International Moving Companies: How to Choose the Right One

Understanding Services Offered

International movers offer various service levels. Understand what's included in each:

• Door-to-Door: The most comprehensive (and common for household goods). The company handles everything: professional packing at your origin home, loading onto transport (truck, container), international shipping (sea or air freight), customs clearance at the destination port/airport, transport to your new U.S. home, unloading, basic unpacking, and debris removal.
• Door-to-Port: The mover handles packing, loading, and transport to the U.S. destination port/airport only. You are responsible for arranging customs clearance, paying port fees/duties, and organizing transport from the port to your final destination. This can be complex and potentially costly if you're unfamiliar with the process.
• Port-to-Port: You are responsible for packing and delivering your goods to the origin port. The mover handles only the international shipping leg. You handle customs, port charges, and final delivery at the destination. Rarely used for typical household moves.
• Packing Options:
  • Full Professional Pack: Mover packs everything. Most common and often required for insurance coverage.
  • Partial Pack: Mover packs fragile items only (china, glassware, electronics). You pack non-breakables (clothes, books).
  • Self-Pack: You pack everything. Be aware this may significantly limit or void insurance coverage for damages.
• Storage: Options for temporary or long-term storage at origin or destination if your timelines don't align perfectly.
• Additional Services: Vehicle shipping, pet relocation (see separate guide), handyman services, etc.

Steps to Choosing a Reputable Mover:

1. Research & Shortlist (Start Early! 3-6 Months Ahead):
   • Identify companies specializing in international moves *specifically to the U.S.* from your origin country.
   • Seek recommendations from friends, colleagues, expat forums, or your employer's relocation department (if applicable).
   • Check online reviews (e.g., Google, specific moving review sites), but be discerning: look for patterns, detailed reviews (both positive and negative), and how the company responds. A few negative reviews are normal, but consistent complaints about damages, delays, or hidden fees are red flags.
2. Verify Credentials & Affiliations:
   • FIDI Global Alliance (FIDI): Look for movers with the FAIM or FAIM Plus certification (www.fidi.org/find-fidi-mover). This is a rigorous quality standard specifically for international moving, indicating adherence to operational, financial, and ethical standards. Highly recommended.
   • International Association of Movers (IAM): Membership (www.iamovers.org) shows engagement in the global moving industry, but isn't a quality certification like FIDI/FAIM. Many reputable movers are members.
   • Federal Maritime Commission (FMC - for Ocean Freight): If dealing directly with ocean freight forwarders or Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) based in the US, check if they are licensed or registered with the FMC (www.fmc.gov). International moving companies often work with licensed freight forwarders.
   • Local Licenses & Insurance: Check for required business licenses and proof of insurance in your origin country.
3. Get In-Home (or Video) Surveys & Quotes (Minimum of 3):
   • CRITICAL STEP: Do NOT rely solely on online calculators or phone quotes for international moves. Insist on a detailed survey of your belongings by a company representative, either in-person or via live video call.
   • The surveyor's primary job is to accurately estimate the volume (cubic feet or cubic meters) or sometimes weight of your shipment, which is the main basis for cost.
   • Be thorough! Show the surveyor everything you intend to move – closets, cabinets, attic, garage, basement items. Things forgotten will lead to inaccurate quotes and potential extra charges later.
   • Discuss packing options, insurance needs, desired transit times, access issues at origin/destination, and any items requiring special handling (pianos, artwork, antiques).
   • Request a **binding quote** or a quote with a **not-to-exceed** price based on the surveyed inventory and volume/weight. Non-binding estimates can change significantly based on the actual volume/weight measured later.
4. Compare Quotes Carefully (Apples-to-Apples):
   • Don't just look at the bottom line price. Ensure quotes detail:
     • The estimated volume/weight (are they similar across quotes?).
     • Clearly itemized services included (packing materials, packing labor, loading, freight, customs clearance fees *at origin and destination*, terminal handling charges, delivery, unpacking, debris removal).
     • Exclusions (what's *not* included? e.g., customs duties/taxes, storage, difficult access fees).
     • Transit time estimates (port-to-port vs. door-to-door).
     • Insurance options and costs.
   • Beware of extremely low quotes. They often indicate omitted services, hidden fees later, lower quality packing, or less reliable shipping methods/partners.
   • Understand the payment schedule.
5. Understand Insurance & Valuation (Crucial!):
   • Standard liability offered by movers (based on weight, e.g., $0.60 per pound per item) provides minimal coverage and is insufficient for international moves.
   • Purchase **All-Risk, Door-to-Door Marine Insurance** (often called Transit Insurance). This should cover the full replacement value of your goods at the destination.
     • You will need to declare the value of your shipment (create a detailed Valued Inventory List with replacement costs for all items).
     • Understand the premium cost (usually a percentage of the declared value) and the deductible (amount you pay out-of-pocket per claim).
     • Clarify coverage details: Does it cover mold/mildew? Pairs and sets? Mechanical derangement? Ask for the policy terms in writing.
     • Coverage often depends on professional packing by the mover. Self-packed boxes may only be covered for total loss, not damage to contents unless the box shows external damage.
6. Ask Questions & Review the Contract:
   • Clarify who handles U.S. customs clearance and what specific fees are included/excluded (duties, taxes, inspection fees).
   • Ask about their communication process – who is your main point of contact? How will you receive updates?
   • Inquire about their network/agent at the destination – who will be handling delivery and unpacking in the U.S.?
   • Understand the cancellation policy.
   • Read the Contract Thoroughly: Before signing the contract (often called Bill of Lading, Order for Service, or Acceptance Form), ensure it accurately reflects everything agreed upon during the survey and discussions (inventory, services, price, insurance, dates). Do not sign a blank or incomplete contract.