What is Household Goods in Shipping Terms?

Shipping household goods is an essential aspect of relocation for many individuals and families worldwide. When making arrangements to ship household possessions from one home to another, it is helpful to understand industry terminology and concepts clearly.

One key term seen frequently in household goods shipping is “HHG”, which stands for household goods.

This post will take a comprehensive look at what HHG means in shipping terms, examine the types of items that fall under this classification, explore the regulations and processes involved, and provide valuable tips for cost-effective HHG shipping.

Definition of Household Goods in Shipping Terms

In household shipping, household goods (or HHG) refers to personal property and possessions typically found inside one's home.

This includes furniture, appliances, kitchenware, linens, clothing, electronics, books, tools, and other miscellaneous items required for daily living.

The term "household goods" relates explicitly to property owned by an individual shipper and used in their private residence instead of commercial goods.

While it can include various items, the key is that HHG is typically non-commercial, personally owned items used to furnish one's home and sustain daily life.

What is an individual shipper?

When household goods are shipped by an individual or family rather than a business, they are classified as an individual or personal shipment.

Unlike commercial shipments, which involve relocating company property or goods for resale, individual shippers move residential possessions from one living space to another.

The rules and policies governing household goods apply specifically to shipments made by individuals and families, not corporations or businesses.

Types of Household Goods

Many everyday items fall under the HHG classification in shipping. Some of the main categories of goods considered as part of a household shipment include:

• Furniture - Beds, sofas, tables, chairs, desks, dressers, entertainment centers, etc.
• Appliances - Refrigerators, stoves, washers/dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, etc.
• Kitchen items - Cookware, dishes, glasses, flatware, small appliances, etc.
• Bedding and linens - Sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, mattress pads, etc.
• Electronics - Televisions, computers, laptops, phones, gaming systems, stereos, etc.
• Clothing - All clothing, shoes, and personal effects.
• Books and documents - Personal libraries, photo albums, essential files, and papers.
• Tools and equipment - Power tools, ladders, toolboxes, yard equipment, etc.
• Hobby/sports items - Equipment for fishing, camping, crafts, exercise, etc.
• Home décor - Curtains, rugs, lamps, mirrors, artwork, accessories etc.

Items that may not be considered as household goods

While many personal belongings are household goods, some items may require special handling or paperwork and thus may not be regarded as standard HHG.

Examples include:

• Liquids - Due to safety regulations, most liquid household items like cleaning products, paints, or gasoline cannot be shipped as air/ocean HHG.
• Firearms - Weapons require specific import/export permits and extra documentation for shipping.
• Valuables - Items like artwork, antiques, collectibles, or expensive jewelry may have higher declared value limits.
• Perishables - Food items cannot be shipped as part of standard HHG due to health and customs concerns.
• Plants/animals - Live specimens usually need separate paperwork, permits, and specialized climate-controlled transport.

Regulations Governing the Shipping of Household Goods

When individuals and families ship HHG internationally or domestically, various governmental and industry organizations have rules in place. On an international level, customs authorities regulate the import/export of goods.

Additionally:

• The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) oversees ocean shipping to/from the US.
• The Surface Transportation Board regulates truck and rail domestic transport.
• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets trucking safety standards.

Internationally, regulatory bodies may include customs agencies and foreign equivalents of organizations like the FMC.

For cross-border moves within regions like the EU, special free-trade rules may apply to the shipping of household shipments.

Roles of different regulatory bodies

These agencies establish policies to protect consumers, facilitate trade, and maintain safety/security standards. Some critical areas regulated include:

• Liability coverage requirements for loss/damage of goods.
• Rate transparency and protection from predatory pricing.
• Ensuring secure and legal transportation of goods across borders.
• Compliance with import/export rules on restricted/regulated items.
• Documentation requirements such as packing lists and condition reports.
• Establishing qualifications for household goods carriers and movers.

Liability of movers and shippers

Household goods carriers are generally liable for any loss or damage to a shipment while in their custody up to a specific dollar limit set by regulation or contract terms.

