be world’s 5th biggest shipping power by 2010

SEOUL, May 22 (Xinhua) — South Korea aims to be the 5th biggest shipping power in the world by 2010 with specialized funds and tax benefits that will help local companies expand their fleets, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said on Thursday.

As of May, local shipping companies have ordered 22 million deadweight tons (DWTs) of ships that will be delivered in the coming years, which should be sufficient to push up South Korea’s overall ranking by at least one notch, said a government official.

There has been a 20 percent annual gain in ships in recent years, the official said.

According to the ministry, as of 2007, South Korea ranked sixth among the biggest shipping powers in the world, with 36.80 million deadweight tons (DWT) of registered ships.

Greece topped the list with 175.7 million DWTs of registered ships, followed by Japan, Germany, China and Norway. DWT is the main measure of a ship’s carrying capacity.

The ministry said efforts are currently under way to help shipping companies expand business areas that are vital for sustained growth.

It said shipping companies are to receive assistance in such areas as taking over foreign terminals and logistics companies.

The South Korean government also wants to bolster local development of dedicated vessel support companies that can help reduce operational costs, it said.

 

Company Truck Driver vs Owner Operator

A Company Truck Driver versus Owner Operator

You might be scratching your head to decide to be a company truck driver or an owner-operator (O/O) in the trucking industry? The world is full of suggestions but it should be your sole mind to decide what is better for you and decisions cannot be taken without understanding all sides of each trucking career in detail.

Here, we will detail the pros and cons of owner operator trucking job and company truck driver job to help you to decide what is better for.

Owner Operator (O/O)

Owner Operator truck driver means a self-employed commercial truck driver or a small trucking business that operates trucks to transport freights. Majority of O/Os have their own trucks where as some own a small fleet of trucks. Some Owner Operators have their own authority, while others lease their trucks and services to some trucking company.
It is to be kept in mind that to be successful as Owner Operators you need hard work, skill, ingenuity, energy and most of all intelligence to keep updated with all the federal and state rules, regulations and laws. Moreover, you should always remember that the total revenue generated from your trucks is not the ultimate profit, true profit is the amount left after paying all of your overheads, including paying yourself a compensation and benefits package.

If you think that being an Owner Operator is as simple as buying a truck and heading out to open roads to meet your financial goals then you are absolutely mistaken. To be a successful O/O you should always have an experience as a trucker for at least two years in trucking industry. This job experience will be very helpful for you to become a successful Owner Operator. You should also consider purchasing the truck outright or get a loan from a bank or leasing company then to get involved in a lease-purchase program through a trucking company. And it is better to charge per mile because the more you make per mile, the less running you have to do to earn profits. The owner operator typically has to pay higher rates on insurance due to smaller size than most larger companies, meaning they have to charge more to balance the cost.

No wonder, to be an Owner Operator you have to look after everything like health insurance, 401k programs, trucks’ maintenance, costs of rising fuel price, etc. and sometimes may bring home lesser profits than a company truck driver. So, if Owner Operators do not (generally) make more take-home income than company drivers then why become one? It’s the temptation of freedom, freedom of choice, quality family time, sometimes bigger profits, etc.

Company Truck Divers

Company truck drivers mean truckers who earn living by driving trucks for a trucking company. They drive company’s trucks to deliver the freights and get paid for their services. Working for a good trucking company benefits the truckers with better advantages. Fortunately, today the truck drivers’ salary is pretty handsome and they enjoy various facilities of insurances, 401k programs, no tension of fuel taxes, etc. But their job is stressful and have to live far away from the family.

Conclusion

You have read about both the options of being a company truck driver or Owner Operator. We have put forward the details of both types of trucking careers, each has its own benefits and short comings. If you love to be a man of your will and ready to bear risks then opt to be an Owner Operator and if you want to play very safe and would not mind killing your small little happiness in the course of your trucking job then company truck driver job is suitable for you.

 

How to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

How to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

A Commercial Driver’s License is a license required by any professional driver in transportation industry and it is strictly regulated by the State and Federal regulations of the United States. CDL is required to operate any type of vehicle with a gross weight of 26,001 lb (11,793 kg) or by those who drive a vehicle of 15 passengers or more and carry large amounts of hazardous materials. Commercial Driver License (CDL) is the most universal requirement to become a truck driver.

