How to Find Trustworthy International Moving Companies

Photo by jamsession, sxc.hu

Selecting an international mover is very similar to the process of finding a long-distance mover. You should ask for quotes, additional information, and references from all of your prospective companies. It's also a good idea to pay a freight forwarder to ensure that your goods are safe from the time they leave the origin to the time they arrive at the destination. And, like long-distance moves, it's always smart to let your movers pack your treasured belongings when they'll be shipped internationally.

While you always need to be careful selecting a mover, you need to be particularly careful when selecting an international mover. International movers are not subjected to the same stringent regulations and rules as long-distance movers.

As such, you should look for an international mover that has the following memberships and affiliations:

Membership in FIDI, the Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux, a global federation of international movers
Registered International Mover Certification (RIM), provided through the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)
Overseas Movers Network International (OMNI) membership
Registered as an ISO 9002 certified company to ensure high-quality practices and performance
Licensed with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
Positive ratings and reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Among these memberships, one of the most exclusive and revealing for international moving companies is the Registered International Mover Certification.

The Objectives of RIM Certification

RIM Certification has two primary objectives that help customers to compare and select an international mover.

First, it provides a system of standardization and means of comparison for selecting a qualified international mover anywhere in the world. While movers could ordinarily stress certain key points of their operations, the RIM Certification places a predetermined level of importance on characteristics and allows customers to get an unbiased glimpse of the moving company.

Secondly, the certification increases the levels of professionalism, performance, and standards at a moving company due to the rigid demands of the certification program. Before a mover can be RIM-certified, it must undergo an examination and meet the equipment and facility standards for handling household goods. After this examination, the company is again verified through an on-site inspection. Then, in order to maintain its RIM status, the company must complete at least 15 hours of RIM-approved education and training over the course of three years. At the end of three years, the company is inspected again and the process continues.

Did you know?
The RIM Certification program sets extremely high standards for movers. Through September 2009, only 142 companies have completed the initial stages of the program for certification.

Other Important International Moving Memberships

While RIM Certification is generally acknowledged as one of the best indicators of a reputable international mover, there are other memberships that are important to secure and maintain.

The Federal Maritime Commission is responsible for ocean transportation and shipping, and it creates and enforces regulatory shipping laws. The Commission also handles:

Ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, ports, and ocean transportation intermediaries
The implementation of fair and regulated practices
Trade monitoring
Integrating the laws and practices of foreign governments
Verifying carriers and their tariffs
Licensing for ocean transportation intermediaries

Photo by goodmorph, sxc.hu

The Overseas Movers Network International aims to provide high-quality services for international relocation companies. Registration with the network requires strict adherence to policies and the maintenance of high-quality standards. The standards are similar to those provided by the FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM) certification, though it is indeed a separate program.

FIDI is the largest global alliance of quality international moving companies, and its members transport goods around the globe. The Federation provides information and conferences to its members, and it also maintains a directory of its affiliations.

TIP: You can check to see if a company is registered with FIDI by visiting its website at: http://www.fidi.com/index.html?page=49

Finding an international mover can be a daunting process, but thanks to these membership organizations and associations, it is much easier to compare and select a quality international moving company.

How to Find Trustworthy International Moving Companies

Finding Trustworthy International Movers