FAQ

Are there packaging requirements?
MFS Freight Services is a freight carrier, not a blanket-wrap or household goods carrier. Shipments will be loaded around other cartons, crates and palletized shipments. It is our policy to only accept properly packaged freight, properly packaged for ocean transport. Contents should be protected to prevent damage from normal freight handling practices. Inner packaging should include, but not be limited to, Styrofoam protectors on all edges and plastic or other material to prevent rubbing or scraping within the carton. Shippers should consult the National Motor Freight Classification guidelines for packaging requirements. If shipping glass, see our requirements further below.

MFS Freight Services handles shipments of all sorts of materials. Some of them require special handling or packaging and have limited insurance values. MFS Freight Services will always take the most care in handling your shipment, but it is always the responsibility of the person shipping items to ensure they are packaged properly to protect from damage. Here are some specific guidelines and limitations.
It is important to note that the ocean carriers serving Hawaii participate in the “Carriage of Goods by Sea Act”. This Act, which all ocean carriers participate in, strictly limits their liability for loss or damage to $500 ($1000 in certain cases).

Please understand that properly packaging your freight for shipment over land and via ocean is critical to ensure that it reaches its destination undamaged. Generally, freight packaging must protect against mechanical shock, vibration, abrasion, compression, temperature, relative humidity, and water. Packaging plays a significant role if there is a claim for damage.

One independent resource for minimum packaging requirements is the NMFC. The NMFC specifies minimum packaging requirements to ensure that goods are adequately protected and can be handled and stowed in a manner that is reasonably safe and practical. Will the packaging requirements as specified in the NMFC eliminate all damage? No, it will not. The rules specified however are generally accepted excellent and reasonable guides to minimize risk of damage and assess responsibility.

MFS Freight Services may offer insurance for more value if the amount is stated on the Bill of Lading and specifically requested. The coverage should not be assumed unless Ocean Insurance is very clearly stated. There is a fee charged for the service.

Glass and slab (such as stone, marble, granite) are fragile and in large quantities are heavy, easy to tip, and dangerous to handle. With glass or slab, our liability is limited to $.50 per pound. Due to the nature of these shipments, we require that you follow the packing guidelines posted here.

MFS does handle shipments of glass and slab stone. Glass and slab shipments are very fragile, and in large quantities are heavy, easy to tip, and very dangerous to handle. When glass or slab is shipped in a standard crate. We will only accept a maximum of 300 lbs. per piece.
• Shipment exceeding 300 lbs. each crate must have bracing or be on an A-frame.
• For crates weighing 300-1500 lbs. the bracing or A-frame must have a base width that is at least 33% of height.
• Between 1500-3000 lbs. the base width must be 50% of the height.
• 3000 lbs. is the most weight on a single crate of glass or slab we will handle.
• We have a maximum release value of $0.50 per lb.
• We recognize that the A-frame on the crate adds to the total dimensions and can add to the cost of the shipment. We help mitigate that by measuring only part of the width – see next page for explanation

Personal effects
Shipments from or to an individual or consumer (non-business). They have many different items and products mixed in a shipment, and are often used items. These shipments are deemed by us to be used and we are not aware of the actual condition or contents within the packaging or the manner in which they are packed.
Packaging care must be taken by the originator to minimize damage from handling, temperature and weather. Our liability is limited to $.10 per pound.

New furniture is packaged from the manufacturer. It should be well protected, in boxes or crates, and clearly marked with any orientation requirements. Bagged furniture must be double wrapped with plastic sheet and cardboard protectors on corners at a minimum. Our liability on new furniture is limited to $5.00 per pound. Used furniture is considered the same as personal effects, noted above.

Eastbound shipments from Kauai, Hawaii or Maui will likely move to Oahu on barge. The items must be well protected from weather, especially water damage. It is the responsibility of the person shipping the items to make sure their freight is adequately protected.

MFS Freight Services is not insured to handle shipments of high value such as artwork and statues, coins, collectibles, etc. For more details on packaging and values.

Please see our value limit page here. Limitations on Released Value or Insurance

MFS Freight Services Forwarders is not insured to handle shipments of high value, such as (but not limited to) artwork, statues, coins, collectibles, jewelry, etc.

The absolute maximum value allowed when cargo is in MFS Freight Services possession is $20.00 per pound.

The following is a list of specific commodities and restrictions. This list contains the more common types of shipments. If you are shipping something of high value, there may be other restrictions and you should contact your nearest office or account manager for information.

Used Product – Anything you are shipping that is used such as items purchased on eBay, Craigslist, or used motors/engines, etc. has a maximum value of $0.10 per pound.

HVAC commodities are limited to $5.00 per pound.

Shipments moving on a carrier’s bill other than MFS Freight Services Forwarders are subject to that carrier’s maximum value, in no case greater than $10.00 per pound unless agreed to in writing.

If insurance is required for freight above MFS Freight Services Forwarders or a partner carrier’s maximum covered value, you have options. There are many third-party insurance companies that can provide this coverage. It may be available from your own insurance company as Goods in Transit coverage. MFS Freight Services offers excess coverage for specific commodities. Please inquire for the cost of having MFS Freight Services provide this coverage.