There are two different types of certification: Interstate Commerce and Intrastate Driving. Then there are three different types of classes of CDL: A, B, and C. The class A license allows to drive all the types of B or C vehicles.

Classes of CDL as per Federal Standards:

Class A — Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B — Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Class C — Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.

Step by Step procedure to obtain a CDL

There are many steps to be followed to clear CDL test and obtain your CDL. Following is the list of steps to be followed and kept in mind to obtain your Commercial Driver License:

1. You should be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving or 18 years old for intrastate driving before you apply for CDL.
2. Along with the required age the applicant must have a valid license. They must apply in a Licensing Services Office and give them their security number for identification purpose.
3. Join a commercial driver’s license school, which will help you to pass CDL tests. The CDL test is divided in two sections: the General Knowledge Test and the Road Driving Test. The written test is required for the class of vehicle, endorsements and air brake systems. The skill test requires inspection before trip and backing exercises.
4. You also have to pass drug tests and medical exams.

Surpassing all these steps, you will successfully pass the CDL exam.

After you get your CDL and are ready to work, there are other requirements/ endorsements that you may be required to pass. This depends on the kind of truck that you are going to drive, or the kind of job you are going to take up. One common requirement is the airbrakes endorsement which is required for drivers who are going to operate a vehicle with airbrakes. If a driver either fails the air brake component of the general knowledge test or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the driver is issued an air brake restriction, restricting the driver from operating a commercial motor vehicle equipped with air brakes.

Conclusion

After receiving the CDL you can start your dream career as a professional truck driver. With the help of a commercial driver license you become more preferred candidate for a job in a trucking company, thus opening doors to a better pay package.

 

Preparing for a Move

Another shipping and moving article

8 Weeks before Moving

1. Call movers for estimates:

* Get on-site moving estimates (they’re always more accurate).

* Ask each prospective mover for references.

2. Select your mover. Then discuss the details:

* Do the costs include packing? timing? insurance?

* Ask about any special needs or special handling (for example, delicate pieces, artwork, or a piano).

3. Calculate your expenses:

* Did you include costs for pet care? hotel expenses? home deposit?

* Will you need financial assistance?

* Are there any extra or hidden expenses (for example, for insurance)?

4. Label a folder “Move File” and use it to store all moving estimates, receipts, etc. Print out and keep a copy of this instruction sheet in that Move File. Use this file to store the names, phone numbers, addresses, etc., of moving agents, van operators, and others. Create a To Do List and store it in this folder too. As you think of tasks related to the move, write them on To Do List and gather them in your Move File.

7 Weeks before Moving

1. Prepare an inventory of everything you own. List everything in one of four categories:

* Things the mover will handle.

* Things you will carry with you personally rather than pack. Include irreplaceable valuables in this category-for example, investment records (stock certificates, bonds), legal records (contracts and wills), jewelry, photographs, rare books, personal mementos-anything that is difficult or impossible to replace.

* Things you will donate to charity, things you will sell (for example, via a garage sale), and things you will give away rather than take with you.

Remember: Donations may be tax-deductible!

* Things you will discard. Call your disposal company to inquire about restrictions in discarding large items like old sofas or to ask for the price of a dumpster.

2. Call your insurance company to cancel your property insurance as of the move date and to change records for auto and medical insurance.

3. Organize dental and medical records. Be sure to include prescriptions, eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.

4. If you have children, call their present schools (a) to inform of your move and (b) to request that their records be forwarded.

6 Weeks before Moving

1. List all the associations, clubs, and organizations you belong to. Then call each to transfer or end your membership.

2. Spend time visiting your new community:

* First, locate the “musts”-the nearest hospital and emergency center, the police department, the fire department, a pharmacy, your chosen church, synagogue, or mosque.

* Go to the Chamber of Commerce. Ask if there is a Visitors’ Bureau and a Community Center. Request community calendars and maps. Inquire about amateur or professional theater groups.

* Compare the malls and shopping centers in the area. Visit the local parks. Find the nearest library.

* Get information on schools.

3. Collect phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses as you visit! Store the information systematically, so that you will be sure to find numbers as needed: If your present system is effective, use it to store all the data; if it is not, then create a separate section in your Move File just for this information.

5 Weeks before Moving

1. If you have children, involve them in the move plans. Have them participate by packing and labeling their toys, clothes, books, etc. Stress the excitement and fun of making new friends. At the same time, use this opportunity to teach them responsibility and teamwork.

