International Teachers Freight Service

E-Mail bifs.net Tel: 01737 823575 Fax: 01737 823634

The overseas posting to my new school has been confirmed. What should I do first to organise moving my personal effects?

The first step, is to read through our website. On here you will find most of the information you need, and should answer all of your questions. If you have any questions which are not covered here, please don't hesitate to email us.


I've got so much stuff. What should I take?

The rule of thumb here is to take whatever you think you will need. You will be away from home for quite some time. Your school will be able to advise you on what you can and cant buy over there.


What items are classed as dangerous goods?

Some of the things to avoid are:

  • Aerosols (compressed gas) - examples: deodorants, hair spray etc. These can be taken in luggage but not in cargo.
  • Inflammable materials - examples: adhesives, matches, paint, nail varnish.
  • Batteries - Lithium Batteries, re-chargeable batteries - used in laptop computers, cameras, mobile phones, etc.
  • Any item that has a warning label on it.

If you have any doubts let us know and we will check or you can go to the manufactures website and check the data for that product, particularly Safety or Hazard Data. After the technical data most products will have a section on transport including Air. If it states UN followed by a 4 digit number - e.g. UN1234 it means the goods are classified as dangerous for air transport and are subject to special packing and transport arrangements.

If any of the above are found undeclared they may be removed by the airline and disposed of, so please take with you. See your airlines website for advice on what can be taken in luggage, on your person or carry-on bag.

Dry Cell Batteries - should be removed from any device being shipped. Batteries can be sent in original packing, otherwise a piece of tape should be placed over the terminal. Please let us know if dry cell batteries are in your boxes and if they are in original boxes or taped. Dry Cell Batteries are fine to take like this but we have to state on our paperwork to the airline that these safety measures have been taken.

Here are some examples of Dangerous Goods warning signs:

Dangerous Goods symbols

I've decided what I'm taking. How should I pack everything?

The absolute minimum packing you should do, has to be sufficient to get it back to our warehouse. 9 times out of 10, it will not be our own vehicle collecting. We sub contract out many of the collections to national carriers who will bring your things back to us. These carriers will be collecting other goods as well, so your things need to be protected.


My new school has allocated me a budget for sending my things. How do I know how much I can take, and still be within my budget?

The freight costs are calculated by either the weight or volume of the boxes containing your personal effects. The best thing to do is to pack your essentials first into boxes, then weigh them on your bathroom scales and measure the boxes. If you give us these weights and sizes, we will be able to tell you what the freight charges are. You will then know how much of your budget is left, and what else you can take.


How do I decide if my things should go by airfreight or seafreight?

It is usual for smaller shipments (under 200 kgs) to go by airfreight. However, your school will be able to confirm which is this best method for you.


Do I.T.F.S. supply the boxes?

I.T.F.S. will happily supply T Crates, plastic barrels, and pallet cartons. Please have a look in the information section of our website for prices and details.

Do I need to label the boxes in any way?

You should label the boxes with your name and then:
C/O: BROOKLANDS INTERNATIONAL,
AIRPORT HOUSE,
KINGS MILL LANE,
SOUTH NUTFIELD,
SURREY, RH1 5JY


I've packed everything I want to take. How much notice do I have to give to arrange for you to come and pick everything up?

Please give about 1 weeks notice to arrange the collection from you. However, it is important that you don't leave the collection too late. Ideally, we should have your shipment back in our warehouse about 1 week before you leave to go to your school.


Some of the boxes I've packed are quite heavy. Will the driver be able to collect them?

You must remember that there will only be 1 driver collecting from you. The boxes that you pack must not be too heavy for the driver to pick up.


I've got suitcases/trunks/T crates, which I have locked. What should I do with the keys?

You should keep one set of keys with you. One set should be sent to us, so that we can forward it with your shipment. If the customs authority in the country you are going to, want to open the T crates or trunks and examine the contents, it is better to have the keys with them. Otherwise the customs officer may well break the locks to open them up.


Can you tell me what time the driver will come to collect my things?

Unfortunately we cannot give you an exact time the driver will collect from you. We can sometimes give you an idea on whether it will be AM or PM.


Do I need to fill in any paperwork?

You will need to complete a Packing list, Shipping instructions and Insurance declaration. These documents are available in the documents section of our website.


My boxes have been collected, what happens next?

When your boxes get back to our warehouse, we will check weigh and measure them exactly. We will then be able to tell you exactly what your freight costs are. We will keep them in our warehouse with the other teachers boxes (going to the same school as you). The school will let us know when we should send everything.