Moving abroad can be an exciting adventure no matter the reasons for relocating  But moving from the USA or Canada to a foreign country can be a daunting and challenging task.  Sure, there are relocation companies and overseas movers that can help, but their services can be quite expensive.

You can ship via air cargo which is faster, but is also quite expensive and there is a limit to how much you can ship.

There is another do it yourself option available to people looking for less expensive international shipping services.  One such method is moving your household goods via consolidated ocean container service or LCL shipping. Generally speaking, you would pack your own goods and deliver to a container freight station nearest to you.  These container freight stations are not just located at sea ports, but are also located in almost every state and province accessible by rail. There are also truck terminals in places where no container freight stations exist.  Your freight travels to the nearest port and is “consolidated” with other freight going to the same locations.

This makes moving internationally more affordable for individuals, students and families that are relocating overseas for work or school and are shipping less than a full container load.

Ocean shipping rates are based on cubic volume, so you only pay for the amount of space that you use in the container. There are minimums to consider.  It’s generally not economical to ship one or two boxes, when you have to pay for 1 cubic meter. That said, weight is generally not an issue, so you can ship all of your personal effects and heavy things like pots and pans, tools, books, clothes and shoes etc. – everything you would need to start a household in a new country.  Rates will vary by origin and destination and service type. The cheapest option is port to port, but there are other service options such as door to port, port to door or door to door. You can use our online form for instant port to port quotes and email us if you would like us to quote door pick up or delivery services. Our rate form is on our website: http://www.uboxworldwide.com/

What other costs are involved?

There are some other costs to consider with international cargo shipping.  There are destination charges at every port of call and they are not included in the quoted shipping rates.  These charges will be invoiced to the consignee or receiver of the goods. These will be additional charges you should budget for if you are shipping your personal effects.  The charges cover the deconsolidation of the container and other associated port charges. Each port of call has different rates and we will be happy to quote your arrivals in advance.  You can decide to prepay them or pay at your destination when your goods arrive.

What about Customs, Duty and Taxes?

Most household goods and personal effects can be imported duty free and you can fill out the clearance documents yourself – just as you would if traveling by air.  But, you will need to check with the Customs office of the country you are shipping to for the rules and regulations that apply to your particular circumstances. It is important to find out the import rules and clearance procedures before shipping, as this is a part of the DIY nature of LCL shipping and is the responsibility of the consignee.

Ocean Shipping doesn’t have to be complicated!

Some people are afraid to pursue this option for their overseas move because they have the false notion that it’s complicated or reserved for commercial exporters.  They are afraid of red tape, complicated customs procedures and hidden charges.  International ocean shipping can be quite simple and cost effective. Let us guide you through the process so that you can feel good about your international move. Please visit our site and get your online shipping quote.  Then hit us up with any questions you may have.  We are here to help move you to your new home in a new country! International shipping made easy!