Tips and Best Practices for Agents

Welcome to our “Customs With Katy!” blog feature, where we focus on customs-related topics, brought to you by none other than Phillips’ very own Move Coordinator, Katy Duncan! This week, we delve into tips and best practices which moving agents should follow and adhere to in order to maintain a standard of excellence in their business:

If your transferee is a Canadian citizen moving southbound to the US, the timing of when they are physically cross the border is key to the entire moving process. Always remind Canadians that they must cross the border PRIOR to their shipment. And get confirmation that they understand this key point. Don’t forget! Canadian citizens heading southbound must supply you with their I-94 stamp. Canadian citizens do not receive this stamp until they physically cross into the US, however; this means they must give their I-94 stamp to you before the shipment crosses the border.

If the shipment contains anything motorized: scooter, motorcycle, automobile, ATV, etc. – don’t forget to make a comment in the “remark section” to indicate a bulky item. It is also equally important to list canoes, kayaks, or any other large items that could cause an overflow. Never leave bulky items behind for an overflow. They are extremely difficult to handle and cause headaches!

Inventories for shipments to and from Canada must show general contents of each box. The line item cannot simply show PBO. This is a red flag for border personnel and could slow you down at the border, costing you valuable time and money.

For additional customs tips, we recommend that you routinely check our bi-weekly news updates.

Until next time, stay safe and stay customs compliant!

(*This week’s customs tips are brought to you by northAmerican Moving Services.)