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Best International Moving Companies
An international move changes more than your address. It often marks the transition into a new home or to an entirely new country. It changes how you plan, what you pack, and how much patience you need along the way. Unlike local or domestic moves within the United States, relocating across borders brings customs rules, shipping logistics, paperwork, and longer timelines into the picture. One missed detail can delay your shipment for weeks or add costs you did not expect. In this blog, we break down what truly matters when planning an international move. You will learn how to evaluate moving companies, understand how international moving costs are calculated, and see which companies handle cross-border relocations with experience and structure. The goal is to help you know what to expect before taking the next step.
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What to Look for in an International Moving Company
Choosing an international mover is less about finding the cheapest quote and more about finding a company that knows how to move belongings across borders without surprises. Here are the main factors that matter.
Proper licensing and global partnerships
International movers need more than basic operating authority. They must comply with U.S. regulations and work with licensed overseas agents to manage customs clearance and delivery abroad. Companies with established global networks tend to offer smoother coordination once shipments leave the U.S.
Experience with customs and documentation
Customs paperwork often determines how fast your shipment clears a port. An experienced mover guides you through inventories, declarations, and destination rules so you know what can and cannot ship before packing begins.
Packing standards for international transport
International shipments face longer transit times and more handling. Strong packing standards protect items during ocean or air freight and reduce the risk of damage while containers move through ports and warehouses.
Freight and storage options
Some moves need temporary storage at the origin or destination. Others require shared containers or flexible shipping schedules. Movers that offer multiple freight and storage options allow you to match services to your timeline and budget.
Insurance and valuation coverage
Basic carrier liability is limited for international moves. A reputable mover explains valuation options clearly and helps you choose coverage that matches the value of your shipment.
How International Moving Costs Work
International moving prices can feel confusing at first. They rarely follow flat rates, and two quotes for the same move may look very different. Understanding how pricing works makes comparisons easier.
Volume or weight based pricing
Most international moves are priced by shipment volume or weight. This is measured after a detailed inventory or in-home survey. Larger shipments increase shipping and handling costs across every stage of transport.
Distance and destination
The country you are moving to matters. Shipping routes, port fees, and local regulations vary by destination and affect overall cost. Remote or less common destinations may require additional handling or transit time.
Shipping method
Ocean freight is common for household goods and usually costs less than air freight. Air shipping moves faster but increases pricing significantly. Some moves combine both methods for essential items.
Packing and labor
Professional packing adds to the total cost but often reduces risk. Special items like artwork, pianos, or fragile furniture require extra labor and materials.
Insurance and additional services
Valuation coverage, storage, car shipping, destination services, and even travel expenses all factor into the final price. A clear international moving quote should outline these costs upfront so there are fewer surprises later.
Best Moving Companies for International Moving
JK Moving
JK Moving is a privately owned U.S. moving company known for hands-on control and in-house crews. Unlike van line networks, they manage moves directly rather than through local agents. Their business is built around custom planning, especially for high-value, complex, or regulated relocations. International moves are handled as managed projects, with a strong focus on packing quality, documentation accuracy, and shipment oversight from start to finish.
Features and services
- Professional packing for international moves
- Custom crating for fragile, bulky, or high-value items
- International shipping by air or sea
- Short- and long-term storage options
- Handling of household goods and specialty items
- Coordination of customs paperwork and required documentation
- Destination services arranged through international partners
Costs and pricing structure
Pricing is based on shipment size, destination, and service level. Moves with full packing, custom crating, or storage typically cost more due to added labor and materials.
What determines the final price
- Shipment volume and weight
- Destination country and shipping route
- Packing level and specialty handling
- Insurance coverage and storage needs
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines operates as a large van line with a worldwide agent network. Instead of handling every move internally, they coordinate international relocations through licensed partners in both origin and destination countries. This structure allows them to support moves across many regions while maintaining standardized procedures. Allied’s model is designed for consistency across borders rather than customization at the individual crew level.
Features and services
- Door-to-door international moving services
- Professional packing and loading
- Container-based international shipping
- Coordination of customs paperwork and clearance
- Delivery arranged through destination agents
- Access to a global partner network
- Vehicle shipping options
- Long-term storage when needed
Costs and pricing structure
International pricing depends on shipment size, destination, and chosen services. Allied typically bases estimates on detailed inventories and shipping requirements rather than flat packages.
What determines the final price
- Shipment size and packing needs
- Destination regulations and port fees
- Shipping method and timeline
- Insurance and optional services
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines is a large-scale moving provider that blends domestic infrastructure with international shipping partnerships. Their strength lies in logistics coordination for moves with larger inventories or flexible timelines. International relocations are planned through detailed inventories and shipment scheduling, with services scaled based on volume, routing, and destination requirements rather than fixed move packages.
Features and services
- Professional packing services
- Container-based international shipping
- Short- and long-term storage options
- Coordination with destination agents
- Support for large household shipments
- Handling of specialty or oversized items
- Shipment tracking tools
- Ongoing communication with move coordinators
Costs and pricing structure
Pricing is influenced by inventory size, shipping distance, and service selections.
Moves requiring specialized packing or longer transit routes may increase total cost.
What determines the final price
- Inventory volume and weight
- Type of container or freight method
- Destination handling requirements
- Valuation coverage and storage
Common International Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a strong mover, certain mistakes can complicate an overseas relocation.
- Underestimating timelines: International shipments take longer than domestic ones. Customs processing and port schedules add time that cannot be rushed
- Packing items restricted by destination rules: Some countries restrict electronics, food, or household items. Shipping prohibited items can delay or block your shipment
- Skipping detailed inventories: Incomplete inventories cause customs issues and pricing changes later. Clear documentation keeps shipments moving
- Choosing based only on price: The lowest estimate does not always reflect full costs. Clear service details matter more than initial numbers
Conclusion
International moving comes with more moving parts than a typical relocation, from customs rules to shipping timelines and pricing structures. The key is understanding what services you need, how costs are built, and how different companies approach cross-border moves. By knowing what to look for and what to avoid, you can plan ahead, reduce surprises, and choose a mover that fits your situation rather than rushing into a decision.
Your final choice will depend on your destination, budget, timeline, and comfort level with the process. To explore how different providers operate and what they offer, you can browse our in-depth moving company reviews for a closer look at individual movers. If you want to see how companies stack up side by side, our comparison tool makes it easier to evaluate services, pricing factors, and features at a glance. For more background on planning an international move, avoiding common mistakes, and understanding moving agreements, visit our moving company blog for practical guides and insights.