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Tuesday, April 3, 2007
New Technology
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Courier Service Detail
Importation of Wood Packaging Material (WPM)
The regulation requires WPM to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide in accordance to ISPM#15 guidelines and also marked with an approved international mark certifying treatment (see marking below).
The requirements will involve the import of wood packing material into the United States from ALL foreign origins (except Canada and Mexico States adjacent to the US border). The restriction covers many types of wood articles, pallets, crates, boxes and dunnage.
Exemption: WPM made entirely of manufactured wood material; particle board, plywood, oriented strand board, wine and whiskey barrels, thin pieces of wood (less than or equal to 6mm).
Marking exemption for regulated WPM used by DOD: According to the final rule, regulated WPM used by the Department of Defense (DOD) to package non-regulated articles, including commercial shipments pursuant to a DOD contract, may be imported into the U.S. without the above-described mark.
Labeling Requirements (see image below)
1) The WPM must be marked with an approved international mark certifying treatment.
a) The mark must include a unique graphic symbol, the ISO two letter country codes for the country that produced the WPM, a unique number assigned by the National Plant Protection Agency of that country to the producer of the WPM.
b) An abbreviation disclosing the type of treatment:
- HT for heat-treatment
- MB for methyl bromide fumigation
2) The WPM must be marked in a visible location on each shipment, preferable on at least two opposite sides of the shipment, with a legible and permanent mark indicating that the article has been treated as required.
Express Courier International
Express Courier International provides a cost effective, international courier service.
It offers reliable door-to-door delivery of documents and goods to over 190 countries and territories within 2 to 4 business days between metropolitan areas of major cities.*
- Cost effective International courier pick up and reliable delivery
- Provides tracking for most destinations*
- Access to the world's largest delivery networks
- Offers signed delivery at most destinations*
- Can be sent using prepaid envelopes, satchels and boxes
- Delivery to PO boxes, metro, rural and remote areas
- Volume based discounts for contract customers
* Click here for country specific information
To visit the Express Courier International site, go to www.auspost.com/ECI
Packaging
Prepaid envelopes, satchels and boxes are available at Australia post outlets.
Alternatively you can use your own envelopes and packaging, or use the Postpak range;available from postal outlets. Our packaging guidelines will help ensure your article is accepted and will travel safely.
As articles sent internationally suffer climates extremes for extended periods, Australia Post may refuse to accept articles which are not adequately packaged.
Documentation
Prepaid Express Courier International articles have consignments notes attached, which address aviation security requirements. These must be fully completed and signed.
All other articles must have a consignment note completed and attached. These are available from all retail outlets. The consignment notes are carbon copies, so can not be provided for downland from the Internet.
Lodgement
Express Courier International prepaid articles may be lodged in Gold Street Posting Boxes.
Articles which are too large to fit in a Posting Box can be lodged at a Postal Outlet, or via Courier Pick up by calling 1800 007 678. Courier pick costs $20. Details of our courier pick up network are available.
More Information
For more information about the Express Courier International, including service conditions and standards, the extent and availability of guarantees and insurance, size and weight limit, destinations, documentation, packaging, dangerous goods, and aviation security.
What is Express Post?
Overview
Express Post is the economical next business day delivery service for letters, documents and parcels. Next business day delivery is guaranteed* to all street addresses and post office boxes within the Express Post Next Business Day Network, if posted on a business day Monday to Friday in accordance with conditions set out on Express Post items.
How do I use Express Post?
Easy. Just buy an envelope or satchel from the post office, address it, and post it in an Express Post GOLD posting box by 6.00pm (earlier in Perth suburbs and some provincial centres) or over the counter at your nearest post office by that office's mail closing time. Do not post in a red street posting box as this will delay delivery.
You can find out where the nearest GOLD box is located by using the online Post Office Location map.
You can also post Express Post over the counter at most major post offices within the Express Post network by 5pm. However, ask for the Express Post closing time before doing this, as many licensed post offices have earlier closing times for Express Post.
If you are posting an Express Post parcel, it must be posted at a post office counter.
Remember to sign the "No Dangerous Goods" declaration on the front of all satchels and parcels. If this is not signed the satchel or parcel cannot go by air and may be returned to you for your signature.
