For business leaders managing international moves, there are many potential complications, such as budget constraints, shifting schedules and business downtime. In a fast-paced world, finding a reliable business partner who helps you during transitions can be the key factor in ensuring your business’s success.
To prevent moving mishaps and delays, choose providers that can act as your strategic partners. The right companies will ensure expensive equipment is handled with care and crucial company assets don’t go missing. Discover the best moving companies for global relocations and what they are doing that makes them stand out from the industry.
1. Suddath
Suddath is among the best moving companies for international moves, with 100 years of experience and multiple accreditations. Highly trained and vetted staff assist at every step of the process and serve as a dedicated relocation management partner. Its white-glove services include guidance to health care systems, cultural training, language programs, tax assistance, home-selling assistance, and other similar services that support a successful transition.
Commercial moves receive the same high level of care and professionalism. Suddath uses award-winning technology, tools and techniques to mitigate disruptions to work during these transitions. CNN recognized it as the “Best Commercial Mover” in the industry. This is because leaders and business owners are given unmatched visibility and control throughout the entire process. This personalized support and proactive updates help you feel comfortable and at peace during the move.
Suddath offers affordable shipping rates, even with such a premium service, thanks to its long-standing industry partnerships. A personal move counselor can support you during the process, especially when issues arise, such as mismatched vendor charges. The company proudly states, “Suddath streamlines the entire relocation process, giving you back valuable time while ensuring exceptional experiences.”
Key features:
- True single point of contact during the move
- All-inclusive services that assist in personal life
- Expertise in customs and international compliance
2. International Van Lines
International Van Lines is a highly recognizable name in the industry, capable of moving to almost every country in the world. According to its website, “International Van Lines is America’s fastest-growing mover, handling over 20,000 moves per year.” The company prioritizes simple, secure and cost-effective moves to help both businesses and individuals. It was recognized by the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country.
International Van Lines is also a good choice for those who are looking for last-minute services. It offers a discount and a moving quote for those looking for this option. Additionally, those who wish to cancel their move for any reason can receive a full refund.
The company offers a custom quote based on the number of items, the distance to the destination, the size of the space, and other specialized requirements for storage or packing. Its professional movers ensure objects are placed in their intended places in the new location. International Van Lines serves over 180 countries worldwide with professional packing for both ocean and air freight. This ensures your assets are moved on time and without fuss, even to the most remote locations.
Key features:
- Reliable point-to-point international move
- A large volume of international moves is handled
- Global reach of services
3. Allied
Allied is fully committed to providing an excellent moving service for individuals. The company states, “Our mission is to provide affordable moving services backed by a name you can trust. We are a company built on a history of service.” It has been doing so successfully for 95 years and has assisted in 750,000 moves over the last 15 years. It handles the end-to-end moving process, from packing and loading to transporting and unpacking belongings.
Its main advantages include a 24/7 customer support service, transparent pricing and customizable moving options. Allied has over 1,000 representative partners in over 130 countries, ensuring individuals are adequately supported and equipped.
The moving process involves an initial consultation, a survey and quote, packing and loading, shipping, customs clearance, delivery, and post-move support, such as paperwork and storage solutions. You can also use Allied’s online shipment tracker to see where your shipments are currently.
Key features:
- Coordinates international moves with its complex domestic infrastructure
- GPS shipment tracking
- Wide range of insurance options
4. Atlas Van Lines
Founded in 1960, Atlas Van Lines has extensive experience moving individuals globally, including corporate transferees and military and government personnel. The company has over 350 movers in North America and over 1,500 global partners around the world that help make moving seamless, efficient and hassle-free. It is committed to tailoring transport solutions to individual preferences and requirements.
Atlas Van Lines assures its clients of excellent customer service. The company says, “Atlas movers commit to making moving ‘worry-free,’ with tools and information to help you go new places® more easily.” More proof of its high-quality service is its industry accreditations and awards, such as the Milton M. Hill Quality Award and the Hauling Excellence Award.
Companies can pick and choose specific services, such as packing-only or shipping-only, to fit their desired level of flexibility and budget. It has plenty of resources on its website about international moving, from handling pets and houseplants to getting an instant moving quote. It is a FIDI Accredited International Mover and a Registered International Mover with certifications from the Employee Relocation Council and the International Air Transportation Association.
Key features:
- Flexible service tiers
- AAA member discounts
- Large network of independent agents with deep local knowledge
5. North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines is another good option among companies for global relocations. It is an unmatched choice when it comes to relocation between U.S. and Canada. Dedicated specialists are experts on customs regulations and paperwork. It also offers BlueExpress containers for shipments that will not require full trucks, saving the company money. Outside these two countries, North American Van Lines operates in more than 130 countries.
