Moving on an international basis can be an exciting time for you and your family. The challenge of adopting a new position combined with the excitement of developing new acquaintances, exploring your new environment and adopting a new culture can make your international relocation an extremely enjoyable experience.
What you don’t need is the distraction of problems arising with the relocation of your personal possessions to your new country. It is important to undertake some planning and research to ensure you understand the requirements involved in moving your treasured possessions and an appreciation of the laws and regulations governing the importation of your personal and household effects into your new country.
The following information is given as a general guide, however we would encourage you to contact us with the specific circumstances of your own requirements for international removals to ensure all aspects of your moving needs can be addressed.
Quality Assured Services
Shipping Household & Personal Effects.
Shipping household & personal effects. The vast majority of household and personal effects moved internationally are forwarded by surface aboard modern containerised vessels. Generally this is the most economical way of forwarding goods. However there are differing service levels available in this category. In moving goods internationally, like most things, there are usually several options available governing the level of service provided, the length of time taken for the journey and the reliability and frequency of the ocean carrier. Some carriers provide a direct service, where a consignment remains on the same vessel for the entire journey from the original port through to the destination port.
Other carriers provide services which tranship the cargo en route i.e. the cargo is moved from one vessel to another at some stage during the journey. As a general rule a direct sailing will be more expensive than a transhipment service. However this cost factor is normally offset by the transit time as transhipments often provide longer times at sea. A transhipment service also incorporates an additional risk in that the cargo is transhipped in a foreign port, where there is little direct control from either the origin or destination country.
In addition there are various services available in handling your goods
Our Container Services Explained
Full Container Load (FCL) – Sole use container
This category ensures that the container carries only your goods and under normal circumstances these can be loaded directly into the container, and the container sealed, at your residence. This leaves the container ready for delivery direct to the departure wharf without the need for any further handling of your goods in the origin country. As a rule, because the entire container is utilised, this is the most economical method of shipment. It also generally provides the fastest transit times as there are no delays in waiting for other freight to fill the container.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Consignments
This method is used when there is insufficient cargo to justify the use of an entire container. Shipping companies and freight consolidators provide this service by consolidating freight from different shippers, to a common destination, into container loads. When shipping via LCL, the goods are required to be crated to ensure their protection during transit. This is necessary, as there is no guarantee as to what other cargo may be consolidated with your household effects in the container. Unfortunately, due to the necessity of crating the goods, and the higher freight cost involved, this can be an expensive means of forwarding goods overseas.
Groupage Service – Shared use container
This is an alternate service provided by Central Moves, whereby we consolidate several household and personal effects shipments into containers destined to common destinations. This allows us to pass the freight savings on to you and because only household and personal effects are loaded into our groupage containers there is not the necessity to crate the goods prior to shipment. This of course alleviates the additional cost involved in crating the consignment. Whilst this is an economical alternative to LCL, longer transit times may be experienced whilst awaiting the receipt of other consignments needed to complete the loading of the container prior to despatch. However normally savings exist by the use of this service.
Air Shipments
The option of moving some or all of your goods via air is worth considering. Many people elect to take a “survival” shipment of their personal belongings via airfreight as it generally allows quick arrival of the basic items required to commence life in your new country.
Whilst as a general rule airfreight is more expensive than surface freight there are situations where even entire households may prove to be more economical to be forwarded via air .
As with the services offered by surface carriers, there are similar options available with air carriers, with consolidated and transhipment services being widely available.
Every individual household will have it’s own requirements and we would be happy to discuss the most suitable options available to you in regards to your own specific needs.
Storage UK & Overseas
If you are moving on a temporary posting, Central Moves can provide secure long term storage in your origin country for those household items that are not required in your new location. In addition we can provide secure storage facilities in your destination country should that be required whilst you source appropriate accommodation.
Country Information
Since every country has it’s own laws and customs, it’s a good idea to study the etiquette and customs of your destination country beforehand. This should assist you in avoiding any inadvertent problems after you have arrived in your new country. The embassy or consulate of your country of destination is a good starting point for this information. Central Moves are able to provide our customers with a comprehensive country profile which are available for over 80 individual countries.
Restricted Items
Many countries apply stringent rules as to the acceptability of some items being imported. Indeed some items which may be common place in your country of origin could be prohibited in your country of destination.
Most countries apply restrictions to firearms, alcohol, drugs and often political or pornographic literature is totally prohibited. In other instances some items can attract Duty or Tax liabilities and in order to avoid any problems at the time of clearance of your goods you should make enquiries with the embassy or consulate of your country of destination to ascertain their advice. We can also assist in this regard and our removals consultant would be happy to discuss this with you in advance of your move.
Additionally you should be mindful that due to differing voltage requirements, and broadcasting frequencies, some of your current electrical items may not be suitable for use in your new country. Again you can discuss this with our removals consultant.
Further Information
If you would like any further information regarding International removals please feel free to contact us.
