How do I Choose an International Moving Company?

When it comes to choosing an international moving company, you can’t afford to treat it like dating. You need this move to be right, so choosing the right moving company the first time is essential. Here are some of the ways you can choose the right international moving company the first time.

Check their credentials

Moving companies must be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission to operate domestically and by bodies such as the International Association of Movers and FIDI Global Alliance for international moves. These organizations set standards for professionalism and business practices that ensures a high-level of expertise and service.

Read the fine print

What happens if there is damage? Who is responsible if something gets lost? Read the fine print in your mover’s contract carefully to understand what is required of you and what is required of them. The fine print will also lay out for you the chain of custody for your shipment. This part is important because your goods will change many hands on the way to your destination. Review your shipping contract carefully to ensure you know who is doing what and when.

What it costs and what’s included

When you receive an international moving estimate, carefully read through what the estimate covers. Some movers quote a door-to-door price, while others are door-to-port, or port-to-door. Make sure you know what you are paying for before you sign a contract. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses later on.

Domestic vs. international shipping experience

Experience matters in international shipping. From the nuances of international shipping law to the complications of global weather and shipping patterns, overseas shipping is vastly more complicated than moving domestically. Check to see if your moving company has experience handling these complex moves.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are a mixed bag. As you read through customer reviews, you can usually pick up on common themes and recognize outliers. Certainly, you want to see more positive than negative, but not all negative feedback is warranted. If somebody leaves a negative review because a storm caused their shipment to be delayed, take it for what it’s worth. If you are seeing more serious issues, such as damaged items that are uncompensated by the shipper, take notice.

Get it Right the First Time with Three Movers

If you want to work with an overseas moving company with experience handling complex international relocations, Three Movers is here for you. We know how to prepare your items for shipping so that they arrive safely and understand the complexities of international shipping rules. To get started, contact us for a no-obligation shipping quote. Our consultants will be able to make recommendations based on your needs to ensure that you achieve the perfect move.

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