@dxl Hi David, most people who have commented on this forum have indicated some level of frustration with moving companies. Hidden fees, extremely long transport times, lost/broken items, etc. I have yet to hear glowing testimony. However, one commenter did offer some insight into shipping via USPS. It's worth checking out.
http://irelandmoveclub.com/forums/topic/us-postal-service-to-ireland-worked-well-may-2016/

Thanks Liam, but I'll have a container size shipment. - David

Thanks Liam, but I’ll have a container size shipment. – David

@dxl - To summarize many of the reports I have seen it seems partial container shipments are more likely to have an issue. I would ask for a breakdown for what is included in the quote. For example one quote I have looked at says 2 hours to load and 2 hours to unload are included. Additional time loading is $100/hour.

I have taken an interest in some of the containers that are complete containers that fit within a larger container. Here is a comparison of two recent quotes I have looked at -

Wood Crate that is approximately 1/4 a container. Dropped off and allowed up to two weeks to load. Unloaded on arrival in Ireland. When I asked for a quote found out they don't drop off in my zip code. If I drive 1 hour I can load my items at their nearest partner warehouse. Quote for that shipment is $4400

Same company, 20' shipping container, 2 hours to load and 2 hours to unload at either end. Approximately $5500.

I definitely agree with your last comment @dorzak With partial containers your goods are more likely to go missing or get damaged, and also they will get passed around quite a bit along the way. A FCL is more likely to make it in one piece.

2 hours to load/unload doesn't sound like much. Although if everything was boxed up, ready to go, and you had help, it might work.
The 1/4 container wood crate sounds kinda pricey!

@dxl we would welcome hearing your input if you find out any well recommended companies. Are there review sites that specialize in that sort of thing e.g. Angie's List?

@moveclubadmin - I am trying to look for the best possible balance of price vs. amount being shipped. I also have been considering with less than a container load how could I minimize my stuff being separated. The wood container is essentially one of the storage pods (not PODS brand). My thought on it was it should keep everything contained, so that even when things are shifted around between ports everything would be together.

@dorzak one thing I might suggest then is that you try to figure out which port it will arrive in to in Ireland, and if possible pick it up there. My things arrived in Dublin, and went through the inspection process there. To do that, I'm pretty sure they opened up the shrink-wrapped pallets. They were then put on a truck to Cork. In my case, I received everything I shipped.

I seem to recall reading somewhere that it isn't uncommon for foods to be transshipee in Amsterdam and at least one other port for partial containers.

Has anyone ever used the UPakWeShip company/service for a FCL? 

Also, has anyone ever asked PODS whether a container/truck can be backed up to their warehouse bay so a POD could be unloaded straight into a shipping container?   

Because I'm packing my boxes myself, am I crazy to think I could save some money by hiring some movers to help me load the container myself and save some money that way?  Although, because a 2-hour loading window will go very quickly, I would imagine I would need a large group of muscle-laden fellows moving & stacking the boxes.    

Loading a container on the day is tough work. from what i hear you'll never hit that 2 hour window, so will almost certainly be owing money. Plus, there'll be the stress of trying to do so. Don't some of those services allow for drop off and filling at your own pace?

P.S where do you find a large group of muscle-laden fellows? 🙂 Chippendales 🙂 

Thanks Liam.  Ah, well, in my younger years  I would have have found them on the beach but now that I'm older & stuck in the office all the time, I am sure I will have to hire actual movers ☹️  Not as fun but, hopefully, more effective.   Also, for anyone who's wondering about the PODS part of my question, the answer is no, as their warehouse bays are not actually functionally available given that the PODS are stacked up inside the warehouse blocking all bays.  They do deliver them to work at leisure at your home, but I live in a condo which does not allow moving on the weekends or for commercial vehicles/POD to remain on property overnight.  So, it looks like the best I'm going to be able to do is the parking lot/loading area outside the PODS facility.  Thanks for the reality check on the 2-hours; I kind of figured it might be too hopeful.  My main goal is a direct load into the container, as I  fear that loading onto  shipper's  truck for them to unload at their warehouse and then load into a container are extra steps that create potential for things going missing/misplaced.