Welcome to On the Edge, a monthly newsletter from ExpatEdge, that answers your questions regarding international assignments. This month we address the following questions:

• Our company has moved just a few employees to international locations. There have been problems with the shipment of their household goods. What are the basic requirements to ensure that the shipment of household goods arrive safely and on time in the overseas location?
• Have you seen any changes in customs or transportation issues since the US tragedy of September 11?

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Our company has moved just a few employees to international locations. There have been problems with the shipment of their household goods. What are the basic requirements to ensure that the shipment of household goods arrive safely and on time in the overseas location?

There are several areas where a shipment of household goods may encounter problems. The first area is documentation. The assignee must complete all the required forms properly and in a timely manner. Among the forms that will be required are customs forms, legible inventory forms and the insurance application, work permits, passports, visas, and residence permits. The number and type of forms will vary based on the country to which the goods shipment is going. The earlier the forms are completed, the smoother the transfer of goods.

The company policy regarding what can be moved and any related restrictions should be clearly communicated to the assignee. The better the assignee understands what assistance the company does and does not provide, the better his expectations concerning the relocation can be met. If the assignee thinks he can move all of his antiques to an assignment location at company expense but there is a company limit on the amount and type of goods that can be moved, the assignee will experience frustration because his expectations are not met.

Assignees also need to be familiar with the living conditions in their host location. For example, a US king size bed may not fit into the bedroom of the residence they are renting while on assignment. The electrical current may be different between various countries, so small appliances may not work in the assignment location. Other goods may not be appropriate candidates for storage.

When the assignee knows and is prepared for the types of things that are different in the host location and that change and flexibility is required, the relocation and settling in process can be successful.

Have you seen any changes in customs or transportation issues since the US tragedy of September 11?

The key change that has impacted the transportation of household goods on an international basis is that the majority of inbound shipments to the US are being more meticulously inspected. This scrutiny has increased transit time by up to two additional weeks.

Increased inspection rates will create additional costs for the company. The assignees and their families will have longer stays in temporary housing. The company will experience increased costs related to the inspection of the goods shipment.

While all agents strive to avoid damages to goods while they are in transit, the unpacking and repacking needed to facilitate inspections increases the risk for some damage to goods in transit. This affirms the importance of correctly preparing the valued inventory forms and for having the appropriate insurance policies in place for goods in transit.

Our thanks to Mark Temke, Vice President of Ace Worldwide, an Atlas Van Lines International Agent, for assistance with the content for this newsletter. Should you have questions regarding domestic or international moving, please call Mark at: 1-800-333-6669.

ExpatEdge is a web-based solution to help HR departments support their international assignees. For further information see www.expatedge.com.

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