Living overseas is a wonderful, exciting adventure but it can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead of time. You should consider many things before you actually make the move to your new destination. You should think about the new environment for you and your family, the new language that you will have to learn, the expenses and the culture in your destination country. But one of the most important things to consider when you are moving abroad is how to pick the best international moving service.

The international moving company will be the one to handle the shipping of your personal belongings from the United States to your new country; therefore, utmost care should be taken in making this choice. The question now that may come to mind is “What is the best international moving service for me?” This article offers you some pointers to consider in choosing the best international moving service.

When making your decision as to what company should handle the shipping of your belongings, check the licenses and associations of the companies you are considering. First and foremost your international mover must have an OTI (Ocean Transportation Intermediary) / NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier License. A moving company that tells you they “use” a company with this license is not operating legally. A company that carries a DOT (Department of Transportation) or MC (Motor Carrier) license can move your belongings from city to city, or state to state within the US but they cannot legally ship your belongings overseas. Your international mover should also be certified by relevant associations like IAM (International Association of Movers) formerly the (HHGFAA) Household Goods Forwarders Association of America, (AMSA) The American Moving and Storage Association, etc.

Moving abroad costs money. The very first thing to consider is the price. How much are you going to spend? How much can you afford to spend? Shop around and learn about the different services that are offered to suit every budget. You can move door to door, door to port. You can pack yourself, or have the international moving company pack for you for an additional cost.

When you get quotes from different international movers, are you comparing apples to apples? In other words are you comparing the same services, and the same volume? If you see one company is much cheaper, you need to investigate because they are much cheaper for a reason. The reasons for this could be that the volume they quoted is lower or the service is not door to door but door to port, etc. Do you need to hire an international shipper? Most of the international shipping companies have minimum volumes for shipping and if you are only taking a couple of boxes, it may not be cost effective. These questions will help you determine the budget for your move. Once you have figured out your budget, you can prioritize your belongings. In other words, are you taking everything; special items or personal effects only?

Check with the Embassy, Consulate or Customs about items that can and cannot be brought into your destination country. You can find your country’s Customs website on the internet. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, there is always a “contact us” page and you can email the Customs directly to find answers to specific questions.

Are you going to ship via air or sea? Air freight can be very expensive but is fast. Sea shipments are slow but less expensive. Delivery dates are not guaranteed. The ship line controls the sailing schedules and there are factors that can cause delays such as a ship needing repair, storms, etc.

Does your ffer insurance for your shipment? Your international moving company is not an insurance company. Ask about the coverage types and cost of the insurance.

Does the Living overseas is a wonderful, exciting adventure but it can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead of time. You should consider many things before you actually make the move to your new destination. You should think about the new environment for you and your family, the new language that you will have to learn, the expenses and the culture in your destination country. But one of the most important things to consider when you are moving abroad is how to pick the best international moving service.

The international moving company will be the one to handle the shipping of your personal belongings from the United States to your new country; therefore, utmost care should be taken in making this choice. The question now that may come to mind is “What is the best international moving service for me?” This article offers you some pointers to consider in choosing the best international moving service.

When making your decision as to what company should handle the shipping of your belongings, check the licenses and associations of the companies you are considering. First and foremost your international mover must have an OTI (Ocean Transportation Intermediary) / NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier License. A moving company that tells you they “use” a company with this license is not operating legally. A company that carries a DOT (Department of Transportation) or MC (Motor Carrier) license can move your belongings from city to city, or state to state within the US but they cannot legally ship your belongings overseas. Your international mover should also be certified by relevant associations like IAM (International Association of Movers) formerly the (HHGFAA) Household Goods Forwarders Association of America, (AMSA) The American Moving and Storage Association, etc.

Moving abroad costs money. The very first thing to consider is the price. How much are you going to spend? How much can you afford to spend? Shop around and learn about the different services that are offered to suit every budget. You can move door to door, door to port. You can pack yourself, or have the international moving company pack for you for an additional cost.

When you get quotes from different international movers, are you comparing apples to apples? In other words are you comparing the same services, and the same volume? If you see one company is much cheaper, you need to investigate because they are much cheaper for a reason. The reasons for this could be that the volume they quoted is lower or the service is not door to door but door to port, etc. Do you need to hire an international shipper? Most of the international shipping companies have minimum volumes for shipping and if you are only taking a couple of boxes, it may not be cost effective. These questions will help you determine the budget for your move. Once you have figured out your budget, you can prioritize your belongings. In other words, are you taking everything; special items or personal effects only?

Check with the Embassy, Consulate or Customs about items that can and cannot be brought into your destination country. You can find your country’s Customs website on the internet. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, there is always a “contact us” page and you can email the Customs directly to find answers to specific questions.

Are you going to ship via air or sea? Air freight can be very expensive but is fast. Sea shipments are slow but less expensive. Delivery dates are not guaranteed. The ship line controls the sailing schedules and there are factors that can cause delays such as a ship needing repair, storms, etc.

Does your international moving company offer insurance for your shipment? Your international moving company is not an insurance company. Ask about the coverage types and cost of the insurance.

Does the international moving company explain the process and will they keep you informed of the progresses? If they are attentive to your needs and provide you with information, you can rest assured your goods will be well handled. explain the process and will they keep you informed of the progresses? If they are attentive to your needs and provide you with information, you can rest assured your goods will be well handled.

By: John Jo

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