Shipping costs from UK to USA (container?)
Apr 16th 2013, 7:49 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: York, UK
Posts: 7
Shipping costs from UK to USA (container?)
Hi
As part of my move to the US, I will need to ship a variety of items, mainly clothing and small household items. I assume that sea mail is probably the best way to ship it as it doesnt matter if it takes a number of months.
However, depending on what property I chose to rent initially, this could be furnished/unfurnished. If it is unfurnished then I will have to ship out furniture like beds, tables, chest of drawers etc. So I am guessing that I would have to get a container.
Does anyone have any advice on this and perhaps an idea of costings as I cant seem to get a straight answer from some of the shipping companies although I am going to step up my research in the next few days.
Thanks
As part of my move to the US, I will need to ship a variety of items, mainly clothing and small household items. I assume that sea mail is probably the best way to ship it as it doesnt matter if it takes a number of months.
However, depending on what property I chose to rent initially, this could be furnished/unfurnished. If it is unfurnished then I will have to ship out furniture like beds, tables, chest of drawers etc. So I am guessing that I would have to get a container.
Does anyone have any advice on this and perhaps an idea of costings as I cant seem to get a straight answer from some of the shipping companies although I am going to step up my research in the next few days.
Thanks
Apr 16th 2013, 8:00 pm
#2
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,442
Re: Shipping costs from UK to USA (container?)
(i) Furnished rentals are rare, and expensive.
(ii) Furniture can be rented fairly easily, and here, and I presume other parts of the US, when a corporation wants to provide furnished housing, they rent a house, then rent furniture!
Google Rent-a-Center and Aarons, which are both major national chains.
BTW. Shipping beds should be avoided as the sizes don't match (British king-> American queen is closest, but the AQ is longer by 2"), so getting bedding is difficult and/ or expensive.
(ii) Furniture can be rented fairly easily, and here, and I presume other parts of the US, when a corporation wants to provide furnished housing, they rent a house, then rent furniture!
Google Rent-a-Center and Aarons, which are both major national chains.
BTW. Shipping beds should be avoided as the sizes don't match (British king-> American queen is closest, but the AQ is longer by 2"), so getting bedding is difficult and/ or expensive.
Last edited by Pulaski; Apr 16th 2013 at 8:04 pm.
Apr 17th 2013, 11:41 am
#3
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Shipping costs from UK to USA (container?)
Unless someone else is paying for shipping, or your furniture is particularly good quality/antique, don't bother.
Will cost more than replacing it.
But anyway. Plenty of threads on shipping, with plenty of recommendations. Quotes depend on where/to, time of year to some extent and the size of the load but expect $3-10K for a container and $1.5-5K for a shared half container, but that option takes longer.
Will cost more than replacing it.
But anyway. Plenty of threads on shipping, with plenty of recommendations. Quotes depend on where/to, time of year to some extent and the size of the load but expect $3-10K for a container and $1.5-5K for a shared half container, but that option takes longer.
Apr 17th 2013, 11:47 am
#4
Removals Specialist
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Sussex, England
Posts: 726
Re: Shipping costs from UK to USA (container?)
Hi!
Here's a thread outlining some of your options http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=783380 and another on how costs are made up http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=782460 - it's REALLY hard to get a ball park figure without any details such as properties, destination, and most importantly volume....
You could always arrange a move consultation with a shipping company (should always be free and non obligatory!) and show them what would come if you found furnished accommodation and then what items you'd add if you didn't. that way they could provide you two different proposals, one for shipping just your essentials and then one for your furniture too? will help you evaluate what you want to do.
Hope that helps?
Here's a thread outlining some of your options http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=783380 and another on how costs are made up http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=782460 - it's REALLY hard to get a ball park figure without any details such as properties, destination, and most importantly volume....
You could always arrange a move consultation with a shipping company (should always be free and non obligatory!) and show them what would come if you found furnished accommodation and then what items you'd add if you didn't. that way they could provide you two different proposals, one for shipping just your essentials and then one for your furniture too? will help you evaluate what you want to do.
Hope that helps?
Apr 19th 2013, 5:22 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 53
Re: Shipping costs from UK to USA (container?)
I used ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL to ship my goods from u.k to the u.s. I spent around 400 pounds 7 good size boxes. It is a groupage service so u have to be flexible with time as the container is shared and it has to be full till they ship it. IF have any questions I can email you the information they sent me.
