Advice and Tips for Moving Overseas

Whether you are starting a new life, exploring other parts of the world, satisfying wanderlust, a job transfer or other reasons, you now have to decide how to plan for your new adventure.
There are probably many thoughts and questions running through your mind. How do I get started may be at the top of the list. How much is this going to cost? How long will it take for your shipment to arrive? How far in advance do you need to place your order?

Decide how long you will be gone. Is this a temporary move or a permanent one? Do you want to take all of your belongings, furniture, keepsakes or just some personal items to bring a little of your old home and country to your new home and country? Once you make that decision, then you can concentrate on finding an international mover.

What services does an international mover provide? The two most common types of service are door to door and door to port. What is included with each type of service? Door to Door means your belongings are picked up in your home in one country and delivered into your home in another country. Customs clearance is included in this service. Door to Port service means your belongings are picked up in your home in one country and delivered to the port or terminal warehouse in another country and you will need to arrange for Customs clearance and to get your belongings from the port to your home.

(Note: Customs clearance means there is a Customs clearance agent included in the cost to take care of your paperwork. It does not mean that duties and taxes will be paid for you. Depending on how you enter the country you may or may not be exempt.) It will be your responsibility to find out. Your international mover can tell you how and where to get that information.

Other services to consider are packing and insurance. What kind of packing services are available? Are materials and or boxes included? If not, where can I purchase packing materials? Do I need special boxes? (Tip: you will want to use sturdy corrugated boxes) Can I pack my own things? Can I have the international mover pack everything? Can I have them pack some things? What is the cost? Can I purchase insurance? Is insurance mandatory? How much does it cost? What does it cover?

Make sure when you are comparing the companies that you compare the same services and that they are quoting you for the same volume. Otherwise you cannot possibly compare. For example: If one company is quoting you for door to door service but another company is quoting you for door to port, of course the company quoting door to door will be more expensive. The volume they are quoting will also affect the prices.

Are the people you talk to or communicate with by email helpful and understanding? Will the international mover you are considering keep you informed about the status of your shipment? Does your international mover have the proper license to ship belongings overseas? (Note: They must be licensed by the FMC - Federal Maritime Commission –- if they are not, they are not legally allowed to handle transport of your international shipment.) Price is an important consideration when choosing, but it should not be your only consideration.

Make a list of the companies you talk to, the services they provide and the quotes they send. Decide what services you want and can afford. Just remember the old saying, if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Planning and the right international mover are essential for a successful relocation overseas. Take a deep breath, relax, have fun, and make good choices. You are on your way!

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Shipping A Full Container Load (FCL)

There are primarily three sizes of containers to consider when shipping your household goods as an FCL (Full Container Load): 20’ Standard (STD), 40’ Standard (STD), and 40’ High Cube (HC). The standard sizes have identical width and height dimensions and are differentiated by their length. The 40’High Cube has the same width and length of the 40’STD but has an additional foot of height. The 20’STD holds a maximum volume of 1,172 cubic feet, the 40’STD holds a maximum volume of 2,390 cubic feet, and the 40’HC holds a maximum volume of 2,694 CFT.

IMPORTANT NOTE: THE MAXIMUM VOLUMES ARE ACHIEVED WHEN FILLING THE CONTAINER WITH AIR/WATER/SAND OR SOME OTHER MEDIUM THAT LEAVES ZERO DEADSPACE. HOUSEHOLD GOODS SHIPMENTS WILL NEVER REACH THESE MAXIMUMS.

One of the biggest advantages to shipping your goods as an FCL is the exclusivity that this shipping method offers. In a Less then Container Load (LCL) shipment, your shipment will be consolidated with other smaller shipments (and not necessarily Household Goods shipments) in order to make up a full container. With an FCL, your shipment will be the ONLY cargo in the container. FCL shipments also offer a higher level of security and a decreased chance of damage as there is less handling of your shipment.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to loading your household goods into a container: loading at residence and loading at a warehouse.

Like a majority of shippers, the “loading at residence” option instantly jumps out as the more appealing option. With this method, you are able to see your household goods loaded into the container and watch the seal be placed on it before it returns back to the port. While this is a valid point, it leaves out many other important factors and potential extra costs. First and foremost, this practice is actively discouraged by a majority of the major ship lines. They will have stipulations in their contract rates that Household Goods shipments from Door (residence) are not allowed.

