Vote For Quality Move Management’s “Best Restaurant of Vancouver” Social Media Contest & Win!

Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of our “2012 Best Restaurant of Vancouver” Facebook contest. We have picked some of the best restaurants in Vancouver for customers and fans to vote on starting today through May 18.  The winning restaurant will be awarded its inaugural title and one voter will be randomly picked to win a $150 gift certificate at the winning restaurant.

We selected the following 10 Vancouver based restaurants based on several factors including reputation, food category, local buzz and individual awards.

• Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie
• Blue Water Café + Raw Bar
• Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar
• Lift Bar Grill View Restaurant
• Lupo Restaurant + Vinoteca
• La Terrazza
• ORU Cuisine
• Provence Marinade
• Simply Thai
• Q4 Ristorante

The contest runs from Monday, May 7th to Friday May 18th at midnight PST.

Here’s how you can participate:

1. Become a fan of the QMM Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/QMMVancouverAllied
2. Click on the “Best Restaurant” tab.
3. Vote for your favorite restaurant
   1. Note: Each valid Facebook Profile can vote each day during the promotion. So log-in and vote every day!
4. The winning restaurant and individual winner will be announced the week of May 21, 2012.  Promotion details and rules can be found on the Facebook fan page.

Once you vote, make sure you get your friends and other fans of the restaurants to vote too!  Every vote helps!

Quality Move Management Inc. has offices and warehouses in Vancouver,Calgary and Edmonton and specializes in corporate moving services as well as local, long-distance consumer and cross-border moving. For more information about Quality Move Management, visit http://www.QMM.com.

Allied Van Lines Announces 2011 Agent Awards

Vancouver-Based Quality Move Management Earns Two Top Awards

Allied Van Lines Inc., one of the world’s largest moving companies and a subsidiary of SIRVA Inc., announced that Quality Move Management Inc. received two top awards at its US Operations Conference held in Lombard, IL.  The Canadian-based firm was named the 2011 Cross Border Agent of the Year, and was also recognized as the 2011 Safety Agent of the Year.

For the fifth year in a row, Quality Move Management earned the prestigious Allied Cross Border Agent of the Year award, which recognizes the agency with the highest volume of US-Canada cross-border tonnage, among more than 400 Allied Van Lines agents in North America.  Hauling over 6.5 million pounds across the border in 2011, up 20% from 2010 levels, QMM achieved a quality score of 4.63 (out of a possible 5.0), placing them in the “Excellent” category of agents.

“Once again, Quality Move Management continues to set the standard for our cross border agents,” said Bill Lyon, Vice President and General Manager of Allied Van Lines.  “Being recognized multiple times for both awards is indicative of a culture that can successfully perform at the highest level.”

“Even though we moved the equivalent of 300 truckloads across the border in 2011, our goal was do it safely and securely,” said Quality Move Management President & CEO Kevin St. George.  “Winning these awards multiple years is a testament not only to the quality of our leadership but also to everyone on our team who contributed with their passion for excellence.”

Quality Move Management Inc. has offices and warehouses in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and specializes in corporate moving services as well as local and long-distance consumer moving. For more information about Quality Move Management, visit www.QMM.com.

For additional information, please contact Shelby Slater by e-mail at sslater@qmm.com or by phone at 604-523-3752.

About Allied Van Lines

Established in 1928, Allied Van Lines, with more than 400 agent locations in North America, is an experienced leader in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is one of the world’s largest moving companies and one of the established global brands of SIRVA, Inc., a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers and governments around the world. For more information about Allied Van Lines, visit www.allied.com. Allied Van Lines, Inc., U.S. DOT No. 076235

About SIRVA, Inc.

SIRVA, Inc. is a leading provider of relocation solutions to a well-established and diverse customer base around the world. The Company handles all aspects of relocation, including home purchase and home sale services, household goods moving, mortgage services, and home closing and settlement services. SIRVA conducts more than 300,000 relocations per year, transferring corporate and government employees in addition to individual consumers. SIRVA’s well-recognized brands include Allied, Allied International, Allied Pickfords, Allied Special Products, DJK Residential, Global, northAmerican, northAmerican International, SIRVA Mortgage, SIRVA Move Management, SIRVA Relocation and SIRVA Settlement. More information about SIRVA can be found on the Company’s Web site at http://www.sirva.com.

