Business is booming as people leave Bermuda

With Bermuda’s economy slowing, a large number of foreign workers are leaving the island.

Popular destinations for household good shipments include the United States, Canada, and the U.K.

“We’re enjoying the increase in business,” said George Butterfield, who is responsible for Sales and Marketing at Meyer Freight, “but the trend is disturbing. More people leaving Bermuda means fewer imports down the road.”

Meyer Freight is part of the Meyer Group of Companies. Incorporated in 1876, Meyer has been active in Bermuda shipping for over 125 years.

Many departing workers have been in Bermuda long enough to have collected numerous possessions. Now ready to repatriate, they are keen to bring their belongings with them. However, there are pitfalls.

Mr. Butterfield cautioned: “Whether it is going to Toronto or South Africa, it has to pass through U.S. Customs first. We generally recommend that you engage a professional freight forwarder.

“There are a number of first rate companies in Bermuda that will provide assistance for the inexperienced shipper.”

One area often overlooked when moving goods overseas are the prohibitions against foodstuffs, plants and foreign soil.

“Foreign soil is a problem. We’ve seen cases where containers were selected for inspection because they held used plant pots. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extremely sensitive to plants, seeds or soil, and the inclusion of these items will almost guarantee an inspection.”

Choices

There are two basic approaches to shipping goods off the island, full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). A shipping container is 20-feet long, eight-feet wide and eight-and-a-half-feet high. If you have enough goods to fill a container, than FCL shipping is for you, and an empty container can be delivered right to your door. For smaller shipments, you will want to choose a freight forwarder to ship your goods for you. Depending on your needs, there are advantages to either approach.

If it sounds a little complicated, your first order of business is to pay a call on Meyer Freight to discuss your plans. We understand that moving your home can be very stressful, and are ready to help you through the process. Our professional staff here can give you the best rates, and straightforward information to help you determine the right course of action.

Meyer Freight has a very active office in Hamilton where importers collect or are emailed documents for one of the two cargo ships arriving each week, the M/V Bermuda Islander, out of New Jersey, and the M/V Somers Isles, out of Florida. Mr. Butterfield said: “We’re happy when we’re busy. These ships are bringing cargo to Bermuda from around the globe!”

He pointed out that they can carry cargo from Bermuda to  any major port around the world.

“We have agreements with larger shipping companies to carry our containers to the farthest points of the globe, and the best part is that a customer can walk into our office and deal directly with us, without having to contact a shipping company in a foreign country. What we really provide here is service. The ships and the stevedores move your freight, we add value by making it all easy for you.”