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Shipping personal goods from the USA. Consider LCL freight as a low-cost international shipping solution.
Shipping your household goods or personal belongings overseas is easier than you might think when you work with a reliable international cargo transportation company instead of hiring an international moving company. Use the online freight calculator above to estimate your international shipping cost with trusted U.S. cargo consolidators - Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers that provide Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) freight service.
How to Calculate Your International Shipping Cost Online
Select your destination country, follow a few easy steps, and instantly get the international shipping cost online.
Watch this 3-minute YouTube video explaining how to ship personal goods abroad from the United States. You can schedule an international delivery for large cargo in real time without waiting for a traditional price quote from an ordinary international cargo transportation company. Get your estimate online 24/7 and book as soon as you're ready to ship using the most affordable way to ship internationally.
If this is your first time shipping internationally, browse our website to learn more about shipping goods from the USA. Explore our FAQ section, which has helpful references and important documents related to international cargo transportation by sea. We aim to make low-cost international shipping straightforward and accessible, even for beginners.
Questions About International Shipping Costs? Get Quick Estimates first.
If you have inquiries about international shipping costs, please use the online freight calculator for a quick estimate.
You can email the quote to yourself and keep it for reference. When ready, please reply to the email with your quote reference number. If not, keep the cost in the quote and compare it with other offers. Choosing the right international cargo transportation company ensures a smooth, affordable experience.
Estimating the Size and Weight of Your Shipping Items
Are you uncertain about the number of shipping items, their weight, and sizes? That’s completely fine. Provide a rough estimate to start.
The ocean carrier’s container terminal (CFS) will remeasure your cargo and adjust the international cargo transportation cost based on actual weight and measurements. This flexibility helps maintain low-cost international shipping without unnecessary upfront stress about exact dimensions.
Save Money and Peace of Mind by Packing Yourself
If you pack your belongings yourself, you can avoid costly international moving companies. However, suppose you already have a quote from an international moving company. You might be surprised at how much lower international cargo transportation costs can be when you use our online freight calculator.
That’s because it is designed specifically for moving goods overseas with international ocean freight carriers and LCL (Less than Container Load) cargo consolidators, providing you the most affordable way to ship internationally.
AMID Logistics is a licensed and bonded U.S. freight forwarder, an international shipping company that is here to assist you with professional, low-cost international shipping services.
Sending Household Goods from the USA overseas with an International Moving Company
If you prioritize convenience above cost, you can continue searching for an international moving company specializing in full-service international moving from the USA.
You may continue reading about sending household goods from the U.S. with international moving companies, or skip to topics related to LCL freight, which is often the most affordable way to ship goods internationally.
If you can afford a higher international shipping cost, you may hire a reliable international moving company to move your belongings from the USA to another country. A global moving company assessor should visit you to estimate the cost of transporting your goods overseas, including labor, packing materials, and freight.
Some international moving companies provide a "door-to-door" service, assisting you in retrieving your cargo at the destination rather than just sending it from the USA. They handle customs, manage release expenses, deliver your cargo, and ensure safe unloading. Be sure to review the cargo recovery section of your agreement.
However, shipping goods from the USA abroad with international moving companies is very expensive, especially if you only need to send a portion of your belongings overseas in moving boxes. It is usually not the most affordable way to ship internationally.
The Alternative to International Moving Companies: Low-Cost International Shipping utilizing LCL freight
The alternative to international moving companies is shipping goods from the USA directly with international ocean freight carriers, assisted by U.S. freight forwarders focusing on low-cost international cargo transportation.
You can hire a local moving company to pack and deliver your goods to a Container Freight Station (CFS), the terminal for international ocean freight carriers. Then, you should ask the moving company if they know international cargo transportation regulations from the USA, particularly regarding ISPM15 regulations.
Shipping Household Goods and Personal Belongings from the USA with LCL Freight
Yes, it is common to ship household goods and personal belongings from the USA overseas without high international cargo transportation prices. To save on international moving costs, consider LCL freight services - the most affordable shipping method when sending goods packed in boxes, crates, or pallets from the U.S.
