What Are the Different Shipping Options for Moving household goods abroad ?
Moving abroad can be both exciting and daunting, so it helps to prepare and plan ahead. Creating a memorable life is all about having interesting experiences, so let's face it, the last thing you want - or need - is for your expatriation itself to be a problem.
With connections to trusted global networks, we can provide you with a bespoke service to manage any international moving requirement to or from China and over 1500 destinations around the world. This means that no matter where you are, you can be assured that your DocShipper consultant will be close enough to help you in the event of a problem. Our knowledgeable staff will give you the right advice and deliver on time.
Shipping personal belongings by sea
When it comes to shipping personal belongings by sea, there are various container sizes to choose from. The three most common sizes are:
- 20-foot container : This container can hold approximately 33 cubic meters, which is equivalent to the contents of an average two-bedroom house. It is the smallest size available for shipping personal effects by sea.
- 40-foot container : This container can hold approximately 67 cubic meters, which is equivalent to the contents of an average house with 3-4 bedrooms. It is the most commonly used container size for shipping personal effects by sea.
- 40-foot high cube container : This container can hold approximately 76 cubic meters, which is equivalent to the contents of an average house with 4-5 bedrooms. It is a bit taller than a standard 40-foot container, providing additional storage space.
Depending on the volume of your personal effects, there are two main options for container use :
- Full Container Load (FCL) : If you have enough personal effects to fill an entire container, you can choose the FCL method.
This option allows you to ship your belongings in your own dedicated container. It is generally recommended when you have a volume greater than 15 cubic meters. - Less than Container Load (LCL) : If you don't have enough personal effects to fill an entire container, you can choose the LCL method.
This option allows you to share the cost of a container with others who are moving personal effects to the same destination in a high volume area. It is generally recommended when you have a volume of less than 15 cubic meters.
It's important to keep in mind that the container size you choose will depend on the volume of your personal effects. It's always a good idea to consult with a shipping professional who can help you determine the best container size for your specific needs.
Shipping personal belongings by air
If you need to send your belongings overseas quickly, air freight is the fastest method available, typically taking 7 to 10 days on a door-to-door move basis.
However, keep in mind that air freight is generally more expensive than other methods, particularly for larger shipments.
As a general guideline, once your cargo exceeds 1.5 / 2 cubic meters, it will be more cost-effective to use ocean freight, while air freight will be cheaper for smaller shipments but still much faster.
Shipping some of your items by air freight is ideal, especially if you need them immediately upon arrival, while the rest of your belongings can be sent by sea.
Airlines charge based on the greater of the gross weight (as weighed on a scale) or volumetric weight (which is calculated as 167 kg per cubic meter).
It's important to keep this in mind when determining the cost of shipping your personal effects by air.
Shipping personal belongings by air is a great option if you need your items to arrive quickly, but it's important to consider the cost and size of your shipment before deciding which shipping method to use. A professional shipping provider can help you determine the most cost-effective and efficient way to transport your belongings.