2. If the moving company is not handling all of the packing, begin collecting boxes, containers, and packing materials.

3. Call to schedule a date to end newspaper deliveries (and to end any other automatic delivery services).

4. If you have pets, find out whether there are any restrictions for pets in your new area. Ask your veterinarian for copies of records, and ask for a recommendation for a new veterinarian in your new area.

5. Visit your children’s new schools to register them.

4 Weeks before Moving

1. Confirm your move day with your moving company.

2. Complete a change-of-address form at the United States Postal Service.

3. Create a short change-of-address postcard and print copies (you can get help from a local copy center like Kinko’s). Send the card to companies, friends, relatives, associations, clubs, etc.-to all organizations and individuals that will need your new address and phone number(s).

4. Close any local charge accounts you may have.

5. Make airline and hotel reservations (if necessary).

6. Confirm your move date with your insurance companies to ensure that your home, your car(s), and your possessions are all covered.

7. Contact utility companies to inform them when to end electric, gas, water, and telephone service. Be sure to share your new address with the service companies so that you will be sure to receive any refunds due you.

* Note: Be sure to arrange to have water, electric, and other services available on move day! Schedule services to end at the beginning of the next day.

8. If you live in an apartment building, ask management if there are any moving restrictions that you should know.

3 Weeks before Moving

1. If you have children, will you need a baby-sitter on move day? Consider how helpful it will be to keep your children away from the busy movers and, as a result, allow you to make the most of your time.

2. Do you have any library books to return? Any clothes to pick up at the dry cleaners? Any borrowed items to return to neighbors?

3. Begin packing all those items you do not use regularly-the ones you will not miss once packed.

4. Tackle those problem areas-your garage, your basement, your attic. Be decisive in tossing items you do not need and will never use.

5. Next, tackle the closets. Again, look for items you might toss, donate to charity, or give away to a friend or relative.

6. Ask your moving company for packing labels such as Fragile, Do Not Load, Load First, and Load Last. Use these labels as you pack your belongings. If the company does not provide such labels, create your own.

2 Weeks before Moving

1. Call utility companies to provide gas, electric, water, and telephone service in your new home.

2. Go to your bank to transfer your accounts to another branch (or to begin the process of closing your account).

* Note: Do not forget your safe deposit box!

3. Start collecting the valuables that you will take with you personally. (Refer to the list you developed earlier.)

4. Will you take your house plants with you, or will you give them to a neighbor or friend? (Find out whether state law prohibits moving house plants.)

5. Check your freezer. Start planning meals to use up freezer food.

6. If you’re traveling far by car, be sure to have your automobile serviced (check brakes and tires, change oil, etc.).

7. Ask your “old” pharmacy to transfer prescriptions to your new pharmacy. (You should have stored telephone number of your new pharmacy.)

8. Be sure to dispose of flammable items safely. If you do not know how, call your Fire Department to ask about safe disposal of cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killer.

9. Drain the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools. See the owner’s manual for specific instructions, or ask your moving company for tips.

1 Week before Moving

1. What, if anything, have you forgotten? Reread this Prepare for Your Move Day instruction sheet. Check your personal To Do List. As you do so, you may notice something that you have overlooked.

2. Your moving company should have provided you with various labels for your goods. These can include “Do Not Load”, “Load First”, “Load Last”, and “Fragile”. Take special care to label your goods appropriately.

3. Use the packing labels provided by your moving company to identify your boxes and containers. Create your own packing labels if necessary. You can buy markers and blank labels at Target, Wal-Mart, etc.

4. If appropriate, confirm any airline flights, hotel reservations, car rentals, etc. Pack your suitcases for your flight or your drive. Don’t forget essentials such as toothbrushes, medicines, and contact lens supplies!

5. If you are not going straight to your new home, share your temporary address and phone number with your moving agent and other appropriate people.

6. Tackle your refrigerator and freezer. Empty their contents; then defrost and clean each. If you are taking your oven, clean it with baking soda or oven cleaner.

7. Prepare a Move Day Kit with snacks and beverages. Get a Thermos container to keep your coffee or tea hot. Consider games to occupy the children.

8. Confirm “acceptable payment” with the mover. Will the mover accept your personal check? traveler’s checks? a money order? a cashier’s check? Make these arrangements in advance and you will have no surprises!

It’s Move Day!