- By sharing a 40-foot sea freight container with others, you pay only for the space you use, not the entire container. LCL is a low-cost international cargo transportation method, ideal when your cargo doesn’t fill a full container.
- At ocean freight terminals (CFS), freight charges are based on the volume (per Cubic Meter or Cubic Foot), not the weight.
- Delivering your packed goods directly to a CFS cuts inland trucking costs, reducing your total moving shipping cost.
How LCL Sea Freight Works
In LCL, "Sea Freight" means international cargo transport between CFSs at the origin and destination.
LCL freight allows you to ship boxes, crates, and pallets of varying sizes, provided they fit into a 40-foot container.
Unlike using an international moving company, you are responsible for packing and delivering your goods.
- It is easy to self-deliver loose boxes to a CFS. The facility can palletize them professionally for $35–$50 per pallet, including certified pallets required under ISPM15 regulations.
- This ensures compliance without the hassle of palletizing yourself — an essential step for smooth international moving from the USA.
- When shipping household goods, regular heavy-duty moving boxes from stores like Walmart or U-Haul meet ISPM15 rules.
Shipping personal belongings internationally from the USA is straightforward if you follow general shipping procedures. A U.S. freight forwarder, an international cargo transportation company, can guide you through the process for low-cost international shipping success. As a U.S. freight forwarder, we strive to make shipping household goods from the USA as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
If this is your first international shipment, we recommend carefully reviewing all the procedures. Answers are in our FAQ, reference materials, and documents. If you are unsure about any step in international cargo transportation from the USA, don't hesitate to contact us or verify details independently.
1. Properly pack and palletize your goods.
2. If you requested a pickup, be prepared to meet the driver.
3. Cargo self-delivered to a line haul terminal may need temporary palletization.
4. Timely submit all necessary documents.
5. Ocean freight cannot guarantee transit time.
7. Door deliveries at destinations.
8. 75% deposit. The actual shipping cost most likely will differ from the estimated cost quoted.
9. Do not confuse LCL service with parcel services. The minimum charge is one cubic meter.
1. Properly pack and palletize your goods. All internationally shipping items must be boxed or crated.
When shipping goods overseas from the USA with LCL, ensure they're adequately packed in boxes, crates, or pallets and labeled for shipping. All goods must be boxed or crated to meet the standards of any international cargo transportation company. We don't offer a packing service, but you can find a professional packing company near you if you need help. Proper packing helps prevent damage and claims.
Then, most likely, you will need to palletize smaller boxes into skids. Keep in mind: palletizing increases the chargeable volume, affecting the final price. Exporters can either self-palletize their goods or request the ocean freight carrier to palletize and shrink-wrap loose boxes at the carrier's freight terminal (CFS). The cost of self-delivered items for palletizing at CFS ranges from $35-50 per pallet, depending on the CFS. The cost of the certified pallet is included in the palletizing fee, which will be added to the ocean freight carrier's invoice. The palletizing of shipping items increases the chargeable volume. When shipping items internationally from the USA, palletizing cargo is necessary to avoid damage and loss. Ocean freight carriers will not accept more than 3-5 boxes unless they are palletized. Palletizing your cargo is essential for the most affordable way to ship internationally, ensuring your shipment moves safely and efficiently.
Packing for international moving is similar to domestic moving, with one limitation: forklifts handle pallets at every stage. Ocean freight carriers professionally load and secure pallets in 40-foot containers for safe, affordable international shipping from the USA.
Sometimes, shippers ask, 'Can we pack and ship from the U.S. suitcases, plastic bins, etc.?' Yes, you can. Just ensure that it is strong enough to keep its shape. However, even if you palletize all your items, we recommend labeling every single item. Then, if a skid is broken, each item can be identified. Our shipping instructions will contain a web link to print your shipping labels.
