International Movers USA

Published on 2021-05-25

United States International Moving Companies

International Movers USA

As moving within the US is a common practice so is moving outside of the US. According to a United Nation’s estimate, there are about 3.2 million Americans living in other countries around the world in 2019. People move abroad from the US for different reasons – work opportunities, change of environment, to experience new cultures, economic reasons, marriage, or to enjoy retirement elsewhere.

If you are planning to make an international move from the US, there are several international and global moving services that can assist with moving your belongings from port to port or door to door, depending on your preference.

Deciding On Which Port To Ship From

The United States of America is home to over 300 shipping ports, giving you tons of choices when you need to ship a container overseas with an international moving company Some customers choose to go with the port that is closest to them, while others may choose another port nearby that offers a more favorable delivery schedule. The choice will be entirely up to you.

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is America’s busiest port, handling well over 9 million TEUs per year. As an essential gateway to Asia, this port is home to many of the world’s major shipping carriers, making it easy to get where you need to go.

Port of Long Beach

Located near the top port on this list, the Port of Long Beach is not just one of the biggest in America, it is also trying to be the most environmentally-friendly port in the country by taking action to reduce diesel emissions.

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest port on the Eastern seaboard, with direct routes to destinations worldwide.

Port of Savannah

If you live in or near Savannah, Georgia, you could take advantage of the Port of Savannah, which is the busiest port in the Western Hemisphere. From Savannah, you can reach major destinations from Europe to South America, with connections around the globe.

Port of Seattle-Tacoma NW Seaport Alliance

This port, in the shadow of Mount Rainier, is a busy shipping port handling cargo from all over the world. With direct routes to Asia, Central and South America, and beyond, the Seaport Alliance is the obvious choice for shipping from Western Washington State. For inland customers, this port also offers direct rail service from as far away as the Ohio Valley.

Deciding which port to ship your belongings from is not as important as getting a reliable international moving company that will help handle your move. Once you get that right, they will be the one to advice where to ship from based on the most convenient and cost saving in terms of logistics.

How To Find Reputable International Moving Companies In The USA

Sending your belongings across the sea is not something you want to place in the hands of an inexperienced or rogue “international mover” so you have to look out for international companies with reputation and below are tips to help you with that.

License and Reputation

Reputable international movers are registered with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and are also members of trade associations like the International Association of Movers. Most international relocation companies have Ocean Transportation Intermediaries that are licensed by FMC. Therefore, you can ask the international relocation company you want to work with for the name of their intermediary and check the FMC’s OTI list to confirm their status.

There are companies that operate as local, interstate, cross country, and international movers altogether. The reputation of such companies can be additionally vetted with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Once the USDOT number of the international moving service, just go to FMCA’s website and you will find information about license, insurance coverage, safety records and history of customers’ complaint.

Ask for Referrals

Have anyone of your family and friends that have moved belongings abroad successfully in recent times? Ask them about the moving company and see if the can work for you as well.

Ask for Customer Reviews

Ask the company to give you contact of past customers and ask them about their experience. Also go to sites like Yelp and Better Business Bureau to further read genuine reviews from their previous customers.

Compare international moving companies

It’s standard practice to get three or several international moving estimates and compare prices so you can determine whether a company is overcharging or undercharging, both should be avoided.

Things To Do Before Your Planned Overseas Relocation

Shipping belongings abroad is a different kind of move entirely. You will be dealing with new laws and process that you  are probably not familiar with so here a few things to consider.

Do your research

International moves are complicated because there are so many details and they are all important. Suddenly, you have to become an expert in another country’s shipping and import regulations, a pro at managing scheduling and logistics, and a whiz at packing your goods to survive the journey intact.

Not to mention, you really only get one shot at getting it right. If you arrive at your destination with paperwork in hand and find out you were supposed to send it in week’s ago, your move is going to get a lot more complicated. Check with your local embassy for the best, most accurate guidance. Otherwise consult an expat immigration services provider who has a good track record with people who have relocated to your destination country.

Do the right thing

Once you know what to do, do it. Customs officials tend to take their jobs quite seriously, so make sure you follow the guidance you are given. If they ask for a comprehensive, box-by-box inventory of your shipment, provide them with an accurate accounting of what you have packed. Failure to take this process seriously can cost you time and money.

Assess your personal electronics

North American devices have distinct plugs to fit 110v outlets. Most places in the world use 220v outlets that are incompatible with the devices we use every day. From your phone charger to your toaster, you will need to evaluate what you should leave behind. If you can’t use it where you are going, why bring it?

Don’t Hope for the Best, Work with the Best

You’ve got a lot on your mind when you are getting ready to move internationally. Working with international relocation services like Three Movers gives you access to competent, experienced international shipping experts who know what it takes to achieve a seamless move overseas. Our international movers are as good as our national movers.

What could Three Movers do for you? Contact us today to learn more.