Understand Your Shipping Options When Moving Overseas
Moving abroad is exciting but can also be a lot to handle. It’s essential to understand your shipping options when moving overseas. Understanding the different options you have will help make an informed decision when moving to a new country.
We will break down the different shipping options along with details that will help steer you in the right direction. International moving costs vary, but having direction will help you plan and budget appropriately.
Less Than Container Load (LCL) for Smaller Moves
LCL shipments are ideal for smaller moves. If you’re shipping boxes or just a few pieces of furniture, sharing a container is the way to go. It’s the least expensive of all the shipping options and is commonly used.
Shipping options when moving internationally can consist of a full door-to-door ocean freight service or a door to port. The service type should be based on your budget and capabilities.
Your household goods will be placed on pallets, shrink-wrapped, and loaded into a container with others that are heading to the same or nearby destination.
Consolidations are based on cubic feet. The more volume you have, the higher the cost. Moving is a great time to purge, so getting rid of unwanted items is ideal when moving abroad.
Full Container Load (FCL) for Larger Moves
FCL is standard when moving furniture and boxes. Container sizes vary from 20″ to 40″ and are exclusive to your use. If you’re going with a full door-to-door service, a container will be brought to your residence for loading.
Upon arrival at your destination, the container will be off-loaded, and all debris will be removed. However, you will still have shipping options when moving overseas.
A great way to reduce shipping costs is to load and offload your own container. When seeking rates, ask for their different options and the most economical route for overseas moving. Check out this article on moving-saving tips when moving abroad.
AirFreight for Speedy Delivery
Airfreight is a great shipping option when moving overseas. It’s fast, easy but can be costly. You can expect that the rates to be about double the cost of ocean freight.
However, if you’re in a hurry to get your stuff, then airfreight is the way to go. Unlike ocean freight, costs are based on weight/volume, whichever is greater.
Shipping by air will have the same options as shipping by ocean. It’s always best to speak with your relocation coordinator about the details.
Shipping Options When Moving Overseas
Shipping options vary, so use your discretion and ask the right questions. You should also understand how much Port & THC charges are before making a decision.
Finding the right international moving company is essential to a positive outcome. If you have any questions about moving overseas, feel free to contact us at any time.