Overseas Packers & Shippers is a family owned and operated international moving and storage company with 50 years of experience helping people move to and from Australia.
From professional packing and international shipping to storage, transit insurance, vehicle shipping and customs coordination, our experienced team can manage every stage of your move. Whether you’re moving an entire household, a smaller shipment or a vehicle, we’ll help you find the shipping solution that best suits your destination, timeframe and budget.
Our experience is backed by internationally recognised industry credentials. We are FIDI FAIM accredited and one of only four OMNI members in Australia, connecting us with a carefully selected global network of professional international moving partners. We are also a member of the Australian International Movers Association (AIMA).
After five decades in international moving, we know that no two moves are the same. That’s why we take a personal approach, listening to what’s important to you and tailoring our services to make your overseas move as straightforward as possible.
Moving Overseas and Shipping 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.
Shared Containers and Small Overseas Shipment Options:
Shared container shipping and small shipment options are ideal for those who don’t have an entire house worth of goods to ship.
With Groupage, also known as shared-container shipping, your belongings share container space with other Overseas Packers & Shippers customers moving to the same destination. You only pay for the space your shipment requires, making it an economical option for smaller international moves.
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.
For destinations where our Groupage service isn’t available, we can recommend LCL (Less than Container Load), air freight or other shipping options based on the size of your shipment, timeframe and budget.
Small Shipments & Air Freight
If you’re sending a very small shipment, such as a few boxes, personal belongings or individual items, air freight may be worth considering.
Air freight is generally the fastest way to send belongings overseas and can be particularly useful for essential items you need soon after arriving at your destination. While it is typically more expensive than sea freight, it can be a practical option for smaller or more urgent shipments.
Transit times and costs vary depending on your destination, shipment size, airline schedules and customs clearance. Our team will compare the available options and help you choose the solution that best suits your needs.
Shipping Vehicles Overseas:
Overseas Packers & Shippers are 4th Generation International Removalists.
Moving overseas doesn’t necessarily mean leaving your vehicle behind.
Overseas Packers & Shippers can arrange international shipping for a wide range of vehicles, including family cars, classic and prestige cars, motorbikes, jet skis, boats, caravans and trailers.
Whether it’s your everyday car, a much-loved motorbike or something you simply don’t want to part with, our team can help you explore the options for taking it with you. We’ll explain the shipping process and help you understand the import requirements that may apply at your destination, so you can decide whether shipping your vehicle overseas is right for you.
FAQs
How much does it cost to move overseas?
The cost of an international move depends on how much you’re taking, your destination, the type of shipping service and any additional services you require. We’ll assess your individual move and provide a detailed quote so you know exactly what to expect.
How do you ship furniture overseas?
Our professional packing team will carefully wrap and pack your furniture and belongings using packing materials designed for international transportation. Once everything is prepared, your shipment will be loaded and transported according to the shipping service you’ve selected.
When your belongings arrive at their destination, one of our trusted international moving partners will assist with customs clearance and arrange delivery to your new home. Depending on the service you’ve selected, unpacking can also be arranged.
Click here to obtain a quick quote.
How can I ship my car overseas?
Overseas Packers & Shippers can arrange international shipping for family cars, classic and prestige cars, motorbikes and a range of other vehicles.
Vehicle import requirements vary considerably between countries and may include permits, duties, taxes or specific vehicle standards. Tell us about your vehicle and destination when planning your move and we’ll provide information about the shipping options and requirements you need to consider.
We can also arrange shipping for jet skis, boats, caravans and trailers.
For more information, visit our vehicle shipping page.
Is it worth shipping furniture overseas?
Whether you decide to take your furniture will depend on what it’s worth to you, the cost of replacing it at your destination and the amount you’re planning to ship.
You may have furniture that’s expensive to replace, particularly well suited to your needs or simply has sentimental value. On the other hand, there may be items that make more sense to replace after you arrive.
If you’re unsure, we can provide an estimate based on the furniture you’re considering taking, helping you compare the cost of shipping it with the cost and practicality of replacing it at your destination.
Overseas Packers & Shippers can provide you with a quick quote on the furniture you plan on shipping so you can decide what to take.
What is the best way to ship a small amount of belongings overseas?
You don’t need to be moving an entire household to use Overseas Packers & Shippers. If you’re sending a few boxes, personal belongings or a small amount of furniture, there are several shipping options available.
Depending on your destination, shipment size, timeframe and budget, this may include Groupage (shared container), LCL or air freight. Air freight can be useful for smaller items you need sooner, while sea freight will generally be more economical for larger shipments.
Our team can compare the available options and help you find the most practical solution for your move.
We take over the complicated process of moving…
Helping our clients pack, organise insurance, liaise with shipping officials on their behalf and unpack at the end of the move.
Learn more about our process
