Shipping Options

when Moving Overseas

Shipping Containers, Air Freight, Groupage and More

Moving to another country but not sure which shipping solutions best suits you?

Not sure which shipping option is right for your move?

Whether you’re moving an entire household, a smaller shipment or just a few important belongings, there are several ways to ship your belongings overseas.

The best option will depend on how much you’re taking, where you’re moving, your timeframe and your budget. From Full Container Loads (FCL) and Groupage (shared containers) to LCL and air freight, our Moving Consultants will help you understand the differences and find the most suitable solution for your move.

Below, we’ve explained each of the shipping options in simple terms so you can see how they work and which might suit your needs.

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Moving Options

Every international move is different, so we offer a range of shipping options depending on how much you’re taking, your destination, timeframe and budget. Our experienced team will help you choose the most suitable option for your move, whether that’s a full container, shared container, less than container load (LCL) or air freight.

Full Container Load (FCL)

A Full Container Load (FCL) gives you sole use of a shipping container and is generally the best option for larger international moves.

Containers are typically available in 20ft and 40ft sizes. As a general guide, a 20ft container may suit the contents of an average three-bedroom home, while a 40ft container provides considerably more space for larger households and, in some cases, a vehicle.

Because the container is exclusively for your belongings, there’s no need to wait for other customers’ shipments before it can be sent, which can make FCL a faster and more flexible option.

Groupage (Shared Container)

If you don’t have enough belongings to fill an entire container, Groupage, or shared-container shipping, can be a cost-effective option.

Your belongings share container space with other Overseas Packers & Shippers customers moving to the same destination, so you only pay for the space your shipment requires.

We offer regular Groupage services to New Zealand, the UK and Europe, with services to Canada and the USA available at selected times based on demand.

As Groupage shipments need to be consolidated with other customers’ belongings before departure, transit times can be longer than with a full container. Our team will provide an estimated timeframe based on your destination and planned shipping schedule.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

For smaller shipments travelling to destinations where we don’t operate a Groupage service, Less than Container Load (LCL) may be the best option.

Your belongings are professionally packed and transported as an individual consignment through the shipping line’s LCL network, sharing container space with other cargo.

For destinations outside our Groupage network, we’ll help you determine whether LCL, air freight or a Full Container Load (FCL) offers the best combination of cost, space and timeframe for your move.

Air Freight

If you need some or all of your belongings to arrive sooner, air freight is the fastest shipping option.

It’s particularly useful for essential items you may need shortly after arriving at your destination, while the remainder of your belongings travel by sea.

Air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight, and transit times vary depending on the destination, airline schedules and customs clearance. Our team can provide an estimated timeframe and cost based on your individual requirements.

Not Sure Which Shipping Option Is Right for You?

You don’t need to work this out yourself. We’ll consider how much you’re moving, where you’re going, when you need your belongings and your budget, then recommend the shipping option that best suits your move.

If you have any questions about our shipping or air freight services please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will provide you with the information you need.

Tips for Planning Your Overseas Shipping

A little planning can make a big difference when you’re moving overseas. With an experienced international removalist managing the shipping process, you’ll know what to expect at each stage and can focus on getting ready for your new home.

Here are a few things worth considering before you move:

Check what you can take. Customs and quarantine requirements vary between countries, and some items may be prohibited or require special documentation. Check the requirements for your destination before deciding what to ship.
Understand possible duties and taxes. Depending on your destination, circumstances and the items you’re importing, duties or taxes may apply. Requirements vary by country, so it’s important to understand these before your shipment leaves Australia.
Consider transit insurance. International moves involve multiple stages of transportation and handling. Transit insurance can provide additional protection and peace of mind should the unexpected happen. Our team can explain the available options for your move.
Keep your essentials with you. Your belongings may be in transit for several weeks or longer, so pack important documents, medication, clothing and other everyday essentials separately rather than including them in your shipment.
Think about what you’ll need first. If there are belongings you’d like soon after arriving, ask us about sending a small shipment by air freight while the remainder travels by sea.
Plan ahead where possible. Shipping schedules and availability vary by destination and time of year. Contacting us early gives you more time to consider your shipping options and plan around your preferred moving dates.

