Ruby International Consultants is a woman owned international relocation company specializing in relocating families and individuals worldwide from and to the United States. With 30 years of experience, we are well versed in the most efficient and cost-effective transportation methods. We understand how stressful it may be moving, let alone moving to another country where customs, language and mentalities may differ to those we are accustomed to. Hence, our number one priority are our clients and providing the most seamless and stress-free experience while your possessions are in our possession. We have learned from experience that not everything may go as perfect as we intend, however, communicating with our clients and keeping you updated is a major key to a successful move. We like to consider ourselves a “concierge style” service. We respond to clients’ emails within an hour or less of receipt and always answer our phones. We provide consulting pertaining to destination customs requirements to ensure you are aware of your document responsibilities abroad. We only align ourselves with quality partners door to door well versed in providing the highest quality of packing services to insure your goods arrive in the condition they have left your hands. We ensure the smoothest clearance process and expedited delivery to avoid additional port and storage charges. Since ocean freight transportation has experienced delays and last-minute schedule changes in the last 18 months due to “global supply chain shortages”, we offer very competitive air freight options as well which allows you to receive more urgent packages within 3-7 days of shipping. Ruby International Consultants is fully insured, licensed, and bonded with the Federal Maritime Commission and the US DOT and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Whether you require a full service move or just need to move a few boxes door to door, please reach out to us for a quote.Read more
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From the very beginning of our communication, we were transparent about the possibility of last-minute schedule changes due to steamship line schedule updates through the process. This is unfortunately a standard disclaimer in international shipping and happen quite frequently and we discussed it with you prior to booking, both verbally (throughout numerous calls) as well as written communication outlining the costs of these potential delays. In fact, your signed agreement explicitly outlines the potential for such changes, and the associated holding costs if they occur.
Unfortunately, your shipment was affected by one such last-minute steamship line schedule change. As soon as we were informed, we notified you in writing with proof of the date and tim e the notification was received by our office where you acknowledged receipt in writing. This was not as a delay tactic, but simply because that’s when the schedule update was relayed to us by the carrier. At that time, we reminded you of the cost implications, as per the agreement.
At one point to remind you Mr. H, you not only acknowledged verbally the possibility of these additional costs however, even mentioned that you preferred to cover these costs if incurred rather than put your family, including young children, through the inconvenience of a delayed departure or hotel stay. We worked closely with you through over 10 emails back and forth with the ocean freight carrier and yourself to accommodate your preferred loading window.
Once your container was loaded and placed on a chassis (which was prior to receipt of the delay notification by the carrier), it had to remain secured until its scheduled return to the port. Removing the container early or storing it off-chassis is not a permissible option. Containers are placed on a chassis by the local port/rail/port authority workers and removed from the chassis once delivered back to the rail and/or port by the port/rail/port authority workers using heavy equipment.
Regarding the invoice: The additional $2,100 reflected the exact total of daily charges outlined and quoted to you. We never "threatened" you—rather, we explained that as per our clearly stated payment terms, we could not allow the shipment to depart the U.S. without full payment. This is standard industry practice to ensure all costs are settled before release. This was explained when you advised you were not going to pay the charges.
We understand the stress involved in international relocations, especially with a young family, and we did everything in our power to keep you informed and supported throughout the process. The UK agent you praised is part of our trusted global network, and we're glad their service met your expectations.
Posting a 1-star review due to your frustration of having to pay for additional charges associated with delays in which you were advised and aware of possibly occurring in advance of proceeding is unethical and misrepresents the situation. Posting your 1-star review was solely done to try to hinder our excellent reputation. Ruby International did not cause the delay, did not profit from it, and on the contrary spent significant time and resources managing the outcome of these steamship line delays.
We stand by the accuracy of our process, detailed communication throughout the process and documentation and wish you and your family the best in your new home.Read more