International Moving Services | Cross Country Movers

International Moving Services

Relocating Overseas? We’ll Get You There.

Moving to another country is one of the biggest transitions you’ll ever make. Cross Country Movers provides full-service international moving solutions designed to take the complexity out of your overseas relocation. Whether you’re moving across the Atlantic or to the other side of the globe, our team coordinates every detail — from packing and customs clearance to ocean freight, air freight, and final delivery to your new home.

With decades of combined experience in international shipping and logistics, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, transparent pricing, and hands-on customer support throughout every stage of your move.

How Our International Moving Process Works

A Seamless Overseas Relocation from Start to Finish

Every international move begins with a plan. Our relocation coordinators work directly with you to assess the scope of your move, identify the best shipping method, and create a timeline that fits your schedule.

1. Free In-Home or Virtual Survey We start with a detailed inventory of your belongings. Our estimators evaluate the volume, weight, and special handling requirements to provide you with an accurate, all-inclusive quote. Virtual surveys are available for your convenience.

2. Professional Export Packing International shipments demand a higher standard of packing. Our crews use export-grade materials — reinforced cartons, custom crating for fragile and high-value items, and waterproof wrapping — to ensure your belongings withstand the rigors of overseas transit.

3. Customs Documentation & Compliance Navigating customs regulations is one of the most challenging parts of moving internationally. We prepare all required export and import documentation, coordinate with customs brokers in your destination country, and guide you through restricted and prohibited item lists so there are no surprises at the border.

4. Ocean Freight or Air Freight Shipping Depending on your budget and timeline, we offer both shipping methods. Ocean freight is the most cost-effective option for full household moves, while air freight is ideal for smaller shipments or time-sensitive relocations.

5. Destination Services & Final Delivery Our global network of partner agents handles customs clearance, local delivery, unpacking, and furniture assembly at your destination. We coordinate the entire last mile so your belongings arrive safely to your new address.

A family packing before relocation

International Moving by Sea

Ocean Freight Moving Services

Ocean freight remains the most popular and affordable method for international household moves. Cross Country Movers offers both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping options to destinations worldwide.

Full Container Load (FCL): Best suited for full household relocations. You get a dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container exclusively for your belongings. FCL provides the highest level of protection because your items are loaded once and not handled again until they reach the destination port.

Less than Container Load (LCL): Ideal for smaller shipments, partial moves, or if you’re sending select items ahead of a larger relocation. Your belongings share container space with other shipments, significantly reducing costs while still providing secure, tracked transit.

Typical ocean freight transit times:

  • United States to Europe: 14–21 days
  • United States to Asia: 21–35 days
  • United States to Australia/New Zealand: 28–42 days
  • United States to South America: 14–28 days
  • United States to the Middle East: 21–35 days

All ocean shipments include marine cargo insurance options, real-time container tracking, and port-to-door or door-to-door delivery configurations.

International Moving by Air

Air Freight Moving Services

When time is a priority, air freight is the fastest way to get your belongings overseas. Cross Country Movers arranges air cargo shipments through major international airports, with transit times as short as 3 to 10 days depending on destination.

Air freight is recommended for:

  • Executives and professionals on urgent relocation timelines
  • Essential items needed immediately upon arrival (clothing, documents, electronics, kitchenware)
  • Smaller shipments where speed outweighs the cost difference
  • Supplemental shipments sent ahead of a larger ocean freight move

We handle all air cargo documentation, airline coordination, and destination delivery. Air freight shipments are palletized and secured to aviation industry standards, providing an added layer of protection during transit.

Many of our clients combine both methods — sending a priority air shipment of essentials while the rest of their household goods travel by sea. This hybrid approach balances cost efficiency with immediate access to the items you need most.

Destinations We Serve

Moving Internationally from the United States

Cross Country Movers facilitates international relocations to over 150 countries across six continents. Our established network of overseas agents and logistics partners ensures consistent service quality regardless of your destination.

