Brooklands International Freight Services
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
No – there are a wide range of cartons and boxes for all purposes available on the Internet. Self-Store warehouses also sell cartons, bubble wrap and tape to suit your specific requirements.
You should label the boxes with your name and then:
C/O: BROOKLANDS INTERNATIONAL,
AIRPORT HOUSE,
KINGS MILL LANE,
SOUTH NUTFIELD,
SURREY, RH1 5JY
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.
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.
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.
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.
You will need to complete a Packing list, Shipping instructions and Insurance declaration. These documents are available in the documents section of our website.
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.
Do you want to speak to us about our freight forwarding services? Get in touch with our team today.