For international shipments to/from the US, this limit is typically $6.25 per pound. Domestic moves within the US have a minimum liability of 60 cents per pound. Shippers can declare a higher value and pay extra for additional coverage if desired.

The Shipping Process of Household Goods

Relocating household goods typically involves several steps:

• Booking and Planning: Contact moving companies for estimates and book loading/delivery dates.
• Inventory and Packing: Itemize all contents and pack securely using appropriate materials.
• Crating Valuables: Very fragile/expensive items packed professionally into crates.
• Load Day: Movers inventory contents again, load goods onto a truck—and seal the vehicle before transit.
• Transport: Household items transported by truck/rail domestically or via ocean container internationally.
• Delivery: Upon arrival, the new location was inspected, and items were unloaded. Inventory checked.
• Claims: Report any lost/damaged items within time limits specified by regulations/contracts.

The importance of inventory management and verification

Proper documentation is crucial, as carriers/movers use inventories to determine liability in case of loss or damage.

Photos can also help prove the condition. Shippers should keep an itemized list, including quantities, brief descriptions of goods, and estimated values.

Lists should be shared with movers, and verifications should be made at pickup and delivery. This verification holds movers accountable if things go missing during transport.

Packaging requirements for household goods

Proper materials and techniques are needed to protect possessions during shipment. Boxes should be sturdy, securely sealed, and sized appropriately - not overfilled.

Large/heavy items like blankets, stretch film, or shrink wrap need protective wrapping. Very fragile things are often double-boxed or packed in custom foam. Tapes used must fully adhere without peeling.

Specialist techniques may include crating, padding, or racks for certain goods. Sealing correctly minimizes the risk of damage en route.

Costs Associated with Shipping Household Goods

The price for transporting household goods depends on several factors, including distance, weight, volume, unique packaging needs, and type of move (overseas vs. domestic).

Most companies charge based on estimated cubic feet or pounds. Other rate factors include:

• Linehaul Charges: Distance-based costs for the transport portion of the move. Higher for interstate/international distances.
• Fuel Surcharges: Variable add-on costs passed to customers due to fluctuating gas prices.
• Pickup/Delivery Fees: Fixed costs for labor and equipment for loading/unloading stops.
• Valuation Fees: Cost for optional declared value coverage above fundamental liability limits.
• Accessorial Charges: Fees for services like debris hauling, elevator use, and limited-access locations.
• Taxes: Possible duties/tariffs depending on import/export origin/destination.

Factors that can influence the cost of shipping

Some things impacting the budget include season (summer is pricier), the volume of goods, flight vs. ocean/ground transport, type of service level needed, valuation requirements, and market conditions.

Additional stops, residence locations, and special packaging/storage can all raise costs. Give accurate inventory details for the most accurate quotes.

Tips on how to choose a cost-effective shipping method and company Research multiple carriers, compare detailed quotes, and read reviews.

Consider consolidating boxes or selling bulky items. Schedule moves to avoid holidays for better rates.

Ask about discounts for military or student status. Weigh options like riding with movers in truck cabs or storing goods short-term. Verify claims processes upfront.

Negotiate and look for promotions like waived deposits or valuation fees for booking early. Carefully check contracts and confirm estimates in writing before move day. With planning, customers can keep relocation costs reasonable.

Key Takeaways

Having a solid grasp of what household goods refer to in the shipment context is essential for anyone preparing to relocate.

Understanding key terms, regulations, and documentation requirements helps establish reasonable expectations and minimize risks. With adequate preparation, research, and utilization of available resources, shippers can feel informed to transport their domestic or international household possessions.

Exploring options and getting competitive estimates lets budget-minded individuals make cost-effective choices.

Overall, approaching the household goods shipping process with insight and planning helps ensure safe delivery of your goods. Are you planning a long distance move? Let A1 Auto Transport handle your household goods shipping needs. We specialize in home relocation services across the country and overseas. Get a free quote.