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International Movers | International Moving Company Near Me | Best International Moving Companies

Published on 2022-07-22

Moving Overseas from Canada and America: Any difference?

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International Movers: Top Rated International Moving Companies

It’s the opportunity of a lifetime: moving to a new country to start a job or spearheading a corporate relocation. Or possibly you are fulfilling the dream of retirement in a quieter part of the world, a less hurried land. Maybe the challenge came out of the blue, or perhaps it’s something you’ve long been working toward. Whatever the reason, here you are, ready to go. But now you need to pack up your house and go. It’s time to find an international mover to partner and work with you every step of your overseas move. And international moves around the world with customs clearance is not easy.

International Mover: How do I find One near me?

The good news about international moves is that you have plenty of moving services from which to choose. Any international moving company operating from the United States must register with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which licenses companies authorized to handle international relocations.

Coordinating international and worldwide deliveries requires a lot of expertise. The company will need to work with a network of subcontractors, agents, and moving specialists including trucking companies, van lines, warehouse and storage providers, and ocean transporters. The international moving company of your choice must be reliable and above-board, committed to standard operations. If you live near an origin port in the U.S., and moving to Canada from USA or other nearby countries, the total distance may be shorter, but there are still multiple steps and logistics involved in the process.

The FMC maintains a consumer resource site where you can identify licensed and registered international moving services and investigate whether the international moving companies you are considering have a history of complaint issues. You should also consider checking with your state consumer protection agency for customer concerns and look for cases reported to the Better Business Bureau.

International movers with results

Cars in shipping containers – a different level of international shipping

You may want to start with U.S DOT licensed local agents of national van lines that offer international moving services including customs clearance. With any household relocation around the world, the work you do at the pre move stage in your move planning, to find a trustworthy international moving company will pay off as you continue through the process. In an international move, the importance is higher since you relinquish control for a longer time and greater overseas distance.

Ask for referrals from your contacts; people or a business you know have made international moves to anywhere. Chances are they used a local United States company that has a network with one of the major overseas vendors and experts that have coordination capacities for such international relocation.

International Movers: What’s the best way to start my search for them?

The FMC suggests starting with a moving plan, including the following pre move elements:

Make a list of everything you plan to ship before packing.

Keep in mind that international relocation is expensive, so you may want to cull this checklist down to the essentials of your personal belonging, especially if the moving cost is coming out of your wallet. If the move is temporary, consider putting some of your household goods in storage or donating them before you go. You may want to decorate your new home in the style of the country of your new home. You may also be occupying less square footage in your new residence, so we advise customers don’t take too much of your belongings with you internationally.

Obtain written quotes from several international moving companies based on an onsite inspection of the shipping goods

The minimum recommended number of estimates is three, but you may want to get more. Getting an appraisal is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with a representative of the international mover and decide if you’re going to partner with them. Make sure that you read the mover’s terms of service and understand any conditions or responsibilities they place on the move.

International shipment charges are based on the amount of space that your shipment occupies, and often the moving quote does not include packing material, which requires additional space, or palletizing, which adds even more. Palletizing protects your goods from shifting while in land, air or worldwide sea transit to international country destinations and may also supply an added layer of protection against weather but does increase the cubic volume. Verify with the international moving companies you are considering how much this will increase the estimates they provide.

Guatemala International Freight Shipment Charges

Shipping overseas from Brooklyn, New York, and nearby cities

Insurance is essential, and it is often necessary to obtain coverage from a third party rather than from the international mover. The insurance company may require that your goods be packed by the international mover, not by you. Carefully review the insurance terms of any policy before you agree to it. Some marine insurance policies only offer protection in the event of a total loss of the vessel, and not any coverage of routine damage during the move. There may also be exclusions and other loopholes that you want to be aware of in advance. It’s okay to plan to move on budget, but it’s important to ensure you are getting the necessary coverage

Talk to potential moving vendors about their role in customs documentation, customs clearance, and any other paperwork both for exiting the U.S. and entry into the destination country. They may charge for these services, and you want to consider those fees as part of the overall cost. You can also research the customs requirements at S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Top Traits Of The Best International Moving Companies Near Me

Experienced international moving companies offer storage services - Three Movers, Allied Van Lines

Storage solutions for all your household goods and resources

Making an international move is a big decision that comes with it own challenges. The last thing anyone wants is to start this great new life with a hangover of a bad international move process. So during your pre move planning, it is important to secure the best global moving services and we have provided some tips here to help you spot a reliable international moving company with experience.

