(BEST) have formed a "joint business relationship'' to provide one-stop shopping for packing, moving and forwarding services, locally and internationally.

Mailboxes, which is managed by Bermudian businessman Steve Thomson, has four sites in Bermuda providing mailbox and other services. BEST is a local agency for ocean shipping and other services.

The idea behind the venture is that customers will be able to satisfy all their moving and related needs through a single location.

Mr. Thomson said that he expects the combined service to offer rates 20 to 30 percent lower than the competition. Mr. Thomson's level of confidence in the new venture is evident from his statement: "We urge all our clients to get at least two quotes before making a decision.'' Among services the new liaison will offer are a full box packing service for both local and overseas moves, packing supplies, full completion of documentation, insurance and air freight, ocean or courier service.

"The purpose of this service is to let us do it all for you,'' said Mr.

Thomson. "If you work in, say, the insurance industry, insurance is what you know. You're not an expert at packing and shipping. You want to leave all that to the professionals. That's where we come in.''