North American Van Lines has 90 years of experience in helping families, individuals and corporations relocate. Its premier services include temperature-controlled storage solutions, 24/7 customer support, auto shipping, fragile-only packing options and many more customizations. Its website says, “We prioritize your needs through personal relocation specialists, custom moving plans, and an unshakeable commitment to quality service.”
Its free resources range from packing tips, mover checklist, moving cost calculator, virtual move survey and moving tips. North American Van Lines assures companies and individuals that they only pay for what they need with a personalized quote. Pricing, transit time and containerization will be discussed in their consultation call. Some of its key benefits include low risks of price changes, transparent pricing, equipment valuation and shipment tracking.
Key features:
- Dedicated cross-border coordinators
- Customs brokerage integration
- Satellite shipment tracking
Selection methodology
These criteria were used to determine what the best moving companies for international moves are:
- White-glove service and high-level support: This includes companies that go beyond transporting objects by offering services such as school and house searches to help business leaders settle in as quickly as possible. A dedicated point of contact and support for the personal side of a move were key considerations.
- Globe network and infrastructure: A strong network of international partners helps handle complex customs regulations with minimal delays.
- Risk management and insurance: Comprehensive full-package insurance plans give you peace of mind during the move. Companies that offer clear and extensive options to protect high-value company assets and employee belongings were prioritized.
- Long history of professionalism: An extensive history of serving business clients and a clear understanding of invoicing needs make a company a good fit for a business owner or entrepreneur.
Comparing the top international moving companies
Here is a quick and scannable chart comparing the best moving companies for overseas relocations. Use this comparison as a starting point to identify which providers best align with your company’s specific international moving needs, whether for employee relocation or commercial expansion.
Managing the stress of an international move
There are many complex factors when moving internationally. International moves, whether relocations, office changes or expansions of global operations, significantly affect a business’s productivity and project timelines. The right partners can help mitigate these risks and allow you to focus solely on your work.
Your role in reducing chaos
Moving involves multiple high-stakes tasks, from handling customs declarations and shipping timelines to new legal and language contexts and upheaval.
Moving businesses internationally is especially complex and involves high costs and operational challenges. A few examples are service interruptions, unproductive workspaces, relocating delicate equipment and setting up internet connections. Getting a white-glove service can help you avoid tracking down a missing shipment, allowing you to instead focus on meeting work objectives. This all begins with your choices in ensuring that every step of the move is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
To reduce the uncertainty and stress that naturally come with the process, remove as many obstacles as possible. There are many tools and mindset shifts that you can embody to be more positive and resilient in stressful times. However, having a stable ground is the most crucial factor in ensuring a positive and successful move.
Unlocking the roi of a stress-free move
A stress-free move is an investment that pays for itself. Firstly, it reduces the time between the move and your or your employee’s readiness to work. You can begin focusing within days, not months.
By minimizing downtime, a successful and stress-free move ensures the business can be up and running immediately, improving operational efficiency and generating profit. This paves the way for successfully penetrating new markets and increasing revenue.
If you’re relocating employees, another factor is increased retention. Employees will feel valued and cared for when they work with moving partners who help them every step of the way.
Choosing a partner, not just a mover
Choosing an international moving company is a crucial choice in managing the company’s most important assets, from employees and inventory to documents and expensive equipment. The best moving companies for international moves are those that act as true partners throughout the process.
They should provide timely, transparent shipping of goods and strong support. A customer-centric service will help individuals feel empowered and in control, especially in this crucial time of transition.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How far in advance should you plan an international move?
A: Start planning three to six months ahead for a smooth relocation. This time frame allows ample space for visa processing, home finding, cost-effective shipping dates and solving any issues that might occur.
Q: What is the actual difference between air and sea freight for our business?
A: Air freight is faster, typically taking one to three weeks. However, it costs significantly more than sea freight. This is ideal for shipping small and time-sensitive items such as essential documents, electronics, personal high-value items, and objects that may be difficult to obtain abroad.
On the other hand, sea freight is more affordable and can handle larger objects such as furniture and household items. The transit time hovers between four and eight weeks.
Q: Who is responsible for handling customs paperwork and potential duties?
A: A reputable moving company can handle all customs documentation and clearance procedures. They will also be able to advise on country-specific regulations and tax duties.
Q: Is basic liability coverage enough for an international move?
A: Basic carrier liability only offers minimal protection and is determined by weight. For corporate moves, the best option is to secure full-value protection insurance policies. They help in cases of damaged or lost items, either through repair, replacement or reimbursement.
More must-read stories from Enterprise League:
- Learn about business moving expenses to budget your relocation properly.
- Discover the best countries to start business for international expansion opportunities.
- Understand how business location impacts your company’s success and growth.
- Explore expanding your business globally by obtaining second citizenship for easier international operations.
- Avoid the consequences of bad location decision when choosing your next office.
