FAQ - Schmidt International Relocations

Your Global Relocation Questions, Answered.

Moving to another country involves more than just loading a truck. From choosing between air and sea freight to navigating overseas vehicle shipping and customs, we are here to clear up the confusion. Find answers to our most common international moving questions below.

International Freight: Sea vs. Air

Should I ship my belongings by sea or by air?

It really comes down to your budget and your timeline. Moving by sea is our most popular and cost-effective option for large shipments (like an entire house). Your items are loaded into secure shipping containers, but it does take longer to reach the destination. Moving by air is significantly faster, but it comes with a higher price tag. We usually recommend air freight for smaller shipments, urgent corporate relocations, or essential items you need immediately upon arrival.

Do you handle the customs paperwork?

Yes. Crossing international borders means dealing with strict customs regulations, and every country has entirely different rules. As an experienced international moving company (FMC License No. 027587N), our team guides you through the necessary import documentation so your belongings clear customs without unnecessary delays or surprise fees.

Packing & Custom Crating

How is packing for an international move different than a local move?

Belongings traveling across the ocean require a much higher level of protection than items sitting in the back of a moving truck for a few hours. Our crews are specially trained in “export packing.” We use specialized wrapping techniques and high-grade materials designed to withstand turbulence, ocean movement, and climate changes during global transit.

What is custom crating, and do I need it?

If you are moving items that are highly fragile, awkwardly shaped, or exceptionally valuable—like fine art, antique furniture, or sensitive electronics—standard cardboard boxes simply aren’t enough. For these items, our team builds heavy-duty, custom wooden crates perfectly tailored to the dimensions of your items to ensure they survive the long journey unharmed.

Can I pack my own boxes to save money?

You can, and we can even supply you with the right international-grade boxes if you want to go that route. However, we highly advise against it for overseas moves. Many foreign customs agencies are incredibly strict and prefer (or even require) a detailed inventory list packed by a licensed professional. If you pack yourself, customs agents are much more likely to open, inspect, and potentially delay your shipment at the border.

Overseas Vehicle Shipping

Can you ship my car to my new country?

We absolutely can. Shipping a vehicle overseas requires highly specific documentation, taxes, and secure loading procedures. Instead of forcing you to hire a completely separate auto-transport company, we manage your vehicle shipping in-house alongside your household goods. We make sure your car meets the destination country’s import laws and arrives safely.

What types of vehicles can you ship overseas?

We can ship almost anything on wheels. While standard family sedans and SUVs are the most common, we also manage the safe transport of motorcycles, luxury cars, classic/vintage automobiles, and even oversized vehicles. Just let us know the make and model during your initial survey, and we will arrange the right shipping method and equipment.

Will my car be shipped in a container or on an open ship deck?

For maximum security, we strongly recommend shipping vehicles inside a secure, fully enclosed ocean container (Roll-on/Roll-off or RoRo shipping is another option, but containers offer far more protection). Your vehicle is meticulously strapped and braced inside the container by our specialists so it cannot shift, even in rough seas.

Storage & Logistics

What if my new home abroad isn't ready when I arrive?

Global timelines rarely line up perfectly, and timeline gaps are completely normal. If you arrive in your new country but your permanent residence isn’t ready yet, we provide highly secure storage solutions. We will safely hold your shipment in our specialized facilities until you give us the green light, and then we will coordinate the final delivery to your new front door.

Do you offer storage in my origin country, or my destination country?

We can arrange both! Whether you need to place your items in storage here in the U.S. before you fly out, or you need your belongings securely held at your destination country while you finalize your new living arrangements, our global network has you covered.

Are your storage facilities climate-controlled?

Yes. When your belongings are waiting for transit or delivery, they are kept in secure, climate-controlled environments. This is especially important for international moves, as preventing extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity is vital to protecting wooden furniture, electronics, and artwork.

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