Move One decided to undertake the lengthy certification process in order to demonstrate and assure our customers and partners of our commitment to providing safe, reliable, and quality services and products. With operations in over 40 countries around the globe, Move One understands the value of taking a standards driven approach in ensuring the same level of service to all our customers.

“We’re continually looking for ways to enhance our value chain,” said Andy Taylor, Product Manager of Moving Services. “We recognize that the most effective means of customer satisfaction is a quality product and the certification was a means to reinforce that commitment.”

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2. Move One Logistics – The First Choice for Heavy Haul in Afghanistan

Move One has been supporting military operations in Afghanistan since 2002, but with the growth in construction and infrastructure projects there was an increased requirement to transport this heavy construction equipment and oversized cargo throughout the county. In December 2012 Move One’s heavy duty lowbed trailers arrived in Kandahar and immediately began transporting mobile cranes and rough terrain container handlers (RTCHs) between Kandahar Airbase and Camp Bastion/ FOB Walton and Spin Boldak.

These heavy duty trailers allow Move One to transport extremely heavy and oversized cargo and can carry up to 100 tonnes. With their decks being low and 3.5 meters wide they are perfect for transporting heavy pieces with high centers of gravity, such as mobile cranes, RTCHs, bulldozers, and front loaders. The trailers are equipped with goose necks that fold down to ground level, creating a ramp, which allows rolling stock to be driven onto the trailers. This feature eliminates the need for a crane at the loading site, which proves very useful as cranes are difficult to acquire, especially in remote areas of Afghanistan.

Move One can now offer its customers an option to safely transport such heavy or oversized cargo. As a result, Move One has become the first choice for heavy haul in Afghanistan.

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1. Move One Achieves ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 Certification

But in an age where companies can easily be named and shamed online, expats like to assume their belongings will arrive on time and in perfect condition.

But that is not always the case.

“I’d say one out of every three or four international shipments has some sort of claim for damage,” says Curt Clements, chief executive of Dubai-based Move One Inc, which has been in the moving business since 1992 and operates in 41 countries.

“This industry has big problems with people over-promising and under-delivering.

“The biggest issue is payment. As a company, if a private individual is moving out of the country, we have to get payment upfront because there is no way to chase a customer who doesn’t pay.

“On the reverse side, for the customer who has already paid for something, sometimes there is not a great incentive for companies to keep their agreement.”

It means that customers who pay upfront and are told their belongings will arrive by a certain time are often shortchanged

Briton Andrea Anastasiou, 29, faced this issue when she left Dubai last summer to go travelling.

She shipped personal possessions to her family home in Cyprus with an express cargo delivery for Dh2,350.

“I left it quite last minute and just Googled it,” says Anastasiou, 29, who has since returned to Dubai. “Usually I’m very careful with these things; I go on message boards and try and find a recommendation, but with this I went for the first company that got back in touch with me.”

Anastasiou was told her shipment would take five to seven working days. However, it eventually arrived seven weeks later, when the freelance writer – who was required to pick up the shipment from customs in Cyprus personally – was about to leave the country.

“It was just so stressful. They just left me in the dark for those weeks.To this day, I don’t know what the problem was,” she says, adding she decided not to ship her items back to Dubai as a result.

A sales coordinator for the company in Dubai responsible for the late delivery says all shipments leave the warehouse within three days but problems can arise. “We cannot give a 100 per cent guarantee that a shipment will arrive on time. If there is any problem at customs, any weather issues or flight delays or the shipment is carrying restricted items, then delays can happen, but it is a rare occurrence.”

The uncertainty of shipping goods overseas can make sticking to arrival date estimates tricky for the companies carrying out the work.

No shipping company has a fully fledged office in every country they ship to. They may only have one representative in the receiving nation, which means they have to rely on partners to deliver the goods on time.

While experience helps them keep the arrival date predictions as accurate as possible, once a container leaves the country all manner of things can go wrong.

And for some, there is a risk they won’t get their possessions at all.

Since arriving in Sydney, Australia from Dubai in November last year, Colin Dodd and his family have been forced to rely on handouts from friends to furnish their three-bedroom home; their shipment of furniture, clothes, toys, personal items and electrical goods is yet to be delivered.

Instead, it is sitting on the wharf in Sydney Harbour because the company they hired to ship the goods is embroiled in a financial dispute with shipping agents.

