Setting aside the vague category of “other housing reasons”, the top three reasons for moving  seem to be a new/nicer home, work related and family reasons.

See an interesting HuffPost infographic with more detail.

The terminals were undamaged by the Tsuami that hit on Dec. 22. The Port of Baneten is still closed.

Full Story

(World Maritime News)

Learn from the mistakes of the naughty Christmas elf as you and your loved ones celebrate the holiday season.

While the holidays are a characteristically joyous time of year, they can also be hazardous if simple safety precautions aren’t followed. Learn from the mistakes of the naughty Christmas elf as you and your loved ones celebrate the holiday season.

1. 1. Do not use electronics near water
   2. Never sleep with electronics under your pillow
   3. Keep batteries safely stored in their packaging they can be deadly if swallowed
   4. Do not leave space heaters unattended when in use
   5. Keep decorations at least 3 feet away from any open flame
   6. Never play with fire
   7. Do not run cords under carpets, rugs, furniture, or out of windows
   8. Do not overload outlets
   9. Sometimes less is more be careful not to over decorate
   10. Always turn off decorations when you’re sleeping or leaving your home
   11. Inspect all decorations and discard any that are damaged or worn
   12. Keep your natural Christmas tree hydrated and water it daily

(Source: United Van Lines)

During the opening ceremony of the 44th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ports Association meeting, Niam Chang Meng, Chairman of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, focused on the importance of technology and how it is changing the industry. “Technology is disrupting and transforming the way the port industry operates – we will see more port operations being automated and in the longer term, autonomous surface vessels; changes in the global operating environment with new regulatory requirements will also play a key role in determining our effectiveness. We must address these and other challenges if we want to be relevant and compete with the rest of the world,” said Meng.

Full Story

(World Maritime News)

1. Get Started Early & Hire a Pro: Hire a certified (like Crown) as early as possible and avoid driving an unfamiliar truck in icy conditions.
2. Keep your Walkways Free of Snow and Ice
3. Keep Warm: Dress in layers and a warm drink handy.
4. Make Sure Your Car is Ready for a Winter Trip
5. Keep Your Winter Supplies in the Car
6. Keep an Eye on the Weather
7. Protect Your Possessions and Home from the Elements

Full Story

(HuffPost by Andrey Grehov)

If you are moving and have pets we can help. We have over 40 years of experience helping people relocate with their pets. For more information on moving with pets click here.

This week at Crown we celebrated our love of canines with a Bring Your Dog to Work Day. Having dogs at work has proven to create happier and more productive work environments.

For more information on the benefits of dogs in the work place click here.

Hurricanes Michael and Florence have impacted the U.S. supply chain by shutting down ports for days and damaging infrastructure. While most of the impact is currently being felt in Florida its neighboring states, especially Georgia and North Carolina, have been impacted as well.

Full Story

(Supply Chain Dive)

It is s a good idea to pack a separate “Hot Box” of essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival in your new home. Crown packers or your customer service coordinator can supply you with specially marked Hot Box cartons or self adhesive Hot Box labels. If you’re packing yourself, simply request a Hot Box label from your Crown coordinator. You may wish to include the following:

KITCHEN: Cleaning supplies, hand soap and paper towels, paper plates, cups, napkins can & bottle opener, plastic cutlery, plastic wrap, zip-lock bags, aluminum foil, trash bags, ready-to-eat foods.

BATH: Toiletries, towels, facial and toilet tissue, medicines, first-aid kit.

BEDROOMS: Bed linens, pillows, change of clothing, children’s books and toys.

OTHER ROOMS: Hardware to assemble furniture, remote controls, light bulbs, portable radio or television, hand tools, reading material, flashlight.

The nearly two-week closure (due to Hurricane Florence) of the ports of Wilmington and Morehead City, North Carolina has ended. There is some lingering damage to be addressed, but ships have been arriving and most of the port is back to normal.

Full Story

(The Maritime Executive)

Category 4 Hurricane Florence is headed for the middle of the United States’ East Coast. A “State of Emergency” has already been declared in many East Coast States. It is likely to make landfall between South Carolina and North Carolina as a Category 3 on Thursday.

All commercial ports will to be closed in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina after the gates close this evening.

The Coast Guard Designation “X-Ray” (gale force winds are expected within 48 hours):
Port of Wilmington and North Carolina
Port of Charleston in North and South Carolina

The Coast Guard Designation “Whiskey” (gale force winds are expected within 72 hours):
Port of Norfolk
Port of Savannah

Full Story

(SupplyChainDive.com)