Moving overseas? Check out your shipping options

Shipping your household goods abroad

Congratulations on your life-changing decision to move abroad. Hiring a moving company is an expensive luxury, but essential to your journey. In this article, we will provide you with different shipping options, how to save on your move, and what to look for when scouting removal companies.

First, when searching for a company to move your household goods to another country, you want to make sure they have experience.  One way of researching a company is by contacting the agency in your country that regulates ocean transportation. Here in the states, the Federal Maritime Commission is the regulatory agency. A quick Google search can help you find the right contacts in your country. A company must be adequately licensed & bonded in case of damage, loss, or negligence.

Shipping options

Ocean freight is the most common form of international moving for the simple fact that it’s the most economical. You will have the option of a full container load (FCL) or less container load (LCL) which is dependent on the size of your move. An FCL would be enough for a 2 + bedroom home and the container would be exclusive to your use. Most international relocation companies will offer the option of a full door to door service; however, you can also choose from door to port, port to door, or port to port. A complete door to door service is the most convenient and will cover all documentation involved in the movement of your household goods.

An LCL shipment is also known as consolidation service. It’s for smaller moves that go into a container with other shipments going to the same destination. The transit times on an LCL move are typically 30-40 days depending on how frequently your mover ships to your new destination. You will have the same shipping options for LCL as you do for FCL service if you’re moving 20 plus boxes than LCL service would be your best option.

If you’re in a hurry to get your things than air freight would be the timeliest, however, it’s also the most expensive. All air freight shipment would need to be placed on pallets and or crated, which automatically raises the price of your move. The good news is that you will have your goods in about a week vs. a month or so. Most moving companies can give you a comparison on air freight vs. ocean freight so you can make an educated decision.

Save money on your overseas move

There are many ways you can save money on an overseas move. The number one cost reducer would be getting rid of stuff. Keep in mind that international moving costs are based on the size of your move and service required. So, the more you have, the more you will pay. Try and figure out what you can live without and get rid of it.

Another great way to save money is by self-packing. You can go to a local shop that sells packing supplies and do the work yourself. It will help minimize the bill. Last, if you have experience moving overseas then go with a door to port or port to port option. The downside is you will be responsible for arranging transportation from the port of entry and all the documentation in between.

Shipping a vehicle

Most quality movers will have an option to ship your vehicle overseas. Every country has different rules and regulations; however, you must be the owner of the car. When it comes to sending your car abroad, you can load it in the container with your household goods or ship it separately. You will have an option to send it as part of a consolidated container or roll on roll off service also known as RoRo service. RoRo service is a single port to port option that would require you to drive your car to the port of loading and pick it up at the port of destination.

International Van Lines is a U.S based international moving company that services over 180 countries. We offer all the services mentioned above from most countries. If you have any questions on how to relocate abroad, please feel free to contact us at any time.

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