Unleash the Power of The Press

computer shipping

New wrinkles to moving scams.

BRAINTREE, MA…

Next to losing your job and divorce, moving is one of the more stressful things you can do in life. In addition to all the logistics and the emotional turmoil of changing where it is you will live your life, moving scams add fuel to an already raging fire. That’s why new moving scams involving “guaranteed” quotes, packing materials and moving size measurements have created a raging inferno.

How big? The Better Business Bureau reported more than 8400 complaints against moving companies in 2009. According to Boston Pack and Ship, a small load shipping company based in Braintree, Massachusetts, even if you know nothing about the moving industry, you can avoid moving scams—even the latest ones—by doing a just a little homework and applying common sense.

“Buyer beware, if it sounds too good to be true, and any number of clichés apply when hiring a moving company,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “New or old, you can avoid most of the scams by only working with companies who are referred to you by people you know, getting a minimum of three bids and making sure the moving company is local and has a physical address at one end of the move or the other.”

Continued Fell, “A little research on moving scams on sites like movingscam.com can also make you aware of the dangers out there, especially some of the newer ones.”

Those newer ones include:

  • Guaranteed quote, wrong estimate – This is when the mover gives you a binding quote or flat rate. If that quote is based on faulty information—they forgot to add in that small bedroom downstairs—then the ‘guaranteed’ quote changes. The fix? Never sign off on a quote unless the mover does an onsite, visual inspection of everything that is to be moved—then get it in writing as a guaranteed quote.
  • Packing material charges – Ideally, you pack everything yourself. But if you run out of time and/or boxes, having the moving company pack your remaining items can be quite costly—especially if it’s not an ethical firm. Wrapping boxes with yards of tape per box, packing boxes with one item and paper filling for the rest of are just a few of the ways movers can jack up the price of materials. Do yourself a favor and leave plenty of time for packing.
  • Know what you are buying – Many reputable moving companies provide estimates in cubic feet, which is a term not many people are familiar with. It refers to the amount of space your stuff takes up. If you are not familiar with cubic feet, do not be afraid to ask questions until you have a thorough understanding. As a side note, remember that cubic feet can be converted into pounds (much like feet can be converted into meters). If you’re having trouble understanding your estimate, ask for it in a measure you can understand.

 “Moving scams have been around since the cavemen. While there is no one way to protect yourself 100 percent, the best course is if you’re unsure or uneasy, always opt for the mover who was referred to you by trusted family or friends,” said Fell.

Boston Pack and Ship specializes in moves of 1,000 pounds or less. In addition, it offers customized package and custom crate building services at its workshop in Braintree. For items like computer equipment, artwork and other fragile items, Boston Pack and Ship employs foam-in-place technology to “lock” those items in place and limit movement within the package.

The breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s relocation services includes:

  • Small loads – with no minimum requirement; blanket-wrapping for fragile, delicate moves; full insurance available
  • Custom crates and packaging for computers, electronic instruments, prototypes, antiques and artwork.
  • State-of-the-art, foam-in-place solutions to protect valuables
  • Multiple U.S. and International shipping options—ocean or air—to help lower costs
  • Door-to-door and door-to-port delivery with insurance available
  • On-time pickups by appointment

For more information, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

New wrinkles to moving scams.Read More

Boston Pack and Ship delivers on care packages for U.S. Soldiers…Boston Pack and Ship donates boxes to Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops holiday care package drive.

BRAINTREE, MA and BREWSTER, MA…

In what’s become its own holiday tradition, Boston Pack and Ship, a small load shipping specialist, donated 300 boxes, tape and other packing supplies to Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops for its annual Christmas Care Packages drive.

Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops is a non-profit organization started in 2005 by then 12-year-old Dylan DeSilva of Brewster, Mass. Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops sends care packages to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan on a weekly basis. For the holidays, Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops holds a special Christmas Care Package drive. This year’s goal is to send 1000 care packages to U.S. soldiers overseas.

“We’ve been involved with Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops for a few years now. It’s one of those causes where it’s never a question of whether or not we can help, but how much,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship.

In addition to Boston Pack and Ship’s donation, the small load shipping specialist recruited its vendor, Collin Box & Supply, of Easton, Mass., to sell the remainder of the boxes needed by Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops, 800, at cost.

“We receive a number of these requests, almost on a weekly basis, and it’s an easy one to say yes to,” said Paul Murphy of Collin Box & Supply. “My daughter is with the Air Force and will soon be deployed overseas. I’m grateful for the efforts of groups like Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops for their support of the men and women overseas serving our country.”

Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops will host a packing party for the Christmas Care Packages on November 21 and 22 at the Trowbridge Tavern, 100 Trowbridge Road in Bourne. People interested in volunteering to wrap, can call (508) 896-6424 or (774) 216-9052 or send an e-mail to capecod4thetroops@comcast.net

Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops regularly sends care packages to U.S. Troops overseas and accepts donations year round. Those interested contributing to the care packages can find a list of items and drop-off locations on www.capecod4thetroops.com. Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops also accepts monetary contributions to help with the cost of supplies and postage. Checks can be sent to: Cape Cod Cares for the Troops, 1831 Long Pond Rd.  Brewster, MA  02631.

“We’d like to thank Boston Pack and Ship, Collin Box & Supply and all our other sponsors and contributors for their generosity,” said DeSilva, now 16. “One thousand care packages is a mighty ambitious goal, but with the help of all our volunteers and contributors, we can and will accomplish this mission.”

For more information on Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops, please visit www.capecod4troops.com. For more information on the breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s services, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship, a small load specialist, has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

Boston Pack and Ship delivers on care packages for U.S. Soldiers…Boston Pack and Ship donates boxes to Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops holiday care package drive.Read More

Boston Pack and Ship offers tips on how to avoid moving scams.

BRAINTREE, MA…

According to many credible medical authorities, moving—after life, death, divorce and illness—is one of the more stressful things anybody can go through. That’s why being the victim of a moving scam adds fuels to an already blazing fire. As a small load shipping specialist for two decades, Boston Pack and Ship offers some basic rules of thumb to follow to prevent yourself from falling victim to moving scams.

“There are a number of moving scams out there, everything from an out-and-out theft of your belongings to holding your belongings hostage because you didn’t pay a made up fee or you had more pieces than your estimate,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “People are even more vulnerable to these scams in tough economic times because everybody’s trying to keep their costs down.”

So, what can you do to minimize the risk of falling for one of these scams? For starters:

  • Beware of virtual movers – make sure the moving company has an actual physical address, preferably in your area or where you’re moving to and especially if you found the company on the Internet.
  • Find out who’s actually doing the moving – beware of companies who broker the move to unknown third-party service providers. Ask more about the entire process; who is making the pickup, who is providing the long distance transport and the final delivery?
  • Ask for references – better yet, ask friends you know who have moved lately to refer a mover.
  • Check the mover’s Web site for professional accreditation – there are mover’s associations in every state. A mover affiliated with an accredited association does have more creditability than one that is not. Even better if the mover is a member of the Better Business Bureau. That allows you to not only check their credibility but the company’s history for handling complaints.
  • Get a minimum of three quotes – scam victims are often victims of their own impatience and wanting to get their move underway and over with. Getting a minimum of three quotes may slow things down slightly, but it will make you look a little closer at the company you eventually hire.
  • Fear the lowball quote – like the saying goes, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. While no two moving companies are exactly the same, true professionals should not be more than a few hundred apart. If an estimate is more than $1,000 less than the others, that’s a red flag and you might want to scrutinize the estimate and company further.
  • Stick to national carriers for cross-country and out-state moves – If your entire home is being moved, stick to a national carrier. That way, you will have an actual physical address for the mover on each end of the move, not to mention a corporate office who the agent has to answer to should anything go wrong.

“These suggestions should help you avoid most scams but if you’re still not sure, always opt for the mover who was referred to you by trusted family or friends,” said Fell.

Boston Pack and Ship specializes in moves of 1,000 pounds or less. In addition, it offers customized package and custom crate building services at its workshop in Braintree. For items like computer equipment, artwork and other fragile items, Boston Pack and Ship employs foam-in-place technology to “lock” those items in place and limit movement within the package.

The breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s relocation services include:

  • Small loads – with no minimum requirement; blanket-wrapping for fragile, delicate moves; full insurance available. 
  • Custom crates and packaging for computers, electronic instruments, prototypes, antiques and artwork. 
  • State-of-the-art, foam-in-place solutions to protect valuables.
  •  Multiple U.S. and International shipping options—ocean or air—to help lower costs.
  • Door-to-door and door-to-port delivery with insurance available.
  • On-time pickups by appointment

For more information, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

Boston Pack and Ship offers tips on how to avoid moving scams.Read More