Summary: Great Experience
Just moved from London to New York (Connecticut really). I received several quotes from companies (both high end and mainstream), and they averaged around $7000 GBP door to door.
I hate paying more than normal rates for things. I hate that if you call up a florist or photographer and tell them you need them for some work it costs X, but then you mention the word wedding and it costs 3X. So, I know from experience that containers only cost a few thousand dollars to ship across the pond
(like $2k), and it just didn't make sense that our move would then suddenly cost $12k. Who pays that anyway? Corporations!
Since I was paying out of my pocket, I tried the obvious which is piecing together the move (remove the fat middle man) and called some commercial shipping companies. They seemed very professional, and they were in the ballpark (a little higher) than UPAK. However, it involved several companies, and so you always have some risk where it isn't one person responsible. The single reason I wasn't jumping all over UPAK was this old thread with some negative comments.
I don't know if I'm doing good or bad by replying here, since it keeps the thread alive... but it's also the first google entry when you search under upakweship.
Anyway, my experience was great. I was moving stuff that filled a 20 foot container. I probably spent $5500 total including hiring movers on both sides. We packed most of our personal things in the weeks running up to the move, but I admit that I underestimated the packing required on the front end, and I probably should have had movers there for at least a day (everyone quoted three days). As it is, it all worked out ok, and they were able to pack the stuff and get it in the truck on time.
I'm very glad I tried them, and would absolutely use and recommend them. I don't spend a lot of time writing reviews, but this is one where I spent so much time thinking about what was written in these pages, and the staff were so friendly and helpful (contrary to some reviews here ... given yes I know they are 5 years old).
The truck was sealed, and I was told the ship would sail about a week later. About a month after the goods left (maybe 5 weeks), they were sitting in front of me. The only thing I would mention, maybe this was written somewhere, not sure... When I asked the driver to open the doors he said I need to cut the customs pin (that we used to lock it). But he didn't have bolt cutters. Luckily I was at a storage place which had some... But that's the only hint I would give.. ask about that and make sure you have a cutter to unlock the container.
So bottom line is, the staff, Chris in UK and Stephanie in US, were super friendly, helpful, and everything was easy and smooth. I'm glad I tried them, and I hope I'm helping them and the rest of us by posting this experience.
