John Mason International is warning of continued delays at ports across the world – particularly across the USA.
The leading international removals company has a long history of helping people relocate their lives in far flung corners of the globe, and the United States is among the most popular destinations.
But with a growing list of adverse factors – including Brexit, the Covid pandemic and now the war in Ukraine – affecting shipping costs and timings, John Mason International’s General Manager David Ozard is keen to manage customers’ expectations for a speedy move abroad.
“For many years, we have been helping our customers start new lives in the USA – and our experienced team of professionals can be relied upon to ensure the process is both smooth and enjoyable,” he says.
“Once someone makes the decision to up sticks and relocate, we take care of everything, from the planning, booking flights, overseeing pet moves, organising insurance, and of course packing and transporting personal belongings.
“It’s this element of the process that is hampering businesses and individuals across the world, because organising shipping and haulage is proving to be a significant challenge, and has been for the past two years.
“Ports across the USA – including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Houston and Charleston – are struggling with demand due to congestion and related issues. Often, haulage drivers and trucks are booked five to six weeks in advance but the ships they are due to meet are queueing at the ports in order to berth – and sometimes they are re-directed elsewhere.
“When this happens, the haulage trucks that are pre-booked to meet them are planned for the wrong port – and this is only adds to the disruption.
“All this and other issues are contributing to rising costs and delays for those awaiting their personal belongings after making what should be an exciting and pleasurable move to the US.
“At John Mason International, we understand this. Our customers can be reassured that our team has many years’ experience in dealing with challenging circumstances when managing relocations abroad. We are constantly monitoring the situation, and looking for ways to mitigate delays and extra costs.
“This doesn’t mean we are immune to issues, but our clients do benefit from our membership of bodies like the British Association of Removers (BAR) and the largest global alliance of international moving and relocation companies (FIDI). It means we are audited to ensure we provide the best possible level of service, It also means we can obtain preferential rates and priority for shipping.
“My message to those considering a move to the USA is not to be put off by the shipping and haulage issues being felt by individuals and companies across the world. But be mindful that there are still delays – often by up to six weeks. Like all international removals companies, we are facing some of the biggest challenges experienced in our very long history. The good news is that our team is one of the most skilled and experienced in the business, and we are all working incredibly hard to ensure our customers can achieve their dream of a move the the USA with the minimum of disruption.
“Our advisors are ready-and-waiting to discuss any aspect of the process of moving abroad, and those who contact us will receive realistic, practical and expert advice on all current issues.”
