International moving has a rich and evolving history. Some of the earliest and most established moving companies originated in Europe over 180 years ago. This emergence was largely driven by the forces of urbanization and industrialization. At that time, their primary business involved transporting high-end furniture and antiques for prominent individuals and various royal families across the European continent. The mode of transportation back then was horse-drawn carts.

The early 20th century brought about a significant transformation in the moving industry. The introduction of motor vehicles and containerized shipping marked a revolutionary change. These advancements made the moving process more convenient and accessible to a wider range of people. As a result, several companies started to specialize in household goods removals. They began offering their services not only to the elite but also to ordinary individuals and businesses.

After World War II, there was a substantial surge in the demand for international moving services. This increase was fueled by factors such as the rise in global migration and the globalization efforts of multinational corporations (MNCs). During this era, many renowned moving companies were established around the world. Remarkably, some of these companies have endured and are still in operation today.

Today, the international moving industry is characterized by several key features. It now relies on advanced logistics and solutions, digitalization, and eco-friendly practices. Moving companies today cater to a diverse array of needs, ranging from individual, privately paid moves to large-scale corporate relocations.

Tip: US government holds a significant position in the moving industry, so far is the largest account, with contracts awarded by the Department of Defense, Department of State, and other agencies. 

International moving services are truly high-end and customized offerings. They encompass a plethora of professional aspects that set them apart from more ordinary forms of transportation.

One of the key elements is the exceptional packing skills employed by the service providers. Movers are trained to handle a wide variety of items with care and precision. They know how to properly wrap delicate objects, disassemble and reassemble furniture, and secure items in boxes to prevent damage during transit. Complementing these skills are the use of quality packing materials. From sturdy cardboard boxes and bubble wrap to specialized crates for fragile or valuable items, the right materials are crucial in ensuring the safety of belongings throughout the move. 

Another important aspect is the in-depth knowledge of shipping and customs regulations. Navigating the complexities of international shipping, including choosing the right shipping routes, dealing with different shipping carriers, and understanding the various transit times, requires expertise. Equally vital is having a thorough understanding of customs procedures. This includes knowing what items can and cannot be shipped to different countries, filling out the necessary paperwork accurately, and dealing with potential customs inspections.

Furthermore, international moving companies rely on reliable partners around the world. These partners play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless transition of goods from the origin to the destination. They assist with local logistics, handling, and delivery, making the entire process more efficient.

What truly differentiates international moving services from courier or postal services is the personal and emotional aspect they handle. When a family or individual moves internationally, they are not just transporting boxes or packages; they are moving their lives, memories, and emotions. Household items, such as family photos that hold precious memories, collections of favorite CDs or discs that have accompanied them through different phases of life, souvenirs from travels that evoke wonderful experiences, and antique furniture with its own history and sentimental value, all hold great significance.

International moving service providers understand this. They commit to treating customers' belongings as if they were their own precious possessions. By offering world-class packing services and efficient shipping solutions, they strive to ensure that every item arrives at the new destination in the same condition as when it left, helping to ease the stress and emotional burden of an international move. In essence, international moving services go beyond the physical act of transporting goods; they are about facilitating a new chapter in a person's life while safeguarding the things that matter most. 

International moving is a complex and intricate process that involves a lengthy procedure, dealing with customs facilities at both the origin and the destination, and numerous handling steps from start to finish. To ensure a successful international move, it is essential to gather certain critical information. By doing so, we can obtain a comprehensive understanding of your moving requirements, which enables us to provide you with an accurate and all-inclusive quote. Here's why the survey is so crucial:

1. Shipment Volume and Specific Items

The volume of the shipment is a key piece of information that we must collect during the survey. It plays a decisive role in determining the most suitable shipping mode and, consequently, the associated costs. Different shipping methods have varying capacities and pricing structures, and knowing the volume helps us select the most appropriate option for your move.

In addition to volume, we also need to assess the nature of the items you plan to ship. This includes determining whether all items can legally be transported to the destination country. For example, items such as food, medicine, and alcohol often have specific regulations and restrictions regarding their importation. We need to be aware of these limitations to avoid any issues during the shipping process.

Furthermore, we need to identify if there are any particular items that require special care. Items like pianos, fragile artwork, and mirrors demand extra attention and specialized handling techniques to ensure their safety during transit. By knowing about these items in advance, we can make the necessary arrangements to protect them properly.

