How to Choose an International Moving Company
An eight-step checklist for vetting overseas movers, comparing quotes and avoiding surprise charges.
Short answer
To choose an international mover, confirm its FMC ocean transportation intermediary license in the FMC registry, get a survey-based written quote from at least two licensed companies for the same inventory, ask which destination charges are included, and read recent reviews on several platforms. Avoid companies that ask for large cash deposits or will not put the inventory and price in writing.
Eight steps to choose an international mover
- Check the license. Search the company in the FMC OTI list. The status should be active and the name or trade name should match the company you are talking to.
- Get a survey. An in-home or video survey produces a volume estimate in cubic feet. Quotes based on a guessed room count are a common source of surprises.
- Compare like for like. Give every company the same inventory and ask for door-to-door pricing that names what is included: packing, export, ocean or air, destination port fees, customs clearance, delivery, unpacking.
- Ask about destination charges. Terminal handling, customs inspection, storage and difficult-access fees are often billed at destination. Get them in writing.
- Choose the shipping method. Full container, shared container or air freight. See shipping methods compared.
- Read reviews the right way. Check several platforms, read recent reviews and how the company handles complaints. See where to research reviews.
- Arrange insurance. Ask for full-value marine insurance terms and the claims deadline.
- Prepare customs paperwork. Each destination has its own duty-free relief rules. See our customs guide.
Questions to ask every international mover
- What is your FMC license number, and which company name is on it?
- Is this estimate binding? What can change the price?
- Which destination charges are included, and which will be billed at arrival?
- Will my goods travel in a full container, a shared container or by air?
- Who is your destination agent, and who handles customs clearance?
- What insurance do you offer, and what is the claims deadline?
- What is the payment schedule?
Red flags
- No FMC license, or a license name that does not match the company.
- A quote far below the others with no written inventory.
- Large cash or wire deposits demanded upfront.
- No physical address or only a mobile number.
- Pressure to sign the same day.
- Vague answers about destination charges.
Price checks
Compare quotes line by line with the quote checklist in our cost guide. A price far below the others is a warning sign, not a bargain.
Insurance
Basic carrier liability is limited, often paid by weight rather than value. Full-value marine insurance covers your goods at the value you declare. Ask for the policy terms, the deductible, what is excluded (for example owner-packed boxes), and the deadline for filing a claim after delivery.
Official directories and review sites
Confirm an FMC license, a USDOT number or a claimed FIDI, IAM, BAR or other membership on our associations and licensing guide, which also lists official customs offices. Read reviews on more than one platform with where to research international mover reviews.
Ready to compare licensed movers? See the 2026 rankings or get free quotes. Also see the moving overseas checklist.
Everything in this guide
- Where to research mover reviewsWhich review sites to use and how to read international mover reviews
- Associations and licensingHow to verify an FMC license, FIDI/IAM membership and USDOT number
- How to avoid moving scamsRed flags and checks that expose international moving scams
3 supporting pages in this cluster. All link back here.
Frequently asked questions
What license does an international mover need?
To arrange ocean shipping for the public from the U.S., a company needs an FMC ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) license and bond. A USDOT number covers U.S. trucking only.
What is a binding estimate?
A quote that fixes the price for the listed items and services. Ask what can still change, such as destination port fees, customs inspection charges or storage.
How many quotes should I get?
At least two, ideally three, all for the same inventory and service level.
Should I pay a large deposit?
Be careful with large upfront payments, especially by wire or cash. Ask for the payment schedule in writing.
Do I need marine insurance?
Basic carrier liability is limited. Full-value marine insurance covers your goods at declared value; read exclusions and the claims process.
What is the difference between a mover and a freight forwarder?
A full-service mover packs, loads and coordinates door-to-door delivery. A forwarder or NVOCC arranges the ocean or air transport. Many international movers hold an NVOCC license and work with destination agents.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.