”We moved into our house in January and, while we knew it wasn’t going to be furnished straightaway, we weren’t under the misconception it would take this long,” says Dodd, 38, a British quantity surveyor and a father to two sons, aged six and two.

”We’ve had furniture donated by the community because my son stood up at school and said he couldn’t bring his rugby medals in because they had been stolen.

“Since then, the school community has pretty much furnished the house for us, which has helped because the situation was destroying us. Up until then, we were living on what we had packed into our suitcases last November.”

Dodd was quoted Dh22,400 last year to ship the entire contents of his home from Dubai to Sydney in a 40-foot (12 metre) container.

The packers arrived on November 14, and Dodd was told his items would arrive approximately 49 days later.

However, in January, Dodd realised all was not well, later discovering his shipment was still sitting in Dubai. It eventually arrived in Sydney on February 13. Since then the container has sat on the wharf in Sydney Harbour accruing port charges so far totalling Dh69,000 because of the financial dispute between shipping companies.

He is not alone either. Other former UAE residents have also been affected with goods either sitting on wharves around Australia or being held hostage by third parties to be used as leverage against unpaid fees.

This is the case for Sara Fard, a business development manager from Iran, who moved to Sydney from Dubai last year.

She shipped two cubic metres of her personal belongings, such as winter clothes, kitchen and bed ware and wedding gifts and photos, on September 30. The shipment arrived in Sydney on October 30 but, six months on, it is still in a warehouse.

“At the beginning, I was under the impression it was all going to take two or three weeks, so I just borrowed from colleagues and friends. And then eventually I realised things weren’t going smoothly,” says Fard, 32, who has spent Aus$1,500 (Dh5,690) replacing some of her goods – more than the Aus$1,000 she initially spent on shipping.

For those unsure of which company to use, Clements advises researching online or seeking recommendations from friends.

However, he says all shipping companies are at the mercy of online reviews.

“It’s virtually impossible for a company to squash all bad news about themselves. Everybody is going to have good and bad stuff about their company but, if you see consistent, repetitive problems that people have with a particular company, it may cause you to think twice.”

However, the biggest problems for all customers and shipping companies is damage.

“Delivering a shipment is easy,” says Clements. “If someone sends us a shipment here then we are just unpacking boxes.

“But when you move out of a country, it’s a lot more difficult to get the packing right. Companies have to make sure everything is packed properly, that nothing illegal like spirits is packed into a box and that everything is stacked into a container properly.

“I once heard an average shipping container going to the States from Europe goes over 50,000 waves in its journey. Imagine if things are not packed properly in a container, they’re going to be quite shaken when they get there.”

So what can a customer do if they are caught out by a rogue shipping company?

“Not much. It’s unfortunate but you don’t have much recourse, which is why you have to be wary about a cheap price,” says Clements.

While making sure insurance documents are in place before a shipment leaves is key, Clements suggests hiring a lawyer or involving the local police when items do not arrive. He adds that appealing to a shipping trade association to expel a member can prove fruitless

”These international associations are pretty much useless. You can complain about a company but the associations act more as trade associations set up to market each other’s business,” says Clements.

However, he says customers need to remember that, wherever their items end up, those items still belong to them.

“If an airline goes bankrupt and has your goods or a customs authority holds onto goods over unpaid fees, those are still your goods and you can demand them back.

Fard adds: “I can’t decide whether I should forget about the things and just let it be. There isn’t a single day that this doesn’t tear me apart.”

Eight ways to ensure your shipment arrives safely and on time

1. Get more than one quote
Get two or three quotes from different companies but make sure you compare like for like. Make sure the volumes are the same and be wary if someone says they can ship for less, as they may intentionally be underestimating the volume. Remember, these are only estimates so when they come and pack your stuff, they can then turn around and say there is far more than they expected. Also, read the agreement carefully to see what is included. Some unscrupulous companies may not include fees that are standard elsewhere.

2. Do your homework
Social media is a great way to find out if a company is reputable or not. While all companies may have some negative reviews, if one company is repeatedly singled out then alarm bells should go off.

3. Get a recommendation
Any company can look good online but there might be nothing behind that great digital presence. So asking friends for good companies they have used is key.