2. Residence Access at the Origin and Destination

Determining the accessibility of the residential locations at both the origin and the destination is of great importance for a seamless international move. The operation team needs this information to plan and prepare adequately. It helps them decide on the appropriate amount of labor required to load and unload the items, as well as the type of equipment needed. For instance, if the residence is located in a building with limited elevator access or narrow staircases, special equipment or additional manpower might be necessary to move larger items. By having this knowledge beforehand, we can avoid any last-minute complications or delays that could arise due to difficulties in accessing the property.

3. Shipping Documentation

Customs clearance is a mandatory requirement in both the origin and destination countries. To ensure a smooth customs process and prevent any potential hassles or disappointments, it is essential to guide our customers in preparing the necessary shipping documentation at an early stage. The survey allows us to inform you about the specific documents needed, such as customs declarations, packing lists, and any relevant certificates or permits. By assisting you in getting the documentation in order from the start, we can minimize the risk of delays or issues at the customs checkpoints, ensuring that your belongings reach their destination without unnecessary hold-ups.

Unlike courier companies, which rely on standard prices or tariffs for specific routes, international moving quotes are customized. While the size of the shipment is a significant factor, several additional critical elements influence the final cost:

1. Unstable Freight Costs from Carriers

Ocean carriers adjust their market prices weekly based on factors like market demand, booking allocation ratios, and internal operational constraints.

2. Accessory Services at Origin and Destination

Additional services may be required depending on circumstances, such as: Shuttle services, Long carry or stair carry ,Parking permits.

These factors must be assessed to provide an accurate quote.

3. Reliability of Provided Volume

The volume provided by customers might not always be precise. A professional survey ensures accurate measurements and a more reliable quote.

International moving is a lengthy and intricate process, far more complicated than commercial cargo shipping. Every move is unique and customized, and even shipments to the same city in another country can vary significantly. While moving companies strive to identify all possible costs in advance, some situations cannot be confirmed at the time of the initial proposal. Here are common examples of unforeseen charges that may arise at the destination:

1. Customs Exam

In most destination countries, there is a possibility that your shipment may be randomly selected by customs for an X-ray or physical inspection. Although the customs inspection service itself is often free in many countries, other associated costs can arise. For instance, there may be labor costs incurred from the customs-appointed inspection team or agent. Additionally, you may need to pay for the services of a customs broker to assist with the inspection process. Moreover, if the inspection causes a delay in the release of the cargo, potential port storage charges may be levied. These charges can add up and become an unexpected expense for the customer, as it is difficult to predict in advance whether a particular shipment will be selected for inspection. 

2. Delivery access challenges

The destination delivery service outlined in our proposal is based on the assumption of normal access to your new residence. However, if you are unable to provide an exact address or if there are unforeseen issues with the access, additional costs may be incurred.

a. Shuttle Service

In many cases, when possible, the destination delivery crew will bring the container directly to your home for live unloading. This is the preferred method as it minimizes additional handling before the delivery is completed. However, if live unloading at your new residence is not feasible, the delivery agent will have to unload the container either near your residence or at their warehouse and then transport the items to you using a truck. This alternative process requires extra labor for the initial unloading and reloading, as well as incurs trucking fees, resulting in additional costs for the customer.

b. Long Carry

In some overseas cities, similar to certain areas in China, trucks may face restrictions due to regulations imposed by the local city hall or compound management. In the worst-case scenario, older buildings may not have designated parking areas nearby. As a result, the delivery crew may be forced to park the truck far from the building and use trolleys to transport all the items from the parking point to the building. This labor-intensive and time-consuming process leads to increased labor costs, which are passed on to the customer as an unforeseen extra charge.

c. Parking Permit

Due to local road restrictions enforced by the city hall, the delivery agent may sometimes need to apply for a parking permit for their trucks. The cost associated with obtaining this permit is typically the responsibility of the goods owner. Since these road restrictions and the need for parking permits can vary depending on the location and the specific circumstances of the delivery, it is challenging to anticipate and include this cost in the initial proposal, resulting in it being an unexpected expense at the destination.

Just as when an individual travels from one country to another and is required to go through customs and immigration procedures at both the departure and arrival countries, the same principle applies to various types of international shipments. This includes courier services, parcels, bulk cargo, containerized cargo, and household goods. Customs clearance at both the origin and destination is a crucial aspect of international trade and movement of goods, and there are several important reasons for this.

