Home / Ocean Freight

Ocean Freight

Trust International Sea & Air Shipping for reliable, efficient sea freight of your household goods, backed by decades of experience.

Get a Free Moving Quote Now!

Start Your International Moving Journey

Moving From USA Quote Form

Moving From

Country:

Zip:

Move Date:

Move Size:

Type of Service:

Moving To

Country:

City:

Storage:

(Check if needed)

Minimum shipment is 80 cubic feet (approximately 15 medium boxes) If you intend to ship lesser amount, We suggests for you to contact the post office, UPS or FedEx.

Moving To USA Quote Form

Moving From

Country:

City

Move Date:

Move Size:

Type of Service:

Pre-Move Survey Quote Form

Moving From

Country:

Zip:

State

City:

Address

Moving To

Country:

Zip:

State

City:

When life changes, and you need to move from the United States overseas, you may wonder how to bring a lifetime of memories from your old home to your new one. Ocean freight services from International Sea & Air Shipping are a cost-effective solution that gets you from door to door.

The Benefits of Choosing Ocean Freight

If you need to move personal belongings overseas, you can choose to ship them by air or by sea. Ocean freight can take longer, but it has a few advantages:

It is typically more cost-effective, especially if you have many belongings.
It may be your only option if you need to move very large or heavy items.
Ocean freight generally emits less carbon and uses less fuel than air freight.

What to Expect From the Ocean Freight Container Shipping Process

Every move is unique, but in general, here’s what you can expect from shipping sea freight cargo:

You book space on a vessel for your cargo.
You complete and show the insurance paperwork and all the required shipping documents.
Your cargo is packaged, and the containers with your items are packed onto the vessel.
The vessel departs and heads for the destination port.
During the customs clearance process, customs officials review your documents.
The ship is received at the port, and workers unload the containers.
Movers carry your shipment from the containers to your new property.

How International Sea & Air Shipping Simplifies Your Move

International Sea & Air Shipping is your logistics partner for your international move. We understand that starting over in a new country is a big step, and we do everything we can to take the stress off your shoulders and ensure your items reach their destination securely and on time.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Expertise: We specialize in door-to-door international moving from the U.S. With 75+ years of experience and over 600 global agents, we are a trusted and award-winning name in international shipping and door-to-door moving. We have helped many individuals and families move, and we’re ready to assist you, too.
Comprehensive door-to-door relocation services: We offer sea and air shipping and a suite of services that include full packing and crating, customs paperwork and clearance support, specialty item handling, and local delivery and setup. We take on more of your moving tasks so you can focus on building your new life.
Specialization in complex moves: We offer specialty handling for fine art, machinery, cars, pianos and other items that require extra care. Our custom crating protects your valuables, and we use only the best materials to wrap all your items. We can accommodate many special requests, as well.
Moving support: We can help you navigate complex shipping regulations, and we customize your services to ensure you get the support you need.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Denis Vostrikov 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently completed an international move of our household goods from Moscow, Russia to Enumclaw, Washington with International Sea & Air Shipping.

Overall, we had a very good experience. Our shipment included a large sectional sofa and several boxes with personal and sentimental items. Everything arrived safely and in good condition, including the sofa, which was especially important to us.

International shipping is a long process and there were a few unexpected circumstances along the way, including a customs inspection in Lithuania, but Bryan kept us informed and was always helpful in answering our questions.

The final delivery went very smoothly. The crew arrived within the scheduled window, brought everything inside, assembled the sectional sofa, and removed all the packing materials.

Most importantly, everything we chose to ship made it safely from Moscow to our home in Washington. We are very happy to finally have these things back with us and are satisfied with the service provided by International Sea & Air Shipping. I would recommend them to anyone planning an international move.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   barbara dressler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are so pleased that we selected International Sea and Air Shipping for our move from New Jersey to Bremen, Germany. It was a huge move as we had lived in the same home for 49 years!  We did research many reviews of moving companies and basically from the reviews we finally chose ISAS. From the administration to the packing crew in New Jersey to the unpacking crew in Bremen, everything was very organized and it all worked out great. Of course, with a big move like this there will always be little glitches but the company was very responsive and answered questions promptly.
Their moving crews were absolutely the best and went over and beyond their duties. Everything was wrapped very well and the unpacking crew in Germany were so helpful and also did even more than we expected. Putting some of our old furniture back together was a back breaking job and they did it without a complaint. As well, our house in Germany is very old and many stairs to the second floor. Not a complaint by their crew!
We can only highly recommend ISAS very highly.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dan Negara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. International Sea & Air Shipping made our move from the USA to Spain completely seamless.
The packing crew was extremely professional, and every single household item arrived in Spain in perfect condition with zero damage. Throughout the entire journey, communication was proactive, clear, and prompt, which made navigating international logistics stress-free.
I couldn't have asked for a better experience and highly recommend them to anyone planning an international move.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jon Dobson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used International Sea and Air Shipping to move our daughter from the US to the UK to start her PhD in London. All of her belongings arrived in excellent condition and she said that the crew who unloaded were very friendly, polite and professional.

