Relocating an employee to a new country involves several key components. One of the most important is international relocation shipping for household goods. This aspect of corporate international relocation is crucial for a successful transition for the employee and their family.
International relocation shipping across borders is a complex process. It requires careful planning, coordination, and the involvement of multiple service providers. International moving and relocation companies, customs brokers, and shipping agencies all have a part to play.
A global mobility professional or international relocation coordinator must efficiently manage packing, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery to minimize delays and ensure that belongings arrive safely at their destination.
Understanding the international relocation process can help employees set realistic expectations, prepare for potential challenges, and confidently approach their move. Information about timelines, costs, required documentation, and customs regulations enables employees to navigate the transition.
What is an International Relocation Company and an International Freight Forwarder?
Several different international relocation companies play a role in moving household goods across borders:
International Relocation Company
The international relocation company quotes, books, and coordinates all the required international moving services. They work closely with the shipper and, if applicable, a relocation management company.
International Freight Forwarder
The freight forwarder coordinates overland, sea, and air shipping and consolidates LCL shipments if necessary. They ensure transportation of the items from the origin agent to the international relocation agents at the destination.
Origin and Destination International Relocation Agents
The international relocation agents are responsible for packing and loading the shipment at the origin home and unloading and unpacking the shipment at the destination home. They are charged with protecting the belongings for safe transit and serving the customer at their origin and destination homes.
Relocation Management Company
For international corporate relocations, the relocation management or global mobility company selects the best international relocation company based on budget, relocation policy, and service coordination. They interface with the employee throughout the process and coordinate international relocation shipping with the other services in their move abroad.
International Relocation Shipping Options
Different methods are available for transporting household goods internationally. The international relocation company works with the employer and shipper to determine the most suitable method based on budget, timing, and corporate relocation policies.
Most international corporate relocations incorporate multiple shipping options for different parts of the shipment.
International Household Goods Shipping By Sea
Shipping household goods by sea is the most cost-effective but also the slowest method. Items are transported in large shipping containers, typically 20-foot or 40-foot sizes. This method is best suited for most international relocation shipping of household goods. A sea shipment contains furniture and bulkier items that the employee doesn’t urgently need upon arrival.
Transit times can range from a few weeks to several months. However, due to its affordability, international household goods shipping by sea freight remains the preferred option for large-scale relocations.
International Household Goods Shipping By Air
Air freight is the fastest and most expensive method for international relocation shipping of household goods. It is primarily used for essential personal effects and smaller shipments that the employee will need immediately upon arrival in the new country.
Airlines impose weight and size restrictions. Therefore, air shipments generally consist of important documents, clothing, and smaller household goods rather than bulky furniture.
International Household Goods Shipping By Truck
Trucking plays a crucial role in international relocation shipping. Overland truck shipping is how most shipments move from the origin and the destination to ports and airports.
Trucking may be the sole transportation method for cross-border relocations that do not require air or ocean freight. International relocation shipping by truck is widespread in moves between neighboring countries where road networks provide efficient transit solutions.
International Household Goods Shipping By Rail
Rail transport can be a more cost-effective alternative to trucking for some international relocation shipping routes. International relocation companies commonly leverage rail for long-distance, land-based relocations. It provides reliable and economical transportation.
International relocation shipping by rail is particularly beneficial in regions with well-developed rail infrastructure. This method balances cost and transit time for moving household goods.
Types of International Relocation Shipping Containers
Choosing the right relocation shipping container depends on several factors. The shipping method, the volume of household goods, and types of items being transported are all variables. Various container sizes and configurations accommodate different international relocation shipping needs.
FCL Container
FCL stands for Full Container Load. In this case, the shipper’s goods occupy an entire container. The international relocation and moving company uses an FCL relocation shipping container for larger international relocations. An FCL is the international relocation shipping means for moving furniture and household goods in bulk.
Available in both 20-foot and 40-foot container sizes, FCL containers are ideal for sea shipments. These relocation containers provide maximum security and minimize the risk of damage. Since the container is securely locked and not consolidated with other shipments, belongings are better protected during transit.
FCL containers are particularly suitable for international corporate relocations that involve transporting an entire household’s possessions.
LCL Container
LCL stands for Less than Container Load. In this case, the shipper’s goods share a container with other shipments. This relocation shipping container is more cost-effective for smaller relocations where a full container is unnecessary.