Second, many of the trucking companies that have authorization to pull containers from a port will not deliver them to a residence due to insurance restrictions. Also, most residential loads are “live loads” as there is no space to “drop” and leave the container. Depending on the trucker, they will allow 1-2 hours of “free time” to load the container before charging hourly detention charges for waiting. Furthermore, if a loading team will have to wait an extended period of time for a trucker to arrive with the container, they will have extra charges for the wasted time. Therefore, the loading hinges on seamless coordination between the loading party and trucker with zero tolerance for unexpected events like: traffic delays, port congestion creating delays in pulling the container at port, mechanical breakdown, flat tire, etc. The list could go on and on, and the ramifications of even a minor glitch could increase the costs of your move.

Loading at a warehouse actually turns out to be a much safer and smarter option. On the day of your move, a pick up team will arrive with a truck at a designated time, have the ability to carefully pick up your shipment without being “under the gun” to load within an hour or two, and leave when the job is complete. There is no wait time or coordination with multiple parties. Your household goods will then be transported back to a warehouse and unloaded from the truck.

When it is time to load your shipment into the container, the trucker will bring the container from the port to the warehouse and drop the container at the warehouse’s loading dock. The loading team at the warehouse can take additional time to carefully load your shipment, block and brace, and secure your shipment in the container. When the loading team at the warehouse is finished, your international movers will close the container and place a seal on it.

The trucker will then be able to come to the warehouse, pick up the loaded container, and deliver it back to port. This loading method has an extra step of handling, but it allows for greater control of the handling of the cargo and greater allowance to handle unforeseen circumstances without creating additional costs to you.

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Getting an International Moving Quote

People who are moving overseas will search for an international moving company to ship their belongings. During this search they find that comparing costs and services can be very confusing.
The internet is an excellent way to shop for your international moving company. Many companies have websites that provide detailed information about everything you will need to plan your international move. This information includes tips on packing if you want to pack yourself, definitions of shipping terms so you can understand what you are being quoted and customs information.

The rules and regulations vary depending on how you are going to enter the country (work visa, student visa, returning citizen, retiree, etc.). It is your responsibility to find out if you are going to pay duties and taxes on your shipment or be exempt from taxation in your destination country. Customs information or a link to your destination country’s Customs website will be loaded with information on what you can and cannot bring into the country and duties and taxes information. Another source of information is the consulate or embassy for your destination country. Every country has its rules and regulations and they are subject to change without notice.

Before you speak to the international moving company, you will want to determine your budget and to be able to provide them with a realistic list of items you want to ship.

Now you are ready to speak to the international moving company to learn more about the services they provide, what lead time is required to schedule a pick up, how long the shipment will take, how they will handle your shipment, what kind of insurance is available, payment options, the deposit required and when the balance is due.

Insurance is recommended but optional. There is no basic coverage included in international shipments. Some companies will include “basic coverage” and this coverage is from your door to the port in the US. If you want Marine insurance, you will need to purchase it and complete an insurance application complete with the items you are insuring and their replacement values. If you pack your shipment, you can purchase insurance but it will be for total loss only. Unless the shipment is packed professionally, no insurance company will offer damage coverage.

Now that you have your quote, you will want to compare it to other companies. It is important that you compare the same services and the same volume on each quote. Price is important, especially in these difficult economic times, but price is not the only measure for choosing your international moving company. Remember the saying: “If it sounds too good to be true, it is.” A company is not going to ship your goods for free or at a loss to them.

Here are some other factors that you should consider when making your decision. Does the company answer your questions? Are they attentive to your needs? Do they respond promptly? Can you see their operation? Is their price reasonable? Do they carry the proper license? For international shipments, the proper license is an OTI license not a DOT or MC license. Will they keep you informed during the process about the status of your shipment? If the answer is yes to these questions, then you have found a company that will take good care of your belongings.