1. Strip your beds. Pack the sheets, blankets, and pillow cases. Label the box “Load Last.”

2. Arrange your day so that you are at your new home when the movers arrive. Check whether the utilities are on. If not, make the necessary calls to provide service.

3. Important: Besides you, who has the authority to give instructions to the movers and to make decisions on your behalf? In your absence, the movers may ask this other person to sign a document or to approve something that legally obligates you to additional costs. Make sure the movers and the moving agent know who your representative is and that he or she does have this authority. You or your representative will be asked to note any items missing at the time of delivery, as well as to note any change in the condition of your belongings on the inventory at the time of unloading.

4. Review your floor plan with the movers so that they know where to place your furniture and appliances.

* Caution: Do not use TVs, stereos, computers, and other electronic equipment for 24 hours. Allow time for this equipment to adjust to room temperature.

5. Confirm in writing all critical information with the van operator, the moving agent, and any others who need the information. Be sure to include:

* The delivery date and the arrival time at your new address.

* Specific directions to your new home.

* Your new phone number (but only if you KNOW your new number will be in service! Better yet, your cell phone number (if you have one).

* Temporary phone numbers (for example, of the hotel where you will be staying).

6. Be sure to have with your Move File with you! Be sure that it contains critical information such as the destination agent’s name, address, and telephone number.

7. Stay close to the move supervisor. Explain any special instructions (what to load first and last). Be friendly and clear in communicating with the movers. If you decided to have your mover handle your valuables or other fragile goods, identify them for the mover in advance.

8. Review all details and relevant paperwork with the van operator. Be sure to accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.

9. Remain on the premises until loading is completed. Remember: It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded! When the movers are done, take a final walk-through to inspect the premises. Do not sign any release forms until you have satisfactorily completed this inspection.

10. Try your best to get to the destination before the movers � and be patient. They may be delayed in getting there.

11. Pack your vacuum cleaner last, so you can unload it first and clean before the furniture is unloaded.

12. Put our pets in a separate room � a place where they cannot run away` � a place where the all the move activity will not bother them.

13. Be ready to pay for the move! What arrangements did you make with the mover?

 

Moving Overseas with Children

Another shipping and moving article

If you’re planning a move overseas, there are some members of your family who might not adjust so easily - your children. Consider your children before, during and after the move. They are leaving friends, family, a familiar environment and the home they’ve grown to love. They are traveling to a foreign land where culture, language and environment are all new. When moving with your children to a foreign land, you can’t afford to neglect their needs.

Here are some helpful tips that will enable your children to cope with the many changes they face.

Prepare Children for the Move in Advance

As soon as you realize you will be moving to a foreign land, explain to your children when, why and how you will be moving. Start preparing with them by your side as far in advance as possible. This will give them time to adjust to the idea of moving.

Planning their “Farewells”

You can help your children prepare by allowing them to plan their “goodbyes” to friends and relatives in advance. Let them decide how they would like to say “goodbye.” Whether it be a few farewell parties, special written cards or letters to each of their special friends and loved ones, or just a phone call - let them decide. This will make them feel as though they are leaving for a great adventure instead of being dragged unwillingly by their parents to an unknown place!

Let them Educate Others

Give your children brochures, photos of their new home and community, and any other information about where you will be moving. Let them tell or educate others about the place and country. They will feel important in their new adventure, and be willing to talk about the move more openly if they become an authority on the subject. This puts them in the position of a leader during the moving process; what kid wouldn’t want to be the leader for once?

Language Barriers

If the language is totally different where you will be moving, this can dramatically increase the stress on your entire family, especially the children. Get a beginner book or CD for the new language so your children can become familiar with the language in advance. Don’t try to teach them the full language, but use fun words such as “hamburger” or “park.” Help them learn some simple words they can use immediately when arriving in their new-found land to identify with familiar places or things.

Packing with Children

Get your children involved in the packing process. Have them take a complete inventory of everything in their room, from toys to clothes to furniture. Also, ask them to make a “donate” or “garage sale” list for items they no longer want. You can have a garage sale with these items to earn extra cash for the move, or you can let them earn some money to spend when they arrive at their new home. It will give them something to look forward to when the move takes place.

Next, provide boxes for the children to pack their belongings. Also, allow them to help you pack other items in the house. This will give them a sense of belonging to the family. With teens, this might be difficult due to the emotional impact of the move, but you can help matters by offering incentives in return for their help.