Allied Van Lines Announces 2011 Canadian Agent of the Year Award

Allied Van Lines Inc., one of the world’s largest moving companies and a subsidiary of SIRVA Inc., announced that Quality Move Management Inc. (QMM) has been awarded the 2011 Canadian Agent of the Year award.  This award will be formally presented in May 2012 at the Awards Dinner at the Allied Van Lines Operations Conference in Edmonton.

Quality Move Management is the first recipient of the award, which recognizes the Agency for meeting criteria for excellence in a number of areas such as booking activity and growth; overall rating and quality improvement; and hauling activity.

“Quality Move Management continues to set the bar for excellence for our Canadian agent system,” said Rob Grohn, Vice President and General Manager of Allied Van Lines Canada.  “We are proud to recognize them as the first recipient of this prestigious award, which is an honour in itself.”

“We are extremely honoured by this recognition, which reflects both our industry leadership and commitment to delivering outstanding service and value to all of our customers,” said Kevin St. George, President of Quality Move Management. “This would not have been possible without the dedication of our exceptional employees who work tirelessly to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Established in Vancouver in 1996, Quality Move Management is Allied Van Lines’ first dedicated corporate moving agent in Canada.  From locations in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton Quality Move Management handles more relocations than any Allied agent in Canada and is the largest cross-border moving company in North America.  QMM also represents Allied International in these markets.

For additional information, please contact Shelby Slater by e-mail at sslater@qmm.com or by phone at 604-523-3752.

About Allied Van Lines

Established in 1928, Allied Van Lines, with more than 400 agent locations in North America, is an experienced leader in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is one of the world’s largest moving companies and one of the established global brands of SIRVA, Inc., a leader in providing relocation services through its subsidiaries to corporations, consumers and governments around the world. For more information about Allied Van Lines, visit www.allied.com. Allied Van Lines, Inc., U.S. DOT No. 076235

About SIRVA, Inc.

SIRVA, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading provider of relocation solutions to a well-established and diverse customer base around the world. The company handles all aspects of relocation, including home purchase and home sale services, household goods moving, mortgage services, and home closing and settlement services. SIRVA conducts more than 300,000 relocations per year, transferring corporate and government employees in addition to individual consumers. SIRVA’s well-recognized brands include Allied, Allied International, Allied Pickfords, Allied Special Products, DJK Residential, Global, northAmerican, northAmerican International, SIRVA Mortgage, SIRVA Move Management, SIRVA Relocation and SIRVA Settlement. More information about SIRVA can be found on the company’s Web site at http://www.sirva.com.

Be Prepared: 5 Big Differences Between Living in Canada Versus the United States

Living in Canada and living in the United States may be similar in some ways, but very different in others. When cross border moving, moving to the U.S. or moving to Canada, you will have some adjusting to do.

Canada is known for its universal health care system. This is very different than in the United States where every person must fund his or her own health insurance. Fifty-nine percent of Americans get their health insurance from their employer, so when looking for a job, seek one with this benefit.

1. You will find a difference in shared languages. Canada has 31% more French speaking citizens, while the U.S. has more English and Spanish speakers.
2. There are differences in the religious majorities. The United States has 28% more Protestants, while Canada has 18% more Roman Catholics and 12% more non-religious people.
3. There is the difference in the way citizens elect their leaders. In Canada, you vote for your local Member of Parliament who sits on the House of Commons. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons usually becomes Prime Minister. In America, you vote for your representatives and senators, but you also vote for the President. The popular vote for each state determines the number of Electoral College votes, which in turn elect the President.
4. You will find a significant difference in population. The U.S. has nine times more people than Canada. In the U.S. the population density is high, meaning more people in less space.

“Photo provided by Flickr user @richiec under the creative common license”

Questions to Ask a Moving Company if You’re Planning a Cross-Border Move

Cross border moving is a daunting task, with the simple issues of packing, to the more complex issues of customs and immigration. Whether moving to the U.S. or to Canada, there are many questions that should be asked of a moving company before choosing them for your move.

1.      Will you provide me with the customs documents needed to cross the border? An excellent moving company will have all the paperwork you need in order, so that your belongings can be properly itemized for the customs agents.

2.      Will my belongings switch trucks at the border? Many companies change trucks at the border, putting extra risk and strain on your belongings that is unnecessary. Choose a company that uses one truck for your entire move.