Customs plays a vital role in regulating the flow of goods across international borders. At the origin country, customs clearance is necessary to ensure that the goods being exported comply with the country's laws, regulations, and export control measures. This involves verifying that the items are not restricted or prohibited from leaving the country, accurately assessing the value of the goods for potential export duties or taxes, and ensuring that the proper documentation is in order. By doing so, the origin country can protect its economic interests, national security, and environmental concerns.

Similarly, at the destination country, customs clearance serves multiple purposes. It allows the country to control what enters its territory, ensuring that imported goods meet its safety, health, and quality standards. Customs officers at the destination will check for the presence of any illegal or restricted items, such as drugs, weapons, or counterfeit goods. They will also assess the applicable import duties, taxes, and tariffs based on the type and value of the goods. Additionally, customs clearance helps in maintaining accurate records of imports, which is essential for economic and statistical purposes.

When it comes to household goods, the customs clearance process is particularly unique. Customs typically classify household goods as "non-trade/value items," and the owners of these goods are private individuals. Due to the personal nature of these items, customs authorities are often cautious and require a significant amount of supporting documentation to release the goods. For example, they may request personal information such as a passport ID, visa details, and travel records to verify the identity and eligibility of the person moving the goods. Residence information, such as a residence statement from the embassy in the origin country, city hall residence registration, or a lease contract, may also be required to establish the individual's connection to the destination.

Adding to the complexity is the fact that customs requirements can change rapidly. Sometimes, customs authorities may update their regulations or documentation requirements without prior notice. Moreover, even within the same country, customs officers at different ports may have varying interpretations of the requirements. This makes it extremely challenging for individuals to navigate the customs clearance process on their own.

This is where the expertise of professional international moving companies, such as AMR, becomes invaluable. With support from industry associations like FIDI (Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux) and IAM (International Association of Movers), companies like AMR are able to stay updated on the latest regulations in destination countries. They can guide customers through the customs clearance process, ensuring that the necessary documentation is prepared correctly and submitted in a timely manner. By working with such professionals, individuals can avoid potential delays, penalties, and complications associated with customs clearance for their household goods during an international move. In summary, customs clearance at both the origin and destination is essential for the smooth and legal movement of goods across international borders, and professional assistance can greatly facilitate this process, especially for the unique case of household goods.

20 世纪初，搬家行业发生了重大变革。机动车和集装箱运输的引入标志着革命性的变化。这些进步使搬家过程更加便捷，并为更广泛的人群所接受。因此，一些公司开始专门性提供国际搬家服务。他们开始不仅向精英阶层提供服务，也向普通个人和企业提供服务。

第二次世界大战后，国际搬家服务的需求大幅增加。这一增长受到全球移民增加和跨国公司 (MNC) 全球化努力等因素的推动。在这个时代，许多知名的搬家公司在世界各地成立。值得注意的是，其中一些公司经久不衰，至今仍在运营。

如今，国际搬家行业有几个关键特点。它现在依赖于先进的物流和解决方案、数字化和环保做法。如今，搬家公司可以满足各种各样的需求，从个人、私人付费搬家到大规模的公司搬迁。

额外知识点：美国政府作为客户在搬家行业占有重要地位，是迄今为止是业务量最大的客户，合同由国防部、国务院和其他机构授予。

国际搬家服务是真正的高端定制服务。它们涵盖了大量专业方面，使其有别于更普通的运输方式。

关键要素之一是服务提供商采用的卓越包装技能。搬家工人经过培训，可以小心、精确地处理各种物品。他们知道如何正确包装精致物品、拆卸和重新组装家具，以及如何将物品固定在箱子中以防止运输过程中损坏。为这些技术赋能的就是使用优质的包装材料。从坚固的纸板箱和气泡膜到用于易碎或贵重物品的专用的定制木质包装箱，合适的材料对于确保整个搬运过程中物品的安全至关重要。

另一个重要方面是对航运和海关法规的深入了解。处理国际运输的复杂性，包括选择正确的运输路线、与不同的运输公司打交道以及了解不同的运输时间，需要专业知识。同样重要的是彻底了解海关程序。这包括了解哪些物品可以和不能运送到不同的国家，准确填写必要的文件，以及处理潜在的海关检查。

此外，国际搬家公司依靠全球可靠的合作伙伴。这些合作伙伴在确保货物从原产地到目的地的无缝过渡方面发挥着至关重要的作用。他们协助当地的物流、处理和交付，使整个过程更加高效。

