You’ve got three quotes. One is significantly cheaper than the others. Is it a bargain, or a trap?
In the moving industry, a “low-ball” quote often means one thing: Hidden Fees.
Moving from Dubai to another country involves more than just a truck and a ship. It involves port authorities, customs agents, and third-party logistics. If your moving quote doesn’t explicitly include these fees, you could be hit with a bill for thousands of Dirhams after your goods have already left the UAE.
At Chevron Sea Shipping, we believe in transparent pricing. Here are the top 5 “hidden” costs you need to ask about before you sign any contract.
1. Destination Port Fees (THC)
This is the most common surprise.
- The Cost: Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and Port Service Charges.
- The Surprise: Some movers quote you only to the “Arrival Port” but exclude the fees the port charges to crane the container off the ship.
- The Fix: Always ask for a “Door-to-Door” quote that explicitly includes Destination Terminal Handling Charges (DTHC).
2. Customs Inspection Fees
Customs authorities (whether in the UK, USA, or Australia) have the right to inspect any shipment they choose.
- The Cost: If your container is flagged for an X-ray or a physical exam, you pay the fee, not the mover. This can range from $200 to over $1,000 depending on the country.
- The Fix: While no mover can prevent an inspection, we can minimise the risk. Accurate paperwork and clean packing (no soil!) reduce the chances of your container being “red-flagged.”
3. “Long Carry” or “Stair” Charges
Does your new home in Paris or London have an elevator? Can the truck park right in front of the door?
- The Cost: If the delivery crew has to carry your furniture more than 30 meters from the truck (Long Carry), or walk up flights of stairs because there is no lift (Stair Carry), they will charge extra.
- The Fix: Be honest about the access at your new home. If you tell us there is a lift and there isn’t, there will be a fee. If you let us know in advance, we can factor it into the quote so there are no surprises.
4. Storage and Demurrage
Time is money in logistics.
- The Cost: If your documents aren’t ready when the ship arrives, or if you aren’t there to receive the goods, the port will charge daily “Demurrage” (rent) for the container. This can escalate to hundreds of dollars per day very quickly.
- The Fix: Ensure your visa and customs forms (like ToR1 for the UK or B534 for Australia) are filed before the ship arrives. Chevron’s coordinators track this timeline for you to avoid storage penalties.
5. Quarantine & Fumigation
This is specific to Australia and New Zealand.
- The Cost: If customs find wood items or dirty outdoor gear, they will order a fumigation. You will be billed for the transport to the fumigation facility and the gas treatment itself.
- The Fix: Follow our “Scrub It Clean” guide (see our previous blog!) to ensure your goods pass inspection the first time.
The “Too Good To Be True” Quote
If a mover gives you a price that is 30% lower than everyone else, ask them: “Does this include destination port fees and customs clearance?”
At Chevron Sea Shipping, our quotes are detailed and comprehensive. We walk you through what is included and what might happen so that you can budget accurately for your new life.
Don’t get stung by hidden fees. Get a transparent quote today.
Schedule your appointment now by visiting our website https://chevron-shipping.com/ and take the first step towards your move.
📞 Call us: +971 4 2888700 📧 Email: [email protected]