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International Moving Service
Moving abroad is a complex feat requiring the involvement of several moving companies, as well as a ship line and port authorities in origin and destination countries. Since the process involves dealing with numerous entities in different countries, with different charges in different currencies, it could prove quite challenging to stay on top of the process and understand the costs and terms of each leg of the project.
For this reason it is highly recommended to work with one move manager who will take care of the logistic aspect of the move while studying in advance the precise costs which are included and not included in the move.
The Moving Process
- A local team will pick up your inventory at your current residence. Note movers need a valid USDOT authorization to perform Household Goods moves.
- The truck will drive your belongings to a warehouse where they'll be loaded onto a container for either dedicated or consolidated shipping.
Dedicated /Exclusive - the container will be loaded exclusively with your belongings. This allows for better control of delivery dates, at a higher cost.
Consolidated – the container will be loaded with several inventories. This is a more affordable shipping method, but it usually takes more time and involves a wider delivery window. - The container will be driven to the port from which it will be shipped internationally.
- Your belongings will be shipped from the origin port to the port at your destination country by the ship line, where the container will be unloaded and held at the customs bonded warehouse.
- Usually the delivery time frame is between 30-60 days, but this can vary so consider the estimated delivery window before choosing a moving company. Make sure the time frame is suitable for your needs and make proper arrangements for the waiting period.
- Another detail to take note of is whether the moving company is offering Door to Door or Door to Port service.
Door to door means your belongings will be transported from your old home to your new one.
Door to port means they will only be shipped as far as the port at your destination city. All Unpakt moves are door to door. - The destination agent will clear the goods through customs and then transport them to your new residence.
- If your new home will not be ready in time to receive your belongings, make sure to include storage services in your order ahead of time.
Costs & Pricing
Included Costs
- Destination Port Fees
- Materials
- Customs Clearance
- Debris removal (this refers to materials used to wrap and protect the cargo, such as boxes, bubble wrap, duct tape and so on).
Additional Services
- Packing/unpacking services and box delivery
- Assembly and disassembly
- Wall dismounting
- Custom crating
- Dedicated shipment
Potential additional costs
Due to the nature of international moving, unexpected additional costs may incur. These costs will be paid for by the moving company which should then present you with the receipts.
- Customs inspection:
Once your belongings have arrived at their destination port, it is quite possible they will be inspected by customs, at various costs. In the event of a customs audit, the moving company will pay the bill and roll it over to you. - Note that boxes packed by the owner are almost sure to be audited, leading to higher costs and time delays.
- Custom Fees (Duties)
- Charges for Difficult Access
- Demurrage:
A basic storage fee charged by the port for each day your inventory is stored there. Usually the charges start within a few days of the container's arrival. The cost varies between different ports and countries. - Charges to Transport Unusually Heavy or Bulky Items
- Charges for Customs Inspection or Quarantine
- Charges Associated with Force Majeure
- Parking Permit:
Depending on your city of destination you might need to get a parking permit for the truck and reserve a parking space for it. - Long Carry, Wait Time fees:
These are additional charges that stem from conditions at your new address. A long distance from the truck's parking space to your door or a time period your movers need to wait until they can begin or resume their work are likely to result in additional fees and charges. - Outside elevator
- Some building elevators cannot accommodate larger pieces of furniture. In these cases an external elevator will be used, at an additional cost.
Pricing
International moving prices are based on your location and the volume or weight of your inventory. Additional services like packing, crating and assembly/disassembly are priced separately and should be requested in advance.
Insurance
Insurance, often referred to as Valuation or Coverage, is never included in the price. In fact, it cannot be provided by the moving company itself and needs to be purchased separately from an insurance company. The charge is usually about 2.5% of the inventory's value, and final costs depend on the type of insurance you need and the deductible you choose.
Your international shipment can be insured for either 'Total Loss' or 'All Risk'.
- Total Loss means you can only make a claim if your cargo is considered a total loss. Note that cargo that has been packed by the owner is almost always covered for total loss only.
- All Risk means you can make a claim for a broken dish or a damaged piece of furniture, within a period of time from the arrival of the shipment.
Moving Overseas with Unpakt
Booking an international move with Unpakt gives you peace of mind, ensuring that you are dealing with experienced, professional and recommended movers who have already been screened for the necessary licensing and documentation. Since all Unpakt movers offer the same terms it is easier to compare and choose the right service provider for you.
Great service! Everything was easy to use and all the charges were transparent so you knew exactly what to expect when the bill came.