No Surprises

Besides preparing for the move itself, prepare your children for the actual trip as well. Depending on where you travel, there may be certain health requirements such as shots, checkups, etc. Let your children know all that is required from each of you in advance. If shots are needed, the children should know that you will be getting them too, and you are not afraid.

Moving with Teens — Miracles do Happen

A teenager will probably have a much more difficult time adjusting to the idea of moving to a foreign land. This is natural, but should not be ignored. It is a time when you should carefully consider their emotions and talk about it as often as possible. A teen is usually very attached to friends, school and home life. Any changes are drastic! So, be willing to comfort them whenever needed, and talk, talk, talk!

If you feel your teen is depressed because of the move, don’t be too proud to seek counseling. It’s important that they overcome depression quickly - even before the move.

Here are some tips for your teen:

*Give them plenty of time to adjust after telling them of the move before making other plans.

*Once they’ve accepted the idea, ask for their suggestions about the move (packing, changing schools, farewell parties, etc.)

*Give them an opportunity to make some decisions in the moving process.

*Search the Web for stories by other teens who have moved to a foreign country. It helps to know others who have gone through the same thing.

*Provide all the literature you can about the new place.

*Help them understand that it’s a new adventure, and they’ll get to see and do things they never have before.

*Assure them that they will be able to stay in contact with their old friends with letters, occasional phone calls or email.

*Give them a digital camera so they can email pictures of the new home and place to their friends as often as they wish.

If your children are old enough to understand that you are moving, doing the above suggestions will help ease the pain a bit. Children can adjust to the idea of moving if you consider them in everything you do. Don’t expect too much, and always give them the opportunity to participate and talk about their feelings.

 

Shipping and moving : Full Service Move Versus Do-It-Yourself Moving

Another shipping and moving article

A guide to overseas packing and moving

An Overseas packing requires special care and intelligence. For moving overseas it is suggested to hire professional packers and movers because they know and are equipped better. Still if you think that you have enough time to pack everything yourself then you may pack it better with our below mentioned packing guidelines.

Requirements of an Overseas Move

While moving overseas, the important decision is to choose which items you should ship abroad. This decision is made with the consideration of certain factors like the place and the size of new overseas residence. If you know the approximate dimensions of the rooms then it becomes easier for you to make the choice about which furniture to be shipped. Along with the knowledge of dimensions you need to consider the hallway and stairway dimensions, elevators etc. because sometimes they can be too small to create problem for the hired overseas moving company to move some of your huge furniture. However, in overseas move you need to pick up and move the entire household to the new country.

Overseas moving requires some careful planning and as much time as you can give it. Prepare a list of all the items in the house, put all items under different heading like Fixtures, Toiletries, Kitchen, Clothes/Shoes, Finances, Essentials, Study, etc. With the help of this detailed list you can consider and eliminate some items from overseas relocation.

Before deciding what to include in your overseas household shipment, it is advisable to contact the local embassy or consulate of the country you are moving to. Even your moving company can also provide you with the customs requirements for your household shipment.

Make sure your international packing and moving company offers you a comprehensive insurance policy based on Replacement Cost Protection (RCP).

When you have done all your paper work then get down to pack your stuff without delaying your packing for the last day.

Packaging Tips:

• Pack heavy things in small packing boxes and do not make any box too heavy that it gets difficult for the lady of the house to move it around, before or after the move.
• Disassemble items that need to be taken apart and carefully save the hardware because once the hardware is lost, sometimes it gets virtually impossible to replace.
• Electronic equipment should be padded and packed in the boxes so that knobs are not broken off and the finish is not scratched.
• Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or foam wrap and you can also apply the method of double boxing to safely pack them.
• Make sure to check the weight capacity of the packing boxes, usually printed on the bottom, as the weight of the items packed in the boxes should not exceed the specified weight.
• Do not pack your chequebooks, passport, visas, airline tickets, driving license, personal identity proof, birth certificates, etc. if you are putting your goods in storage.
• Pack all the crockery together in a box by individually wrapping them in bubble wrap or foam wrap. Stand the plates on the sides and never lay the box flat on them. Even glasses should be individually wrapped and packed standing up as they are ber when standing than laid on their side.
• Oil paintings should be covered with a non-acidic clear wrapping sheet and then with bubble wrap and then place in a picture boxes or in flat packing boxes with the ends taped.