Popular international moving destinations include:

  • Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden
  • Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, India, Thailand
  • Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel
  • Americas: Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama
  • Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco

Don’t see your destination listed? Contact us — we move households to virtually every country in the world.

International Vehicle Shipping

Ship Your Car Overseas

Relocating internationally doesn’t mean leaving your vehicle behind. Cross Country Movers offers overseas vehicle shipping through Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping methods.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized cargo vessel and secured for transit. RoRo is the most affordable option and is available to major international ports.

Container Vehicle Shipping: Your car is loaded into a dedicated or shared shipping container. This method offers greater protection and is required for destinations not served by RoRo vessels. Container shipping also allows you to pack personal items inside the vehicle to maximize space.

We handle all title documentation, export permits, emissions compliance paperwork, and destination customs clearance for your vehicle. Our team will advise you on country-specific import regulations, duties, and taxes before you ship.

A close-up photo of a red car

Why Choose Cross Country Movers for Your International Move?

  • Licensed & Compliant: Fully licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for international household goods shipping.
  • Global Agent Network: Established partnerships with vetted moving agents in over 150 countries.
  • Customs Expertise: Dedicated documentation team that handles all export/import paperwork and regulatory requirements.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: Full-value marine cargo insurance available to protect your belongings during international transit.
  • Single Point of Contact: One dedicated relocation coordinator manages your move from pickup to final delivery.
  • Flexible Shipping Options: Choose between ocean freight, air freight, or a combination of both to match your timeline and budget.
  • Vehicle Shipping: Integrated overseas auto transport so you can relocate your household and your vehicle through one provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an international move take?

Timeline depends on the shipping method and destination. Ocean freight typically takes 2 to 6 weeks for transit, plus 1 to 2 weeks for customs clearance and local delivery. Air freight reduces transit to 3 to 10 days. Total door-to-door timelines usually range from 4 to 10 weeks for ocean moves and 2 to 3 weeks for air shipments.

What items cannot be shipped internationally?

Restricted items vary by country but commonly include hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable food, live plants, firearms, and certain medications. Our team provides a country-specific restricted items list during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Do I need to pay customs duties on my household goods?

Most countries allow duty-free import of used household goods for individuals establishing residency, provided specific documentation requirements are met (such as proof of residency, visa, and a minimum ownership period for the goods). We advise on destination-specific duty regulations during the planning phase.

Is my shipment insured during international transit?

We offer comprehensive marine cargo insurance that covers your belongings against loss or damage during the entire transit — from pickup at your origin to delivery at your international destination. Coverage is available at full replacement value.

Can I ship my pet internationally?

Cross Country Movers specializes in household goods and vehicle shipping. For pet relocation, we can refer you to trusted pet transport specialists who handle international pet shipping, including veterinary documentation, airline coordination, and quarantine requirements.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?

FCL (Full Container Load) means your belongings fill an entire shipping container. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your items share container space with other shipments. FCL is best for larger moves and offers faster transit since the container goes directly to your destination port. LCL is more economical for smaller shipments but may take longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation at port facilities.

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Why Choosing Cross Country Movers Is the Right Move

When planning a long-distance move, choosing the right company can make all the difference. With Cross Country Movers, you avoid the most common moving mistakes, like surprise fees, delays, or damaged items.

Flat Price Guaranteed

When moving with us, you’ll know upfront. We offer a guaranteed flat price based on a detailed inventory list that we create with you. No vague estimates. No weight-based surprises. Just transparent, reliable pricing from start to finish.

Timely Pick Up & Drop Off

We value our clients’ time and trust, which is why our team sticks to the agreed schedule. Whether it’s a home move across state lines or coast-to-coast relocation, you can count on our long-distance moving services that respect your timeline.

Safety & Care

Keeping our clients’ belongings intact during transportation is one of our priorities. Our experienced movers are trained to carefully pack and handle everything, from fragile glassware to large furniture.

What Our Customers Say About Us

We rely on genuine reviews of our clients to continue improving and providing the best possible moving services.

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