How is my international shipment packed and how does it get there?
Your household goods and personal effects are carefully wrapped and packed into specially designed cartons. Each piece of furniture is wrapped in protective pads. Then, depending on the overall size of your shipment, it is loaded into large wooden crates or steel sea containers. The sea containers are loaded onto a container ship and sent to your destination port, where it is off-loaded and cleared through customs. We then deliver your shipment to your new home, unwrap and set up your furniture, unpack your cartons and remove the debris.

How much does it cost to move overseas?
The cost is based mainly on the volume and weight of your shipment. Your charges will be based on actual costs of packing, loading, shipping, clearing and delivering your shipment. On small shipments we can provide you with  an estimated cost on-line by analyzing your list of items to be packed and shipped. The more details you can supply, the more precise we can be with our estimate. On larger shipments we will perform a free in-home survey of your shipment to determine your shipping requirements and the size of your shipment. Request your free no-obligation quote here.

How long does it take for our shipment to get to its destination?
There are as many answers as there are destinations, but generally surface shipments from the U.S. can arrive at most destinations in 4-6 weeks. Shipments to the Orient can take a week or two longer. Shipments to Australia or New Zealand will take about ten weeks. Air shipments can be cleared and delivered to your door in ten days or less. Various levels of service, allow for faster or slower transit times, based on your needs and requirements.

Is it safe?
Shipping internationally is nearly as safe as shipping within the U.S. There are some additional hazards to which an international shipment can be exposed, starting with the ocean. Some countries are known for heat and humidity and some have security concerns. However, through our experience we know how to deal with each of these, thus reducing them to procedures as common as shipping within the United States.

What about Customs?
Customs officials exist to protect the laws and rules of their country and to collect duties and taxes in connection with their laws. Anyone planning a visit to a foreign country is personally responsible to honor the laws of the country to which they are  a guest. Official information can be obtained by contacting the Consulate or Embassy of the destination country. We also can give you guidance based on our practical experience gained from previous moves.

Are there Duties and Taxes to pay, and how much will they be?
Many countries allow used household goods and personal effects to enter without duties or taxes. Others are less lenient. Official information can be obtained by contacting the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Click here for a list of Consulates and Embassies.

Should I buy insurance coverage?
Replacement value, all risk insurance is available with various deductibles. It is wise to insure a shipment for the cost to replace it in the country of destination. Additionally, It is possible to insure for the cost of re-shipping a lost or damaged item. 

What about payment?
All international shipments of household goods/personal effects must be prepaid (prior to shipping) by cash or certified funds. Cost estimates can be made prior to shipping, but the actual cost can not be determined until the weights and dimensions are confirmed. Upon confirmation of the weights and dimensions, you will be notified of the final price and asked to submit your payment before the shipment is released for shipping overseas.

Can I ship my car?
Automobiles can be shipped to any country that allows importation.  Many of the developed countries make importation easy and inexpensive.  Some countries discourage importation by assigning high taxes and duties.  You will need to provide your original title, as well as the year, make, model, color and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle. 

What is required of me?
Anyone planning a visit to a foreign country is personally responsible to honor the laws of the country to which he/she is a guest. It is advisable to contact the Consulate or Embassy of your destination country for official information.  Click here for a list of Consulates and Embassies.

Important Paperwork

When moving out of the country, it is important to have certain paperwork with you. The following is a list of some of the important documents you may need:

• Passports for each family member.
• Marriage certificate.
• Driver's license.
• Passport-size photographs of each family member.
• Lease or rental agreement for housing in your new country.
• School transcripts.
• Work permits.
• Vehicle registration.
• Medical insurance documentation.
• Medical and dental records.
• Income tax records.
• Adoption papers.
• Divorce and child custody documentation.
• Certificates of citizenship, if applicable.
• Wills.
• Power of attorney.

For additional information about moving over seas, check these valuable links.