Finally, after packing the household take a walk around the house to check if anything is left unpacked. Then confirm the date and time of moving and delivery, be available at both times.

 

Handymax Vessel Time Charter to be Extended - Genco Shipping and Trading Limited

Another shipping and moving article on Genco Shipping

NEW YORK, March 31, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ — Genco Shipping & Trading Limited today announced that it has reached an agreement to extend the time charter for the Genco Marine, a 1996-built Handymax vessel currently on charter with NYK Bulkship Europe S.A. The extended time charter will be for an additional 11 to 13 months at a rate of $47,000 per day, less a 5% third party brokerage commission. The extended time charter, subject to completion of definitive documentation, is expected to commence following the expiration of the vessel’s current time charter on April 3, 2008.

Robert Gerald Buchanan, President, commented, “We are pleased to extend our time charter for the Genco Marine at a very attractive rate that is 96% higher than the previous level. Currently, we have approximately 81% of our fleet’s available days secured on contracts for the remainder of 2008, which we believe strengthens our ability to distribute sizeable dividends to shareholders. We will continue to seek to implement our strategy of locking away our vessels on time charters with appropriate durations to provide earnings stability and take advantage of the robust freight market.”

 

Computer Packing tips before shipping and moving

Another shipping and moving article

Computer Packaging is a very important aspect to be kept in mind before shipping or moving your computer. A good packing ensures better safety of Computer during shipment.

There are two ways either you hire packers to pack your computer or you do it yourself. For former option all you need to do is to choose the nearest best packers and pay them for their packing services. But for latter option you will have to work according to the following detailed procedure.

List of the Materials required for Computer Packing

1. Packaging Tape

2. Packing Peanuts

3. The original carton and foam forms, in which you got your newly purchased computer. If you do not have that then you need Packaging Foam Structures and two sets of packing boxes, one bigger than the other, for double-boxing components. Make sure to check the weight capacity of the boxes, usually printed on the bottom, as it should not exceed your computer and accessories’ weight.

4. Plastic bags

A step-by step procedure to pack your Computer

1. Switch on the computer and back up all the important files and programs on your computer. Also remove all floppy diskettes, cd-roms, etc. and in case, you have an older computer with hard disk head parking utilities then you will also have to park the hard disk drive.

2. Store these back up disks in a safe container, where they do not come in contact with magnet or moisture. You can store them with your original program disks, so that they are easily accessible.

3. Shut down the computer.

4. Unplug all the power cables and do coding on the computer devices as well as on the cables, so that it is easy for you to reconnect your computer after it is moved to the new destination. You can either color code the computer cables with their respective holes or write the name of the device to which the cable was attached on a piece of the masking tape and stick it to their respective unplugged cable.

5. Bundle the computer cables and wires, making sure that they are not over stressed to pack.

6. Put the computer’s input and output devices in plastic bags in order to save them from dust during the moving process.

7. Individual packaging care is required to be taken to pack your computer, monitor, printer and other peripheral devices:

• CPU should be packed vertical and safeguarded by shock resistant insulation.
• Monitor should be packed in a more protected manner as its screen is made of glass and is easily cracked or scratched on contact.
• For Printer first, disconnect the printer, park the print head and remove cartridges. Then pack the plastic bagged printer with shock resistant insulation.

8. Place all the computer components into their respective original boxes. If you do not have those boxes then apply double-boxing technique by taking a smaller box and filling it with packaging peanuts and putting CPU in the middle. Apply the same method to pack other computer components and try to make as much less boxes as possible. After packing the computer components in smaller boxes seal them with packaging tape and place these boxes into larger box filled with packaging peanuts. Make sure to fill empty space with packaging peanuts. You can adjust cables and other small accessories in the sides of each box and fill with peanuts.

9. Seal the larger box and mark it “Handle with Care. Computer Inside.”

 

Moving Tips: Items that Cannot be Transported

Another article on shipping and moving

During the moving process, you might be worried about all the items you must pack before the big day. In all the chaos, don’t
forget about the items you cannot take with you. Due to federal and international regulations, there are some items that are considered dangerous when in transport, whether by truck, airplane or ship. Here are some products and items to dispose of while packing.

Hazardous Materials

If a product is flammable, poisonous, explosive or corrosive, it will not be accepted by the mover. These might include matches, gasoline or machinery with gasoline in it, propane cylinders, paint or paint thinner, nail polish remover, automotive chemicals, oxygen tanks or bottles and fireworks. Firearms and non-perishable foods are also not allowed.