License, Insurance, Accreditation, and Affiliations

A reputable international mover should have the necessary registration document, comprehensive insurance coverage, accreditation and affiliations with credible associations of international movers globally.

In the US, international moving companies are regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission. You can also check their standing, reputation or rating with organizations such as Better Business Bureau, International Association of Movers, FIDI Global Alliance, and other relevant agencies across the globe. A reputable international moving company should also have traceable overseas partners and associated destination services.

Reasonable and Transparent Pricing

Pricing is a good indicator that an international moving company understands what it takes to move your belonging to your destination. So when you are given moving estimates, compare them with the average international moving costs. A price that is too low indicates that the mover might do a shoddy job and a price too high might mean a mover is trying to take advantage of you. You’ll have to look for a company whose pricing and competence match your budget.

The best international moving companies and businesses don’t just provide generic estimates, they provide customized international moving quote to each customer with explanation on  every item on the estimate. So if a company is not providing enough information, that’s probably a red flag. However, it is important to note that international moving costs are relative to where you are moving to. So it makes more sense to find an average cost relative to your destination country.

Skilled Staff

Professional cheap international movers are always well-trained employees or representatives who can handle pickup, packing, unpacking, loading and unloading carefully and professionally. From the moment you talk to them on phone to when they come to inspect your house or office and provide estimates, you will always notice that touch of professionality if it’s a reliable company.

International Full Service Moving Company

One of the traits of reliable international moving services is that they can handle all the logistics of your move from packing in your current location to unpacking at your new location. That includes the ability to provide temporary or long term storage services as well as specialized moving services in case of items with extra large dimensions, works of art, pianos, pool tables, antiques and other precious items.

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What are the red flags that an overseas mover might be shady?

The FMC cautions that consumers should be wary of the following when considering relocation services for their international move:

  • If the company claims that the FMC license or bond is just an  option
  • If the mover’s website doesn’t have a local address
  • If the mover doesn’t want to do a visual inspection of the household goods to move
  • If the estimate is much lower than the others obtained
  • If the mover doesn’t accept credit card payments or charges a fee to take them
  • If the company doesn’t allow cancellations or charges an excessive fee in the event of cancellation
  • If they have numerous complaints on file
  • If they claim to include insurance coverage, but can’t give you a copy of the policy
International moves on a shoestring budget

Seal up your box content tightly

Can Overseas Moving Specialists Ship My Car To Another Country When I Move?

International movers - Cars

Car transportation to different locations abroad

Probably. The same moving company that you use to move your household shipment is likely to be a good source of information about moving a vehicle, or you can research car transportation companies on your own. Where you are going on the globe, what kind of car you want to move, and how long you are staying are factors in determining whether it makes sense. Usually, a vehicle exported for personal use needs to be without a lien. It will be subject to an import tax and must comply with local transportation regulations in the destination country or on the part of the globe you are shipping to (e.g EU). It probably won’t travel with the rest of your belongings, so you may also want to look at alternatives for shipping the car. You can send a vehicle as unprotected cargo in a “Ro/Ro” or Roll On/Roll Off transit, or in an exclusive or shared container.

In a Ro/Ro transit, the vehicle is driven onto a vessel with a huge cargo area that is essentially a parking lot on board. Shared container involves multiple vehicles loaded into a shared container. There are more fees–terminal handling charge, a trucking charge, unloading charges, and customs clearance charges. This takes more time because the container has to be full to leave.  “Full container” according to industry standard means one vehicle in a shipping container, which is more expensive, but is the most secure and fastest means of global auto delivery.

