Immigration Forum / Australia and NZ / July 2006

Hi
I would like to share my unfortunate experiences about a shipping
company called Upackweship (http://www.upackweship.co.uk). Before
shipping my items with this company, I asked quotes to several
companies. The most important problem I found is that I could not find
a reliable web site which gives detailed reviews about those companies.
I made a search in google groups and found a few positive comments
about Upackweship. My comment is to avoid this company at all. I
experienced a lot of difficult times with this company and it still
continues. Also I would like to explain what you should consider when
you select a company based on my experiences.

Delivery date: I asked UPACKWESHIP how long it will take to receive my
items. I was told that it would take around 2-3 weeks maximum. However,
three weeks after the collection, I rang them and I was told that they
first waited for the clearance of my cheque, then they waited the truck
to be fully loaded. Hence they waited for two weeks to ship my items. I
was promised to receive my items after two weeks. I rang them after two
weeks and I was told that this time the truck was kept being waited by
a customer whose items occupy a significant amount of space in the
truck and hence I may receive them after three weeks. They said that it
is out of their control. Result: I am still waiting for them to deliver
my items. I am extremely disappointed.

Overcharging: This company also overcharged me at the last minute. I
asked different quotes to the company to understand their pricing
scheme. As a result, I chose this company as they gave the lowest quote
I did have. Couple of days before the collection, I told them how many
boxes I used and I was given a quote which is quite abnormal compared
to their previous quote. Hence, first I calculated the box sizes first.
The volume of a tea box they gave us was 3.6 cb. feet. However, they
claimed that it was 5 cb. feet. When we gave the exact dimensions and
calculated it again, they accepted. However this time, they claimed
that there is a minimum limit in volume to ship my items. As my
items'volume is less than that, I should pay the minimum price anyway.
However, when I checked my e-mails, I realised that they gave me a much
lower price (much lower than the minimum price) before. This time they
responded me as they were confused about my destination and accused me
of saying wrong destination. I found in my earlier e-mails that I gave
my destination correctly. When I said this, they tried to negotiate
with me and I was forced to agree at a price (I did not have any chance
to give up at that time) which was still higher than the price they
gave me long time ago.

Wrong collection date: I informed the company to collect my items long
time before the collection date. One day before the collection date, I
rang them and asked confirmation. I was told that they forgot to put it
on the calendar and refused to collect on that date. They came just one
day before my departure date. By doing this, they took the advantage of
the fact that I was leaving the country and hence overcharged me.
As a result, I got very stressed and this affected all my plans. Hence
PLEASE AVOID THIS COMPANY.

When you choose a shipping company, I suggest you to:
1. Read the terms and conditions of the company very carefully.
2. Check whether the company is a registered removal company. If it is
registered to an organisation, you can make a complaint to that
organisation such as "National Guild of Removers" (NGRS).
3. Always document what you agreed. It can be necessary in a legal
action. Even you agreed on the phone on some issues, confirm it using
e-mail.
4. Never forget the fact that the companies who give lower prices are
not the best options at all times. They may have hidden costs such as
customs handling fee and collection fee. Ask them.
5. Ask them to confirm your items' arrival date (document it). Ask what
their actions will be in case of the late delivery such as
compensation, full or partial refund.
6. Ask them the insurance whether they provide one or suggest a company
to do it. Always insure your items. Read the terms and conditions very
carefully.
7. Ask them whether they have a minimum volume limit in their pricing
scheme to your destination. If the items you packed is less than that,
you will be charged more than you expect.
8. Try to understand their pricing scheme (whether based on volume, kg,
both or something else). Do not hesitate to ask questions to the
company about it. Sometimes they may charge you more based on initial
volume, and charge less for the rest. Always clarify it.

 I hope it helps.
Good luck