There are several options available to you if you are considering shipping your effects overseas:

Ocean Freight
Whether you are shipping an entire household or simply a few key items, we can offer you a cost effective sea freight service to many international destinations. With the majority of the vessels departing each week, we will ensure that your effects are loaded shortly after collection and completion of the customs documentation procedures needed in Kenya.

Full Container Load (sole use container)
Your effects will be loaded into a metal container and sealed at your residence. The container will be delivered directly to the port without the needs for further handling. Transit times are faster as there are no other delays in waiting for freight to fill the container.

Groupage Shipments (shared use container)
If you are taking less than a full house, we can for some locations offer space in a container that is effectively shared with other customers going to the same destination. This is a cost effective method of shipment but transit times can be longer as there is a period of consolidation prior to dispatch.

LCL – Less than Container Load Consignments
This method is used when there is an insufficient cargo to justify the use of an entire container, and a fast transit time is required. Shipping companies and freight consolidators provide this service by consolidating freight from different shippers to a common destination into container loads. Your goods will be cased (placed into a woodend crate) to ensure maximum protection during transit. This method is more expensive than groupage service because of the additional casing and higher freight costs.

Airfreight
For those items you may require quickly, airfreight offers a faster transit time and is an excellent option. Many people elect to take ‘survival’ shipments of their personal belongings.

Airfreight is generally more expensive than sea freight but there are situations where even entire households may prove to be more economical to be forwarded by air. The charge for airfreight is dependant on the weight and volume of your effects.

We can arrange for shipment to locations all over the world and with many flights leaving Jomo Kenyatta International Airport every day we can ensure you of an efficient service.

Upon contacting Mitchell Cotts, a member of our staff will visit your home to undertake a pre pack survey of the household and personal effects that you wish to ship to your foreign destination.

He/She will establish what you are taking and provide advice and guidance on your destination. They will also discuss with you the various transport and storage options depending on your particular needs. A written quotation will then be forwarded to you for acceptance and approval. We recommend that you arrange for a survey to be carried out at least 4-6weeks in advance of your move date.

The pre pack survey is completely free of charge and does not put you under any kind of obligation.

The pre pack survey will us a better idea of:

• The volume to be shipped
• Where the shipment is going to (destination)
• o discuss the various shipping methods, including approximate transit times
• To tell you about the documentation that will be required for the customs clearance of your shipment from Kenya
• To discuss any questions you may have concerning your upcoming move
• It is important that all goods to be shipped are clearly pointed out to the surveyor. This is especially important in determining your costs as well as any special packing or crating requirements, which may be necessary.

As the quotation is primarily based on the volume of the goods to be shipped, it is advisable to eliminate as many unnecessary items as possible. Often the cost of shipping these goods does not make economic sense.

Once we have completed the pre pack survey, you will be issued with a written quotation. All costs will be clearly demarcated as well as the services you will receive from us in return. If you accept our quotation, you will be required to sign our quotation acceptance form. This will form the basis of the contractual obligation between yourselves and Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya Limited.

Kenya customs will require the following documentation from you prior to dispatch of your consignment:

For Household effects
An Itemised and valued packing list
A copy of your Income Tax Pin Certificate (PIN)
A letter from your organization to Kenya customs advising that you are leaving

For Motor vehicles (used)
A copy of your Income Tax Pin Certificate (PIN)
Original certificate of ownership of the motor vehicle
Original certificate of valuation from the Authorised dealer or Automobile Association of Kenya (A.A)

Yes, you can also ship you car in a steel container on its own The car would be driven into the container at our depot where it would be lashed and secured to ensure a safe transit.

We will gladly move your goods into our warehouse and store these until you give instructions that you are ready to receive them in your new country

We strongly advise you to insure your goods.

Once the container has been loaded, and all customs formalities completed, Mitchell Cotts will arrange for the container to be taken to the port, loaded on a vessel and shipped to your new country. A total move management service from origin to destination will be provided to ease your transition to your new home overseas.

Prior to you receiving your goods, we will advise you of the destination agents who will in turn contact you to finalize the formalities regarding receiving your goods.

The destination agents will also arrange for customs formalities as well as the unpacking of the container and the goods to be delivered into your new home.