Whether you're relocating from the USA to overseas or sending commercial cargo, international shipping comes with a lot of questions. 

From costs and customs clearance to packing tips and delivery timelines, it's important to understand the process to avoid delays, damage, or unexpected fees.

In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about international shipping to help you make informed decisions.

How much is this going to cost me to ship internationally?

Let’s start with the most important question: cost. International shipping cost is not the same for all. The cost of international shipping various from customer to customer depending on the below factors:

  • Shipment size/volume
  • Origin and destination
  • Air vs. ocean freight
  • Additional services (packing, pickup, insurance)

So, always ask the freight forwarding company for a transparent international shipping quote. This will help you decide on which company to choose for your international shipping. This applies for both commercial and household goods.

What should I take, and what should I leave behind?

When shipping overseas, it’s smart to compare international shipping costs vs. replacement costs. For example, the cost of the old couch will be around $200, but the shipping cost will be $750.

So, declutter the items that be replaced for a low cost in your destination country and focus on:

  • Sentimental items
  • Expensive electronics
  • Items that are hard to replace abroad

Still confused on what to ship and what to leave behind contact with a representative for best advice and customer centric service.

Will my goods arrive safely?

That's one tricky question. If you ship your goods with a best and cost effective freight forwarder company, then you can expect your goods to arrive safely and on time. An experienced freight forwarder will offer 

  • Professional packing services for international moves
    • Fragile items like dishes, TVs, and photo frames are packed with care using industry-grade materials
  • Full cargo insurance options
  • Live cargo tracking 
  • Instant notifications 

Always make sure your freight forwarder abides to the above factors for smooth and hassle free service.

What paperwork/documents do I need for moving my goods internationally?

Shipping internationally involves documents like the packing list, bill of lading, passport copy, and possibly a customs declaration. But a right freight forwarder will get all these shipping documents and do the necessary customs fillings(Importer Security Filing(ISF), Automated Manifest System(AMS)) on behalf of you and make your household relocation fruitful.

 

Note - The documents and the customs fillings various depending on what type of transportation (Air freight or Ocean freight) you choose for the shipment

How long will it take for my shipment to arrive?

The transit time depends upon the various factors like 

  • Mode of transportation you choose to ship your household or commercial goods. 
    • For example
      • Air freight takes up to 2 or 3 days
      • Ocean freight takes up to 4–6 weeks
  • The destination you wish to ship the goods

But a reputed and experienced freight forwarder will give you a realistic delivery window so you can plan your move properly.

What if something goes wrong at customs?

Customs holds are the biggest nightmare while shipping goods internationally. If you are thinking that customs happen only to commercial shipment, then you are wrong. It is common for both commercial and household goods. 

The customs hold can result in shipments held up for weeks or heavy penalty chargers 

But if you ship your goods internationally with a reliable freight forwarding company, then they will handle the customs clearance for you. Even if your cargo gets struck at the customs, freight forwarder will handle the problem with ease and deliver your cargo on the estimated delivery time 

Flex - At AIR 7 SEAS, we have cleared customs for a perishable shipment within 50mins and made sure, the cargo reaches the customers door without spoilage.

How do I pack things properly for international shipments ?

If you are shipping your valuable goods internationally, then pack them with a white-glove packing service company. 

Packing goods properly is an important factor for a successful shipment. If you fail to pack your fragile items properly, then it will be shattered. If you DIY:

  • Use sturdy, double-wall boxes
  • Wrap fragile items well
  • Label everything.

If you are still trying to figure out how to pack your household or commercial goods internationally from the USA to overseas. We provide packing tips and materials to make it easy.

Can I track my shipment?

Yes you can track your shipment, only if your freight forwarder offers that service for you. Tracking your shipment is necessary because you can plan your day accordingly. 

For example, the estimated arrival day might be Wednesday. But your shipment arrives before Tuesday. Unfortunately you are not available at your destination on that day. This will lead to unnecessary storage fees. 

We at AIR 7 SEAS, offer real-time tracking facilities to the customer via our customer portal. We will also send notification to all the parties involved in the shipment journey about the status of the cargo. 

What if I need help during the shipping process?

Whether you are shipping for the first time or a continuous shipper, you will be needing help at some stage of the shipping process. A prompt support from a real human is different from voicemail and chatbot 

Our promise - Our support team is here before, during, and after your shipment — by phone, email, or live chat. No voicemails. No waiting days for a response.

Who can I trust to handle my international shipment?

Trusting someone with your personal belongings and commercial goods — especially across borders — is a big deal. 

So it’s only natural to ask: Who can I really trust to handle my international shipment?

Here’s what to look for when choosing a reliable international shipping partner:

  • FMC-Licensed for Ocean Freight (U.S. Requirement)
    • If you're shipping by sea from or to the United States, make sure the company is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). This license ensures they follow U.S. maritime law, carry proper bonds, and operate transparently.
  • IATA Accreditation for Air Shipments
    • For air freight, choose a company accredited by IATA (International Air Transport Association). IATA-certified agents meet global safety and reliability standards for handling and forwarding air cargo.
  • Check Experience and Specialization
    • Choose a company that has years of experience shipping household goods internationally. The logistics of moving personal items are different from commercial cargo — and require a more hands-on approach.
  • Read Real Customer Reviews
    • Look beyond star ratings. Read actual testimonials on Google, Trustpilot, or social media to understand how the company handles:
      • Communication
      • Delays or issues
      • Customer service follow-through
  • Ask About Support During the Entire Process
    • Reliable companies don’t disappear after you pay. Make sure they offer:
      • Pre-shipment consultation
      • Real-time tracking
      • Customs assistance
      • Responsive support (not just voicemails)
  • Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees
    • A trustworthy freight forwarder provides clear, upfront pricing with no last-minute surprises.

Why AIR 7 SEAS?

  • Our transparent pricing means no hidden fees or last-minute surprises. What we quote is what you get.
  • We have been FMC-licensed NVOCC for more than 3 decades, with a proven track record of handling 1M+ shipments.
  • We are also IATA-accredited air freight partner with a volume of handling 40K perishable shipments internationally 
  • Our clients often compliment us on how easy it is to reach our team — no endless voicemails or automated replies, just friendly, responsive support when you need it.

Takeaway 

International shipping doesn’t have to be overwhelming — whether you're moving overseas or sending commercial cargo, the key is choosing the right freight forwarder who can handle the complexities for you.

From understanding international shipping costs, transit times, and paperwork to ensuring proper packing, customs clearance, and real-time tracking, the process becomes simple when you’re backed by a trusted, experienced, and licensed logistics partner.