FAQ

  • How long will it take to move my goods?

    If your goods are being shipped by air, the normal transit time is approximately 2–3 weeks.

    If you are sending your goods by sea, most goods will take 5–8 weeks to arrive. Some exceptions to that are if you are sending goods to Australia or Africa, in which case it will take longer.

  • Are international moves regulated similar to domestic moves?

    The international moving and freight forwarding industry is unregulated, but each of our 1,300 service centers throughout the world has signed into a written Service Level Agreement that rigorously defines and enforces our own exceptionally high service standards.

  • What documentation is needed to move internationally?

    Recommended documents include: a passport (http://travel.state.gov/), birth certificate, marriage certificates (if applicable), vaccination records, medical and dental records and prescriptions, an old utility bill proving site of past residency, a valid U.S. driver’s license and information on how to renew it from overseas. You may also need an international driver’s license: check with AAA (link). Contact your destination consulate for any additional requirements.

  • Are there any additional transportation costs when moving overseas?

    Rates include origin service, container drayage at origin, ocean freight, customs clearance, container drayage at destination, and delivery to residence (normal access assumed). Rates do not include custom duties or taxes, storage over five working days, warehouse handling, demurrage, long carry, elevators or anything not associated with a normal delivery.

  • How are my personal household goods insured during transit?

    Armstrong Relocation offers an Extended Protection Program that will provide coverage for your goods while they are being handled and transported. There are a few options with this program and your Armstrong representative will go over this prior to your actual move.

  • When should I call the moving company?

    We recommend making contact as early as possible. However, usually 4 to 6 weeks notice would be preferred. We will need time to do a visual survey of the items you are moving prior to the move, provide you with an estimate and also be sure we have time to get the appropriate overseas container. As always though, discuss your specific situation with our representative and we will work to make sure your needs are met.

  • Can you provide storage at the destination country if needed?

    Certainly. We have over 1,300 service centers in 120 countries worldwide, representing 45 million square feet of warehousing, of which 7 million is climate-controlled.

  • What are the differences between sending my goods by air or by sea?

    Many times, the cost of shipping your goods by air is more expensive than by sea. However, the advantages are faster arrival time, greater security, and less rigid port restrictions.

    Sending your household goods by sea does take longer; however, it is much more economical. These shipments typically travel in either 20’ or 40’ containers, either loose-loaded or packed into wooden lift vans. Each container is locked at origin with a uniquely numbered seal that is checked at destination. Containers with new number seals usually indicate a customs inspection.