Message from the Claims Desk 8.22.17

stewartms • August 22, 2017
Table of Contents +

Good Morning Stewart Family,

Last night President Donald Trump addressed the nation as well as 2,000 service members at Fort Myer Army Base in Arlington, VA.  He vowed that the US will “fight to win” the war in Afghanistan, and stated that he would be applying a different strategy to resolve the conflict. Our President plans to send 4,000 more troops into the conflict, as well as promised to crack down on Pakistan’s harboring of terrorist and militant groups. So as our troops deploy overseas, let’s ensure that their household’s goods are protected so they can concentrate on winning this war.

This week I would like to talk about loading international shipments into liftvans. We all know that these shipments must be loaded for maximum density, but we also have to ensure that the customer’s items are properly protected as well. This means we are using laydown wardrobes, taking many more things apart, as well as leaving the drawers full.

One of the biggest issues that I see is when our crews leave too much weight in drawers and they break because of it. The breakage occurs because of heavier items in the drawers, such as books or heavy glassware. Leaving clothes/linen in drawers is acceptable, but these other items must be packed separately. Keep in mind we are talking about the space that these objects occupy, so replacing the heavier with the lighter items will not affect your density.

Keep in mind that these ships travel across the seas and are stacked many stories high, so even the slightest movement at sea level creates a much larger one the higher up. To account for all of this excessive movement, furniture should be double if not triple padded.

So keep that density up, take the heavy items out of the drawers, and ensure that each item is protected against the harsh sea movements.

Cheers

Robert Wright

You might also like

Moving to New State Alone in 2026: Must-know Tips

The Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben rise above the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Bridge along the River Thames.
March 23, 2026
Not sure how to choose an international moving company? Learn what to look for—credentials, shipping options, hidden costs, and the right questions to ask.
A military service member in uniform sits on a couch, embracing a person and a child who are smiling at them.
March 20, 2026
Deciding between a DITY move vs. government move means either keeping the profit by doing it yourself or having the move coordinated for you.
Interior of a storage facility with rows of orange storage units, a long hallway, and overhead lighting.
March 9, 2026
Comparing self storage vs. full-service storage? Learn the key differences and how to choose the best storage solution for your needs.