International Household Removals

“Moving your world not only from A to B, but also to N.Z. , U.K. , U.S.A, E.U , or anywhere else internationally “

Moving home internationally can be a stressful affair. With Econo Trans on your side as the professional in your corner, you will be free to focus on the adventure ahead. As complex as international moving can be, we have all the bases covered to ensure a successful relocation. Our approach is one of keeping things simple and delivering a value for money service. Though we always look for the most cost-effective moving solutions. It is by no means our aim to always be the “cheapest”.

Our team of experienced professionals will guide you through the moving process with our services including:

  • A free pre-move survey at your home, with the aim of establishing the size/volume of your shipment, and of course to answer all your questions. Provision of a quick and competitive quotation, outlining the services included.
  • One of our mobile export packing teams will professionally pack, wrap and if required, crate your possessions at your home.
  • Where your goods are to be shipped in an own-use container, we will load and seal the container at your home.
  • Shared container shipments will be transported to our warehouse for safekeeping until shipped.
  • We will attend to all SA customs export formalities on your behalf.
  • We will arrange transit insurance for your goods.
  • Once shipped, full shipping and destination agent details will be provided.
  • Our carefully selected overseas partner agents will then contact you to arrange for import customs clearing and delivery to your new home.
  • Throughout this process we will remain at your service to assist wherever needed.

FAQ’s

What will my international removal cost?

International moving prices vary vastly, from as little as a few thousand Rands for a small shared container load, to as much as a few hundred thousand Rands for a large container. The determining factor will be the size of your shipment, be it a shared container load measured and charged per cubic meters, a standard 6 meter / 20 foor container or a 12 meter / 40ft container ; as well as the final destination.

How do I know the size of my shipment?

Please feel free to contact us to conduct a free no obligation volume assessment of your goods for a proper quotation, or request our estimate list for us to get a good idea of your shipment size.

Who will pack my goods for safe shipping?

Our quoted price will include full export packing. One of our mobile packing teams will pack your smalls into cartons and export wrap your furniture items at your home before upliftment, using the best industry-standard materials available. The supply of all materials will be included in our quotation, and will commonly include double walled cartons, corro-board, bubble wrap, fat free white paper, etc.

What about my very fragile items?

We offer an in-house crating service for such items and based on our survey, we will also recommend what items may need crating. All crates are made with pre-treated timber in accordance with current bio-security regulations.

May I owner-pack my goods?

Yes, though this is not recommended and may make your goods more prone to customs inspections in the destination country.

Can I share space in a container?

Yes, we offer a groupage / shared container service to the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand as this is where most cargo leaving SA is destined for. Thousands of other destinations worldwide are also offered via a weekly LCL ( less than container load ) service, in which we will ship your goods via a trans-shipment hub such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, Singapore etc

Can I have my vehicle shipped overseas?

Yes, we will either ship your vehicle in an own-use container, as part of a shared container or in the same container as your household goods. In this case a wooden platform will be built over your vehicle and the space above it utilised to full capacity to save costs. To many countries the import of vehicles is strictly controlled and in some countries duties and taxes are levied even on your own vehicle, but we will of course advise you of this.

Can I ship my caravan, trailer, boat etc?

Yes, but the same caution applies as for motor vehicles above.

Will Customs inspect my goods before or after shipment?

Inspections for exports are extremely rare, but at destination this will be random in most countries and mandatory in others.

What about the dreaded quarantine inspections in some countries?

As some countries, in particular Australia and New Zealand are isolated with agricultural industries to protect, quarantine inspectors are tasked with detecting potential bio-security threats. As long as our preparation guidelines are followed, this inspection is normally a formality.

Is pre-shipment fumigation compulsory?

No, contrary to common belief. The accepted chemical used for fumigation is Methol Bromide, which deals only with wood infestation. If your furniture does not show signs of infestation then we would advise against fumigation.

May I include alcohol in my shipment?

Most countries do not prohibit this, though many charge duty on wine and spirits. Please check with us on this.

Can I store my goods before or after shipment?

Yes, we and our worldwide agents have secure storage facilities at very competitive rates.

Can I ship my goods by air freight?

Yes, though this is normally only cost effective for small / light shipments.

Can I arrange my shipment if I am already abroad?

Yes, as you do not have to be present during the export procedure.

What must I do to prepare my goods before the big pack-up?ad?

We will guide you and provide you with a packing preparation list prior to your move. This will primarily ask you to sort what goes from what stays, and clean any quarantine risk items such as camping equipment, bicycles etc etc.

May I ship my firearms in my container?

No, with ports around the world having enfocred strict port-security regulations over the last 10 years, this is no longer allowed. Firearms must be shipped by air after obtaining approval from an airline, as well as satisfying import permit requirements in the destination country, which in many cases will prove impossible.

May I include foodstuffs in my container?

Yes, but as with alcohol, please check with us regarding the regulations in your country of destination.

How long in advance must I book my international move with Econo Trans?

Although we can assist clients at short notice, it is always recommended to book as far in advance as possible. Most clients book up to 3 months in advance, though this may understandably not always be possible.

Request a Free, No Obligation Quote