国际搬家服务与快递或邮政服务的真正区别在于他们处理的个人和情感方面。当一个家庭或个人进行国际搬家时，他们不仅仅是在运送箱子或包裹；他们还在搬运他们的生活、记忆和情感。家居用品，例如承载着珍贵回忆的家庭照片、陪伴他们度过人生不同阶段的喜爱 CD 或光盘集、唤起美好体验的旅行纪念品以及具有自身历史和情感价值的古董家具，都具有重要意义。

国际搬家服务提供商了解这一点。他们承诺将客户的物品视为自己的珍贵财产。通过提供世界一流的包装服务和高效的运输解决方案，他们努力确保每件物品到达新目的地时都与离开时一样完好无损，从而帮助缓解国际搬家带来的压力和情感负担。从本质上讲，国际搬家服务超越了运输货物的物理行为；它们是为了促进一个人生活的新篇章，同时保护最重要的东西。

国际搬家是一个复杂而细致的过程，涉及漫长的程序、操作起运地和目的地的海关事务，以及一站式的全流程服务。为了确保国际搬家成功，收集某些关键信息至关重要。通过这样做，我们可以全面了解您的搬家要求，从而使我们能够为您提供准确且全面的报价。调查如此重要的原因如下：

1. 货运量和具体体积

货物的体积是我们在调查期间必须收集的关键信息。它在确定最合适的运输方式以及相关成本方面起着决定性的作用。不同的运输方式具有不同的容量和定价结构，了解体积有助于我们为您的运输选择最合适的选项。

除了体积之外，我们还需要评估您计划运输的物品的性质。这包括确定所有物品是否都可以合法运输到目的地国家。例如，食品、药品和酒精等物品通常有特定的进口规定和限制。我们需要了解这些限制，以避免在运输过程中出现任何问题。

此外，我们需要确定是否有任何需要特别照顾的特殊物品。钢琴、易碎艺术品和镜子等物品需要额外的关注和专门的处理技术，以确保它们在运输过程中的安全。通过提前了解这些物品，我们可以做出必要的安排来妥善保护它们。

2. 出发地和目的地的住宅通行情况

确定出发地和目的地住宅位置的通行情况对于无缝国际搬家至关重要。运营团队需要这些信息来充分规划和准备。这有助于他们决定装卸物品所需的适当劳动力数量以及所需的设备类型。例如，如果住宅位于电梯通道有限或楼梯狭窄的建筑物中，则可能需要特殊设备或额外人力来搬运较大的物品。通过事先掌握这些信息，我们可以避免由于难以进入房产而导致的任何最后一刻的复杂情况或延误。

3. 装运文件

海关清关是出发国和目的地国的强制性要求。为确保海关流程顺利进行并避免任何潜在的麻烦或失望，我们必须尽早指导客户准备必要的装运文件。通过调查，我们可以告知您所需的具体文件，例如海关申报单、装箱单以及任何相关证书或许可证。通过帮助您从一开始就整理好文件，我们可以最大限度地降低海关检查站延误或问题的风险，确保您的物品顺利到达目的地，避免不必要的延误。

与依赖标准价格或特定路线关税的快递公司不同，国际搬家报价是定制的。虽然货物的大小是一个重要因素，但还有其他几个关键因素会影响最终成本：

1. 承运商的运费不稳定

海运承运商每周根据市场需求、预订分配率和内部运营限制等因素调整其市场价格。

2. 始发地和目的地的附属服务

根据情况，可能需要其他服务，例如：班车服务、长途运输或楼梯运输、停车许可证。

必须评估这些因素才能提供准确的报价。

3. 提供体积的可靠性

客户提供的体积可能并不总是精确的。专业调查可确保准确的测量和更可靠的报价。

国际搬家是一个漫长而复杂的过程，比商业货运复杂得多。每一次搬家都是独一无二的，而且是定制的，即使是运往另一个国家的同一城市，运输费用也可能有很大差异。虽然搬家公司力求提前确定所有可能的费用，但有些情况在最初提出建议时无法确认。以下是目的地可能出现的不可预见费用的常见示例：

