International cargo covers moving household goods or business cargo abroad. We pack goods to export standard, prepare the itemised inventory needed for customs, and arrange the shipment by sea or air. Tell us your destination country early — the rules there decide what can be sent and which documents are needed.
What is different about an international move?
Goods have to be packed for a long journey and repeated handling at ports, and the shipment needs customs paperwork in India and in the destination country.
Packing is sturdier than for a road move — often with wooden crates, moisture protection and strapping — and every item goes on a detailed inventory with its description and value. That inventory is used for customs clearance at both ends.
Sea freight or air freight?
Sea freight suits larger volumes at lower cost but takes longer; air freight is faster and suits smaller or urgent shipments.
Household moves usually go by sea, either as a full container or as part of a shared container. Documents, samples and smaller personal shipments are often sent by air. We will compare both for your shipment.
What documents are usually needed?
Typically a passport, a visa or residence permit for the destination, the packing inventory, and the destination country's customs forms.
Requirements differ by country and by whether the goods are personal effects or commercial cargo. Commercial shipments also need invoices and export documents. We confirm the list for your destination before packing starts.
Items that need special care
Many countries restrict or ban items such as some foods, seeds and plants, medicines, alcohol, batteries and anything flammable. Wooden items may need treatment certificates. Check your list with us early so nothing is held at customs.
How the move works
- Survey: we list what is being shipped and estimate the volume.
- Quote: you get a quote showing packing, transport to the port, freight and the charges known in advance.
- Packing and inventory: goods are packed for export and listed item by item.
- Shipping: goods are moved to the port or airport and shipped.
- Destination: customs clearance and delivery at the destination are arranged as agreed in your quote.
Moving within India instead? See packing and moving.
What affects the cost
International moves are priced on the volume and weight of the shipment, sea or air freight, the origin and destination ports, the packing standard and the charges at the destination. Some destination charges, such as customs duty, are set by the authorities there.
