International Movers: Estimates, Licenses and Red Flags

Comparing international movers' estimates is where most moving problems start or are avoided. An overseas move has two regulated pieces: the truck leg inside the US, overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when it crosses state lines, and the ocean leg, where the company must be licensed or registered with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Know who regulates which part, which estimate type you are signing and which warning signs matter, and you can hire with confidence.

The short version

• A company that ships household goods by ocean to or from the US must be licensed or registered with the FMC. Check the FMC's OTI list.
• If your goods travel between states before they reach the port, the mover doing that leg must have a USDOT number and be registered with FMCSA.
• Get several written estimates based on an in-person or video survey of your goods. The FMC warns that online calculators and phone estimates are often inaccurate.
• For interstate moves, a binding estimate caps what you pay at delivery at 100% of the estimate. With a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot demand more than 110% at delivery.
• Brokers do not own trucks. They arrange moves and must be registered as brokers with FMCSA.
• Red flags: a large cash or wire deposit, no survey, a quote far below the others, and no written contract.

Who regulates what

The ocean leg: the FMC. The FMC says international moving companies that ship household goods or cars to or from the US by ocean vessel must be licensed or registered with it. These companies are called ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs): ocean freight forwarders and non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs). The FMC's OTI list shows who is licensed or registered and bonded. Its Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services office (CADRS) can also tell you about a company's complaint history and help with disputes.

The US truck leg: FMCSA. If your goods are picked up in one state and driven to a port in another, that leg is an interstate household goods move. FMCSA requires the mover to have a USDOT number and be registered, and you can check both in its registered mover database. Before an interstate move, movers must give you FMCSA's booklet *Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move* and the *Ready to Move* brochure.

The destination country. Customs and import rules where you arrive are set by that country, not by any US agency. Our guide to shipping household goods from the US covers inventories, used-goods rules and timing.

Mover or broker?

FMCSA draws a clear line:

• A mover owns trucks, employs the crew, takes full responsibility for transporting your goods and gives estimates based on its own tariff.
• A broker does not own trucks or employ movers. It arranges the move and is not authorized to transport goods. It must base estimates on the tariff of the mover it hires.

Brokers for interstate moves must be registered with FMCSA, use only registered movers, give you the FMCSA booklet and brochure, give you a list of the movers they use, and have the actual mover survey your goods unless you waive it. Their ads must show their physical address, MC number and the fact that they are a broker.

Many international moving companies also subcontract, booking a local packing crew, a trucking company and a shipping line. Ask every company in writing: "Who will pack, who will drive, who will ship, and who is responsible if something is lost?"

Reading the estimate

Ask for a survey. The FMC advises getting written estimates from several companies, based on an actual inspection of your goods. International moves are priced by volume or weight, so the survey drives the price.

Know the estimate type. For interstate moves, federal rules (49 CFR Part 375) define two types:

• Binding estimate. The price is fixed for the goods and services listed. At delivery you pay that amount, and the mover must release your goods once you do. Added services you request later, or extra items, cost more.
• Non-binding estimate. The final price depends on the actual weight and services. At delivery the mover can require no more than 110% of the estimate. Any balance is billed later.

International contracts follow the mover's own terms and tariff rather than those interstate rules, so read the contract carefully and ask whether the quote is fixed.

Read the fine print. The FMC notes that port terminal handling charges are often left out of international estimates and show up later. Check for:

• Origin packing, materials and crating
• Shipping by container type: a shared container, a less-than-container load, or a dedicated 20 or 40 foot container
• Destination port charges, customs clearance, delivery and unpacking
• Storage charges if your goods arrive before you do
• Delivery date guarantees. The FMC warns that promises not written into the contract may not be enforceable.

Protection for loss and damage

The FMC says international movers generally limit their liability and sell coverage at extra cost, and many will not cover items you packed yourself. Get the terms in writing before you buy and keep a signed copy.

For interstate moves, FMCSA describes two levels. Full value protection means the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods. Released value is free but minimal: 60 cents per pound per article. A 10 pound laptop is covered for $6 under released value.

Photograph valuables, keep a copy of the inventory list, and carry documents, jewelry, medications and electronics with you rather than in the container.

Red flags

FMCSA and the FMC both describe the same warning signs:

1. No survey. The company quotes without seeing your goods or a video walk-through.
2. A quote far below the rest. The FMC says low quotes are a common lure.
3. A large deposit, cash or wire only. The FMC notes that recovering a deposit paid by check or wire is hard. Pay by credit card where you can.
4. No license or registration on the FMC list or in FMCSA's database, or a name that does not match the registration.
5. No written contract or inventory, or pressure to sign blank or incomplete forms.
6. A harsh cancellation policy. The FMC says some movers keep half or more of the quote if you cancel.
7. Unresolved complaints. Check CADRS, FMCSA complaint history, and a web search of the company name and address.

Ship, sell or bring?

A full container rarely makes sense for a furnished rental abroad. Price these options side by side:

• Sell or donate large furniture and appliances, which may not suit local voltage anyway. See our guide to voltage, plugs and outlets.
• Ship a small consignment of personal items: books, kitchen tools, art.
• Ship luggage only. For many moves, a handful of suitcases and boxes is enough. Door-to-door luggage services such as Luggage Forward pick up at your home and deliver abroad, which avoids excess baggage fees and the logistics of a freight shipment.

Packing well cuts damage claims whichever route you choose. Strong double-wall boxes, a set of heavy-duty moving boxes and good tape go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Your mail during the move

USPS requires you to submit a change of address in person at a Post Office if you are moving outside the US, and standard forwarding lasts 12 months, with paid extensions up to 18 more. USPS forwards to US addresses, and banks and government agencies often block forwarding of sensitive mail, so many people keep a US address for good. A virtual mailbox such as iPostal1 scans your mail so you can read it from abroad. Our guide to package forwarding explains the options.

A hiring checklist

1. Collect at least three written estimates based on a survey.
2. Check each company on the FMC OTI list and, for an interstate leg, FMCSA's database.
3. Ask who packs, drives and ships, and get it in writing.
4. Confirm the estimate type and every excluded charge.
5. Read the liability and cancellation terms.
6. Pay the deposit by credit card.
7. Keep the inventory, contract and receipts together. Add the delivery date to your first 30 days checklist.

Common questions

Who regulates international movers in the US? The Federal Maritime Commission licenses or registers companies that ship household goods by ocean to or from the US. FMCSA regulates the interstate truck leg inside the US.

What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate? For interstate moves, a binding estimate fixes the price for the listed goods and services. A non-binding estimate can change, but the mover cannot require more than 110% of it at delivery.

Is a moving broker the same as a mover? No. A broker arranges the move but does not own trucks or transport goods. It must be registered with FMCSA as a broker and use registered movers.

Can USPS forward my mail to another country? USPS requires an in-person change of address if you are moving abroad, and forwards mail to US addresses. Many people abroad use a virtual mailbox or a trusted US address instead.

How much deposit should an international mover ask for? No federal rule sets an amount, but the FMC flags large down payments and refusal to take credit cards as warning signs. Pay by credit card where you can.