Customs and 'Pack it Yourself'?

The first moving company we consulted is insisting that they unpack and re-pack what I have already done - this drives me crazy!!!   

But is this common?  Is it for insurance?   How can I avoid this?
thanks

I did not use a moving company--shipped of my stuff via post office, took the rest on the plane and left the rest with family--but it sounds like it is for insurance. They don't want to be liable for possible damages caused by you not packing things properly. Part of their job is to make sure everything is packed well so it doesn't break.

found a company that wouldn't repack everything - and much cheaper. 

Omega/Mayflower didn't insist on repacking my boxes (though they did pack my furniture and did a fantastic job of it).

The first moving company we consulted is insisting that they unpack and re-pack what I have already done - this drives me crazy!!!   

But is this common?  Is it for insurance?   How can I avoid this?
thanks

I had a bunch of boxes still sealed from a previous move. When my moving company packed me up for my move to the UK they insisted on repacking these already packed boxes. They said it was the law.

 I guess that would make sense because if you packed it yourself, they are still liable for it since they are the shippers, and they want to make sure nothing  illegal is in the boxes ....  ???maybe

;
My shipping company did not re pack me.. he got  there  saw that it was sealed..  had me sign something that   said it  was  already packed when he got there..  was never opened again  until by me..  months later

yeah, not sure about the 'law' requriing the re-packing.

found a company that wouldn't repack everything - and much cheaper. 

Hi Grant. So who are you going with?? I have gone round and round with shippers and I leave here in six weeks. What a nightmare!!!

I went with nationwide - you can check some of my other posts for there info - I think their website is movingcost.com
I first dealt with Jay Raddin - but then have had Michael Anthony taking over as - quality assurance - or something like that. 

I find Michael much more compent.

they pick up tomorrow morning!!!  I'm so nervous, as we can't be there (I'm in NY , partner is in UK).  So we have our neighbor there.
yikes,
cross your fingers for us ;-)
and I will do the same for you.
-Grant

I think it's not so much "the law" as it is an insurance and liability issue for the movers.  Omega knew ahead of time that I would be packing my boxes and John never questioned it.

Although I had packed my boxes myself I had an excruciatingly detailed list typed up of what was in each box, plus if I recall rightly I did sign something saying I'd packed the boxes myself.

SIKE!  This company is a SCAM - I'm so worried/scared/pissed as hell.

see http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=17651.new#new
for the links to this company

Their are two issues at hand here. One has been stated several times.... insurance and liability.  The other is the certification of the packing list which will be a customs document.  If you pack ALL of your boxes, you will be required to create a packing list or fill in a customs form.  If they pack the boxes then they will create the packing list and if they don't pack it...... they can't certify it.