3.      Who from the company will help me make decisions? Choose a moving company who provides you with a person who will answer your questions and help you choose the services you need. You want a personable company who is there to answer your questions in a timely manner.

4.      Can you move specialized items such as firearms, plants, liquor and vehicles? Not every moving company has the capacity to move items that are sensitive when crossing a border. Once you know what you need to move, make sure you ask if the company will move it all.

5.      Can I rely on the quality of your personnel and trucks? Make sure you are working with a moving company with the highest, state-of-the-art equipment and trucks. Ensure that drivers are US DOT-compliant and are of the highest professional quality.

With these questions answered, you will be able to rest assured knowing that your cross border move will be smooth.

*Photo provided by Flickr user @MPD01605 under the creative common license”

5 Ways QMM Makes Cross-Border Moving a Breeze

QMM is the company you can trust when cross border moving, whether moving to the U.S. or to Canada. QMM is the largest cross border moving company in North America, an Allied Van Lines agent.  There is a lot to consider when relocating to another country, but QMM will make the transition swift and easy.

1.      QMM has move coordinators who are there for you as you plan your move. They will help you choose the services you need, and will walk you through the packing and relocation process. This concierge service will make all of your move details seem less daunting.

2.      You can rely on the skill and reputation of the QMM drivers and movers. All drivers are US DOT-compliant, and are chosen for their professionalism and outstanding record.

3.      QMM will provide you with all the custom documents you need for the big move. They will also walk you through the customs process to make sure your move across the border is smooth and without problems at the border.

4.      QMM offers high quality equipment. As the owners of the largest cross border-hauling fleet, they have only modern, state-of-the-art trucks and equipment. Plus, we do not switch trucks at the border, which gives you the added comfort that your belongings will arrive safely.

5.      QMM is able to move standard household and commercial goods, including specialty items like cars, boats and motorcycles. They specialize in corporate moving, so if you have an important business move ahead of you, QMM can take care of your every need.

So, if you are considering cross border moving, either a household move or a business move, QMM is the moving company to make your experience a breeze.

5 Things Not to Forget When Moving to Canada from the U.S.

Cross border moving from the U.S. to Canada can be both an exciting and intimidating time. There are new customs, currency and languages to learn. There is the issue of obtaining legal residency, but once that is finalized you are left to figure out the moving logistics. There is a lot to remember, so take these five tips on what not to forget.

1. Don’t forget to look into Canadian laws that are different from laws in the U.S. For instance, it is illegal to leave a child younger than 12 at home alone.

2. Don’t forget to have some Canadian currency to make things easier on your first days in the country. There is the blue five, purple ten, green 20, and red 50. The brown 100 may be hard to change. Remember that banking hours are shorter, only 10am-3pm.

3. Don’t forget to apply for your health insurance card. You can obtain an application from any hospital, doctor, or pharmacy. In order to complete the application you will need your birth certificate, Confirmation of Permanent Residence, and your passport. In most provinces, you will be covered as soon as you apply.

4. Don’t forget to take lists of the items you are bringing across the border. You need two copies of a detailed list of all your personal and household items, and also two copies of a list of what is arriving later. These lists should indicate the worth of your items.

5. Don’t forget to have with you enough money to cover living expenses such as rent, clothing, food and transportation for six months. Proof of these funds may be required at the border.

With these tips, and the rest of your preparation, you will soon be happily residing in Canada, and won’t consider moving to the U.S. anytime soon.

(Photo by flickr member @lsiegert per the creative commons license)

Living Like a Local: Best Places to Eat Dinner in Vancouver

When cross border moving, you have to research the new culture you are entering. Vancouver, BC has a bustling nightlife, and a wide offering of hip and highly recommended restaurants to experience.

Try the classy Blue Water Cafe if you are in the mood for a five star experience. Located in Yaletown, an old warehouse district, Blue Water Cafe is a favorite of locals and celebrities alike. This is fancy at its finest, with a large selection of oysters, a raw bar, and fresh seafood.

Also in the heart of historic Yaletown is Simply Thai, a cozy, artsy restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine with ingredients straight from Thailand, matched with fresh local produce. You can watch the cooks as they work to create your mild to intensely spicy meal in ample proportions. Simply Thai is the only Thai chef and owner-operated restaurant in Vancouver.