Not sure where to start? Overseas Packers & Shippers can guide you through your shipping options, packing, documentation and destination requirements, helping you plan the right solution for your international move.

Other Overseas Shipping Options

More Than Just Your Household Belongings

An international move can involve more than shipping furniture and personal belongings. We can also help coordinate other important parts of your move, including vehicles, pets and storage.

If you’re planning to take your car, motorbike, jet ski, boat, caravan or trailer, we can arrange international vehicle shipping and provide information about the requirements for your destination.

For those moving with pets, we can also help make the process easier by obtaining a quote from one of our trusted pet relocation specialists on your behalf. If you decide to proceed, we’ll put you directly in touch with the specialist, who will then guide you through the transport, documentation and quarantine requirements for your pet’s journey.

If your new home isn’t ready, your dates don’t quite line up or you simply need more time, we can also arrange secure storage for your belongings before or after shipping.

Whatever your move involves, talk to our team early and we’ll help you understand the options available.

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FAQs

Am I able to pack my own belongings?

Yes, you can pack some of your own belongings, and we can supply professional packing materials and cartons if required.

However, there are some important things to consider before deciding to pack yourself. Owner-packed goods may be subject to additional customs inspection, and different conditions can apply to insurance cover for items you pack yourself.

Our professional packing team is experienced in preparing belongings for international transportation, including furniture, fragile items and personal effects. If you’re considering packing any items yourself, talk to us first so we can provide you with the relevant information.

How long will it take for my possessions to be shipped?

International shipping timeframes vary depending on your destination, shipping method, vessel schedules, port conditions and customs clearance.

A Full Container Load (FCL) or LCL shipment can generally depart sooner, while Groupage shipments may require additional time while we consolidate belongings from customers moving to the same destination. Air freight is generally the fastest option for smaller shipments.

We’ll provide you with an estimated timeframe when planning your move and keep you updated as your shipment progresses. As international shipping schedules can change, departure and arrival dates should always be considered estimates.

How do you help organise the move?

International shipping timeframes vary depending on your destination, shipping method, vessel schedules, port conditions and customs clearance.

Our team can coordinate your international move from your home in Australia through to your new home overseas.

We can assist with your pre-move survey, professional packing, shipping arrangements, customs documentation, storage and delivery at your destination. We can also provide information about the transit insurance available for your move.

Once your belongings arrive overseas, our trusted destination partner will assist with customs clearance and arrange delivery to your new home.

With 50 years of international moving experience, our aim is to make each stage of the process as straightforward as possible.

How does the cost of sea freight compare to air freight when moving overseas?

Sea freight is generally the more cost-effective option for larger shipments and household moves, while air freight is faster but usually more expensive.

For smaller shipments, the difference will depend on the size and weight of your belongings, destination and how quickly you need them.

You can also combine the two. Some customers send most of their belongings by sea and use air freight for a smaller selection of essential items they’d like soon after arriving.

Our Moving Consultants can provide pricing for the available options so you can compare the cost and timing.

Are there any restrictions or prohibited items I should be aware of when shipping my belongings overseas?

Yes. Every country has its own customs and quarantine requirements, and some belongings may be prohibited, restricted or require additional permits or documentation.

We’ll provide relevant customs information for your destination during the quoting or pre-move survey process. For many destinations, we can also provide the latest FIDI Customs Guide, which contains detailed information about import requirements, documentation and prohibited or restricted goods.

If you’re unsure about an item, ask us before packing it into your shipment.

How do I ensure my belongings are protected during the shipping process?

Our experienced packing team uses professional packing materials and techniques designed to protect your belongings throughout international transportation. Furniture, fragile items and personal effects are carefully wrapped and packed according to the type of item and the journey ahead.

For customers who would like additional financial protection, transit insurance is also available. We can provide you with the relevant Financial Services Guide (FSG), Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and insurance documentation so you can review the available cover and decide whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.