Say you’ve shipped a crate overseas, only to find it sitting at a port for days because a customs document is missing. Your shipping provider says the paperwork wasn’t their responsibility, and now you’re stuck paying storage fees while you figure out what went wrong.
One question before hiring them could have saved you the headache: Who handles customs clearance and shipping documentation?
That’s just one of the questions to ask before hiring an overseas shipping provider. In this guide, we’ll cover more questions like this to help you avoid costly surprises and choose a provider you can rely on.
Let’s start with the shipping options available.
Which Shipping Options and Delivery Services Do You Offer?
Before hiring an overseas shipping provider, you should always ask which shipping options are available for your move. The answer helps you understand how your belongings will travel, how long the shipment will take, and how much you’ll pay.
For example, you’re moving a grand piano from Los Angeles to Rome. You might prefer air freight if you want it to arrive quickly. Meanwhile, ocean freight can make more sense for a larger household shipment where speed isn’t your main concern.
The provider should be able to explain the options available for your particular shipment and why they’d recommend one over another. Once you know what’s available, you can compare the choices before deciding which service to book.
How Long Will My Shipment Take to Arrive?
In our experience helping people move overseas, it’s easy to focus on your own travel date and forget about when your belongings will arrive. A delay can leave you waiting for furniture, appliances, or other essentials after you’ve already reached your new home.
So before you book, ask the provider for an estimated transit time and what could affect it. Customs clearance, the shipping route, port congestion, or bad weather can all add time. So, we recommend sorting these out early to plan your arrival with a realistic idea of when your belongings should reach you.
It’s also worth asking what happens if your shipment is delayed and how the provider will keep you updated. You shouldn’t have to chase them for answers while you’re trying to settle into your new home.
What Will My Overseas Shipping Quote Include?
Once you’ve found a shipping option that suits your move, ask the provider what the quote includes and which charges you’ll need to pay separately.
This is important when comparing providers because two quotes for the same shipment can look similar at first, then differ once extra fees are added. That’s why before you choose the cheaper quote, check whether it includes these costs:
| What to Ask About | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Dimensional weight | Some carriers charge based on the space your shipment takes up rather than its actual weight. |
| Surcharges | Fuel, remote-area, and seasonal fees can increase the final price. |
| Duties and taxes | These are often charged separately by the destination country. |
| Insurance coverage | Find out what’s covered and if you’ll need additional cargo insurance. |
After going through these costs, ask for the full quote in writing. That gives you a clear figure to compare with other providers and helps you spot extra charges before you book.
How Much Experience Do You Have With Overseas Moves?
Price is important, but you also want to know who’s actually handling your belongings. Price is important, but you also want to know who’s actually handling your belongings. A provider that regularly handles international household moves will know the paperwork, customs requirements, and common issues that come with shipping overseas.
So ask how long they’ve been handling overseas moves and how much of their work involves household shipments like yours. Ten years moving pallets for businesses doesn’t tell you much about how they’ll handle a four-bedroom home.
You should also ask who will handle the customs paperwork, whether they can ship restricted or fragile items, and which carriers they use for your route. You don’t need a provider to handle every part of the journey themselves, but you should know who will be involved and what each party is responsible for.
If their answers are vague or they can’t explain how they’ll handle your particular move, that’s a reason to look at other providers before handing over your packing list.
Are You Properly Licensed and Insured?
Before handing over your belongings, ask the provider to confirm that they’re properly licensed and insured. The exact licensing and registration requirements vary by country.
For example, in the US, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulates ocean transportation intermediaries, including ocean freight forwarders and non-vessel-operating common carriers. If you’re shipping by sea from the US, ask the provider for their FMC details, then check them against the FMC’s online records before you book.
It’s also important to ask what insurance or cargo cover comes with your shipment. Basic carrier liability doesn’t necessarily cover the full value of your belongings, so find out what protection you have if something is lost or damaged during the move. Ask what the policy covers, what it excludes, and whether you need additional coverage for valuable items.
Checking these details before you book helps you understand who will handle your belongings and what protection you’ll have if something goes wrong.
Ready to Choose Your Overseas Shipping Partner?
You don’t need to choose a shipping provider based on the cheapest quote or the slickest website. Ask these five questions, get the answers in writing, and compare what each provider actually offers.
Start by shortlisting two or three providers and asking the same questions. Look closely at their shipping options, delivery estimates, costs, experience, credentials, and insurance. Clear answers make it easier to spot the provider that fits your move before you hand over your belongings.
If you’d rather have an experienced team help you plan the shipping side of your relocation, IBR Bali can help. Get in touch with us to discuss your move, your destination, and the shipping arrangements you need.