4. Visit the company’s offices
Do they have an office? If so, walk in and speak to someone about your move. Are the phones ringing? Do there seem to be a significant number of staff? In the moving industry 60 to 70 per cent of business is done in the summer months, so can the company handle that volume of business? Again, ask to see a company’s warehouse. If a company is evasive about where it is, that should raise a red flag.

5. Book early
The moving business is seasonal so shipping during the busy summer can be hard, particularly for air freight as space on aircrafts is limited due to the high volume of tourists. So book early, sign an agreement and confirm your dates.

6. Don’t pack too much yourself
Whatever you pack is listed as “packed by owner” and anything that spikes curiosity such as too many “packed by owner” boxes could cause a customs inspection. Customs will open a shipment, inspect it and then shove everything back in, which can cause damage. Also, don’t pack anything that is not legally allowed in the country you enter, such as alcohol or certain films.

7. Be wary of groupage
Groupage, where different owners’ items are shipped together in one container, can slow a shipment down as a company loses money if it sends half a container. Groupage companies often lower quotes to attract business but items may sit in a warehouse until the container is filled. If you only have a small amount to send, look for companies that specialise in groupage shipments.

8. Remember things can go wrong
Airlines can get grounded, ships delayed, paperwork lost. A whole host of problems can arise so, if it’s a short-term delay, be patient.

* Source: Curt Clements, chief executive, Move One Inc

Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/run-a-tight-ship-for-your-move-to-and-from-the-uae#ixzz2SUbKY1jq

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Saudi Arabian authorities have recently decided to enforce is current labor laws which has raised some questions and confusion over the correct visas for non-nationals residing and working in the country.

While it is true that arrests have been made, this has only been amongst those in violation of the laws. The government has now announced an amnesty giving companies the next three months to ensure all their staff has the relevant paperwork and visas in place.

For that reason, choosing the right immigration provider is more important than ever, as is following the letter of the law. Move One can give you the right advice and assist you and your staff in ensuring their stay in Saudi Arabia is legal, safeguarding you and them. We have been made aware of less scrupulous immigration providers, giving incorrect advice, leaving individuals facing deportation and companies facing heavy fines. Move One follows a strict internal Code of Conduct, which together with our global experience and local contacts means we only give you the right advice.

Our articles are for informational purposes only. Should you have any further questions regarding matters related to Saudi immigration procedures please visit our website http://www.moveoneinc.com/country-profiles/saudi-arabia/immigration-to-saudi-arabia/, or contact your global Move One immigration specialist.

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2. Russia: Immigration Bulletin – Law Changes Approved
3. Russia: Immigration Bulletin – Work Permit Requirements – Changes

The Resolution introduces few major changes in the Work Permit requirements which will come into force on March 23rd. The main consequence of the Resolution is cancellation of the following requirements:

• Medical insurance;
• Medical test;
• Criminal record certificate.

in the Work Permit process (based on the Kazakh employment as well as Intra Corporate Transfer).

It is not expected that the introduced changes will bring significant modifications to the Work Permit process itself but will certainly ease and shorten the immigration procedure for the applicants, who will no longer be required to provide the above listed documents in order to obtain Work Permits in Kazakhstan.

Our articles are for informational purposes only. Should you have any further questions regarding matters related to Kazakh immigration procedures please visit our website or send an e-mail to immigration@moveoneinc.com.

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2. Romania: Immigration Bulletin – 2013 Work Permit Quota Approved
3. Romania: Immigration Bulletin – 2013 Minimum Salary Increased

Since February 25th applicants for EU Blue Card in Romania must have a minimum basic salary of RON 8892 (2050 Euro) per month. The minimum base salary for standard work permits, for local hires has increased from RON 2117 (490 Euro) to RON 2223 (515 Euro) per month.

The minimum base salary for work permit holders is based on the average gross annual salary in Romania and will likely be subject to change annually, at the beginning of each calendar year. The minimum salary for standard local hires is equal to the average gross salary in Romania while the minimum income for the Blue Card holders is 4 times the average gross annual salary in the country.

Our articles are for informational purposes only. Should you have any further questions regarding matters related to Romanian immigration procedures, please feel free to contact your global Move One immigration specialist, or send an e-mail to immigration@moveoneinc.com.

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From the age of 2 Darren dreamed of becoming a Motocross athlete and realized his dream at the young age of 5. He started out riding a very old Honda 50cc with only a helmet, goggles, chest protector, and gloves. The rest of his equipment came as he got older as small sizes were very difficult to find.

