Usually, international shipping companies establish their price regarding the volume not the weight. So, the price of moving will depend on how much you want to ship, your belongings value and the distance to be moved.

Moreover, notice that removal costs may vary depending on the place where the stuff has to be sent from and its destination. Actually, Europe tends to be relatively expensive to ship to.

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. The most common size of containers are:

• 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.

For more information about an approximate price on international shipping regarding container sizes, visit: ContainerContainer.

Common Additional Costs and problems

It is very difficult to estimate the exact price and it is common for the price to come out higher than the estimate. Thinks to be consider to avoid a massive price increase are:

• Sometimes the delivery point is located in a difficult accessible place, so a smaller vehicle needs to be hired
• Living in a building with no lift will require of extra man for the delivery, which might bring additional costs.
• Parking permits may be necessary to get when collecting or delivering all goods (the client is usually in charge to arrange it with the a local council).

Shipping Options: Ground, Sea or Air

The three basic shipping options are: by ground, sea or by air, or a combination of the three. Most companies offer all options, so 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 than flying, but much less expensive. This method is often done in conjunction with sea or air shipping.
• Sea: Madrid is located inlands and does not have direct access neither to the Atlantic Ocean nor the Mediterranean Sea. The closest sea customs are located rather in Barcelona (the most important and biggest one), Las Palmas (in the Canary Islands), Valencia and Bilbao.
• 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 airfreight 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.

To calculate the volume weight of a given item we multiply the length, breadth and height in centimetres and divide by 6,000 to obtain the volume weight in kilos. Some other basic factors in determining the best shipping method are:

• Final Destination
• Moving Schedule - How soon do you need to receive your personal belongings at your destination? Do you already have accommodation (temporary or permanent)? Will you need to store some items until you find permanent accommodation?
• Budget - Who is paying for your move? Your company or yourself? What is your allowance for the move?

Finding a Reputable Moving Company

Regardless the company you choose, we advise you to talk to your agent in Spain first (don't choose a removal service without one).
Your agent will check the volume to send, list specific objects (including fragile items), and specify the way of taking down and putting back together furniture. He/she will always find the best and cheapest solution for your shipping.
Then a preliminary estimate will be established. Don't forget to list all the belongings that you ship (the removal company will do it for you, as well) as you will need that list when you get to the Spanish customs.
On the day of the removal, a team will arrive to carry out the task. Every box will be listed (necessary to check if any box has been lost). Everything should be wrapped with specific protection. Containers are then sealed (check carefully) and sent to Spain were Spanish movers will pick them up (a few days are necessary) and bring them to the destination described.
Some of the companies that can assist you on your international relocation are:

• Moving Home Company
• Grospiron International
• International Removals Direct
• Quote4removals
• Schumacher Cargo Logistics
• International Moving
• Sunset Moving

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