A lot goes into moving, but moving to a new country can be extra challenging for various reasons. Finding the best international moving companies is the key to having a headache-free experience, and we’ve done the leg work for you.
An experienced international mover will be able to assist with things like how to save money, the customs clearance process, and getting your stuff to your final destination rapidly and efficiently.
According to the Federal Motor Safety Administration, there are over 5500 registered movers in the US. However, only about 3% are lisenced and knowledgeable enough to handle international moving services. Doing research is essential to finding the best international movers for you. Here’s how it’s done:
License check: An international mover must be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to offer international moving services. Start by visiting the FMC website to confirm license information.
Check online reviews: Although online reviews don’t tell the whole story, they can be a great resource in seeing how consumer complaints are handled. You can also check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Remember that an older and larger international mover may have more complaints than a newer company.
Referrals: If you know someone who has recently moved overseas, you can ask about their experience. You can also post a social media post for any recommendations on the best international moving companies.
Listen to your gut: If you aren’t getting a good vibe from the moving company you’re speaking with, move on. A professional moving company should be patient and knowledgeable in your new country.
Affordable moving cost, best-in-class moving services and people who care.
Based on years in business, customer reviews, and knowledge, we’ve compiled a list of the top five best international moving companies in the US. It’s always best to do your research when looking for an international relocation company, but you can’t go wrong with any of the below-mentioned companies:
| Services | |
|---|---|
| International relocations | Documentation |
| Full container load (FCL) | Corporate relocations |
| Less than container load (LCL) | Destination Services |
| Air freight | Packing Services |
| Customs Clearance | Moving insurance |
Every company listed is accredited, international movers and has an excellent rating with the better business bureau. They maintain the required licensing and hold the knowledge of many foreign destinations. They’re all full-service moving companies which mean they offer various international shipping options.
An international mover can cost $1500 to $12,000. The most significant cost factors are the size, service, and destination country. The time of year and company you chose can also affect the cost. You can use the below cost average for planning and budgeting:
*** Average price of a door-to-door move (ocean freight)***
| Destination | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Europe | $2500-$8000 |
| Canada | $1500-$6500 |
| South America | $2600-$8200 |
| Australia | $3000-$9500 |
| Asia | $3200-$8200 |
| Africa | $4500-$9500 |
Costs can vary based on the move size and international moving services. It’s always best to speak with professional movers regarding their fees and understand their moving process.
Hiring an international moving company can be costly, and with all the expenses involved in moving to a new country, you may want to save money. Here are five tips to help reduce the cost of an international move.
Ocean shipping is the most common method for overseas relocation. It’s the most economical mode of transportation. However, if you’re in a hurry to get your stuff, you may want to consider air freight services, which can be costly.
Most overseas moves we handle here at International Van Lines are ocean freight. However, from time to time, we have customers that want to get their stuff as quickly as possible. Ocean shipping can take 6-8 weeks, whereas air freight can take 7 to 12 days.
If your main objective is getting your household goods quickly, consider shipping by air. However, if cost is of more importance, then you should stick with standard ocean freight shipping services.
Most international moving companies offer storage services at origin and destination. Storage fees are based on the volume of your move and the length of time. Below is a list of storage options that you have when moving to a new country:
The best international moving companies offer different storage options for any situation. However, it’s always best to speak with the moving company of your choice about their moving process.
Airfreight transportation averages $3500 to $17,000. Transit times are quicker by air, but it’s more expensive than ocean freight which averages $1500 to $12,000. The size of your shipment is the most significant cost factor. However, service and final destination will also affect the cost.
If you’re looking for a speedy delivery and international moving costs arent an issue, then you may want to consider air freight services. The transit time will be quicker than the ocean freight. However, not all international moving companies offer air freight, so it’s best to speak with your moving company regarding their international moving services.
If you’re shipping boxes only, you can consider international parcel shipping. FedEx and DHL will most likely be the carrier performing the transportation. However, some global moving companies have contracts with the airline, allowing significant discounts.
Parcel shipping service is not standard for most international moving companies. International Van Lines offers an 80% discount and can overseas your shipment process.
Most international moving companies offer auto shipping. Your vehicle can be consolidated with your household goods or shipped as a stand-alone service. Below is a list of the shipping options you will have with international movers:
It’s always best to speak with various international movers about their service options.
The best international moving companies offer insurance through a third party like Unirisk Insurance. There are self-pack and professional pack insurance options, and the cost can range between 2% to 4% of your good’s declared value. Below is international moving insurance explained:
International moving has a different moving process than long-distance moving. Whether you purchase moving insurance through a moving company or find your insurance, it’s advised that you insure your household goods.
International moving companies charge based on cubic feet and or weight. Ocean freight is charged based on cubic feet, whereas air freight is charged based on weight and the cubic feet measurement. Here are the several parts of an international moving quote:
Your budget and requirements will determine the international relocation services you get. The best international moving companies will walk you through the process and offer you several options. Before committing to global moving services, you should speak with a professional moving consultant.
Anytime you’re making an international move, there are possibilities of accessorial charges that can arise. It’s always best to speak with the international moving company of your choice about hidden fees or any expenses that can come up. Below is a list and cost breakdown of the accessorial charges:
Long carry: If the driver has to park his truck 75ft or further from your front door, it’s considered a long carry. There is typically a one-time charge of $75 if this arises.
Stairs: If you live in an apartment business that requires the movers to lug your stuff up and down multiple flights of stairs, you may be charged a one-time stairs charge of $75 per flight.
Crating: Custom crating for oil painting, fragile, or pianos will be an additional charge. It would be best if you spoke with international moving companies about their costs.
Bulky items: If you have a heavy gun safe or treadmill, you may be charged an overweight item fee. The costs range from $150 to $350 on average.
Accessorial charges vary, so speak with the international moving company you chose about the details. It’s also best to ask if there are any hidden charges in their cost.
The best international moving companies offer different storage options for any situation. However, it’s always best to speak with the moving company of your choice about their moving process.
Most van lines have locations in most major cities. If not, companies like International Van Lines and North American Van Lines cover the entire country. If you’re looking for international moving companies near me, you should do a quick Google search to see what you come up with and then begin with research.
To have a successful international relocation, you must have all your ducks in a row, including the required documentation to move to another country. Documents may vary from country to country, but you can use the below list as guidance:
It would help to use an international moving checklist to keep yourself organized and on task. Your destination country may require specific paperwork that many international moving companies can provide.
Whether you’re a small company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or an auto manufacturer in Austin, Texas, you must deal with international movers with the knowledge and experience to perform.
Below is a list of services that an international mover should offer for corporate relocations:
The best international moving companies will tailor a moving package for your need. You should be able to pick and choose services based on your transferee’s situation.
International Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and Allied are our top choices. They provide direct and consolidation services from the US to Europe.
Ocean freight services can take up to 8 weeks, whereas air freight services can take up to 15 days.
International movers do not bill port and terminal fees. They are port-related charges but can be put in your moving quote. It’s best to speak with the international moving company of your choice.
International Van Lines and United Van Lines is the best international moving service to the Middle East. Both offer ocean and air freight services weekly.
Yes, the best international moving companies offer service to Canada. International Van Lines offers a weekly service.
International Van Lines and Allied Van Lines offer consolidation services to and from New York. Both companies have excellent reviews for their New York locations.
The best international moving companies in the USA are International Van Lines and United Van Lines.
International Van Lines and Allied Van Lines offer moving services to South Africa.
