Frequently Asked Questions

• Packing

  What type of items do you pack and ship?

  Navis is the originator of FLAV™ shipping – items that are fragile, large, awkward and valuable. Navis specializes in packing and shipping items most mail and parcel centers can’t handle due to their packing limitations. Navis specializes in packing and shipping artwork, antiques, furniture, electronics, computer servers, machinery, and equipment. We serve both the residential and business-to-business (B2B) markets.
  
  

  How do I know if my item should be boxed or crated?

  The decision on whether your item needs to be boxed or crated is best left to the packing specialists at Navis. We have over 25 years of experience packing difficult-to-ship items, and match the packing materials and techniques based on the fragility of your goods, specifications, value and shipping and destination requirements.

  How will you pack my items to ensure they are well protected?

  We evaluate each individual item in any shipment and determine the best way to protect them and meet your needs. We consider the characteristics of the items, the financial, strategic and/or sentimental value of the items, the weight, and the mode of transportation to determine how the items will be packed.

  Can I pack my own boxes and items?

  Yes. However, if you pack your own items they are classified as “Packed by Owner” which then can only have declared value coverage for disappearance. So if you are packing fragile items you want to use plenty of bubble wrap, newsprint and/or peanuts to adequately protect the item.

• Pickup & Delivery

  What are your pickup and delivery options?

  Navis can tailor the pickup and delivery options to meet your budget. The following pickup and delivery services are provided by Navis:

  • Terminal means you pickup your shipment at the carrier’s nearest terminal and load it into your own vehicle. This is the least expensive option.
  • Curbside means that your shipment will be transported via a reputable carrier, generally on a trailer with one driver. You are responsible for unloading the item from the back of the truck and carrying it into your home or office. When any single piece in a shipment weighs over 70 pounds, we suggest that you request lift-gate delivery or full service delivery. The additional cost could save your back!
  • Curbside + Liftgate enables your shipment to be removed from the truck by the delivery driver, adding to your convenience.
  • Inside Delivery means that the driver will take the item into your garage or the closest inside threshold.
  • White Glove means the driver will take the item into the final destination to a place of your choosing, unpack the item and remove the debris. This is the most expensive option.

  What do you mean by pad wrap or blanket wrap?

  Pad wrap refers to the process of wrapping thick moving blankets around your goods to protect them during transit. Pad wrap is used with Van Line carriers, whose trailers have air ride suspension which provides extra shock absorbing capability.

  How long will it take to receive my shipment?

  Our standard turn around time for domestic shipments is 10-14 business days from pickup to delivery. For our blanket or pad wrap service it ranges from 3 to 10 weeks. We can always provide expedited service options to meet your needs.

  Will I be able to track my shipment?

  Yes. When your shipment leaves our warehouse we will provide you with a website address and tracking number that you can use to track the progress of your shipment if available through the carrier.

  Will you be there to pickup my goods at a certain time or will it be within a window?

  Usually, you will be given a window of a delivery time, not to exceed 4 hours.

  Will I get a call before my items are delivered?

  In most cases, the transportation carrier will contact the person receiving the goods 24 hours in advance and schedule a delivery within a 4 hour window.

  Can I save money by dropping my items off?

  Yes, you can save money by dropping your items off at one of our locations.

  How much notice do you need for pickup?

  We recommend you arrange your shipment one week in advance to allow us adequate time to schedule the pickup for the day you request. However, there is no strict rule regarding notice as usually we can pickup your shipment within 24–72 hours of your initial call. At certain times of the year, we can accommodate last minute moves.
  
  

• Shipping

  What does the total price include?

  Unless other arrangements have been made, the total price includes the pickup of your items, the transport back to the warehouse, the packing of the goods, the transport and delivery of the items to the destination and declared value coverage on the items themselves.
  
  

  What is the USAR?

  The USAR is the Universal Shipment and Release Agreement. This is the contract between you as a customer and the Navis franchise location. This will detail what is being shipped, the condition of the item(s), the value, the destination of where the shipment is going and the agreed upon price.

  Are there items you cannot ship?

  Yes, to see the items Navis cannot ship, click here.

  How and when do I pay for my shipment?

  Payment in full is required once your shipment is packed and a final weight is determined. We accept all major credit cards as well as checks.

  Do you have minimum weights?

  No, traditional movers have minimum weights, meaning you pay to move a load whether it weighs 2,000 pounds or not. Navis has no minimum weight requirements, which is how we can help you save on small moves.

  How can I ship boxes?

  The least expensive way to ship large boxes of household goods, clothes and non-breakable items is through ground freight.  Boxes will be placed on a pallet, stretch-wrapped and banded to keep them all together.
  
  

  If the weight of my item changes, how does that impact the pricing?

  On standard ground freight shipments the weight of the shipment is used to determine the transportation cost. As a rule of thumb, we can use the estimate and the projected weight to develop a cost per pound. This will give you an idea of how a change in weight will impact the pricing. On parcel freight, air and ocean shipments the transportation cost is determined by the higher of the “actual weight” or the “dimensional weight” of your shipment. Dimensional weight is calculated based on the amount of space (cubic inches, feet or meters) that your shipment will take up on the truck, airplane or ocean vessel. For example, shipping a 5 cubic foot container filled with feathers is going to be based on the “dimensional weight” whereas the same container filled with “pig iron” is going to be based on the actual weight.

• International Shipping

  Are you licensed for international shipping?

  Yes. We are licensed and certified by the Federal Maritime Commission, a government agency that regulates all ocean carriers and tariffs. Our license number is 020283NF.

  How long will my international ocean shipment take?

  A typical time frame is 4-6 weeks. This can vary somewhat by destination and be impacted by ship sailing schedules and weather.

  How long will my international air freight shipment take?

  A typical time frame is 7 – 10 days depending on the destination.

  Can you provide crating for international shipments?

  Yes. We provide ISPM-15 compliant wood packaging.

  If I do not have enough to fill a full container load do I still have to pay for the full container?

  No. Navis will consolidate your shipment with other shipments we have going to that same country.

• Declared Value Coverage

  What is declared value coverage and what does it cover?

  Declared Value Coverage offers repair or reimbursement on items shipped if damage occurs during the transit process. Coverage is door-to-door. If you purchase declared value coverage and damage occurs during the transit process, depending upon the amount of damage, the item may be repaired or you may be reimbursed based on the value declared on the USAR. Proof of value is required. The liability covers the merchandise only and does not cover freight cost, packing costs, duty or taxes.

  What should I do if my shipment arrives damaged?

  If damage does occur you should save the item and all packing materials and contact the Navis Pack & Ship center that shipped the item for you for further instructions.

  Is there a maximum value of an item declared value coverage will cover?

  Although our basic policy covers up to $400,000, higher policies are available. Navis specializes in high-value shipments.
  
  

  If you specialize in handling fragile items, how come some items can only be covered for loss?

  Some materials have components that are inherently unstable. Due to the age, the material the item is constructed of, shape and irreplaceable value, no one can predict how the shipping environment will affect the item. Therefore there are certain items that can only be covered for disappearance only.
  
  

  Why can’t you cover items that I pack myself for damage?

  Navis specializes in packing items so they will arrive at their destination safely. If you choose to pack your own goods instead, we cannot verify that the techniques you used meet our strict standards, therefore the item can only be covered if it is lost.

• Storage

  Do you provide storage?

  Navis provides short term storage or storage in transit. Some of our locations are able to provide long term storage.