Sometimes, shippers ask, 'Is it safe to ship some valuables from the USA overseas in 40-foot containers by sea? What should we say? Almost all the goods you see in Walmart, Target, etc., arrive in the USA by sea in the same containers. Just pack your shipping items accurately. Separate fragile items. Bubble wrap it. Insulate it in plastic film. You may consider hiring a professional packing company. Most ocean freight shipments from the USA arrive without damage or loss. For extra peace of mind, consider purchasing marine insurance — a small investment that can protect your shipment handled by any international cargo transportation company. Consider marine cargo insurance.
Packing your shipment carefully helps you ensure a smooth delivery process.
However, avoid including dangerous goods and prohibited commodities in international shipments. Do not put the following things into your load:
- Perishable food products
- Live animals, plants, and seeds
- Any medicines and drugs
- Dangerous and Hazardous Goods are restricted and subject to approval and special procedures.
- Aerosols
- Liquids
- Cash, Money orders, credit, and debit cards
- Passports and other confidential documents
- Valuable jewelry, art, and antiques
- To simplify, avoid items considered dangerous or prohibited from the USA abroad with regular parcel service at your local USPS office.
- WARNING! If you pack in used boxes, ensure you erase all labels and marks, especially if they relate to dangerous goods or hazardous materials.
If you are unsure what some of your goods are legal for exporting from the USA, put them away. Do not take your entire shipment at risk. Do not ship such things. If it is still necessary to ship overseas, ask officials in the United States and your destination country.
2. If you requested a pickup, be prepared to meet the pickup driver and, if necessary, be ready to help load your cargo into the pickup truck.
If you request a pickup (collection) when quoting or booking with our online freight calculator, please be aware of some limitations in LTL freight, which is commonly utilized for low-cost international shipping.
In international LCL sea freight service, we utilize U.S. LTL domestic carriers for cargo pickups, but not for moving companies. LTL freight is mainly designed for cargo pickups and deliveries between commercial facilities with loading docks. Single drivers operate LTL trucks. Then, LTL drivers may refuse to handle bulky cargo on residential pickups, saying they are not movers. Handling many boxes, especially if a load is far from the pickup truck, may be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Therefore, at the time of pickup, you must be prepared to help the pickup driver with your cargo load to help ensure a smooth process with your international cargo transportation company. You may need to call the LTL company scheduled for your pickup in our shipping instructions in advance to discuss and conduct your pickup conditions.
If you're requesting a pickup, please remember that if you ship too many boxes (for example, you pack and ship an entire apartment or house), the pickup may not be available. In this case, you should consider a self-self delivery of your boxes to the nearest to your freight terminal. You can hire a local moving company to deliver your boxes to the terminal. If you hire a moving company, we'd recommend following them and controlling the submission of your goods to international transportation from the USA. Self-delivery helps you maintain a low international shipping cost and better control your shipment.
Also, remember that pickup time slots are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you'd like to specify a more precise time window, call the trucking company dispatcher on the day of pickup to find an estimated driver's arrival time. The LTL freight terminal's dispatcher phone number is in our instructions.
IMPORTANT!: If you are not ready for pickup on the scheduled day, that's OK. However, in this case, you must call the LTL company's dispatcher directly in advance. Otherwise, a charge for an attempt to pick up may arise.
Always refer to your pickup reference number in our instructions when calling. Obtain a new pickup reference number. Please notify us to track your pickup. No changes in your LTL bill of lading are required. Use the same LTL bill of lading that you received with our shipping instructions.
Please note that LTL freight does not offer inside pickups. Cargo must be located on the ground level, in a garage, on a porch, etc. Proper preparation ensures the most affordable way to ship internationally.
3. Cargo self-delivered to a line haul terminal may need temporary palletizing. If cargo is self-delivered to a line-haul freight terminal for the transfer to an ocean freight carrier's terminal (CFS), the shipper should be prepared to deal with palletizing at the Line-Haul terminal.