Popular Areas We Service

Three Movers services moves nationwide. Below are some of the most popular areas we work in, and have movers and moving trucks ready to assist:

New York City Austin Boston Milwaukee Raleigh Murfreesboro
Los Angeles Jacksonville El Paso Chula Vista Miami Lufkin
Chicago Fort Worth Nashville Tucson Long Beach Pensacola
Houston Bakersfield Detroit Fresno Virginia Beach Palo Alto
Phoenix Charlotte Oklahoma City Mesa Oakland St. Augustine
Pittsburg San Francisco Portland Sacramento Minneapolis La Verne
San Antonio Indianapolis Las Vegas Atlanta Tulsa La Puente
San Diego Seattle Memphis Kansas City Tampa La Vergne
Dallas Denver Louisville Colorado Springs Arlington Houston
San Jose Washington Baltimore Omaha New Orleans El Paso

Moving internationally comes with a lot of questions you might need the answers to. Here, we broke down the most commonly asked questions we get into a straightforward primer.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Moving

Move planning, especially for international moving can be a complex logistical problem to sort out. The first place to start is to make a list of the things you’re definitely carrying. Anything that doesn’t fall on the list, you should consider giving away or selling (if you can). Choosing a moving company like Three Movers will give you the peace of mind that all your selected items get from source to destination at your door safely.

The amount of time that you have available to contact a mover will vary. Ideally, you should start talking to relocation services between seven and ten weeks from when you decide moving overseas. This discussion will allow you to confirm details like your departure documents, arrival details, and if anything you’re carrying needs to be quarantined. It’ll also allow us time and logistics to get international move to the other end of your destination.

Countries differ in what they permit for international moving. However, aside from illegal items, there are a few very distinct objects that you would do better to leave at home instead of taking them with you on your move. A good rule of thumb is that anything that may become flammable or leak while in transit should be left on the ground. Good examples of items that should never be earmarked to travel are:

  • aerosol cans, gas canisters, and any object under pressure
  • wood, soil, rocks, or cement of any type
  • firearms and ammunition
  • explosives or corrosives
  • plants

These items might cause hazards to the transport carrying them and any passengers on board or the local flora and fauna on arrival.

Unlike other shipping, international shipping tends to focus on the dimensions of your shipping package, not the weight. Depending on where you’re going and how far it is from your source location, different prices may apply. Costs will also vary based on whether it’ll be land based, air based, or sea based. Consult us today to find out what Three Movers can offer you in terms of price. Get our quote today for stress free moving and storage process.

Shipping a car to oversea destinations can be a complicated process. Depending on where you’re going, you may have to tack on the cost of shipping taxes and the cost to clear the vehicle. All the car’s documents need to be in order before shipping to present to customs officials at the destination port.

The most obvious way to tell if the company you’re shipping with offers quality service is to read their customer reviews. There are several places online aside from the company’s website that will clue you in to the type of service you can expect. Additionally, looking at the company’s management team page, testimonials, and the layout of their website can give you a decent idea of how professional a moving company they may be.

Less reputable companies might not be interested in coming to knock at your door for visual inspection, but professionals will always send a member of their team to see what they’re supposed to be moving beforehand. This approach helps us to plan for eventualities, like special needs for particular items to ensure safe handling and delivery.

Unless the estimate is a binding estimate, the company has a lot of room to operate when it comes to charging its customers. In some cases, companies just give a ballpark figure for a move. The move itself may come up to more or less. When the final price is negotiated and the details worked out, the amount you pay might be a bit more than the original quote. This more considerable value is nothing to be alarmed about, but planning for a higher cost may be a good idea.

If a company asks you to pay extra for using a credit card to cover your costs (or worse yet, doesn’t even take them), you should be wary. Companies like these can be trouble since they are likely operating on the fringes of the law. Three Movers will offer you the ability to pay with your credit card, with no extra fees tacked on.