*The Guarantee
If we do not deliver your Express Post item as promised we will give you a replacement envelope or satchel to the same value as the one sent, or if an Express Post parcel is not delivered as promised we will refund the postage charged on the provision of the original parcel receipt.
Dangerous Goods
Safety regulations prohibit many substances from being posted. These include explosive, highly flammable, radioactive, or dangerous articles. Before posting an Express Post satchel or parcel you must sign the "No Dangerous Goods" declaration on the front of the satchel or on Express Post parcel label. If this is not signed the satchel cannot go by air and may be returned to you for your signature.
Valuables
Express Post is not intended for the carriage of cash, gold, jewellery, precious stones, negotiable securities or other valuables. If you wish to post valuables please refer to Registered Post.
Note: Insurance is not available for the Express Post service.
Liability
To the extent permitted by law Australia Post accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or consequential loss whatsoever resulting from or due to the use of Express Post.
How To Deal With Moving Quotes i.e . Courier servies
So, you are moving. The advice you get is: compare movers by requesting free moving quotes. But what are the things you really should keep a close eye on?
The more details you give, the more accurate your quote. Moving companies need information about the amount you would like to move, so that they can determine how many people and which vehicles are needed. The cheapest mover is not always the best. Some less qualified movers might overlook belongings while estimating, which might make your move more expensive then initially estimated. Be sure to provide them with all the details they need. There are many criteria for choosing a moving company. Whilst some companies provide reduced rates; others provide additional security for your belongings, or extra services that can help you more effectively. Please be sure to sum up all the pros and cons carefully, before deciding which company you opt for.
Check that they are members of a professional trade organisation! National trade associations maintain professional high standards and can give you detailed information about member companies. Members of these associations are usually vetted annually. Also, if you are unsatisfied with the services provided, you have a higher authority that you can contact. Two of the most renown trade associations include:
What extra services do you need? If you are looking for extra services, please be sure that these options are covered by the removal companies that approach you. If these services are not provided, you should decide whether you would like to arrange this separately, or consider another removal company as your choice. Extra services include:
- Packing services
- Boxing
- Supply of Boxes
- Fragile packing
- Storage of goods
- Insurance for your goods
- Speciality Removals such as Piano or Antiques
Extra charges or additional transportation charges can also be made for long carries, stairs, lifts, moving large items (e.g. cars), disconnecting electrical goods or gas stoves.
How much should these extra services cost? Each removal company is different, however you can compare the amounts given to you from several moving companies.
Documentation.
Make sure that you read all the fine print before signing any contracts, to prevent any extra charges.
Storage.
Storage can be arranged by your removal company, or you can also arrange this separately by contacting the storage company directly.
Then, some money saving moving tips!
Book on time.
Your move can be so much cheaper if you book on time. This way, the mover is notified in time and can plan your move better and more efficiently.
Packing
Ask your mover early for packing material, moving boxes, stickers and how they handle packing. This because most moving companies will not insure fragile / valuable goods if you pack them yourself. For normal items such as clothing and books, this will not be the case.
Stairs cost extra
If there are stairs in your new or old home, keep in mind that you will probably need to pay extra!
Some possible solutions in avoiding extra costs are, to rent a lifting crane or elevator, or instruct the mover not to use the stairs and bring all your goods up or down yourself. .
Disassemble yourself!
Disassembling your goods yourself will save you a lot of money. Movers can disassemble them for you but this will cost you extra. What items need disassembling? Think about beds, closets, wall units. Disconnect your washers, dryers, stoves, fridge etc., yourself. Movers can charge you extra for it.
Get help from friends.
Ask your mover if it is possible that you and your friends/family help during the move.
Possible extra charges & services
Movers can charge you additional services for packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, or stair/long carries that are needed. You can also be charged for shuttling (needing multiple small trucks instead of 1 for narrow streets).
moving a car or pianos, disconnecting washers, dryers, gas stoves dishwashers, any items that need to be disconnected for the move.
They can also charge you advanced charges for services performed by a third party at your request.
The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to the charges on your Bill of Lading.