The online freight calculator lists domestic U.S. LTL line haul terminals in lowercase with an asterisk. For example, San Diego, CA*. LTL carrier should accept your packed goods for domestic transportation to the CFS to further ship your goods out of the U.S.
On the one hand, unlike CFS, LTL line haul terminals are not obligated to palletize cargo. On the other hand, they usually temporarily palletize loose boxes for handling cargo by forklifts. However, they never follow ISPM15 rules, which do not apply to U.S. domestic cargo transportation.
Our experience shows that line-haul freight terminals typically accept loose boxes and palletize them without question. However, in rare cases, they may request to palletize boxes or charge a fee to palletize loose boxes. Then, an LTL carrier should accept your packed goods for domestic transportation to the CFS, where your shipment will move under the guidance of a sea freight carrier for export.
To avoid possible confusion, before your cargo is delivered to the line haul terminal, you may need to call the terminal in advance and conduct the business on palletizing. Always provide the LTL bill of lading number attached to our shipping instructions if contacting.
Please do not confuse palletizing your boxes at LTL Line-Haul freight terminals with palletizing at ocean freight carriers' terminals (CFS). In our online freight calculators, CFSs are listed in uppercase and highlighted - for example, MIAMI, FL.
CFS should always be palletized or re-palletized, and shrink-wrap cargo delivered loose for $35-50 per pallet, including the cost of a certified pallet. Then, you obey the ISPM15 rules essential for low-cost international shipping success. Typically, CFS does not accept cash for palletizing. The fee will be added to the carrier's freight.
Following these procedures ensures that your goods are adequately prepared for international moving from the USA and that you avoid additional delays or unexpected international cargo transportation cost increases.
Careful handling at both terminals is crucial to maintain the most affordable way to ship internationally.
4. Timely submit all necessary documents.
All carriers follow the same rule in international cargo transportation: "No docs, no ship." That means that cargo cannot be released to international shipping from the USA unless all documents are in order. If a shipment has already been delivered to the Container Freight Station (CFS), but some documents are missing, it will be on hold until all necessary documentation is submitted. If a shipper cannot provide proper documents on an international shipment, they can return the cargo. However, a CFS in/out fee will apply on top of storage charges (if any).
Do not delay your export documents. To maintain a smooth process, submit all the necessary documents no later than the day you deliver your goods to CFS.
Remember that you should not attach any original documents to your cargo. Do not write a list of goods on boxes. It may attract thieves. All papers must be submitted to us via our shipping instructions or in an email in the attached PDF files. Files other than PDF format may be rejected.
Does it look too complicated? Not at all.
Most of the time, you must submit only a commercial invoice or a valued packing list. It should list items you ship from the USA abroad and their value in US$.
Often, shippers ask, 'I'm sending overseas just personal goods. Not for sale. Where can I get a commercial invoice?'
The answer is, 'It is easy.' If you ship household goods or personal belongings from the USA overseas, then you describe your items and assign the value by yourself. That's it. You provide the information in a document called a Valued Packing List. Our shipping instructions will contain a web link to submit your valued packing list online. You can see what your valued packing list will look like in this link.
Remember to list all your shipping items when submitting a valued packing list, whether you will palletize them or not. To save time, you can combine boxes with the same commodity, value, and weight.
For mixed household goods or personal effects, if no significant commodity is described, we may suggest the H.S. Code 4016.99.05 "Household articles not elsewhere specified or included." In this case, we'll notify shippers via our email updates.
You do not have to list each plate and cup when filling out your valued packing list. Provide a general description, such as tableware, used clothes, disassembled furniture, etc.
However, avoid using uncertain descriptions, like '12 boxes with used household goods totaling $2,499'. It may be OK to get a freight release for shipping out of the USA. However, the destination country's customs may ask your consignee (recipient) for a more detailed list of the goods that have arrived.
Also, despite palletizing your boxes, you should label each box as 1 of 12, 2 of 12, 3 of 12, etc. This way, each shipping item can be identified if your skid falls apart during international cargo transportation.
