Frequently Asked Questions
For the benefit of our customers, here are answers to frequently asked questions.
How is Strand Freight Systems, Inc. different from its competitors?
There are many differences between Strand's operation and our competition, but it comes down to the type of service you receive as a Strand customer.
It begins with personal service, from your initial contact with us until the delivery of your goods. We provide state-of-the-art, professional packing and a crew of experienced workers unlike what you may find elsewhere in this industry.
We describe and quote all costs involved with no surprises or hidden charges.
When should I call for an estimate?
As soon as you've decided what to ship, we can begin providing an estimate of shipping costs. Generally, we suggest having a survey conducted over the phone and/or in your residence about three months before your move.
When do I know the final costs?
Final charges are based on the actual packed volume to be shipped, not the estimated volume. We strive to give you as conservative an estimate as possible to avoid surprises. If a container is discussed, final costs won't differ from the estimated ones as long as it's shipped in the same manner.
I've had an estimate. What comes next?
After a survey is completed, you'll receive a written price quote summarizing all costs involved. This is your opportunity to make sure you understand everything, especially if you're comparison shopping. Different shippers present information in different ways and don't necessarily give the complete picture. If you don't address items that aren't completely clear, you might find yourself surprised later.
Strand's quotes are presented in a straightforward manner to avoid confusion at any step.
I want to have my things shipped with Strand. What should I do?
You'll receive an agreement. Review it, call if you have any questions, and send us back a signed copy with your deposit. We'll then open a file and send you further guidance so you can proceed with your plans.
Do you provide storage?
Yes! We provide enough storage time, as indicated in our written agreement, so you can accumulate purchases before your move date. We'll receive goods on your behalf, inspect them, wrap them if needed, and update you via email so you can track the arrival of your purchases.
Our warehouse is secure with easy access and free parking for any vehicle. We're fully equipped and prepared to handle every load within minutes of its arrival. Our warehouse is climate-controlled, heated during cold seasons, and kept clean and orderly at all times. Long-term storage is also available upon request.
Can I allow people to add things to my shipment?
We advise against it, but it's your shipment. People often ask to add one or two cartons and show up with ten or twenty. You usually have no knowledge of what's packed in their boxes, and in the rare case of a customs inspection, you might find yourself in an unpleasant situation. Moving overseas is a big step—it's best to eliminate unnecessary headaches.
If you choose to allow people to add goods to your shipment, please do so in writing and explain how to mark their goods as well as where and when to deliver them. It's crucial that you're well aware of what they're adding to your shipment.
Can I inspect the items shipped directly to the warehouse?
Certainly! You'll receive notice of what's been received on your behalf. During our regular business hours, you can schedule an inspection of your goods at any time. In any event, we'd like you to inspect everything at the time of final packing for shipping.
What items do I have to pack myself?
Unless agreed otherwise, you're expected to pack all your personal belongings and non-fragile household items (books, toys, clothing, pots and pans, etc.).
Where can I get packing supplies?
We'll provide all the packing supplies you need for this shipment at no additional cost.
Can I use storage bins I have?
Sure! Storage bins with good lids are perfect. Put a piece of tape on them to mark them with your file and sequential numbers.
So, what exactly do you pack?
On pickup day, we'll pack all your fragile items (dishes, glassware, lamps, pictures, etc.). We'll also wrap all your furniture and any other items you couldn't handle yourself.
How do you recommend packing?
We'll provide you with boxes in three sizes. The general rule is: the heavier the content, the smaller the box you should use. A carton you cannot move around needs to be broken down into smaller packages. It's important to fill boxes completely so that when they're stacked, nothing gets crushed.
Every carton must be labeled with a sequential number on three faces of the box, so you can identify it and its contents without turning a pile of boxes around. Your file number should be written on every package that leaves your house. Don't write the contents on the carton—the contents are described in a special format we'll provide with the packing supplies. Light and fluffy items can be put in plastic bags for stuffing void spaces. Please use good-quality bags and air them out before sealing, so they won't pop open when pressed into tight corners.
Liquids, shampoo, and detergents are best avoided, but if you must include them, wrap every bottle in a plastic bag, pad it well before putting it in the carton, and mark the box "liquid." If you send any plastic containers, pack the liquids in those.
We also recommend avoiding items that are sensitive to heat.
Can I fill up drawers of furniture?
Only light items like hat boxes and pillows are allowed. Remember that the porter isn't a mule, and furniture is built to stand loaded on solid ground. The potholes of NY/NJ and two weeks of swinging on the ocean are not, by any definition, solid ground.
Are there any items that cannot be sent?
You cannot send pressurized cans, flammable and/or hazardous materials, guns, pistols or ammunition, liquor or alcohol beyond the allowed quantity (2 liters), or any illegal substances. When in doubt, ask a Strand expert!
How early should I reserve a date for pickup?
As early as possible! About a month in advance is sufficient. We'll try to accommodate your needs as much as possible.
How long does the pickup from my house take? When and how many workers come?
It depends on the size of your shipment and what we've discussed. Generally, we arrive for pickup by 9:00 AM with enough crew to finish as quickly as possible. For example, for an ordinary 20' container shipment from a private house, we'll send a professional team of four people, and the job will take about 6-8 hours (elevator buildings usually require more time).
Can we observe the packing into the lift van/container?
Yes! We recommend it. When you come to the warehouse after pickup, we'll have all your goods ready for inspection. Don't forget to bring all receipts, pictures, etc., from your suppliers so you can verify the right items were sent. Once inspected, we'll pack everything in the most economical manner possible without jeopardizing your goods.
How often do you have a sailing?
Generally, we have weekly sailings to most destinations in the world.
Do you provide services at destinations?
Since we ship a large volume to and from Israel, we've designed our door-to-door service so we personally handle as much as possible to ease your process upon landing. In most cases, all your interaction with our local agent is limited to receiving your goods at your residence. In South America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the Far East, we have very reliable agents who can provide customs clearance and delivery to your door. Other destinations are serviced up to the port. We're constantly adding new routes to provide better service to our growing number of customers.
Shipping to Israel—what should I expect at the other end?
Regarding customs release, we'll prepare all documentation for your signature. You'll need to review the documentation we send and follow our written (and, if necessary, verbal) guidance on completing information and signatures. Through our agent, we'll process your shipment through customs, and once it's released, we'll schedule a delivery time with you. When we deliver the goods, we advise having somebody by the truck on your behalf while you guide our crew on where to place items. We'll unwrap the furniture and remove debris.
Israel is thousands of miles from the U.S. The climate is different. The spoken language is different, and the mentality, as nice as it is, is different. From the vessel's landing until delivery of goods to you takes up to a week, assuming there are no strikes or other problems. If you ship less than a container load, it may take a few extra days. For many, it all happens very fast. Therefore, the more you prepare yourself for what's coming, the less overwhelming the process will be.
Should I shop for insurance by myself?
It's always an option; however, we can provide an all-risk insurance policy at competitive rates. In that case, you'll be covered from the moment we receive goods at the warehouse and/or pick up goods from your residence until delivery at your destination residence. If something goes wrong, we can assist you better in resolving your claim faster since we work with these insurance providers regularly. Please keep in mind that we assume no liability for uninsured or underinsured items.