Shasha

Looking for a reliable shipping company to move personal effects from London to India. Books, carpets, clothes etc; no dutiable goods. Recommendations welcome. Thanks.

Pulaski

Nobody does end-to-end shipping - a British removal company packs your things, puts them into a container, shared with other people if you don't have a whole container full, then sends it to the port to be loaded onto a ship. At the other end another company, that the British company has subcontracted, collects the container and delivers your stuff. Sometimes if you only have a little stuff, it may be transported on an aeroplane rather than a ship.

The only bit you have much control over is who packs your stuff in the UK, but when asking for quotes you can ask which company will handle your stuff when it arrives in India - then check what their reputation is like.

kirstyp

hi Shasha,

A great place to start for shipping is to check out FIDI website for a list of FAIM certified international removal companies that serve your area to make sure whoever you're using is fully qualified, licensed and independently vetted for overseas moving.

As @Pulaski says most companies will use a partner at destination for the physical delivery, although this will be managed by the company you contract with. Make sure to ask who this is and if they are also FIDI certified.

There are lots more tips about choosing reputable removals companies and your different options over on our vendor forum for International Removals advice. Hope it helps!