1. 海关检查

在大多数目的地国家，您的货物可能会被海关随机选中进行 X 光检查或人工查验。虽然在许多国家，海关检查服务本身通常是免费的，但可能会产生其他相关费用。例如，海关指定的检查团队或代理可能会产生人工成本。此外，您可能需要支付报关行的服务费用，以协助检查过程。此外，如果检查导致货物放行延迟，可能会征收港口仓储费。这些费用可能会累积起来，成为客户的意外开支，因为很难提前预测是否会选择某批货物进行检查。

2. 交付准入挑战

我们提案中概述的目的地交付服务基于能正常进入您的新住所假设。但是，如果您无法提供确切的地址，或者如果进入时出现不可预见的问题，则可能会产生额外费用。

a. 短驳服务

在许多情况下，如果可能，目的地送货人员会将集装箱直接带到您的家中进行现场卸货。这是首选方法，因为它可以最大限度地减少在交付完成之前的额外处理。但是，如果无法在您的新住所进行现场卸货，送货代理将不得不在您的住所附近或他们的仓库卸下集装箱，然后使用卡车将物品运送给您。这种替代过程需要额外的劳动力进行初始卸货和重新装载，并产生卡车运输费，从而给客户带来额外费用。

b. 长途运输

在某些海外城市，与中国某些地区类似，卡车可能会因当地市政厅或小区管理部门的规定而受到限制。在最坏的情况下，较旧的建筑物可能没有附近的指定停车区。因此，送货人员可能被迫将卡车停在远离建筑物的地方，并使用手推车将所有物品从停车点运送到建筑物。这种劳动密集且耗时的过程会导致劳动力成本增加，这些成本会作为不可预见的额外费用转嫁给客户。

c. 停车许可证

由于市政厅实施的当地道路限制，送货代理有时可能需要为他们的卡车申请停车许可证。获得此许可证的相关费用通常由货主承担。由于这些道路限制和停车许可证的需求可能因地点和交付的具体情况而异，因此很难预测并将这笔费用纳入初始提案中，从而导致它成为目的地的一笔意外费用。

就像一个人从一个国家前往另一个国家并需要在出发国和到达国办理海关和移民手续一样，同样的原则也适用于各种类型的国际货运。这包括快递服务、包裹、散装货物、集装箱货物和家居用品。原产地和目的地的海关清关是国际贸易和货物流动的一个重要方面，这有几个重要的原因。

海关在监管跨境货物流动方面发挥着至关重要的作用。在起运国，海关清关是确保出口货物符合该国法律、法规和出口管制措施的必要条件。这包括核实物品没有被限制或禁止离开该国，准确评估货物的价值以确定可能的出口关税或税款，并确保适当的文件齐全。这样做，起运国可以保护其经济利益、国家安全和环境问题。

同样，在目的地国，海关清关有多种用途。它允许该国控制进入其领土的物品，确保进口商品符合其安全、健康和质量标准。目的地海关官员将检查是否存在任何非法或受限制的物品，例如毒品、武器或假冒商品。他们还将根据货物的类型和价值评估适用的进口关税、税费和关税。此外，清关有助于保持准确的进口记录，这对于经济和统计目的至关重要。

对于家私用品，清关流程尤其独特。海关通常将家居用品归类为“非贸易/价值物品”，这些商品的所有者是私人。由于这些物品的个人性质，海关当局通常非常谨慎，需要大量的支持文件才能放行货物。例如，他们可能会要求提供护照 ID、签证详细信息和旅行记录等个人信息，以验证运输货物的人的身份和资格。还可能需要提供居住信息，例如原籍国大使馆的居住声明、市政厅居住登记或租赁合同，以建立个人与目的地的联系。

海关要求也可能经常变化，这会增加清关复杂性。有时，海关当局可能会在未事先通知的情况下更新其法规或文件要求。此外，即使在同一国家，不同港口的海关官员对要求的理解也可能有所不同。这使得个人独自完成通关流程变得极具挑战。

这时，AMR 等专业国际搬家公司的专业知识就变得十分可贵。在 FIDI（国际搬家联合会）和 IAM（国际搬家协会）等行业协会的支持下，AMR 等公司能够及时了解目的地国家的最新法规。他们可以指导客户完成清关流程，确保正确准备必要的文件并及时提交。通过与这些专业人士合作，个人可以避免在国际搬家期间与家居用品清关相关的潜在延误、罚款和复杂情况。总之，起运地和目的地的清关对于货物顺利合法地跨越国界都至关重要，专业协助可以极大地促进这一过程，尤其是对于家居用品这种特殊情况。