Depending on import regulations in a particular destination country, the ocean freight carrier may request additional documents. That could be a copy of a photo ID, tax information, etc. There should not be anything complicated for you to provide such documents. If so, your international shipping company will notify us via email. Then, we should inform you if any additional documents are required to obtain your cargo release for shipping from the USA. Providing documents promptly helps ensure low-cost international shipping and faster release at the origin and destination.
IMPORTANT: If the value of your goods is US$2500 and above, you must submit the U.S. Shippers Export Declaration (SED). You can submit the Shippers Export Declaration and provide ITN, or we will file it on your behalf for a $35 fee. To submit SED on your behalf, we will need either an EIN (U.S. tax ID) from the shipper or a copy of the shipper's foreign passport.
Please keep in mind that a U.S. freight forwarder's responsibility is to assist a shipper until exporting goods enter the commerce zone of the destination country. I.e., till shipping from the U.S. goods will reach a bonded freight terminal (CFS) in the destination country. All issues related to the recovery of the goods at the destination, including providing all documents required by the destination country's customs and other government organizations, are the consignee's responsibilities (in respect of dealing with customs professionally called 'Importer of records'). Neither the freight forwarder nor the ocean freight carrier can assist you.
However, when shipping from the USA using LCL freight service, you are not alone. With LCL, your bill of lading contains the ocean freight carrier's destination agent's contact information. The agent should issue an official arrival notice to your consignee and guide the consignee through the complexity of your import recovery, helping ensure the most affordable way to ship internationally with minimal complications. Working with experienced international shipping companies simplifies the process and keeps your international shipping costs predictable and under control.
However, when shipping goods from the United States abroad, remember that these are your goods, and you are shipping them overseas, but no one else. Freight forwarders and carriers are assisting with your needs. The shipper's and consignee's responsibility is to provide all documents required by the ocean freight carrier, origin and destination country officials, and third parties involved in your international shipping from the USA.
5. Ocean freight cannot guarantee transit time.
As a full, cargo vessels depart and arrive as scheduled. If you have a price quote, you can always reply to the quote and ask for the nearest vessel schedule from your international shipping company. However, if your shipment is time-sensitive, you should know that delays may occur regardless of whether with low-cost international shipping services or a special sea freight option.
In sea freight, the reasons for delays are not just severe weather conditions. Transit time in LCL freight depends on cargo and documents cutoff at CFS, trucking or rail traffic, hubs and seaport conjunctions, and many other factors that may impact the time of cargo transportation from the United States to a destination overseas. Even when you plan for the most affordable way to ship internationally, these factors can affect cargo transportation time from the USA to the destination country.
Here, we'd like to alert you that in addition to the routine delays associated with different factors during cargo transportation from the USA overseas, uncertainties related to cargo quarantine by the United States Customs and Border Patrol are possible. Such delays are infrequent.
Suppose the U.S. CBP flags a container for examination. In that case, the delay may take an uncertain time and impact your final international shipping cost. Unless released by the U.S. CBP, cargo cannot be loaded on a vessel. Furthermore, additional charges may occur due to the exam. The costs should be equally divided among all cargo owners in the checked container. Neither the freight forwarder nor the international shipping company can intervene in CBP inspections. All complaints should be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Any imported goods, regardless of the commodity, mode of transportation, or destination country, are subject to destination charges.
If you decide to ship goods abroad, whether commercial cargo, household goods, or personal belongings, you have to keep in mind the destination charges when planning your international shipping cost. Destination charges (sometimes called local charges) occur at the destinations. Therefore, they are not considered freight charges. Destination charges are NOT included in the shipping cost obtained in the freight calculator.
We inform our customers about destination charges when initiating every shipment. When booking, shippers must agree with this statement: 'I understand that Destination charges are payable by the consignee...' Otherwise, shipments cannot be initiated. You may find more about destination charges in the step-by-step guide in step 7.
