Knowing the right questions to ask an international moving company can help make your move smoother and reduce the chances of unexpected problems.
How is pricing determined?
International moves are typically calculated by the volume and weight of your goods. However, many other charges may be included, such as destination port fees, terminal handling charges, customs fees and duties, crating charges, customs inspection charges, customs clearance, delivery-to-door charges, packing materials, and extra fees for unusually shaped or heavy items.
These prices are not always included in the written estimate, so make sure you ask about additional fees.
Who will come to give your in-house estimate?
An employee of the international moving company should be the one visiting your home to answer questions about pricing, packing procedures, and other details of your overseas move.
A broker cannot and should not be the person assessing your goods and providing an estimate. Brokers cannot provide a proper estimate and are not liable if anything happens to your goods during transport.
How much experience and training should international movers have?
The more experience a mover has with international relocation, the more likely it is that your move will be handled successfully. A company that specializes in international relocation is better suited to move your belongings overseas.
How many international moves has the company completed within the past year?
Will your goods be shipped directly?
Find out whether the freight forwarding company used to transport your goods will ship them directly to your destination or transfer them to another vessel during the trip. The more your belongings are moved between vessels, the higher the risk of damage or loss.
Who is the company's overseas partner?
One company may be responsible for loading and transporting your goods to the nearest port, while another company may handle your shipment after it reaches the destination country. This company is often referred to as the destination agent.
When receiving your quote from the origin agent, ask about the company that will handle your shipment once it arrives. This allows you to check its background, references, and knowledge of import duties and regulations in your destination country.
Do they offer customs brokering?
A customs broker prepares your documents, calculates taxes and duties, and makes sure your shipment clears customs. Many companies offer this service, but some do not, so it is important to ask before choosing a mover.
Hiring a professional to handle customs brokering can reduce the chances of making a costly mistake when importing your goods.
Who will be accountable for your belongings once you arrive overseas?
Many international movers partner with companies located in your destination country. Ask which company they work with, how to contact that company, and what the process will be for delivering your belongings to your new home.
Make sure the services are clearly explained and that your belongings will be delivered in a timely manner.
Do you have to be present for the goods to clear customs?
Some countries require the owner of the goods to be present for customs clearance. Discuss this with the movers when scheduling your delivery date. If you are not available to receive your items, they may remain at the port while customs clearance is pending.
What are your storage options?
Ask the company whether it provides storage services in your new country. Many international movers have warehouses where you can store your belongings, but you may need to book space in advance.
What are your insurance options?
Having good insurance for an international move is essential. Your items will travel a long distance, so you need to make sure they are properly protected.
Ask the overseas movers what insurance plans they offer, and be prepared to pay more per pound than you would for a domestic move. Review the extent of your coverage and liability conditions. For example, ask whether items you packed yourself will be covered.
Will your items be loaded in crates?
Depending on your shipment size and how your items are packed, your belongings may either be loaded into crates inside a shipping container or packed loosely in a container.
Make sure you know which option you agreed to with your moving company. If your items are packed loosely, they may shift during transit and become more susceptible to damage.
If you are sending fragile items or a large amount of furniture, ask for your items to be crated.
Who loads the shipping containers?
The shipping containers may be loaded by the company you choose, depending on its size and capacity. If the company is small, it may hire a third party to handle the loading.
If a third-party company is used, make sure you vet that company to confirm it is as reliable as the moving company.
Is the moving company licensed and insured?
Make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured. This may seem like an extra step, but without proper coverage, your international move could face serious problems.
Will the movers take photos of the shipment?
Moving companies may make strong promises, but photos can help show whether they are following through. Before booking an international mover, ask whether they take pictures of the shipment to confirm how your items are packed and handled.
This adds accountability and helps you identify movers that may not handle your belongings carefully.
Request a time frame for sending the photos by email so you receive them quickly.
Is the moving company willing to provide references?
Reading testimonials on a company's website can be helpful, but it is not enough. Look for a company that is willing to provide references so you can verify its experience and service quality.
You can also ask how long the company has been in the moving industry and how many international moves it has handled.
Will there be a single point of contact throughout the process?
Scheduling an overseas move is complicated, so you should not have to contact multiple people to find out where your belongings are.
To make the process smoother, ask whether one person from the moving company will manage communication from beginning to end. Working with someone familiar with your move can make you feel more comfortable when it is time for your belongings to be delivered.