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Shipping your Vehicle

If you are planning to ship a self propelled vehicle internationally, you should expect plenty of restrictions overseas. Import restrictions differ from country to country and you should research the allowances of your destination country. A self propelled vehicle, defined by the US Customs and Border Protection, includes any automobile, truck, tractor, bus, motorcycle, motor home, self-propelled agricultural machinery, self-propelled construction equipment, self-propelled special use equipment, and any other self-propelled vehicle used or designed for running on land but not rail .

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding shipping your vehicle in an international move:

• Are you licensed to drive in your new country?
• Does your vehicle meet the environmental standards required in that country?
• Is the cost of shipping your vehicle within your budget?

Shipping a vehicle internationally is accomplished one of two ways: via container or via Ro-Ro service. In container shipping, your car is loaded into a 20 ft or 40 ft container at a loading terminal. The vehicle is secured to the container floor by strapping to stop any movement. The main advantage is you can also load your personal effects into the container. The limitation of container shipping is that the vehicle you are shipping has to fit into the container. Ro-Ro stands for “Roll on/Roll Off”. It involves driving the vehicle into the ships hold and secured inside the covered car deck by a series of straps and braces. This is how car / vehicle manufacturers ship new cars / vehicles. There is virtually no size limitation to the vehicle you want to ship Ro-Ro; however, the vehicle must be shipped alone and can not be accompanied with household goods.

Exporting vehicles from the United States is a complicated process that involves validating the title with US Customs and Border Patrol and the Office of Homeland Security. The process and necessary documentation required by US Customs and Border Protection for title validation is not standardized throughout the United States. Instead, it is set by the Port Director of the port from which the vehicle will be loaded and shipped.

Despite the varying standards from port to port, at minimum, you will need to prove ownership of the vehicle. Only the original certificate of title, or a certified copy of the original, is considered valid proof of ownership. Other registration documents, by themselves, are not considered proof of ownership. If the car has a lien, encumbrance, or is leased, the exporter will have to attach to the certificate of title a notarized letter from the lien holder or lease holder authorizing it to leave the country.

If the vehicle is a new car that has never been titled, it can be exported by submitting a document known as a manufacturer’s statement of origin in lieu of the title. The manufacturer’s statement of origin may be obtained from the auto dealer. The original and two copies must be presented to Customs.

Some very old used vehicles and some foreign vehicles purchased abroad may not have a certificate of title, or junk scrap certificate in force and for which a manufacture’s statement of origin was not issued. In these cases, a bill of sale, sales invoice, right of possession, or other documents sufficient to prove lawful ownership may be used. In addition, the owner must certify in writing to Customs that the procurement of the vehicle was a bona fide transaction and that the vehicles presented for export is not stolen. Again, the original and two copies must be presented.

Exporting a vehicle is often expensive and can complicate what would otherwise be a relatively simple international move. When planning your international move, careful consideration must be given to the pros and cons of bringing your vehicle with you.

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Evaluating an International Mover

It is time to get the ball rolling on your international move! You have gone through your pre-planning and it is time to start gathering quotes from international movers. Whether directly submitting a quote request on a few companies’ websites or submitting to a lead source website that will send out your to request multiple companies for you, the end result is most likely the same…INFORMATION OVERLOAD!

The Internet is open to everyone and a powerful tool that has connected our world and allowed us to exchange information in unimaginable ways. Anyone can post reviews, blogs, opinions, and even create websites of their own. Unfortunately, we do not always know who that “anyone” might be on the other side of the screen. They could be a fellow consumer like you…or they could be a company’s competitor spreading false information.

How do you tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys” with all these conflicting reports and reviews and questions on the validity of the source?

Do not despair! By being a little proactive and not relying on the Internet to feed you all of your information, you can do a little investigation and have a much better idea of the company with whom you are dealing.

How long has the company been in business? Generally if a company has been in business for 5 years or more, they have gained the knowledge, experience and network to handle your move properly.

Does the company own their own facilities? Companies that own their own warehouses, offices, etc. maintain much better control over the handling and quality of your shipment. It should also be a comfort to you that this company does not intend on going any where any time soon and is in business for the long haul. You can not obtain this same feeling from a broker in a leased, high rise office space.

What associations/affiliations does the company maintain? There are many recognized industry associations and certifications for International Moving companies: AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association), IAM (International Association of Movers), FIDI/FAIM, OMNI, RIM (Registered International Mover). These organizations require their members to meet industry standards, provide training and certification of their staff, and, if applicable, maintain their equipment and facilities to industry standards.