U.S. laws do not apply to your cargo when your goods exit the U.S. Commerce zone. Cargo recovery at destinations and all charges associated with import recovery are the consignee's responsibilities and on account of the consignee. Neither a U.S. freight forwarder nor an international shipping company can help you manage your import recovery overseas. In LCL freight, an ocean freight carrier's destination agent should guide you in your import recovery, helping ensure low-cost international shipping despite varying country laws and regulations. However, the agent is not a U.S. business. Suppose an issue occurs in your cargo recovery at the destination. In that case, no one but your consignee (in respect of import recovery, professionally called Importer of Records) can be better aware of and work on resolving the issue.
Yes, International Maritime Laws should apply to your freight. However, the laws may be interpreted differently depending on the destination country. Not to mention other reasons related to the economic and political situation in the destination country.
Typically, with LCL freight, you do not need to hire a destination country's customs broker; the carrier's destination agent is also the customs broker. However, if a problem occurs, we suggest you seek help from an independent customs broker in your destination country, keeping your international shipping costs under control.
Experienced exporters are always aware of and consider destination charges in their business. Suppose customers would like to learn more about cargo recovery procedures at the destination and estimate destination charges in advance. In that case, they may ask us for the contact information of the prospective carrier's destination agent upon receipt of a quote in our online freight calculator. Having the information, they may contact the agent and get the information directly from overseas. Staying informed will help you manage costs and maintain the most affordable way to ship internationally.
Please understand that we cannot see the shipment's routing without a quote or booking reference number. Before requesting an ocean freight carrier's agent contact information, you must obtain a quote or booking reference number on our website.
The carrier's destination agent contact information is typically in our shipping instructions and must be reconfirmed in your bill of lading. Please note that the carrier may change its agent during your cargo transportation. However, your import recovery procedures and destination charges should usually remain about the same.
Please note that a part of or all destination charges may be required to be paid at the port of entry, not at the final destination. Depending on the destination country's customs regulations, all or part of the destination charges may need to be paid at the port of entry. The cargo will continue traveling to the freight terminal at the place of delivery, as in your bill of lading, which is cleared with customs. Otherwise, goods can be transferred to the final destination in bond and are required to be cleared with customs at a bonded freight terminal located within the place of delivery area. Also, please note that sometimes, destination charges may be divided by separate invoices related to particular parties involved in import recovery.
What would we suggest if, for some reason, you experience problems with your import recovery at the destination?:
- IMPORTANT!: If, for any reason, your consignee will not be contacted by the carrier's destination agent on/within a few days before your cargo ETA (Estimated day of Arrival), do not wait. Contact them first. The agent's contact info is in your bill of lading.
- Always request an Arrival Notice in a legal format. Your arrival notice must be dated and contain the destination agent's letterhead and a breakdown of destination charges. Phone calls or random emails are not enough.
- Work with the destination agent. Respect the agent's job. The agent's business is to get a release for your goods as quickly as possible. Follow the agent's instructions. Pay destination charges (sometimes called Local Charges) and receive your released goods.
- If, for some reason, you experience a problem with your import recovery, do not hesitate to contact us. However, if you do not provide a copy of your legal arrival notice, we will most likely be unable to work with the carrier on your behalf. We will always need a copy of your arrival notice.
Please keep in mind that import recoveries are time-sensitive! The quicker you begin working on them, the less likely you will face deadline penalties, such as storage, demurrage, customs penalties, etc., which can significantly impact your low-cost international shipping goals.
7. Door deliveries at destinations.
Our customers frequently ask, 'Is there a "door-to-door" service?'
With LCL freight, no 'door delivery' service is included in the quoted international shipping cost.
In the United States, we offer cargo pickup (collection) of goods in boxes, crates, or on pallets virtually from any location, with certain limitations.
However, your goods will be shipped "not to door" but to a freight terminal located within the greater area of the designated city named as the place of delivery in your bill of lading.
The ocean freight carrier's destination agent assigned to your bill of lading should guide you in your import recovery and get the cargo released for you. Typically, the agent is also a customs broker. Then, you must follow the agent's instructions, pay destination charges, and obtain the release. Cleared with customs and released cargo should be self-picked up from the freight terminal by the consignee. This process ensures a more efficient and low-cost international shipping experience.