Motocross has always been a passion of Darren’s. He revels in the challenge that every race and training session brings and that with hard work comes success. The DMX circuit is a small community which has given Darren an opportunity to meet friends outside of school who share his love of motocross.

Since his start Darren has gradually evolved within the sport. In the 2009-2010 season Darren won the 65cc Dubai Motocross (DMX) Championship. The next year he moved up to the 85cc class and began his sponsorship with Move One. This past season has been one of Darren’s most successful. On February 15th during the 7th Round of the UAE National Championship and the 7th Round of the Dubai Motocross Championship Darren stayed focused, was consistent, and managed to finish both races, placing 1st and 2nd respectively.

There are still two rounds left in the UAQ Championship and the DMX Championship for the 2012-2013 season. Move One would like to offer Darren a big GOOD LUCK in his upcoming races. Regardless of the outcome we know he’ll do Move One proud.

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John started with Move One in December 2010 as Business Development Manager for Moving and Relocations. Since that time he has been an integral part in Move One’s growth through his in depth understanding of the industry and dedication to quality.

John has been in the Relocation Industry for over 24 years. He started his career in real estate with Hamptons in the UK and through that he was led to the relocation industry where he has been ever since. Initially he worked for Cartus Relocations where he spent 20 years in Vendor Management as Director of their EMEA supplier network.

‘I am really looking forward to utilizing my experience in the industry to support the relocation teams throughout the extensive Move One office network and provide an unparalleled service to our clients and partners,’ John said on accepting the promotion.

Erika Clements, Human Resources Director for Move One commented, ‘John is a much respected, well known, and well liked professional in our industry. We feel really positive that he will help continue to grow our relocation product and take it in the right direction for the future.’

John, a native of the surfy shores of Cornwall, UK is based out of Move One’s head office in Dubai, UAE where he has been living since 2009.

###

Media Contact:
Cailie O’Hara
+971 55 104 7420
cailie.ohara@moveoneinc.com
www.moveoneinc.com

About Move One:

Founded in 1992, Move One is an integrated assignment and moving management company, providing seamless international relocation, removals, logistics, and animal & pet transportation services across the globe. From its head office in Dubai, UAE, Move One offers its clients’ cutting edge relocation and logistics solutions through its Preferred Partner Networks and strategically located offices. Our dedicated account management model provides the ease of single point co-ordination and accountability for end-to-end relocation, moving and logistical support.

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2. Move One Expands Into East Africa

Move One’s expansion into East Africa comes in response to the increased humanitarian, military, and energy presence in the region. The company is supporting these industries and will continue to offer its full range of services in the region, including logistics, moving, relocation, and animal & pet transportation.

For moving or logistics inquiries, please email moving@moveoneinc.com or logistics@moveoneinc.com.

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January 13 2013 – Five Year Business Visas Introduced by Russian Government

A new law signed on December 30th, 2012 and officially published on January 11th, 2013 introduces the possibility for employees or representatives of big foreign companies to apply for multi-entry business visas which will be valid for up to five years. The change will also apply to companies that invest in Russia or take part in government projects such as Skolkovo and International Financial Center. It is not yet clear what will be required for a company to qualify to apply for five year visas on behalf of its employees. It is also not yet clear whether or not there will be a unique application process for the five year visa.

Entry Ban for Three Years to Foreigners Who Overstayed Allowed Period of Stay

A law published January 11th, 2013, will prohibit foreigners who exceeded their allowed stay in Russia for more than 30 days from re-entering Russia for period of three years. The three year ban will be counted from the day of departure from the territory of Russian Federation. The ban will not be applied to foreigners who can document the fact that their late departure from Russia was due to urgent medical issues or other emergency situations.

Responsibility for Immigration Legislation Violations Toughened

January marked not only the arrival of a New Year in Russia, but it also brought a new, tougher approach to the handling of immigration law violations. Recently, changes were introduced to the Administrative Code which holds companies, as well as respective company officials, accountable for the submission of incorrect data regarding the purpose of visits by foreign nationals. Penalties of up to 500,000 RUB (approx. 12,000 USD) will be charged for submitting visa applications and invitation letters with incorrect or misleading information about the purpose of the visit.

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