Is the company licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission? If a company is not licensed by the FMC, they are NOT LEGALLY ALLOWED TO HANDLE TRANSPORT OF YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT. Any FMC licensed company posts a substantial bond with the FMC and agrees to abide by the Shipping Act of 1984. This is for your safety! Licensed companies are listed on the FMC’s website. Most will also provide you with a copy of their license on request.

Is the company accredited by the Better Business Bureau? Better Business Bureau accreditation is important, but remember to do more than glance at the letter grade and number of complaints! While a quality business will strive to offer the very best in customer service at all times, unfortunately, as the saying goes, “You can’t please everyone all the time”. Customer complaints are inevitable and as the volume of customers increases, so will the number of those inevitable complaints. Don’t believe it? Perform a search on some big, brand name companies and see the number of complaints filed. Instead of focusing on a letter or number, try to look for things like how quickly the complaints were addressed and how many of the complaints were closed. These are good indicators of the level of care and attention a company has when they deal with an issue, whether it be good or bad.

Choosing your international mover is an important decision! Do not put the power of this choice in the hands of some anonymous poster floating around in cyberspace! Take the time to do a little investigation on a company and you will sleep easier knowing you made the right choice.

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Choosing the Best International Moving Service

Living overseas is a wonderful, exciting adventure but it can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead of time. You should consider many things before you actually make the move to your new destination. You should think about the new environment for you and your family, the new language that you will have to learn, the expenses and the culture in your destination country. But one of the most important things to consider when you are moving abroad is how to pick the best international moving service.

The international moving company will be the one to handle the shipping of your personal belongings from the United States to your new country; therefore, utmost care should be taken in making this choice. The question now that may come to mind is “What is the best international moving service for me?” This article offers you some pointers to consider in choosing the best international moving service.

When making your decision as to what company should handle the shipping of your belongings, check the licenses and associations of the companies you are considering. First and foremost your international mover must have an OTI (Ocean Transportation Intermediary) / NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier License. A moving company that tells you they “use” a company with this license is not operating legally. A company that carries a DOT (Department of Transportation) or MC (Motor Carrier) license can move your belongings from city to city, or state to state within the US but they cannot legally ship your belongings overseas. Your international mover should also be certified by relevant associations like IAM (International Association of Movers) formerly the (HHGFAA) Household Goods Forwarders Association of America, (AMSA) The American Moving and Storage Association, etc.

Moving abroad costs money. The very first thing to consider is the price. How much are you going to spend? How much can you afford to spend? Shop around and learn about the different services that are offered to suit every budget. You can move door to door, door to port. You can pack yourself, or have the international moving company pack for you for an additional cost.

When you get quotes from different international movers, are you comparing apples to apples? In other words are you comparing the same services, and the same volume? If you see one company is much cheaper, you need to investigate because they are much cheaper for a reason. The reasons for this could be that the volume they quoted is lower or the service is not door to door but door to port, etc. Do you need to hire an international shipper? Most of the international shipping companies have minimum volumes for shipping and if you are only taking a couple of boxes, it may not be cost effective. These questions will help you determine the budget for your move. Once you have figured out your budget, you can prioritize your belongings. In other words, are you taking everything; special items or personal effects only?

Check with the Embassy, Consulate or Customs about items that can and cannot be brought into your destination country. You can find your country’s Customs website on the internet. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, there is always a “contact us” page and you can email the Customs directly to find answers to specific questions.

Are you going to ship via air or sea? Air freight can be very expensive but is fast. Sea shipments are slow but less expensive. Delivery dates are not guaranteed. The ship line controls the sailing schedules and there are factors that can cause delays such as a ship needing repair, storms, etc.

Does your international moving company offer insurance for your shipment? Your international moving company is not an insurance company. Ask about the coverage types and cost of the insurance.
Does the international moving company explain the process and will they keep you informed of the progresses? If they are attentive to your needs and provide you with information, you can rest assured your goods will be well handled.

