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Understand Pricing

The price of moving depends on the how much is being moved, the value of the goods, and the distance to be moved. In general, international shipping quotes are given by volume not weight.

Note that the final price is almost always more expensive than even the best estimates. If possible, ship only the truly indispensable items and try to buy when you arrive to abate some of the cost.

Shipping Size

Basic shipping costs are calculated on the amount of volume (cubic feet) that your packed goods will take up in one of our shipping containers. Volume is calculated by multiplying the length x depth x height.

• Full Container Load (FCL): You will have exclusive use of a shipping container for your goods. The standard sizes for ocean freight containers are 20' x 8' x 8' 6" and 40' x 8' x 8' 6". Based on your estimated cubic footage you'll be able to decide which one you'll need.
• Less than Container Load (LCL) (also known as also known as "groupage"): Your things will be packaged and sent overseas in a shared container. If you don't have a lot of items to ship, then LCL might be right for you. Keep in mind that the container might make multiple stops before it arrives at your destination. It is also likely that your things will be loaded and unloaded more than once, placed into new containers on different ships, and might take quite some time to get to you.

Shipping Options: Ground, Sea or Air

The three basic options are to go by ground, sea or by air, or a combination of the three. Inquire about the price difference, and decide which method is best for you.

Ground

Moving with only ground travel is uncommon unless moving a short distance. This is much slower then flying, but much less expensive. This method is often done in conjunction with sea or air shipping.

Sea

To move by sea takes about 6-8 weeks, but costs less than traveling by air. If moving by sea, your household goods will be packed into containers that are usually loaded at your residence. Once your home is packed into the containers, they are then shipped by rail or transport to the port where they are then loaded on to a steamship container. The container is then loaded on the boat as cargo. Once your goods have arrived in the new country, the container is unloaded and must pass through customs. International movers will be able to help you with the custom forms and are responsible for clearing your goods.

Air

Moving household items by air is becoming increasingly popular, despite a much higher price tag. Heavy cardboard boxes are normally used to pack your goods, although some air freight companies will use containers. You may find that shipping items by air is less expensive than renting a furnished place or living in a hotel.

Airfreight is calculated on either the actual gross weight of the consignment or the volume weight, whichever is the greater. Weight is expressed in kilograms. To calculate the volume weight of a given item we multiply the length, breadth and height in centimetres and divide by 6000 to obtain the volume weight in kilos. For household goods the volume weight generally exceeds the gross weight.

Finding a Reputable Company

It is advisable to get at least three estimates in writing. Also try to hire a local relocation company familiar with the standards of the area you are moving to.

EasyExpat offers a wealth of articles on international moving companies. Our services site, Expat-Quotes, also provides advice for international moving.

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