Lilly77

Hi everyone

When we move over to the US we will be paying for everything ourselves as my husband will be on an 01 visa and is self employed.

We want the best (and value for money!) shipping company and want to know if anyone has good or bad experience with shipping your life overseas!!

We're getting a few quotes from google etc but would be good if anyone had any ideas for us.
We'll be moving from London to California.

Thanks!
Lilly

Bob

Plenty of threads on the subject and some good general info in the wiki.

All boils down to who gets subcontracted for the local US end of things.

Lilly77

hmm i tried searching the threads first but it came with loads of random posts. I will try again in the advance search.. thanks!

Lilly77

Bob what do you mean Wiki, the wikipedia page?

Bob

Up top.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Shipping_USA

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Shipping_Via_Airfreight

Sally Redux

The search function isn't working for some reason.

We used Pickfords. Other names I have seen recommended are Anglo Pacific and Wheaton, off the top of my head. The quotes seem to vary quite a bit so get at least 3.

Jonion

I got about 8 quotes (and various options within them). Opted for 1st Move Int in the end.
No idea how good they are yet as I'll be moving in a month's time.
But seem to be good to communicate with at least, and gave the best price.

Jetlagged_again

Anglo Pacific had the best rate. Guys who did the packing were pleasant enough. Communication not so good. 11 weeks and counting since items were shipped from the house. Supposed to arrive next week. Company on this end is a bit better with updates.
Unless you like camping, don't ship anything you will really need within the next few months.

BunnyGirl

That's interesting as they came out quite expensive for me. Let us know how you get on

They've given me the best rate so far too, comprehensive quote etc. Bit concerning re comms but I guess if the stuff gets there ok that's all that matters!

Jetlagged_again

You may also want to budget for extra charges for inspection at both ends. Expect at least a week's delay for the process. Out of 11 weeks, our container was only on the water for 8 days to the east coast. When your shipment clears one stage of the process, it may sit for a couple of weeks before it moves on.

We started thinking of it like spring - it'll get here eventually, although it is more difficult to feel settled without all our stuff.

Pulaski

We used Allfreight, based in Woking, they cover the London area. They were reasonably priced and did a decent job. They packed and wrapped a lot of things like ceramics, though we boxed books ourselves, and a lot of other stuff. At the US end the company just unloaded the boxes from the truck that delivered them. We used about 90% of a half (20ft) container.