When it comes to overseas shipping by sea freight, My International Movers offers two primary options -Consolidation and Exclusive Container.
Consolidation is an ideal solution for smaller moves that do not require a full international shipping container. This method is both efficient and economical, particularly when your shipment primarily consists of smaller items. Here’s how it works:
By choosing consolidation, you benefit from a cost-effective shipping method that does not compromise on the safety of your belongings. Whether you opt for palletized shipments or lift vans, My International Movers ensures that your items are handled with care and precision, guaranteeing they arrive in the same condition they left.
An Exclusive Container Load also referred to as a Full Container Load (FCL), is the epitome of privacy and exclusivity in overseas shipping. Opting for an exclusive container means that your belongings are shipped in their own dedicated container, ensuring that no items other than yours are included. This option is particularly suitable for larger international moves or when shipping valuable and sensitive items that require the utmost care and security.
Standard sizes for exclusive containers typically include 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, accommodating a range of needs from substantial household moves to extensive corporate relocations. Choosing an exclusive container offers several benefits:
When planning your overseas moving company needs, consider an exclusive container for a secure, efficient, and flexible international moving experience. My International Movers provides tailored solutions to meet your move’s specific requirements, ensuring a seamless transition to your new destination.
Transporting your automobile overseas requires careful consideration of the shipping methods available to ensure it arrives safely at its destination. At My International Movers, we offer two main methods for international auto shipping: Full Container Load (FCL) and Roll On/Roll Off (RO/RO).
Both shipping options ensure that your automobile is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Choose the method that best suits your needs and budget, and trust My International Movers for safe and reliable international auto shipping.
When it comes to international auto shipping, it’s important to adhere to specific regulations concerning what can be included inside your vehicle during transit. According to the Department of Transportation, automobiles are not permitted to be loaded with personal items when placed into an auto carrier for international shipment. This rule is crucial for maintaining compliance during inspections at various points of entry.
Packing your car with personal belongings not only risks those items being lost during routine inspections but also excludes them from eligibility for coverage under the carrier’s insurance in the event of damage. It is imperative to ensure that your vehicle is free of personal items to avoid complications and potential losses.
For your international move, please refrain from packing personal belongings in your automobile. My International Movers offers comprehensive packing and shipping services for all your items to ensure they are transported safely and in compliance with international shipping regulations.
When considering international shipping, timing is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation. Provide adequate notice to your international moving company to secure the necessary arrangements for your move.
During the busy summer months, we recommend giving at least four weeks’ notice before your planned shipping date. This extended lead time is vital as demand for moving services increases significantly during this period. For moves planned during the less busy seasons—spring, winter, or fall—a minimum of two weeks’ notice is generally sufficient.
At My International Movers, we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. In cases of emergency, we strive to accommodate your moving needs and can potentially arrange your move within one week. However, to ensure the availability of all required services and to avoid any last-minute stress, scheduling ahead with your international moving company is always advisable.
Calculating the costs for international shipping involves several factors and stages, each contributing to the final price. At My International Movers, we determine your shipping costs based on the total weight or volume of your shipment, measured in cubic feet. Here’s a breakdown of how costs are typically structured across different stages of your move – Origin, Ocean, and Destination.
Due to the complexity and variations in calculating these costs, providing an immediate total shipping cost is often not feasible. To ensure accuracy and avoid potential errors, we carefully calculate each phase separately. Once we have all the individual rates, we combine them to provide you with a single, comprehensive shipping cost estimate. This thorough approach ensures that you receive the most precise and responsible financial information for planning your international move.
Reducing the cost of international shipping can significantly ease the financial burden of moving abroad. Here are some effective strategies to consider that can help lower your overall expenses.
If you are familiar with your destination country, utilizing a Door-to-Port service can be a cost-effective option. This service involves shipping your items to the port closest to your new home, where you will then be responsible for the inland transport and final delivery. Note that this option is not available for all destinations, so it’s important to verify availability with your shipping provider.
Packing your own belongings can reduce the initial costs of your move. While self-packing can be more economical, it’s crucial to ensure that your items are packed securely for international transit. Keep in mind that while you can pack your items personally, they must still be professionally loaded onto the shipping container by our overseas movers. Additionally, self-packed items are typically only insured for total loss, not for damage.
