How do I make a booking? Once you have decided on the service you wish to use contact Shipmates by Email, or phone and we will send you our Booking form by fax, email or you can fill it out online. Once we receive the Booking form from you, we will reserve a pickup date for your shipment.
How do I schedule a pickup? In order to schedule a pickup of your shipment, you must make a booking with Shipmates. Please contact us first and check for availability for your requested dates, and enter the agreed date in the space provided on your Booking form.
Do I have to be present for the pickup? You do not have to be present for the pickup. You can arrange for somebody else to be there when our truck arrives but please make sure the person is well aware of the procedures, and that we have a contact phone number for them.
What time is pick-up for Economy Self Pack Moves?
The Pickup times for our Economy Self Pack Moves are:
Monday~ Friday 12:00 p.m. ~ 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 10:00 a.m. ~ 3:00 p.m. a Y3, 000 surcharge will apply for Sunday pickups
Pick up times are subject to change depending on truck schedules, traffic conditions, etc.
Preferred Pickup time reservations & after hours service is available at additional cost. Please contact us for details.
What do I need to have prepared on my pick up day?
ALL of your packing must be completed; with all boxes sealed, labeled and ready to go.
Other Reminders: * Unless otherwise instructed by our office, DO NOT give any documents to the driver. All relevant paperwork (packing lists & passport photocopy) must be faxed, emailed or mailed to our office. * To ensure your pickup goes smoothly and quickly, we ask you have your boxes near your entrance or front door. Please remember that there is only 1 person for your pickup and if there are any heavy or large items, we ask you assist the driver (if necessary). In the case you require an additional laborer for your pickup, please advise our office upon making a booking.
What time is pick up for Economy Plus Moves? Economy plus moves will be picked up on weekday mornings by 11:30 a.m.
Do you have a packing service? Yes, Shipmates offers a full export packing & crating service (Pro Pack Move) at very competitive prices. We have professional English Speaking crews that will carefully and efficiently pack ALL your belongings. Our packing service also includes custom crating and we will fill out your packing list on your moving day.
What time is the pick-up for Pro-Pack Moves? If you have elected to go with our packing service, we will advise you of available dates & times upon booking.
If your shipment size is more than 10 cubic meters, our crew will arrive by 9:00a.m.
The packing day usually is the most hectic in the moving process. Here are some pointers to ensure all goes smoothly.
Upon arrival of our packing crew, please advise the head packer of any items that are not to be packed with your shipment and any items that may require special attention (Fragile items, valuables, etc.)
The more floor space our crew has to work with, the better. Please do not empty your closets and drawers onto the floor.
Try to have the items you are taking with you on the plane in a separate area so it does not get mixed up with your shipment. This also applies to any items that will be shipped by air when using our Sea & Air service.
If you need to get out and run some errands during the day, not a problem but please be sure to advise one of crew members and let them know when you will return. If you will be out for a while, better to leave a contact number in case we need to reach you.
If you have items that need to be disposed of, please be sure to advise our office ahead of time.
How long does it take for your crew to pack our things up? This will depend on the weight/volume of your shipment. The following timetable will give you an estimate for how long it can take.
Up to 2 cubic meters: 1- 2 ½ hours
5 cubic meters: 3-5 hours
10 cubic meters: 6-8 hours
15 cubic meters: 10 + hours
20 ~25 cubic meters: Full day + several hours the next day
* Please note this is an estimate based on previous records. Location, building accessibility, weather conditions, etc. can affect the amount of time packing will take.
Can I do my own packing? Yes, you are welcome to pack on your own. However, please keep in mind that all items must be inside cardboard boxes, or wrapped with cardboard or corrugated paper. If you are shipping large quantities or furniture items, we highly recommend using our professional export packing service. This will save you an enormous amount of time and take the burden of packing off your shoulders.
Do you supply packing materials & Boxes? Yes, Shipmates can supply you with a wide range of packing boxes and materials, which can be delivered to your residence. Please contact us for details.
Can I ship a suitcase or plastic container drawers? Yes. However, it must be wrapped with cardboard material or be inside a cardboard box. This is to protect your possessions in case your suitcase pops open or any plastic drawers crack during transit.
Can I pack using my own boxes? Yes, you are welcome to use your own boxes so long as the boxes are durable. If you plan on getting used boxes from a retailer, please avoid using boxes that previously contained food or produce items. Some destinations such as Australia have very strict quarantine regulations.
Do I write anything on my boxes? Unless other wise instructed, please DO NOT write anything on your boxes. It is NOT necessary to write the contents on the box. Once you make a booking with Shipmates, we will send you box labels with your name and destination. You will only need to write the box number and total number of boxes on each label.
If I am shipping a tansu, can I put some things inside to save space? Yes. Provided that the items you are putting inside are very light items. Please keep in mind that for Self Pack Moves, there is only one driver that will come for your pickup. Items that are too heavy to lift and load will not be picked up. It is usually better put the items in a separate box. Please contact us if you are uncertain about some packages.
