Choosing a company to move a loved one is not something most people have done before. These questions help families and funeral directors understand what a provider does, what a quote covers, and what could go wrong.

Key takeaways

Ask for a written quote that lists what is included and what is not.
Be cautious of any provider that promises a delivery date before seeing the documents.
Write down the answers so you can compare providers calmly.

Questions about services

Do you ship to my destination country, and how often?
Which parts of the process do you handle, and which are left to the family or the funeral home?
Who will be my single point of contact, and how can I reach them at night or on weekends?
Do you coordinate directly with the funeral homes at both ends?

Questions about the quote

What exactly is included in this price?
What costs are separate, such as airline charges, funeral home services, consular fees and translations?
What could change the price after I accept?
When is payment due, and what is the refund policy if plans change?

Questions about documents and timing

Which documents will be needed for this destination?
Who will obtain each one?
What is the realistic range for timing, and what could affect it?
How will I be updated along the way?

Questions about the funeral home

Funeral homes must give you a General Price List under the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule. Ask for it so you can see which charges belong to the funeral home and which belong to the shipping provider.

Red flags

A guaranteed delivery date promised before the provider has seen the documents.
A price quoted without asking for the destination.
Pressure to decide immediately.
Unwillingness to put the scope of work and costs in writing.

What we will tell you

We answer these questions plainly. We ship to destinations worldwide and specialize in the Caribbean, Central and South America and Europe, and we will tell you honestly if a request is outside what we can do. For more, see What Affects the Cost of Funeral Shipping and How Long Does Funeral Shipping Take?.

A comparison sheet you can use

Question	Provider A	Provider B
Ships to my destination?
Single point of contact?
Quote in writing?
What is included?
What is excluded?
Realistic timing range?
Available nights and weekends?
Refund or change policy?

Copy the table into a note or a spreadsheet and fill it in as you speak with each provider. Writing the answers down makes comparison easier when you are tired and under pressure.

Questions for the funeral home

May I have your General Price List?
Which services are required for this shipment and why?
Have you prepared remains for air transport before?
Who will obtain the burial-transit permit and when?
Whom do I call after hours?

Questions for the receiving side

Are you able to receive on the expected date?
What documents do you need from us?
What are your fees and when are they due?
What local rules apply to burial or cremation?

Warning signs and good signs

A trustworthy provider explains the process in plain terms, asks for the destination and the funeral home before quoting, puts the scope and cost in writing and tells you what it does not know. It is comfortable with you contacting the funeral home or consulate yourself to confirm. A provider that is vague about what is included, that pressures you or that promises a date it cannot control deserves caution.

Trust your instincts and take notes

You are making decisions at a hard time. Write down the name of everyone you speak with, the date and what they said. If a promise is made, ask for it in writing. If something does not feel right, it is reasonable to pause and ask another provider for a second opinion.

Questions families forget to ask

Who will meet the shipment at the destination, and how will we know it arrived?
What happens if the flight is cancelled or the shipment misses its cut-off?
Who pays any additional charges that arise from delays?
How and when will we receive copies of the documents?
Who is responsible if a document is rejected?

These questions seem small, but they decide who acts when something unexpected happens. A provider that answers them clearly is usually one that has dealt with such cases before.

Frequently asked questions

Should I get more than one quote?

It is reasonable to compare. Make sure each quote covers the same scope.

Is the cheapest quote the best?

Not necessarily. Look at what is included, the provider’s experience with your destination and how reachable they are.

How do I know a provider is legitimate?

Ask for the business address, phone number and written terms. Be cautious of anyone who demands payment before explaining the scope of work.

What should be in writing?

The route, the services included, the costs, who pays whom and the payment and change terms.

Can I change plans later?

Ask about the change and refund policy before agreeing.

Is it rude to compare providers?

Not at all. Good providers expect it.

What should a contract include?

The services, the route, the costs, the payment terms, the change policy and the contact details. Ask for a copy.

Keep reading

Sources

Federal Trade Commission: The FTC Funeral Rule

Need help?

Funeral Shipping coordinates domestic and international funeral shipping, including the supporting documents, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about our request a quote services, request a quote, or call 786-565-9525.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by destination, carrier and circumstances and can change. Always confirm current rules with the relevant authority, and note that no timing or outcome is guaranteed.

Questions to Ask a Funeral Shipping Company