laura582

Good morning everyone,
I am new here so I don't know my way around yet...
We will be moving back to Scotland from the south of France in about a year's time.
I am looking for cheap and reliable shipping companies (by sea would be fine) to move bulky and non fragile things.
For the rest I would like to maybe rent a van and do it myself if possible. But I can't find any way of crossing from the south of France, from Marseille or Toulon for example?
Any information/experiences would be great! Thanks!

cyrian

Hi Laura,
Welcome to the forum.
You may be a bit early to investigate your options a year before your journey.
Things can change in that time.
When we moved from Scotland to France, our removal company transferred our furniture to another company that delivered throughout Europe.
The items were packed in wooden cubes that formed a part load on their lorry.
The lorry was making several drops in France and Italy.
You may be able to use this system in the opposite direction.
Renting a van for a one-way cross border trip outside France may be a problem.
Many years ago, I tried to rent a people carrier vehicle to retrieve my DD after her year of study in France.
Not many companies wanted to know because they were not insured outside the UK.
You can perhaps get more information from an english-speaking newspaper in France.
HTH

laura582

Thank you for your answer Cyrian et bonne journee a vous!

Listen Very Carefully

You can travel from Santader in Spain otherwise it is a trip up to Northern France or Belgium or the Netherlands to cross to Hull or Newcastle.
However,you need to be aware that you will need to complete customs paper work to bring items into the UK
Search the site GOV.UK for info on returning to UK from Europe

laura582

Thank you very much for the info! We're also keeping our fingers crossed for the crossing from Zeebrugge to Rosyth to start again...

kirstyp

Hi Laura,

Welcome Since Brexit it's not quite so simple to hire a van and drive your own belongings as there are now customs processes and formalities to follow to import your belongings, as mentioned above.

As ​​​cyrian mentioned above lots of Removal Companies from the UK or France do regular transportation across Europe, so could collect your items as either part of an existing trip trip (part load - often the most cost-effective method of transport for mainland Europe if price is your key factor) or dedicated trip if you have fixed dates/don't want to share transport (this will be more expensive). Many UK companies would probably offer a good rate for this as no one likes running back into the UK with an empty truck when they've delivered another move out there

To start your search for a shipping company i'd recommend searching the BAR Overseas directory (if you're looking for a UK mover - look for listings with the BAR overseas badge not just the BAR badge as not all BAR members are approved for moves in Europe) or the FIDI Directory (would also cover movers in France) as they will be licenced, insured and pre-vetted for quality to give you some re-assurance.

If you're starting to plan ahead i'd give at least one company a call for some guidance even at this early stage so you can understand all your options thoroughly - especially if you're considering renting a van for some items - they'll be able to explain in detail the customs considerations.

Hope that helps!

laura582

Thanks a lot! Very hepful!

AdamsAlanD

Thank you for the information. We're eagerly awaiting the resumption of the Zeebrugge to Rosyth crossing.