Part of our Moving Abroad from U.S. Cities guide · Moving abroad from California
International Movers in Los Angeles (2026 Guide)
How to move overseas from Los Angeles, California: departure ports, local tips, popular destinations and licensed movers.
Short answer
International moves from Los Angeles usually ship by sea container through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busiest container complex in the U.S., with air freight through LAX for urgent items. Choose an FMC-licensed mover, book a survey so every quote uses the same volume, and confirm which destination charges are included. Sunset International Shipping is headquartered in Tarzana, in the San Fernando Valley.
Moving abroad from Los Angeles: local tips
- Freeway traffic and building rules can limit pickup times; ask about shuttle trucks for hillside or high-rise homes.
- West Coast sailings to Europe usually route through the Panama Canal or transship, so ask how long the ocean leg takes.
- Asia-Pacific and Australia lanes are direct from Southern California ports.
Departure ports and airports
| Sea freight | The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busiest container complex in the U.S. |
|---|---|
| Air freight | LAX |
Popular destinations from Los Angeles
- Moving to UK: HMRC Transfer of Residence relief (GOV.UK)
- Moving to Australia: Australian Border Force: unaccompanied personal effects
- Moving to France: Service-Public.fr: moving to France from outside the EU (customs)
- Moving to Ireland: Revenue: Transfer of Residence
Route guides from Los Angeles
Licensed international movers
Compare the licensed movers we work with — Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers — on our 2026 rankings. The full comparison also includes other companies.
Other U.S. cities
New York · San Francisco Bay Area · Chicago · Miami · Houston · Seattle · Boston
Frequently asked questions
How do I move overseas from Los Angeles?
Get survey-based quotes from at least two FMC-licensed movers, choose sea or air freight, prepare customs documents for your destination, and book pickup two to three months ahead.
Which port do international moves from Los Angeles use?
Most household shipments use the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busiest container complex in the U.S..
How much does it cost to move abroad from Los Angeles?
It depends on volume, destination and shipping method. See our cost guide for real signed prices and the cost drivers.
Which international movers serve Los Angeles?
Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international moves from major U.S. metros. Our 2026 comparison also includes other companies. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.
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.