Currently, over 8.7 million Americans live abroad. And that number is on the rise as an increasing number of people work remotely, giving them the freedom to live anywhere they please.
If you’re planning to move to another country, you’ll need to choose the best international shipping company. Although that can be quite an overwhelming task, we’ll share some tips in this post that will make it much easier. So, keep reading to find out what to look for in an international shipping company!
1. Easy to Get Quotes
One of the first things you’ll want to know when selecting a shipping company is how much they charge. Some websites, such as ship7.com, make it easy for you to get a quote online, allowing you to find the best rate. Yet, others call or email you with that information within a few days of submitting a request.
2. Customer Service
When dealing with international shipping services, customer service is key. If an issue arises, you’ll want to have the peace of mind that you contact them directly and that they’ll do their best to solve any problems swiftly.
So, check their online reviews to see how past customers felt about the company. And, if you still aren’t sure, you can give them a call and see how helpful they are.
3. Help You Navigate Customs Laws
Good international shipping companies are familiar with rules and regulations, so you don’t have to be. They’ll tell you what items you can’t bring or which require extra documentation or customs clearance. And, in some cases, they’ll even arrange all the paperwork for you, making it a hassle-free experience.
4. Reliable Delivery Times
You probably don’t want to wait months on end for your belongings to arrive at your new home, so be sure to get an estimate from the company.
Some types of shipping companies depart until the shipping containers are full, so they don’t have an exact timeline. Others, though, leave on set schedules.
5. Tracking Capability
Most of us like the ability to track shipments on mobile devices, especially when they contain costly items. And that’s no different when you’re moving abroad! So, ask the shipping company if they give tracking information to customers.
6. Proper Licensing and Authorization
Another important factor to consider is whether the shipping company has authorization in the countries it operates.
For example, in the United States, companies should be licensed with the Federal Maritime Commission. So, you can rest assured that they follow all the rules and regulations.
7. Specialization
Not all shipments are the same, so you will want to work with a company that handles your items uniquely. If you are transporting fragile, perishable, or time-sensitive objects, the shipping company should take precautions to ensure these arrive safely. So, be sure to ask them about this in detail in the consultation phase.
Find the Best International Shipping Company Today!
After reading this post, you know everything to consider when choosing an international shipping company. Now it’s time to get to work and search for companies that deliver to your destination.
Of course, don’t forget to bookmark this post so you can refer to it during your hunt for the best international shipping company!
And, if you’d like to learn more helpful tips for traveling or your international move, browse more of our online content!