House plants are another item of concern when moving. You can move some plants from state to state while others are prohibited. If you have a house plant you’d like to take with you, check with the state where you will be moving to make sure it’s okay to transport the plant. Also, check with your movers to be sure they will carry the plant.

If you’re not sure, ask your movers if there are other prohibited items.
Non-Hazardous Materials that should not be Transported
There are some items that can be transported, but probably should not if you want to keep them safe. These are items that are valuable or important to you such as jewelry, sentimental items, photos or collections. Also, pack important documents to take with you. These might be bank statements or documents, deeds, titles, stocks, bonds and certificates, insurance policies, wills, passports, Visas and identification cards. If you take prescription medications, be sure to keep these with you also.

International Moving

When moving to a foreign country, find out what items can and cannot be transported. The list of hazardous materials and products above can be used as a guide, but there could be other items that are prohibited for various reasons, depending on the country. Most likely, you will not be able to transport any of your house plants when moving internationally. Many countries will impose fines, confiscate the items, or prosecute the carrier if prohibited items are brought into the country. Your movers should be able to provide a list of prohibited items.

There also may be regulations for how your items can be packed and in what types of containers. So, it’s good to research this before you start packing.

Keep these items in mind while preparing for your move so both you and your belongings will have a safe trip!

 

Creative Ways to Save on Shipping when Buying Online

Another shipping and moving article

Buying products online is a great way to save time and money and to find a variety of items you might never find in local brick-and-mortar stores. There are unique products for just about every need or want online. At the click of the mouse, you can find great deals without ever leaving your home computer. But beware! Shopping online also means shipping charges. Using a little creativity and smart shopping, you can save tremendously on shipping and still get the items you need.

Beware of Bargains with High Shipping Costs

High shipping costs are sometimes hidden behind great online bargains. If an item is priced extremely low compared to its suggested retail price, better examine the shipping charges closely. Are they very high for the weight and size of the product? What type of shipping service does the company use? Compare the charges with those on comparable products offered by other online companies to be safe.

Create a List of Items and Combine Shipping

When buying multiple items online for business or pleasure, always make a list of what you’ll need beforehand. Find one website that carries a number of the items you need. Most Web companies will combine shipping for you if multiple items can be packaged together. Every new company you use will charge full shipping. So it’s a good idea to combine as many orders as possible with one company.

Buying Online versus Buying Off-line

Only buy items online that you cannot get at your local grocery or department store. If you can easily buy the items down the street for about the same price (especially low-cost items), it doesn’t make sense to pay for shipping on these items. You might save a little time, but the shipping costs will eat up your dollars in a hurry.

Buy online when it’s the financially wise thing to do. If you need to buy a new computer or other big-ticket items, buying online can save you hundreds of dollars even after figuring in the shipping costs. Also, there are rare and unique products available online that are not readily available in many local stores. It would be easier and cheaper to go ahead and buy these online with shipping charges than to drive from town to town seeking these items.

Shipping and Online Auctions

When shopping at online auctions, beware of outrageous shipping charges. The item’s starting bid might be only a penny, but its shipping charges could be twice as much as the item is actually worth. This is an old trick in new form, so beware. Check feedback ratings at auctions, and compare shipping rates among reputable sellers to be sure you are really getting a good deal.

Shipping Terms and Conditions

Another way to save on shipping is to read terms and conditions carefully. Be sure you understand the types of shipping methods available to you when making a purchase. Many companies offer super fast delivery for higher shipping rates. Only select these options if you really need it in a hurry. Also, two-day difference in delivery could mean an extra $10 (or more) added to your shipping price.

More Tips to Save on Shipping

Buy early to avoid those high last-minute shipping charges, especially during the holidays. Try to order your items before December 10 to ensure on-time delivery for gifts. When buying gifts for someone who lives far away from you, have the gift shipped directly to their home from the company if possible. This will save you an extra shipping charge. Some gift companies will specially wrap it for you and label it to your friend as a gift.

Order in bulk on items you need often to enjoy product discounts and shipping savings. Also, shop around for special shipping offers. Some online companies offer discounted shipping during sales or even free shipping under certain conditions. These can equal big savings for you.

Use these shipping tips to enjoy variety and savings on Internet products from your own personal computer!