Dear Gary
My Wife and I recently relocated ourselves and our business to the United States, specifically Florida. We made use of Burke Brothers Moving Group for our shipping requirements for our move in October 2008. We chose the company based on previous experience moving pianos and organs for us, their reputation/licences/professional body membership and their willingness to ensure a competitive but realistic price.
We used a 40′ container with part wrapping/packing of our household goods – in particular the large and expensive furniture items and framed paintings. We also used some packing materials supplied by Burke Bros.
Burke Bros had to remain flexible with their dates reliant on issuance of our Immigration Visa which they managed superbly. They kept in good contact, arrived promptly and were able to complete the loading in time to catch the earliest launch date (which I believe was on the same day).
The packing and container loading took place over a 2-day period. The staff were professional and careful, showing a great deal of respect for our belongings and packing in such a way as to minimise the container space required while ensuring protection of individual items. This allowed us to bring more of our store inventory than we were expecting, thereby making the move more cost effective from our point of view.
All necessary paperwork for customs etc was completed competently and no customs delays were experienced. A fairly small additional charge was levied by customs for X-ray of the container Burke Brothers informed us that a customs check was likely as a UK national moving to the USA but the clarity and accuracy of their paperwork stopped us from incurring a much more expensive physical check (with high risk of damage) which several other people we have spoken to experienced.
There was some concern that closing on our US house might have delayed us taking receipt of the container. In the event, this was not the case – but Burke Brothers were happy to work with us had short term storage been required.
Unloading/unpacking by the company in the USA contracted by Burke Brothers (Coco Movers) was equally prompt, careful and professional. Although we did not require it – the staff were willing to assemble some items of furniture, unwrap delicate items, hang paintings and even load the dishwasher!.
The container had been loaded so well that no shifting of the load had occurred. There was nothing broken or damaged, including fragile glassware/ornaments, a glass table, glass fronted furniture, mirrors etc.
Since arriving in the USA, we have spoken to a number of people who have made similar moves from the UK with other companies. Without exception they have been scathing of the service they have been given, particularly in the areas of delays, breakages and resolving problems. We experienced none of these things with Burke Brothers and I have no hesitation in recommending their services based on our personal experience.
Kind regards
Steve
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