Choosing reliable mover: Little mistake may lead to nightmare

I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta

Although he had grown a bit worried, an expatriate who recently moved to Jakarta to start his new job finally received his stuff in a good condition.

He was lucky he had chosen a good mover. Many people have encountered bad experiences when moving to or from Indonesia. Goods often arrive damaged -- or sometimes not at all -- during the moving process.

Many people have also complained about inflated charges. To avoid such unwanted experiences, it pays to know that the mover you have chosen is a reliable one.

A mistake in choosing your mover might lead to a nightmare that could affect whole your life.

A number of moving companies with wide international networks have operated in Indonesia. They generally serve commercial and residential clients.

Commercial moving usually involves the relocation of used office tools such as furniture, computers, copiers, and boxed items, while residential moving relates to individual relocation.

Tigrisda Tiar Siahaan, spokeswoman for moving company PT Crown Pacific Jaya which runs Crown Relocations, said consumer satisfaction is a number one priority.

"We have obtained the ISO 9002 certificate for service, which shows that we are serious about providing good service," she said.

Crown Relocations, based in Hong Kong, opened its service in Indonesia in 1972, and now runs three offices here -- in Jakarta, Balikpapan (East Kalimantan), and Bali.

She said that Crown mostly catered to expatriates moving to or from Indonesia.

"We also serve those seeking information about schools, shopping centers, road maps and other things needed by our customers," she said.

Crown's customers were also able to track and trace their material via the Internet.

Audrey Rumengan, head of marketing and promotion of UTS Ritra Movers, agreed that professionalism was the key point in such a service industry.

UTS Ritra, she said, "deals with sea and air freight as well as cargo and container services. Therefore, we run the moving business in a professional way," she said.

In addition, UTS Ritra links with UTS, a Netherlands-based organization of moving companies, which made it reliable in its networking all over the world. In Indonesia, UTS Ritra serves the needs of both commercial and residential customers.

"We also extend insurance to our customers who do not insure their properties," she said.

She added that, as a full service moving company, UTS Ritra is expected to have the competence to do almost anything imaginable, yet practical, to successfully move a customer's goods and furnishings.

"We always try to provide a personal approach to each customer. And, as we are from a group dealing with freight, cargo, and container services, we can offer very competitive rates," she said.

It's normal for the service industry to compete in the services and pricing. As part of the integrated services, some moving companies also offer other related services.

However, most moving companies are reluctant to publish their prices, which are generally set in U.S. dollars.

Pricing depends on many things, including the type of inventory, quantity, distance, place of origin and destination, coupled with other elated services such as packing, according to Audrey.

Most moving companies set their rates based on a per-cubic- meter equation for domestic services by sea transportation, and kilogram by air. For an example, a domestic service will cost about US$40-$50 per cubic-meter depending on the destination.

"Competition is quite fierce, as demand has begun to come back. But I think each company has its own segment and customers," said Audrey.

Tigrisda agreed, saying that during the period when Indonesia was struck by political upheaval, many expatriates left the country.

"In such conditions, moving companies might be busier. Now, the market has become active again. It remains slow but steady," she said.

When you need to move or relocate, just see a moving company. But be very careful to select a good one. Check for any reference, convenience, time, price, service, comparative shopping, personal customized information, and auxiliary services.

Professional movers with proven track records on a total relocation solution. Below are same tips that might be needed when you prepare to relocate.

* Make a list of items that you do not want to bring; get rid of unwanted items.

* Select items which you want to pack by yourself, as some movers usually offer to pack all of your belongings.

* You should indicate if some, or all, of your items need to be stored over a period of time.

* Indicate which items are of special concern -- such as cars, pianos, antiques, paintings, glass or marble pieces, pianos, clocks and other fragile items.

* If you have pets and plants and you wish the move to transport, ask for detail recommendations.

* Ask about insurance and claim purposes for damaged items.

* Check each page of the inventory as it is completed to ensure that you agree with the conditions of the pieces as noted.

* Ask about information regarding your destination, if you are not familiar with the new place. You may need information about neighborhood, or schools for your children.