International moving FAQ
Straight answers to what customers ask before an international move. For anything else, ask your coordinator.
How much does an international move cost?
Four factors determine the price of an international move: how much you're shipping, what location you are shipping to, whether it travels via a full container (FCL), less than container load (LCL) or an air freight shipment, and how easy it is to load and deliver at each end. Special items like pianos, art or a car add to it. Your quote is based on a survey of what you actually own, and it covers packing, freight, customs clearance and delivery.
Small international moves typically range from $2,000 to $5,500, while larger household moves requiring dedicated shipping containers can cost considerably more. Pricing varies based on shipment size, destination and services required.
What does the quote include?
Astro International aims to provide comprehensive door-to-door quotes including packing, freight, customs clearance, destination handling charges and delivery at destination all factored in. We will send you an initial quote based on the information you provide about the size of your shipment. Then, before scheduling the move, we will survey what you actually want to ship, by video call or in person, and give you a more accurate quote. You sign one contract with Astro for your entire move. We coordinate everything from origin to destination, including packing crews, ocean freight, customs brokers and delivery companies, so you don't have to manage multiple providers yourself.
What is not included in the quote?
Import duties and taxes are set by the destination country. Shipments of household goods are sometimes duty-free and sometimes not depending on the country. Your coordinator will tell you what to expect before you sign. Customs authorities may occasionally select shipments for additional inspections. These inspections can result in unexpected charges that are outside Astro's control and cannot be predicted in advance.
How do you choose your moving partners?
Astro International has been in business over 50 years and has vetted and developed relationships with highly qualified movers, truckers and freight forwarders. Your Astro coordinator schedules and manages the move with our trusted partners. Throughout the process, Astro remains your single point of contact and takes responsibility for coordinating your shipment from beginning to end.
How does customs work, and what do I need to provide?
We prepare the export documentation, provide the import forms to complete and tell you what additional documents you will need to supply. What's needed depends on the destination country, so your coordinator gives you the list for your route before you pack.
How long does an international move take?
Move time varies depending on what country you are shipping to. As a general estimate, allow for 2 weeks from the move date or pick-up date at origin before the ship's departure date. Once a shipment sails it typically takes 3 to 8 weeks to reach the destination ocean port. At that point, allow for 1 week for your items to be cleared through customs and 1 additional week for the delivery to be scheduled with our destination mover.
What can't I ship?
Every country restricts some items, and the rules differ by destination. Your coordinator will tell you what can't go to yours before your packing date.
Can you ship my car?
Yes. We ship vehicles worldwide. Add vehicle shipping when you ask for a quote, with the year, make and model, and your coordinator will tell you what the destination requires. Electric vehicles may require special handling and documentation and can be more expensive to ship depending on the carrier and destination.
Can you store my things if my new home isn't ready?
Yes. Storage before or after delivery is one of the services you can add when you ask for a quote.
Do I get my own container?
It depends on how much you're shipping and when it needs to arrive. Larger shipments typically require a dedicated container for your goods (FCL), while smaller shipments are securely packed in crates or palletized and consolidated with other shipments in a shared shipping container (LCL). For particularly small shipments, air freight may also be an option, depending on the volume, weight, destination and delivery timeline. Your coordinator will tell you which fits your move.
How will I know where my shipment is?
Your coordinator provides estimated departure and arrival dates and keeps you informed of any changes. Once your shipment sails, you'll have access to online tracking where available. Throughout the move, you'll have one dedicated Astro contact to answer your questions, not a phone tree.
Do you handle moves that don't start or end in the US?
Yes. Most of our moves have the United States at one end, and we also arrange moves between two other countries.
What does your FMC license mean for me?
The Federal Maritime Commission is the US agency that licenses companies arranging ocean shipments to and from the United States. Astro holds FMC License #022426N, which you can look up on the FMC website.
Are my belongings insured during an international move?
Astro International offers both all-risk marine transit insurance and total-loss coverage options to help protect your belongings during an international move. Coverage varies depending on the option selected, including what types of loss or damage are covered and any applicable exclusions. Your Astro coordinator will explain the available options and help you choose the coverage that best fits your shipment.