LCL shipping is commonly utilized for sea shipments when the volume of goods does not warrant a full container. In this process, a freight forwarder consolidates various LCL shipments into a single container. This allows multiple international relocation and moving companies to share shipping costs. However, it’s important to note that transit times may be slightly longer due to the necessary consolidation and deconsolidation processes at the ports.
D Container
A D Container is a specialized shipping container for small shipments. This international shipping container is the choice for high-value or essential personal effects.
LCL sea shipments or air shipments are used based on urgency. D containers are used for smaller household items like personal belongings, documents, electronics, and valuables, rather than for furniture. The D container method provides additional protection for delicate items that need to arrive in optimal condition.
International Relocation Customs Forms & Requirements For Household Goods
Household goods international relocation of household goods requires customs clearance, which involves multiple documents and compliance with local import regulations. Below are the key requirements:
Inventory List
A comprehensive inventory of every item in the shipment is necessary. The international relocation shipping inventory details the household goods’ descriptions, quantities, and values. Upon arrival, customs officials assess duties and taxes while verifying the shipment’s contents.
Customs Declaration Forms
Customs declaration forms are the official documents required by the customs authority. They contain crucial information about the shipper, the nature of the shipment, and its intended use. Accurately completing customs declaration forms prevents any delays or fines.
Passport and Visas
Customs requires that the shipper provide copies of their passport and visa for clearance. Additionally, certain countries may have specific residency or work permit requirements to allow for the importation of household goods without incurring duties.
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is a document issued by the international relocation company that serves as the shipment receipt. It details the origin, destination, and contents of the shipment. This document is crucial for customs clearance and tracking the shipment’s progress.
Country or State-Specific Regulations
Every country and certain states have its own distinct import and export regulations that affect international shipping and relocation. These regulations can encompass a variety of requirements, such as additional permits, quarantine inspections, and restrictions on specific items.
To navigate these complexities and ensure compliance, an international corporate relocation company can offer valuable guidance on the particular requirements of each country.
Payment of Taxes and Duties
Customs duties and taxes differ from country to country. Factors like the value of the shipment, its country of origin, and the classification of the goods influence the duties.
In some cases, countries may provide duty exemptions for returning residents or expatriates holding long-term work visas. The shipper or employer might be required to pay any relevant import duties before the shipment’s release.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Every country maintains its own list of items prohibited or restricted for import. Commonly banned items include weapons, narcotics, perishables, and specific animal or plant products. Shippers should check these restrictions in advance to prevent confiscation or fines.
Power of Attorney For Customs
When an international relocation and moving company manages customs clearance for the shipper, it may require a Power of Attorney. This document authorizes the customs broker to file the necessary documentation and make payments on behalf of the shipper.
Packing For International Relocation Moves
The international relocation agent typically manages the full packing process for an international move. When the international relocation agent packs everything, they can ensure items are properly inventoried and packed securely for the long journey ahead. Packing for an international move requires special materials and techniques to prevent damage during transit, particularly for fragile and high-value items.
At the destination, the relocation agent will also oversee the unpacking process, verifying the condition of the goods and account that all items’ are delivered.
International Shipping
Depending on the chosen transportation method, the shipping process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Throughout the journey, the international relocation company keeps the shipper updated on the progress of their shipment.
Since most international relocations can use a combination of air, sea, truck, and rail transport, coordination is essential to ensure smooth transitions between each mode of transport.
International Relocation Shipping Costs
The international relocation shipping of household goods is a complex and costly process that involves multiple parties. The cost of international relocation shipping varies significantly based on factors such as origin and destination, shipment size, transportation method, and customs duties.
The most significant international shipping cost determinants are the relocation distance and the shipping type.
For more detailed information, read our blog post on international relocation costs.
Corporate Employee International Relocation
For an international corporate relocation, the relocation management company serves as the single point of contact for all international relocation services, including household goods shipping.
They select the best international relocation and moving company based on factors such as the employee’s origin and destination, the company’s relocation policy, and budget constraints.
Learn more about the role of a corporate international relocation company.
Corporate International Relocation Company For Employee Moves
Are you ready to make your next move? NRI Relocation is here to help! Our extensive international corporate relocation company network ensures an efficient transition for your household goods abroad. Don’t leave employees’ international relocation shipping to chance. Partner with us to select the best provider for every shipment and for a stress-free experience.
Contact NRI Relocation today to get started on your international move!