Overseas International Movings
Moving Overseas or from/to North America
Many of the steps for preplanning an international move are similar to those of a domestic move. We will visit you to your home for a visual survey and we will provide a free international moving estimate. Special allowances must be made, however for the added length of time in transit, the necessary paperwork and the various regulations existing in the United States and foreign countries. No matter if you are Moving to Europe, or any other part of the world, we will help you make it an easy task.
Surveys and Estimates: Cost to overseas destinations is based on weight and (cubic) measurement of the household goods when packed for shipment. It includes air or ocean transportation charges and packing and unpacking services of the carrier's origin and destination agents. Most shipments will be shipped in 20' or 40' containers if moving overseas. It does NOT include charges for storage, servicing of appliances, custom duty, liability coverage or extra pick up or deliver.
What Not to move: Many articles of household goods cannot be shipped internationally (plants, foods, flammables). You should also be informed, if known, of custom regulations to identify any boycotted manufactures or materials which are prohibited in the destination country, such as liquor, fire arms or ammunition. You can contact the nearest consular of the destination country and obtain a copy of the latest customs regulations. Custom duty for importation of automobiles varies from country to country and is sometimes extremely high. Pets are forbidden in some countries and others may require an entry permit, health and rabies certificates or a quarantine period up to six months or longer at the owners expense.
Packing For International Moving: Packing for an overseas move is very different from that of a move within the United States. Everything must be wrapped and arranged inside large waterproof plywood, metal or fiberglass boxes called lift vans or loaded directly into ship containers (20 ft and 40 ft). You should NOT pack your own goods. Due to recent terrorist threats, self-packing is not allowed. The Public Health Security and Bio terrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 dictates what can and cannot be done on international moves. All items not boxed are and should be wrapped in a thick corrugated brown paper. Everything is then fitted into the container.
Valuation and Claims: Like packing, placing valuation on international shipments is quite different from placing valuation on a move within the states or a local move. We limit their liability to $.10 per pound of weight of each shipping package. A second plan of protection is full coverage, which you can declare full value for the whole shipment or you can "itemize" items you would like protected. The coverage establishes value of an item before shipment. For each item lost or damaged the coverage will (1) pay up to the value established by inventory before shipment, or (2) pay the cost of repairs up to the declared value of the item or (3) replace the item with a like article up to the declared value. Any item claimed as "extremely high value" will require a "Certificate of Authenticity" supporting the declared value.
Required Documents: Completion of several documents should be completed to avoid complications at destination. Applications for these forms should be made as far as in advance as possible: Passports, Certificate of Registration, US Export Forms, Visa, Residence and Work Permits, Medical and Immunization Certificates, International Driving Permits, and Marriage Certificate.
Please Contact Us for more info or to request a Visual Survey and a Quote.
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