How to Choose the Best International Movers from France to the USA

Choosing the right international movers is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when relocating from France to the USA. With long-distance moves involving customs clearance, international shipping logistics, and the safe transport of your belongings, having a reliable and experienced moving company is essential.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the best international movers for your move. From ensuring the company is licensed to offering specialized services, you’ll learn how to make an informed choice that leads to a smooth, stress-free relocation.

best international movers from france to the usa

Look for Experience in International Moves

When it comes to moving internationally, experience matters. International relocations are far more complex than local moves, involving long-distance shipping, customs regulations, and multiple points of handling. It’s important to choose a moving company with a proven track record of successfully managing these complexities, especially for moves from France to the USA.

Experienced movers know how to handle potential challenges, such as navigating U.S. customs requirements, ensuring safe packing for long journeys, and coordinating the logistics of shipping by sea or air. A company that has specialized in international relocations will have the knowledge and resources to protect your belongings at every stage.

What to Look for:

Movers who have successfully handled numerous international moves, especially between Europe and the USA.
A well-established company with a reputation for professionalism and reliability.

At SDC International Shipping, we have years of experience in managing international relocations from France to the USA. Our team is familiar with the specific challenges of moving overseas, and we handle every detail to make sure your move goes smoothly. Learn more about our expertise on our Why Choose SDC International Shipping? page.

Check Licensing and Certifications

When choosing an international moving company, it’s essential to verify that they are properly licensed and accredited. Moving your belongings overseas involves complex regulations, and you want to ensure that your movers are fully compliant with international shipping standards. Licensed movers are held to higher standards of professionalism and accountability, giving you confidence that your items are in good hands.

For example, international movers should be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which regulates sea freight for moves from France to the USA. Membership in professional associations like the International Association of Movers (IAM) is another indicator of a reputable company that follows industry best practices.

What to Verify:

FMC Licensing: Ensures that the mover is authorized to handle international sea shipments.
IAM Membership: Guarantees that the mover is connected with a global network of professionals and adheres to high service standards.

By choosing a properly licensed and certified company, you reduce the risk of delays, damaged goods, or mishandled paperwork during your move. SDC International Shipping is fully licensed and accredited, ensuring compliance with all international regulations.

Evaluate Custom Services and Specializations

Every move is different, and your international movers should offer services tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re transporting a vehicle, valuable artwork, antiques, or everyday household items, it’s important to choose a moving company that can handle specialized requests.

International relocations often require custom crating for fragile items, temperature-controlled transport for delicate belongings, and professional packing for high-value goods. If you have unique requirements—like shipping a grand piano or handling antique furniture—it’s critical to work with movers who specialize in these services.

What to Look for:

Custom Crating: If you have fragile or high-value items, ask about the company’s ability to provide custom crates that ensure maximum protection during transport.
Special Handling: Verify whether the company can manage specific needs like vehicle shipping, fine art relocation, or handling large, delicate items such as pianos.
Storage Options: If there’s a delay between your arrival and when your belongings can be delivered, consider a company that offers international storage solutions.

SDC International Shipping provides a range of specialized services, including custom crating, vehicle shipping, and storage. Our Packing Services ensure that every item, from your most delicate artwork to your largest furniture, is packed with care for its long journey.

Get a Transparent, Detailed Quote

A key factor in choosing the best international movers is receiving a clear, detailed, and transparent quote. International relocations can come with a variety of costs, and it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for upfront. A reputable moving company should provide a breakdown of all expenses, including shipping, packing, customs fees, and insurance, to help you avoid unexpected surprises.

When evaluating quotes, make sure to ask about potential additional charges, such as port fees, delivery surcharges, or customs duties. This will allow you to make an informed decision and compare offers from different moving companies.

What to Ask For:

Breakdown of Costs: Ensure the quote includes shipping, packing services, insurance, customs fees, and any other charges that may apply.
Clarity on Additional Fees: Ask if there are any extra fees for services like customs clearance, storage, or handling high-value items.
No Hidden Costs: Verify that the quote is final and won’t be subject to additional fees after the move has started.

SDC International Shipping provides detailed, transparent quotes so you know exactly what to expect. Our team will walk you through the quote, ensuring there are no hidden fees or surprises. For more information on how we compare quotes, visit our Comparing International Quotes page.

Ask About Insurance Coverage

Insurance is a critical part of any international move. When transporting your belongings over long distances, especially overseas, there are risks of damage, loss, or theft. To protect your items, it’s important to choose a moving company that offers comprehensive insurance options.

Reputable movers will provide different levels of coverage, including all-risk insurance, which covers your belongings in case of damage during transit, regardless of the cause. This ensures peace of mind, knowing that your items are protected throughout the journey from France to the USA.

What to Check:

All-Risk Coverage: This is the most comprehensive insurance option, covering damage, theft, or total loss during transit.
What’s Included: Make sure to ask if the insurance covers both sea freight and land transport, as well as whether high-value items like art or antiques need special coverage.
Claims Process: Understand how claims are filed in the event of damage or loss and what documentation will be required.

SDC International Shipping offers a variety of insurance options, including International Moving Insurance and Marine Insurance, ensuring that your belongings are fully protected during the move.

Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Customer reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into the experiences of others who have used a moving company. By reading reviews, you can get a sense of how well the company handles international moves, how they treat customers, and whether they deliver on their promises. Positive reviews about reliability, professionalism, and care in handling belongings are indicators of a trustworthy moving company.

When looking at reviews, focus on feedback about specific aspects like communication, timeliness, and how the movers managed delicate or high-value items. These are important factors in ensuring a smooth and stress-free move.

What to Look for:

Consistent Positive Feedback: Look for reviews that highlight the company’s reliability, punctuality, and care in handling items.
Successful International Moves: Pay special attention to reviews from customers who completed international relocations, particularly those moving from Europe to the USA.
Problem-Solving and Responsiveness: See how the company handled any issues, delays, or challenges that arose during the move.

Checking reviews can help you feel more confident in your choice of movers, knowing they’ve successfully handled international relocations before. SDC International Shipping has numerous positive reviews from satisfied clients, reflecting our commitment to excellent service.

Ensure Responsive Customer Support

Customer support is one of the most important elements when choosing an international moving company. Moving from France to the USA can be a complex and stressful process, and having a responsive and knowledgeable support team can make all the difference. A reliable moving company will assign you a dedicated move coordinator who can guide you through each step, answer your questions, and address any concerns that arise during the move.

Your move coordinator should keep you updated on the progress of your shipment, help with paperwork (like customs clearance), and ensure all logistics are running smoothly. The level of communication and support you receive can significantly affect how smoothly your move goes.

What to Expect:

Dedicated Move Coordinator: A single point of contact who manages all aspects of your move and provides regular updates.
Clear Communication: Prompt responses to emails or calls, especially when addressing important questions or concerns.
Proactive Problem-Solving: The ability to quickly address any issues that arise during transit or customs clearance.

SDC International Shipping prides itself on offering personalized customer service, with dedicated coordinators who ensure your move goes smoothly from start to finish. We are always available to provide updates and guidance throughout the process.

Conclusion

Choosing the best international movers from France to the USA requires careful consideration of experience, licensing, services, insurance, and customer support. By selecting a company with a proven track record, transparent pricing, and responsive service, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation.

At SDC International Shipping, we specialize in international relocations and are committed to providing high-quality service tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today for a detailed, personalized moving plan that ensures your belongings are safely transported to your new home in the USA.