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Tips on Moving from USA to France

Moving to France can be a very exciting adventure. Seeing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre Museum or experiencing the culture of France may cause you a sleepless night of sheer excitement, but moving internationally should and can be stress free if you choose the right international mover. Whether you have a family or living alone, there are some things that you should consider to make your relocation to France successful. Here are some things that you need to prepare beforehand to avoid any hassles upon arriving in your new destination country.

Securing the proper paperwork saves you time and effort. Check with the embassy, consulate or visit the customs website for your destination country. The documents, duties or taxes that you may be required to produce/pay vary depending on your status for entering your new destination country. The regulations are subject to change without notice. Each situation is individual and unique. It is your responsibility to have the proper documentation available. You should contact the consulate or embassy for the latest updates in regulations or requirements. Most countries maintain a customs website for their country which provides useful information as well as the ability to contact them via email and ask questions specific to you.

The location of your new home is important to you and your daily activities. Whether you are a working person, single or with family, the location of your new residence is important. Determine if your new residence is close to you workplace. If you have children, will the new home be near their school? In cases of emergency, is your new home near the hospital and / or police station? How far is the airport? Planning ahead will make the entire transition more pleasant and stress free.

Learning the language will make you feel more apart of your new country. Just because you are from the US does not mean people in France will speak English just for you. English may be your first language but it is not theirs. Learning the language will make it easier for you to communicate with the local people in your community and shops. Learning about the culture of your new country will be fun and will make you part of your new community where new friendships can be made.

What kind of work are you going to have once you get there? This question is very important because it concerns your source of income once you arrive in France. Are you going to have work secured by your present company or are you going to look for a job? If you don’t have a job, you may want to start looking for work before you leave. The French Embassy and / or Consulate here in the US will post employment opportunities in France. Be sure to carry enough money with if you do not plan to have a job for 18 moths upon your arrival and until you are able to set up an account in a bank.

Immerse yourself into the French culture. Proper research on your new country helps you plan things ahead of time. Through the internet, you can learn about holiday celebrations, learn about their music, dance, food and much more. Try to attend the events in your area that are organized by the French embassy. Planning ahead will help your comfort level so you don’t feel homesick in your new surroundings.

There can be no greater pleasure than seeing your dreams fulfilled right before your eyes. If you are planning to move to France, you are embarking on an exciting adventure. Prepare, do research, gather paperwork and important documents, and select the best international mover to ship your personal effects to your new home. France and all of its wonderments await you.

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Moving internationally - Why Hire a Professional Mover?

Moving internationally takes a great deal of planning; especially if this is your first time moving overseas. They say that in the course of a person’s life, he or she will move 11 times. Whether your reason is work-related or not, moving to another country to start a new life can be overwhelming.

When you move to another place, you usually bring your belongings with you. They make you feel good and make any new place feel like home. Some of those belongings are sentimental; some are necessities and some you are not sure why you even have anymore. Nevertheless, they are yours and now you have to figure out what to do with them. The best way to help you make sense of this task is to talk to and hire a professional international mover.

A professional international mover is someone who only does international shipments. They know what to do, how and when to do it. This professional international mover will be able to assist you in determining your volume, will take care of all the details behind the scenes, and will take good care of your belongings. The journey begins in your home in the US by packing your items (all of them, some of them or none of them), transporting your belongings, advising you about customs and delivering your belongings into your new home in your new country.

If this is your first time to live abroad, there are many questions you probably have regarding your belongings. What is the best way of transporting your possessions? How long does it take to get my belongings once they have been picked up? How far in advance should I place my order for pick up? Is packing included? Can I pack myself? What does packing cost? Do I need insurance? How much does insurance cost? What does insurance cover? Are there any items that are not allowed in my new destination country? Will I have to pay duties or taxes on the items I bring into the country? All of these questions can be answered by your international moving company.

The administration skill of the international mover you hire to manage your move from pick up to delivery will make your move successful. Understanding the structure of an International move will help you decide on the right international mover. There are many steps in the process to get your belongings from your home in the US to your new home in your new country.

Once you hire to the right international mover, you can start to relax because you know your belongings will be well taken care of and they will be moved along in the process safely. Shipping by ocean freight is not fast and the waiting can sometimes be difficult, but if you have hired the right international mover, you know that your belongings will arrive and you will be kept informed of their status.