All reputable international moving companies provide insurance for their client’s goods. This consideration keeps their clients’ goods secure in the event of a disaster. Three Movers offers insurance for each move that we make, giving you the peace of mind you need when shipping your stuff to global destinations.

Typically, international moving companies have a receiving agent at the destination port. Ideally, you would get to your destination ahead of your items and prepare for their arrival. For any details, we’ll even provide you with a contact sheet of an individual at the destination country to liaise with directly.

Depending on the destination, moving with certain items may simply be too cumbersome. Ideally, you’d sell them off before you leave your location for your destination. You may even be able to afford a replacement with the money garnered from the sale in some cases.

If you call your moving company early enough beforehand, they will provide support for your electronic items to ensure that they aren’t damaged in transit. Items such as plasma or LCD TVs especially have particular needs when moving from point to point.

Ideally, you would ask around for a few different sources and compare the prices for international relocations. Don’t settle for the one with the cheapest moving quote or the most expensive one, but somewhere in the middle. It would help if you focused on local companies with offices you can visit in person.

Moving to a new country can be daunting, especially when finding the right international moving company to help with your relocation. With so many options available, choosing the best one for your needs can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

1. Research and gather information: Conduct thorough research on international moving companies. Look for companies that specialize in international relocations and have experience in the specific country you are moving to. Check their websites, read customer reviews, and gather as much information as possible.

2. Get recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have recently moved internationally for offers. Personal referrals can be valuable in finding reliable and trustworthy moving companies.

3. Check for licenses and certifications: Ensure the international moving companies you consider are licensed and certified. Knowing that they meet legal requirements and adhere to industry standards will give you peace of mind.

4. Request multiple quotes: Contact at least three international moving companies and request detailed quotes for your relocation. Compare the quotes to understand the services offered, pricing, and any additional fees or charges. Be cautious of meager prices, which may indicate poor quality or hidden costs.

5. Check for insurance coverage: Moving internationally involves a higher risk of damage or loss to your belongings. Ensure the moving company provides comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your items during transit. Ask for proof of insurance and understand the coverage limits and exclusions.

6. Verify experience and expertise: Moving internationally requires specific knowledge and expertise. Ask the moving companies about their experience handling international relocations and familiarity with customs regulations, documentation, and shipping requirements. Choose a company with a proven track record in successfully moving clients internationally.

7. Consider additional services: Depending on your needs, you may require other services such as packing, storage, or vehicle shipping. Check if the moving company offers these services and has the necessary resources and expertise to handle them.

8. Evaluate customer service: Pay attention to the responsiveness and professionalism of the moving company’s customer service team. Choose a company that promptly answers your queries, provides clear and detailed information, and demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction.

9. Trust your instincts: Trust your instincts when choosing an international moving company. If something feels off or you have doubts about a particular company, exploring other options is best. Moving internationally is significant, and you want confidence in your chosen company.

By following these tips and conducting thorough research, you can find the right international moving company that meets your relocation needs and ensures a smooth and stress-free transition to your new home.

Countries We Service

Written by Chris Townsend

Chris Townsend

Chris Townsend is a moving professional and relocation expert that has more than 10 years of experience in the moving industry. With a background that includes working in virtually every aspect of the company, he has distinguished himself as an integral part of our operations with expertise in all things related to moving.

If you have any questions about moving, our services, or anything else you think he may be able to help with, you can contact Chris by emailing him at Chris@threemovers.com

Customer Reviews

I want to take a moment to say thank you to the extremely hard working crew that handled my move. I admit I was skeptical of hiring a company to move my household stuff but I was so pleased with the services. These guys packed everything up and had it loaded and delivered in no time at all. Everything was taken care of from start to finish and my wife and I were able to take some much needed time to check out the new town without having to worry about getting things unpacked. Three Movers took care of everything and we really appreciate it!

Jeff T.

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