Most ocean freight carriers' destination agents and freight terminals offer delivery services for an additional cost. Then, you can order a 'door delivery' and pay for the service directly to them at the destination. Otherwise, your consignee may hire a local cargo transportation company to arrange a pickup of released goods to be delivered 'to the door.'
Working closely with the destination agent and arranging final delivery independently helps control your international shipping costs, supporting the most affordable shipping method.
8. 75% deposit. The actual shipping cost most likely will differ from the estimated cost quoted.
Some customers ask us about COD (Cash on Delivery) or Freight Collect service. They probably confuse international cargo transportation with mail orders, where payment is made on delivery rather than in advance. If the goods are not paid for, they are returned to the retailer.
If this is your first international shipment with our international shipping company, we welcome you. However, to initiate a shipment, you have to pre-pay at least 75% of the estimated international shipping cost calculated based on weight/measurements (w/m) information provided by you in your quote and booking.
Please remember that providing your shipping units' precise dimensions, weight, and number is usually challenging when quoting and booking your LCL shipment. Do not be confused. That's OK. Just roughly estimate.
The actual volume, weight, and number of your shipping from the USA units will likely differ from the number and measurements you provided when booking. Upon your cargo delivery to the ocean freight carrier's freight terminal (CFS), the CFS will calculate and reconfirm the actual number of your shipped units, the overall volume, and weight. You may need to read our step-by-step guide.
Also, you will receive our final invoice, less the deposit already paid, not upon arrival of your cargo to the destination, but when your shipment departs from the USA. In other words, we will invoice you at the time when your sea freight bill of lading is generated. Occasionally, as soon as we receive a rated proof copy of your bill of lading before departure, we may invoice you based on the proof.
Once again, please note: Your invoice will be based on the actual weight/measurements of cargo you have shipped, but not on the estimated cost calculated at the time of quoting and booking. The invoice may also reflect unaccounted costs from the carrier not included in the initial booking (if any), such as charges related to palletizing, fumigation, GRI that occurred during the shipment, etc. In other words, you pay for what you have shipped, not what you had estimated to be shipped. If you overestimate your w/m, you pay less or receive a refund. If you have underestimated your w/m, you pay more. That's why we request a 75% deposit, but 100%.
This flexible billing system ensures you only pay for your actual shipment, supporting the most affordable way to ship internationally with an international shipping company.
The 75% deposit requirement, rather than 100% upfront, is an industry-standard approach to maintain fairness in international shipping cost adjustments.
9. Do not confuse LCL service with parcel services. The minimum charge is one cubic meter. Destination charges.
Understanding this separation helps avoid unexpected expenses and keeps your low-cost international shipping plan on track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Transporting Household Goods Internationally
1. What is the most affordable way to ship household goods internationally?
The most affordable way to ship internationally is by using ocean freight services, especially Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipping. This method allows you to share container space and significantly reduce the cost of cargo transportation compared to full container options.
2. How much does international shipping cost for household goods?
The international shipping cost depends on your shipment's size (volume), destination country, and delivery method. Our online freight calculator can give you a real-time estimate based on the shipment of your specific household goods.
3. Should I use an international shipping company to move household goods?
Yes. Partnering with an experienced international cargo transportation company ensures your household goods are properly packed, documented, and handled according to international regulations. AMID Logistics provides reliable and affordable international moving services via ocean freight.
4. What services are included in low-cost international shipping?
Low-cost international shipping typically includes ocean freight transportation, basic terminal handling, and document preparation. Additional services like pickup, packing, or destination customs clearance are optional and may incur extra fees.
5. What documents are required to ship household goods internationally?
Typically, you will need a detailed packing list, a copy of your passport, and a bill of lading. Some destination countries may also require proof of residence or additional customs forms. Our team will guide you through the necessary documentation process.