It is challenging to move abroad to pursue your career, ambition or because you simply want to move, but selecting the right professional international mover to help you achieve that goal of relocating your personal belongings to your home, you new life, your new country will make the transition easier.

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International Move Cost Per Volume or Weight?

There are several factors that can influence the cost of your international move. To be able to negotiate for the best rates from international movers, its best, you as the customer, understand the variables of cost per volume and cost per weight.

The quote for shipping household goods and personal effects from the USA overseas is calculated according to the volume of your shipment with a rate per Cubic Foot (CFT). The bigger the Volume of your shipment, meaning the more CFT you intend to ship, the higher will be your cost.

In addition, the Weight of your shipment may also affect your final cost. Your shipment will be weighed and its Density calculated to detrmine the cost. Density is defined as the Weight of your shipment in pounds (LBS) divided by the Volume of your shipment in CFT.

The higher the Density Limit your International Mover allows; the heavier the shipment your International Mover will accept, before charging you per Weight instead of per Volume.

Density Limits vary from one International Mover to another, usually from 5 LBS per CFT on the low side to 7 LBS per CFT on the high side.

If you ship normal household goods and personal effects, your shipment Density should be below 6 LBS per CFT.

If you decide to ship only your books and your private gym, including all the weights (a very bad idea), your shipment Density is going to exceed 7 LBS per CFT and your shipment cannot be considered normal household goods and personal effects.

You can ship all the contents of your home such as bed room suites, living room furniture, dining room set, clothing, kitchen wares and appliances like your refrigerator, stove (heavy items) etc… and you will average about 6 LBS per CFT or less.

The Density limit protects International Movers from losing money when executing moves consisting only of items which are far heavier than normal household goods and personal effects.

Your International Mover has to enforce the Density limit because his costs for some portions of the International Move are per weight and not per volume.

The cost of the Pick Up from your home in the USA are sometimes paid according to a US $ rate per 100 LBS and sometimes according to a US $ rate per CFT, depending on the International Mover or the Pick Up Agent (PUA) executing the pick up.

If your shipment is a Less than Container load (LCL) shipment, it has to be transported to the Consolidation Warehouse were it will join other LCL shipments and be loaded into one consolidation container.

The cost of Trucking LCL shipments are nearly always per weight and not per volume
If the trucker’s weight report shows that the Density is higher than the Density Limit, an Equivalent Volume will be established and you will be charged according to this Equivalent Volume.

The Equivalent Volume in CFT is calculated by dividing the shipment’s weight in LBS by the Density Limit.

The higher the Density Limit the lower the Equivalent Volume will be, and accordingly your additional charge will be less.

Most of the International Movers allow a Density Limit of 7 LBS per CFT.

Many of the Destination Agents (DSA) in your future country charge per weight, giving a US$ or local currency rate per 100 LBS.

Ocean Freight, the cost raised by the ship line and their agents, is the only charge which is always calculated by volume when shipping household goods and personal effects.

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The Role of International Movers

International movers are in demand to the people moving from United States to overseas. With the many documents, files and requirements that you need to take care of before moving abroad, the hassle of shipping your household items on your own should not be added to the list of things that you need to do. The main role of an international mover is to assist you with this task.

International movers are the ones that handle the transportation of the client’s belongings from one country to the other. An international mover is the one responsible for the safe transportation of your worldly belongings from your old country to your new country. When choosing an international moving company, you should know their responsibility as the transporter of your goods. When looking for a reputable, professional international moving company, use the internet. Most of the moving companies have websites and are easily found on the internet.

Your selected international mover will pack your things properly and professionally if you wish. They are will load, brace and secure your personal belongings so they do not move around during transport. If you do not want the international mover to pack your items, they can provide tips and methods on how to properly pack your items. It is in everyone’s best interest to have your belongings arrive safely to your home in your destination country.

In addition to the safety issue of your items, the international company that you hire should have a method of securing your belongings in the container to prevent them from moving around and getting damaged in the journey. They can use pallets or a lift van. Palletizing the shipment is an industry standard. A lift van is used if items will not travel well on pallets, of if the customer requests a lift van which, of course, would be an additional cost. Make sure your international moving company is professional, attentive to your needs and most important, carries the proper license to ship your belonging overseas!

