Picking an international shipping company for your move overseas isn’t something you want to rush. One dodgy choice can mean your belongings arrive late, damaged, or tied up in customs while fees pile up. By the time problems show up, you’re already committed, and it’s expensive to fix.
Most people collect a few quotes and grab the cheapest option. That low number often leaves out port charges, insurance gaps, or handling fees that surface later when your container is already in transit.
Asking the right questions early separates reliable movers from those that create stress. A careful check now saves money, protects your belongings, and makes the move more predictable.
What Experience Do They Have with International Removals?
One of the first things to nail down is experience. An international shipping company’s track record with your specific route and cargo type directly affects how smoothly your move goes.
Just think about it. A company with hundreds of shipments to the UK under its belt will know how to move household belongings to London far better than one that’s only done it a handful of times. They’re also more familiar with regulations, documentation requirements, and how customs operates at different ports.
Your first question should focus on their track record. Ask how many international moves they handle each year and request examples from your destination country. This will show how familiar they are with your route and whether they can handle your move reliably.
Breaking Down the Quote: What’s Actually Included?
Two quotes for shipping to London can differ by thousands of dollars, and the cheaper one often ends up costing more. That’s because companies include different things in their base price. Here’s what typically gets left out:
- Base Freight vs. Total Delivered Cost: The quoted price usually covers container transport only, not customs clearance, port handling, or final delivery to your door. These extras can add hundreds or even thousands, depending on your destination. Ask for a complete breakdown showing every charge from pickup to delivery.
- Documentation and Service Fees: Packing materials, customs paperwork, insurance, and temporary storage all appear as separate line items. One company’s “$5,000 quote” might exclude basics that another includes as standard (like packing materials or basic insurance). That’s why you need to compare what’s actually included, not just the bottom-line number.
- Variable Charges: Exchange rates and fuel surcharges don’t stay frozen between quote day and shipping day. Your quote might look solid in January, but if the Australian dollar drops 5% by March when your container actually ships, you’re suddenly paying more. Confirm which charges are locked in and which can shift before you commit.
Request itemised quotes from each company showing the same scope of services. Otherwise, you’re comparing one company’s bare-minimum price against another’s all-inclusive rate.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
One of the most common hidden costs is demurrage fees. Think of it as storage rent when your container sits at the port waiting for customs paperwork to clear. Another common charge is port handling and local delivery fees, which can add hundreds or even thousands if nobody mentions them upfront.
Some shippers also charge for weekend or after-hours delivery, extra fees if your destination address falls outside their standard service area, or surcharges for hard-to-access locations.
These costs rarely appear in initial quotes but often surface on the final invoice, so ask about every possible fee before signing anything.
Credentials Worth Checking: AIMA Membership and Licensing
The right credentials protect you from dodgy operators who take your money and disappear. Take the Australian International Movers Association (AIMA) for example. Members of this organisation have to meet specific standards and carry verified insurance for overseas relocations. If not, they lose their membership.
Because of these requirements, it’s easier to trust their international moving services. And they often partner with trusted operators overseas through global moving networks instead of just whoever’s cheapest.
Most importantly, if anything goes sideways, licensed removalists also have proper liability cover and workers’ comp to protect you.
Pro Note: When you’re comparing quotes, ask to see their Australian International Movers Association membership certificate and verify their licensing before handing over any deposits.
Red Flags: Warning Signs of an Unreliable Shipping Partner
Anyone moving overseas has heard at least one horror story about a shipping company that went wrong. The good news is that most problems show up early if you know the warning signs to watch for.
- No Written Quotes: If the numbers shift every time you ask a follow-up, or the company refuses to put anything in writing, that’s a clear red flag. Reputable movers lock in quotes for at least 30 days and provide detailed documentation upfront.
- Missing Contact Details: A company without a physical office address is like buying from someone who won’t tell you where they live. All you get is a mobile number or PO box with barely any other information? That’s your cue to walk away.
- Negative Reviews: Online reviews that mention belongings going missing, furniture arriving smashed, or companies disappearing after taking deposits should set off alarms. Check multiple review platforms and look for patterns, not just one-off complaints.
- Vague Customs Answers: Your shipping partner is supposed to make customs clearance easier, not harder. Their explanation isn’t getting through, or they seem fuzzy about what paperwork your destination country needs. It’s often a sign of their lack of experience, which means you’ll be the one figuring things out when problems hit.
- Pressure Tactics and Upfront Payment Demands: This is the worst of all. You’re getting pushed with lines like “this rate expires tonight,” or they want full payment before anything ships. Reputable movers ask for reasonable deposits (usually 10-25%) and outline clear payment milestones.
If you spot two or more of these signs, keep looking. The risk isn’t worth saving a few hundred dollars.
How Do They Handle Customs Clearance?
Most reliable international shipping companies either handle customs directly through their own brokers or work with licensed agents at your destination port. Some include customs brokerage as part of their service. Others leave you to manage paperwork yourself, which can mean weeks of delays while your container sits at the port waiting for clearance.
Before committing, find out exactly who handles customs on the other end. A good shipping partner works with licensed agents in your destination country who manage duty calculations, restricted item checks, and permit requirements. They walk you through the process before your belongings leave Australia, not after problems emerge.
Ask these specific questions:
- Who handles customs if something gets flagged?
- Who’s responsible for duty payments?
- What happens if the documentation is incomplete?
The answers tell you quickly whether they actually manage the process or just hand it off and hope for the best.
Insurance, Tracking, and What Happens When Things Go Wrong
Proper shipping insurance and tracking give you peace of mind from the moment your container leaves until it arrives. Some companies only offer basic weight-based coverage, while others give you options worth considering:
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Most movers offer two main types, and the difference in what you get paid out can be massive:
- Basic Coverage: This pays by weight (typically around $2 per kilo), not what your belongings cost to replace. A damaged $3,000 dining table might only get you $200 if it weighs 100 kilos.
- Full Replacement Coverage: Costs more upfront, but it covers the actual replacement value for furniture, electronics, and other valuables. You’ll pay higher premiums, but if something breaks, you get enough to buy a new one.
Most policies won’t cover damage from improper packing, items you packed yourself, or things like jewellery and cash unless you declare them separately. Read the fine print before assuming everything’s protected.
What Happens When Things Go Wrong
Even the best shipping companies hit snags occasionally. The difference is in how they respond:
- Clear Claims Process: Good companies have straightforward claims procedures with specific deadlines for reporting damage or missing items. You’ll know exactly what documentation they need and how long resolution typically takes.
- Proactive Communication: Being left in the dark for weeks is a sign of poor service. Ask how they keep you updated about delays, whether it’s through automated emails, SMS alerts, or direct calls from an account manager.
- Response Time to Issues: Test this during the quote stage by asking detailed questions and seeing how quickly they reply. How fast they respond now tells you whether they’ll support you later or ghost you once they’ve got your money.
Companies that handle issues well don’t leave you chasing them for answers.
Get These Answers Before You Sign Anything
Choosing the right international moving company comes down to asking these questions early and paying attention to how they respond. The best movers don’t dodge questions or rush you through quotes. They explain services clearly and show exactly what’s covered.
Start by getting everything in writing, comparing the full scope of services, and checking AIMA membership before committing. The cheapest quote often costs more once delays or surprise charges appear.
Need help planning your international move? Our team at Homeport Northwest handles the entire process, from packing to customs to final delivery. Contact us, and we’ll walk you through exactly what’s included in your quote.