The whole process was very smooth and they were excellent at communicating where we were at the various steps along the way. Everyone was very professional and friendly (especially Robert and Jeanine) and we really appreciate it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vinit Allen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The shipping process - both pick up and delivery - was excellent and efficient. I received a reminder about completing all of the required forms and authorization quite late in the process, which caused some stress, but it all worked out well.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jessica Yarborough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent communication throughout the process. My interactions with International Sea & Air Shipping were exceptional as well as with the international team for delivery. I would absolutely recommend them for an international move!

I did notice after the Atlanta team left that the downstairs bathroom had been missed as well as a few kitchen items. We had to just throw things away. Check after the packers to be sure they got everything, but that's no fault of International Se & Air Shipping.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Isak Levi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service and handling of my goods. I highly recommend it to all my fellow Serbians, who decided to move back home to Serbia.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at International movers was professional from the very beginning. They answered all my questions, walked us through the process step by step. The movers they contracted with on both the States side and overseas side were great! Friendly, fast and efficient!
Definitely give them a call for any of your international moves

Selecting the Right Ocean Freight Company

Here’s what to look for in a reputable ocean freight company:

Strong communication: Work with a company that prioritizes communication to give you peace of mind during the shipping process. At International Sea & Air Shipping, we pride ourselves on transparent communication and a professional approach.
Reliability: Look for licensing and an established history of great service.
Comprehensive services: You will want services that make moving easier for you. For example, International Sea & Air Shipping offers door-to-door international moves and simplified paperwork. We’ll even unpack and set up your items at your destination.
Insurance and tracking: Ensure you are covered in case of an unexpected event and can always see your shipment’s status. With International Sea & Air Shipping, you enjoy worry-free moves with our full All-Risk Marine insurance. We also provide you with a reference number so you can track your shipment from any device at any time.

What Should I Know Before I Pack?

Moving is a big step, so make sure you consider:

Required Documents

You will generally need:

A packing list: You will need a list of the goods you are shipping for customs clearance.
Bill of Lading (B/L): This legal document outlines the details of your shipment. Both you and the carrier sign it, and it acts as a receipt and contract.
Commercial invoice: This document serves as proof of the transaction and outlines the value of the items shipped.
Certificate of origin: Some countries require this document to verify the origin of goods.

In addition to the above, you may need other items, depending on your specific situation and your country of destination. Incomplete or incorrect documents can lead to delays and penalties, so always verify what paperwork you need before you pack. Keep copies of important documents in one folder for easy reference.

Timing

Shipping by sea takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the ports involved. This can be an advantage if you need to settle into your new space or find a new, permanent home at your destination. The longer time frame does mean you need to be strategic, however. You can ship some smaller essentials by air or bring them with you personally.

Your Budget

Ocean freight costs less, but the final amount will depend on destination port fees, any specialty items you have, the types of containers you choose and the weight of your shipment. Compare estimates and budget for the total cost of the move, which may include ocean shipping, moving yourself and your pets, any legal requirements and the cost of a new home.

Contact Us for Concierge Moving Services

Move overseas and arrive refreshed and ready to build a new life. With International Sea & Air Shipping, it is possible. Contact us for a free quote from a trusted name in international moving.

FAQs

What’s the transit time for Ocean Freight?

From time to time, whether your cargo is shipped from the port of origin to the port of destination, and which pipeline service you choose to use When importing goods, it takes close to a few weeks or more than a month. The transportation of ordinary goods worldwide takes about two months in general.

How secure is ocean shipping of personal goods?

Freight shipping by ocean is typically safe when it comes to personal effects and household goods, assuming those are correctly packed and secured in the container. Many companies provide insurance and specially designed containers to protect the items during transit.

Can I track my shipment?

Yes, you can still track it. Most ocean freight carriers do offer tracking, which lets shippers see where their shipment is from the time it departs to when it arrives.

What if my goods are damaged during transportation?

In many cases if your merchandise is damaged when shipped, you can file a claim through the marine insurance that was purchased for your goods. Most agencies also offer methods for disputing damage claims.