Do I need an International Mover?

This question, if you are planning to relocate overseas, is very relevant. You could probably handle this task on your own, but you must take into account all of the following factors before you make a decision:

An international move is a very complex procedure that requires more-than-basic knowledge; it will have you spending hours on the phone in search of moving companies (domestic and foreign), trucking companies, shipping companies etc.

Does it really require experience?

In addition to the knowledge required and the proper license to legally ship your belongings overseas, nothing can replace the amount of experience that an international mover has and that you, probably, lack. Even if you moved before it couldn't have been as many times as an international mover has dealt with these procedures. Think of it in more simple terms: even if you changed the oil in your car several times, that does not qualify you as a fully trained mechanic yet – you will still need to learn a lot and acquire enough experience before you will be able to be good at fixing your car, not to mention other people's cars. If we use this example, an international mover is a very experienced, highly regarded auto shop with a very good reputation, and one you won't hesitate to allow to fix your car.

How complicated can it be?

To help you grasp the extent of the complications you might need to overcome if you choose to do this on your own, here are just a few of the types of companies you will surely have to deal with when moving overseas:

1. A domestic moving company
2. A domestic trucking company if shipping an full designated container
3. A trustworthy shipping company
4. Foreign Customs Authority
5. Foreign moving company

Those are just the essential basic services that you will need to know how to find and deal with. Sound easy? Hold on…

Finding a domestic moving company can be simple, but how will you know that they are really as good as they say? Do you have any experience with such services in an extent that enables you to be sure?

Same goes for finding a shipping company: do you know who is the best? Do you have the ability to negotiate with them on a good price?

Would you like to spend the time required to narrow the gap between the moving company and the shipping company? Someone has to make sure that all that left your home will be loaded on the ship. Someone also has to make sure that all that is unloaded at your port of destination, is loaded on a local truck and safely delivered to your new location.

Dealing with foreign Customs authorities is in itself worthy of a separate article. You will have to master all local laws and regulations and overcome, to some extent, the language barrier.
Now go find a local moving company in your destination country. If you thought finding a good one in the USA is a bit of a hassle, try doing it by phone / fax / e-mail in Italy, France or any other country where they probably speak less English than the local Customs personnel.

The bottom line – get a quote

In short, unless you have moved hundreds of times, it would probably be wise to let an international moving company that handles thousands of international moves annually take care of your move and allow you to make better use of your time in preparation for the big step.

Getting a quote is free, what have you got to lose?

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Why do you need an international moving company?

You have reached a stage in your life in which you are about to move overseas. It may be for work or personal reasons. You are used to doing things by yourself and you might even be generally opposed to using contractors or middlemen, so now you must be asking yourself: "can't I do this on my own?, how difficult or complicated can it be?".

In a sense, you're right – it shouldn't be complicated. In fact it isn't complicated. Nothing really is complicated when you're a pro. That's why a pilot will not consider flying a 747 complicated, a carpenter thinks building a new kitchen is a piece of cake and any other professional will tell you his job is simple. International moving companies will always tell you it's simple to move overseas, because that is their field of expertise. That means they have learned, sometimes the hard way, how to do it right, how to be cost efficient and who are the best in each stage of the complex procedure with whom are worth working.

The actual move begins with the packing of your household goods and transporting them to a warehouse where they will either loaded into a designated container, in case you need a full container, or they will be consolidated with other goods being transported to your destination – this will eventually save you money.

Do you really want to start looking for a good and reliable shipping company? Do you have the essential basic knowledge necessary for this task? An international moving company does and already knows who can be trusted with your belongings. When you hire an international mover, you purchase, amidst their variety of services, the experience and knowledge they already have and that saves you time, money and most important of all – the grief of disappointment that you might encounter when taking all of this on yourself without having the required experience.
If you're thinking "all this doesn't sound that hard" remember: getting your goods in a container and loaded on a ship is only half of the journey. Now that the ship has reached its port of destination, you will have to deal with local Customs. Would you rather learn the full manual of the Customs authority in your destination or have a local expert deal with them? Would you like to try and find that local expert on your own, while possibly dealing with a language barrier, or have one already waiting for your shipment on the spot? When your goods have been cleared, would you rather try and find a local mover on your own, or have a good and reliable one already hired for you?

When you plan an international move you could probably take the time to learn all of the required facts, laws etc. and spend time on the phone or even on the net, searching for the right people to handle each stage of the move and then supervise and coordinate between them as the moving process advances.

You could also hire the services of an international moving company, watch them pick up your packed goods and spend the time left for preparing yourself and your family for the relocation. You can sleep well at night and smile all day long, knowing the next time you will have to deal with this is when you unpack your belongings at your new location.

So why take upon yourself the hassle and gamble? If you are about to move overseas, call an international moving company and let them take the burden off your shoulders so you can keep smiling.

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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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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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Facts you should know before hiring an international mover

Hiring an international moving company is not as simple as employing the first one you talk to or the one that offers the cheapest price for their services. The international moving company that you will hire will be in charge of all of your possessions until they are delivered into your home in your new country or to the destination port if that is the service you choose. It is very important to hire the right international moving company so your personal belongings will be handled with the utmost care that they deserve.

Here are some things that you should be aware of before you hire an international mover. Ask about the types of services they provide. Is the service door to door or door to port? Door to Door Service means the international mover will pick your belongings up at your home in the US, load them into the container, transport your belongings overseas, clear customs and deliver your belongings into your new home.

Door to Port Service means the international mover will pick up your belongings at your home in the US, load them into the container, transport your belongings overseas and you will then need to clear customs and arrange to pick your belongings up at the terminal warehouse and deliver them to your new home. Can they provide packing? Of course, this will be an additional cost. What is the cost? If the international mover packs for you, does the price include materials and labor? Some companies will tell you packing services are included, but then they will charge you for the packing materials and the costs can be quite high. Can you pack yourself? Do they offer insurance? This coverage is generally offered through a third party.

International movers are not insurance companies. What kind of insurance coverage is available? If you pack yourself, you will be able to insure your shipment but the coverage will be for total loss not damages. An insurance company will only insure your shipment for damages if it is professionally packed. What is the cost of the insurance? Door to door or door to port insurance is always an extra cost. In international shipping, there is no such thing as basic coverage. Do you need to fill out insurance paperwork? If you do not, you are not going to get door to door or door to port coverage. Can they provide storage, if that is your need?

Check out the international moving company that you intend to hire. Do they have the proper license to ship your belongings overseas? If yes, then legally they can ship your belongings. If no, or if they say they are “using a company” with a license, they and the “other” company are not operating legally and if there is an issue, you will have no recourse. How long have they been in the business? Are they affiliated with associations and organizations in their industry? Have they delivered shipments to your new destination country? Do they do local, long distance and international shipments? A company that specializes in international shipments ONLY would be your best choice.

Compare prices, but make sure you are comparing the same type of services and the same volume. You may get a quote from a company that is much less than another. Investigate the reason why. The reason could be the volume each company is quoting is completely different. Another reason could be because one is quoting door to door service, one is quoting door to port service or even port to port service. Are they including and excluding the same services. In other words: are you comparing apples to apples? Don’t just look at the price and assume that everything else in the quote is the same. Price is important, but it is not the only factor one should use in choosing your international mover. Everyone is concerned about costs and getting the best value for their money. Compare, ask questions and remember if it sounds too good to be true, often times it is.

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