Bringing the world to youGet more info For more information, call Bermuda Worldwide Shipping Ltd./BDA Express at 292-9649.

Shipping can be as large scale as moving the complete furnishings of a household or as compact as bundling a single crate with other goods. Depending upon the wants and needs of the individual doing the importing or exporting, transport can be arranged for by sea freight, airfreight or courier.

Many companies provide these services, but according to Steve Sousa, general manager of Bermuda Worldwide Shipping Ltd. (BWS), his company differs.

Bermuda Worldwide and its associated BDA Express division, a small package service from the U.S., want their clients to see that.

“We would like our customers to notice and remember… that we care enough to listen, react and deliver on the promise to give a service they are willing to pay hard-earned money for,” Mr. Sousa said.

Specializes

He noted that BWS specializes in relocations onto or away from the island. He also said that, in today’s competitive market, comparable rates and charges apply, with no add-ons to expedite the offered services.

“[Costs] are calculated on either the size and/or weight of the shipments,” Mr. Sousa said. “Sea freight will use the size or volume of a shipment, while air, courier and BDA Express will take into consideration the size and weight of the shipment. All air carriers will take whichever is greater, the actual weight or the volumetric weight.”

An individual will likely have a full container load in the transfer of a household and, perhaps, a less than container load in the shipment of a living room suite.

Consolidations of goods purchased from several different overseas suppliers would help reduce costs, according to the general manager, if the customer has less than a full load and has provided BWS with the appropriate import or export documentation.

Mr. Sousa said airfreight is also an option for both commercial goods and personal effects.

He added:  “If the convenience of speed is necessary, we can export just about anything via our courier service.”

Mr. Sousa underlined the importance of customers e-mailing or faxing invoices to the BWS office for all goods, immediately upon purchase or order from abroad.

Timely

“This will allow us to make sure goods have arrived in a timely fashion,” he said.

Timelines differ according to point of origin. Sea freight from the U.S. to Bermuda takes about two-weeks, while shipments originating in the U.K. or Canada connect through the U.S. and therefore take longer to arrive. Airfreight coming in from any of the three can be expected within three to five days.

And while invoice provision determines delivery schedules, Mr. Sousa advised that small packages coming through BDA Express generally arrive within 48 hours of receipt at its New Jersey facility.

The shipping sequence is relatively easy. It involves first contact inquiry; survey of intended shipment; cost estimate; client’s approval; special custom crating, for example, for antiques, pianos or statues; packing schedule; documentation and shipping.

“As we are a smaller company… we rely on our personalized and professional service with a commitment to treat all shipments and situations with equal attention.”

Incoming air shipments arrive daily and sea shipments weekly. Outgoing airfreight may be dispatched within 24 hours, while sea freight is determined by sailing schedules.

“Depending on the nature of the customer’s shipment, the timing of the initial call to us and the amount of preparation required will also determine the departure schedule.”

He noted that BDA Express service customers could collect their packages from one of two locations.

The company’s office at 104 Reid Street is open weekdays from 8:30am till 6pm. Customers holding a prepayment option can pick up their packages from Sound Stage in the Washington Mall, Monday through Saturday between 9am and 5pm.