Another way to decrease shipping costs is to critically evaluate what you need to take with you. Leaving behind items that are not essential or may not be compatible with your destination (such as those requiring different electrical voltages or where replacement parts are hard to find) can significantly reduce your shipment’s weight and volume, lowering costs.
When preparing for international shipping, it is crucial to use the proper packing materials to ensure the safety of your belongings. Always opt for new packing boxes and materials specifically designed for shipping. Old or pre-used boxes, such as those from supermarkets, may be tempting due to their no-cost appeal, but they lack the necessary padding and strength to protect your items during the rigors of international transit. These inadequate boxes are often the cause of damage during shipping.
Contact My International Movers for reliable and sturdy shipping materials. We can provide all the necessary supplies and deliver them directly to your door, ensuring you have the best resources to secure your household goods for their journey abroad.
Protecting fragile items during international shipping is crucial to ensure they arrive at your destination intact. To achieve the best protection, make sure to communicate clearly with our overseas shipping crew about which of your boxes contain fragile items. Our experienced team will assess your packing needs and may recommend using more protective boxes if necessary to enhance the safety of your valuables.
A general rule to follow when packing is that the heavier the item, the tighter it should fit within the box. This prevents any movement inside the box that could lead to damage during transit. Additionally, always label boxes containing delicate items with a clear “FRAGILE” marker. This not only alerts handlers to use extra care but also helps in placing these boxes in positions that minimize risk during the shipping process.
Loading a shipping container for an international move involves strategic planning to ensure your belongings are secured and organized effectively. Arrange your boxes so that the ones you will need first at your destination are loaded last into the container. This ‘last in, first out’ approach facilitates easier and more efficient unpacking upon arrival.
It’s vital to thoroughly read through your inventory forms. If anything is unclear, do not hesitate to bring it up with the leader of our overseas shipping team. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that all your items are accounted for correctly.
Additionally, always write down your Shipment Registration Number and keep your Bill of Lading easily accessible. You are responsible for ensuring that all your items are loaded, so please remain on site until loading is complete. Before signing any release forms, take a final look around the loading site to make sure no items are left behind. This final check is crucial for a smooth and complete move.
While we adhere to the highest standards and best practices to safeguard your belongings during transit, unexpected situations such as damage or loss can occur. To provide you with peace of mind, we offer comprehensive third-party full coverage insurance. We highly recommend protecting your items with our all-risk, door-to-door marine insurance, which covers potential risks from the start of the move to the final delivery.
It’s essential to insure your items for their full replacement value in the destination country. Keep in mind that the cost to replace items can vary significantly between the United States and other countries. Ensuring your belongings are covered for the appropriate amount will help you avoid financial shortfalls in case you need to replace them upon arrival. Always consider the specifics of your destination when choosing your insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection.
Upon arrival at the destination country, your international shipping container will be transferred to a port-bonded warehouse, where it will be securely stored under the supervision of a carrier supervisor. Your personal Lift Van remains sealed and will not be opened until you are present, and it has successfully passed through customs.
Once your container has been unloaded, you will receive a notice of arrival from your carrier representative in the destination country. This notification is crucial as it marks the beginning of the final phase of your relocation process. After customs clearance, our international shipping representative will assist you in accessing your personal items. This stage is vital for ensuring that your belongings are intact and that the entire shipping process adheres to all regulatory requirements, making the transition into your new home as smooth as possible.
Expect the following documents to be required to clear your container for customs:
You or an authorized representative must be present at the location when your container is delivered. This ensures that you can oversee the unloading process, address any questions as they arise, and verify the condition of your belongings directly with the delivery crew.
If you are unable to be there in person, you may designate an adult to represent your interests. Please inform the delivery crew ahead of time of this arrangement. Your representative should be prepared to carefully inspect and record any changes in the condition of your items upon arrival and during unloading. This presence is crucial for confirming that all items are accounted for and in the expected condition, facilitating a smooth transition to your new location.
In the context of international shipping, ‘allowance’ refers to the space that your personal items occupy within a shipping container, including the gaps and air pockets between them. This concept is critical when calculating the total volume of your international shipment. The allowance accounts for not just the physical size of your packed items but also the additional space required around them to ensure they are packed securely and can be accessed easily. This calculation helps in determining the most efficient and cost-effective way to utilize container space, ensuring that every inch is optimally used for your international relocation needs.
We recommend NOT shipping the following:
Call the consulate at your destination country for more information on regulations. Always be prepared for your international relocation. Choose My International movers for an international moving company that cares.