Le Bistro Chez Michel will take you away to France and its romantic and decadent cuisine. Located in North Vancouver, this restaurant has great views of the Vancouver skyline and the ocean. It is elegant yet inexpensive, with that intimate bistro feel. Try the croque monsieur, a classic and delicious Parisian sandwich.

For a Middle Eastern option, head to Cafe Nuba on Main Street. They say it is inspired by “third world roadside cafe’s of the 1970’s,” which is evidenced by the retro decor. They are known for their signature Lebanese food, Middle Eastern baked goods, and freshly squeezed juices such as beet, lime and ginger. This is a vegetarian friendly option. End your meal with a Turkish style coffee and a rose water infused shortbread cookie.

The Chambar Belgian Grill is the place to get the best Belgian cuisine in Vancouver. Their tapas and big pots of mussels cooked in traditional Belgian broths are one-of-a-kind. This restaurant is warm and cozy and unpretentious. They are big on being “green” and are working toward becoming carbon neutral. It is close to downtown transit on Beatty Street.

(Photo by flickr member @retinafunk per the creative commons license)

Tips for Taking the Stress Out of Moving from Canada to the U.S.

If you find yourself moving to the U.S., there is a lot to consider before leaving. Cross border moving can be stressful, so before you find your way across the border, take this advice for taking the stress out of moving to the U.S.

Establish credit if you don’t already have some. You will need to open a bank account, and then apply for a credit card. Be sure to check on the interest rates charged to you monthly, and if there are late fees and overdraft fees. Begin to use your credit card to build up credit. You will need a credit card in the U.S. to do things like cash a check, rent a car, or buy airline tickets.

Calculate how much house you can afford to rent or buy. Take your total monthly net income and multiply it by .30. This is the general amount you can afford. But first add up your other monthly expenses and make sure the two figures don’t exceed your monthly income.

Obtain medical insurance before you move. The U.S. does not have socialized medicine, and medical care is expensive. Include your whole family on your plan.

Consider taking a driving class when you get to the U.S. The driving habits of Americans and traffic laws vary widely from other countries, and you may need to get up to speed. You can obtain a local license upon passing the driving test.

As always, travel with traveler’s checks. The last thing you need is to have money lost or stolen in route to your new home. If they are lost or stolen, they can be replaced. Just don’t countersign them until you are ready to use them.

And try to maintain a low level of stress by doing the simple things, like making lists, setting a calendar for when things need to be done, and taking time out for yourself. It’s possible to keep down the stress when cross border moving if you are intentional and think ahead.

(photo by Flickr member @rakkhi per the creative commons license)

5 Things to Consider Before Moving to the U.S.

Moving to the U.S. is an exciting and complicated endeavor. Whether cross border moving, or moving across the world, you will need to carefully plan your move in accordance with U.S. immigration law, as well as plan for your possessions to travel safely to your new home. Consider these five tips when moving to the U.S.

1. Check out Nolo.com. The immigration section of this website is comprehensive in its information about moving to the U.S. To move to the U.S. you obviously need a proof of US Citizenship, Visa or a Valid Work Permit. Nolo.com instructs you how you can obtain all the credentials you will need.

1. Consider obtaining international moving insurance. This will require making an itemized list of everything you plan to move, with a value placed on each item. You can include the cost of moving this item to the value. Get opinions on the values you place on each higher priced item so that you can in fact replace it if anything should happen during the move.

1. Be sure to keep copies of all your immigration paperwork, and to track it in the mail and within the immigration system. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services notoriously lose paperwork. You should send all your applications by certified mail, requesting a return receipt. This becomes proof that you have filed, and your copies might be needed if the forms are actually lost by the USCIS.

1. Reading the book, U.S. Immigration Made Easy, by Ilona Bray. This will give you detailed insight into the world of immigrating to the U.S. You will learn about all the possible ways to enter the U.S. legally, and how to obtain the proper documentation you will need. It even walks you through the forms you will need to fill out, giving tips and advice on submitting everything properly.

Hire a moving company to pack for you. The distance involved will put additional stress on your belongings, and you want them to be packed as well as possible. A professional moving company will use materials and expertise that would be difficult replicate on your own.

If you are looking to move, feel free to give us at QMM Allied a call at 877-767-9847.

(photo by flickr member @britanylynae per the creative commons usage license)