Proper communication is the key and is another important role of your international moving company. But as a customer, you also have the responsibility to stay in contact. Open lines of communication are paramount for a stress free move eliminating the many moments of anxiety that a person will have about their personal belongings. It’s so easy today with email! A good international mover will understand the importance of you knowing that your possessions are safe and the shipment is moving as planned by their trusted partner. Communication is essential.

The international moving company that you hire will have a counterpart company in the country that you chose to relocate if you are moving with door to door service. If you are not moving with door to door service option, but chose instead the door to port service option, you will need to clear your shipment through customs and set up delivery to your home. There are a couple of ways to get your belongings from the port warehouse to your home. You can use a friend or relative with a truck or you can hire a local moving company. Choose the service that best fits your budget and make sure you understand the services that are included and not included with each type of service.

Delivery dates cannot be guaranteed. There are many factors that can alter delivery times which are not in anyone’s control. It is in everyone’s best interest to keep the shipment moving and to deliver it to your home or to your destination port as quickly as possible.

An international moving company will be able to offer you insurance for your personal belongings. The international moving company is not an insurance company, but they can handle the paperwork for you with the insurance company. Although, should a claim need to be filed, it is generally done directly with the insurance company. Insurance is optional but it is always recommended. The very nature of insurance is to insure your items against unforeseen disasters. Your belongings will be treated with equal care and professionalism whether your shipment is insured or not, but insurance is always recommended.

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The Structure of an International Move

We all have moved at sometime in our life, for most of us it was a Local Move or a Long Distance Move. In both kinds of moves, the loading, transporting and offloading has all been done by the same team, in the same truck. The only difference is that a Local Move is defined as a move within the boundary of one state, and a Long Distance Move is a move where you cross from one state into another.

Both kinds of moves are done by Moving Companies, Van Lines, etc. which are controlled, monitored and supervised by the Department of Transport (DOT) and are required to have a DOT License.

The logistics and complexity of these moves is very simple in comparison to an International Move.

In International Moves, the following parties (“Links”) are involved:

Pick Up Team - Usually a local mover that will come to your house, do the packing and loading into a truck for an LCL (less than container load), or sometimes (not always) into a Container in for an FCL (full container load)

Consolidation Agent - If your shipment is LCL, your HHG (Household goods) will be brought to the Consolidation Agent’s warehouse for consolidation with other shipments

Trucker - If your shipment is FCL the service of a trucker will be required. This is a company or the individual that will pick up the container from the container yard and transport it to the loading location and back to the port

US Customs authorized specialist - An individual or a company that will prepare, check and submit your shipping documentation at port of exit

Steam Ship Line -The Company that owns the ship on which the container holding your HHG will be loaded

Overseas Customs Agent -The company or individual that will handle the release of your HHG from customs overseas at port of entry

Destination Agent - Overseas Agent that will handle the receiving and distribution of the various shipments consolidated into the container

Overseas trucking company - Usually hired by the Destination Agent. The moving company that will deliver your shipment from the Destination Agent’s warehouse to your new home or to your new country when Port of entry is in a different country. If your shipment is FCL, and if (not always) your dedicated container will be brought directly to your residence, then the trucker that delivers the container to your new home.

Overseas delivery team - Usually a local mover in your new town, delivering your HHG into your new home, in case of FCL this is the team that will offload the container, position the HHG in your new home and remove the packing debris

The success of your International Move depends on the performance of each and all of the above Links. If one Link fails; your International Move may be less than successful.

A successful International Move requires excellent administration and control. Experience, integrity and professional pride are also essential. Only a well organized company, possessing the above is suitable to handle your International Move.

No company in the world owns and operates all the ‘‘Hardware” and Links described above.

Understanding the structure of an International Move makes it clear that Local Movers, Van Lines etc. are the wrong type of company to use for International Moves.

You need an international mover that will follow the move from pick up to delivery, a company that generates most of its revenue from executing International Moves, even better, a company that ONLY does International Moves.

This company MUST be licensed and under the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). If you are using a company not licensed by the FMC to execute your International Move, you are using a company that operates illegally and you will not have recourse if things go wrong
This company MUST have an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license.

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