Sacramento Overseas Movers
SDC International Shipping provides door-to-door international moving services for residents of Sacramento and the surrounding Central Valley. As a fully licensed international freight forwarder authorized by the Federal Maritime Commission, we manage the full move from an in-home consultation in Sacramento through delivery at your new address overseas, including the inland transport to the Port of Oakland or Port of Long Beach that every Sacramento shipment needs. Call 877-339-0267 to start planning your move.
Start With a Free Quote
Planning an international move from Sacramento? Begin with a free, no-obligation estimate using our online quote form. Our logistics specialists are available at 877-339-0267 to answer questions about your move. Our quoting process includes:
- In-home evaluations: We assess your belongings in person or virtually to build an accurate quote.
- Clear timelines: You’ll know shipping method, customs requirements, and a realistic delivery window before you commit.
- Plans sized to your move: From a studio apartment to a full house, the plan matches your budget and schedule.
Get a free quote to get started.
Items We Can Move
SDC ships a wide range of household items overseas from Sacramento, including:
- Furniture: Packed and crated to survive the inland-to-ocean journey without damage.
- Clothing and personal items: Securely packed for long-distance transit.
- Appliances and electronics: Cushioned and boxed to withstand vibration over a multi-week voyage.
- Pianos and artwork: Custom crated rather than boxed.
- Vehicles: Shipped in-container alongside household goods where destination regulations allow it.
To qualify for duty-free import in most destination countries, items generally need to have been owned for at least a year and not be intended for resale. Call 877-339-0267 to confirm the specific rule for your destination.
Items We Cannot Move
Certain items can’t be shipped internationally due to safety and customs restrictions:
- Aerosols and pressurized containers: Pressure changes during transit make these unsafe to ship.
- Flammable and toxic substances: Restricted to protect crew and cargo.
- Weapons and explosives: Firearms and ammunition are restricted under international law.
- Perishables: Food, plant, and animal products typically violate destination customs rules.
- Prescription medication and chemicals: These require special permits and are usually left out of household shipments.
Pet shipping: SDC doesn’t provide pet relocation directly, but we can connect you with a trusted specialist. Call 877-339-0267 for a referral.
How We Prepare Your Shipment
Because Sacramento shipments spend extra time in transit before reaching a port, our packing service pays close attention to the inland leg, not just the ocean crossing. Preparation includes:
- Custom packing: Materials and methods matched to the size and fragility of each item.
- Specialized crating: Built in-house for pianos, artwork, and other delicate pieces.
- Detailed inventories: Prepared in the format destination customs agencies expect.
- Climate-controlled options: For items sensitive to temperature or humidity during storage or transit.
International Relocation by Air
Air freight is the fastest option, typically measured in days rather than weeks. It costs more than sea freight but makes sense for time-sensitive moves or high-value items that need to arrive quickly.
International Relocation by Ocean
Ocean freight is the more affordable option for full households and vehicles. From Sacramento, that typically means routing through Oakland or Long Beach, with sailing schedules adding some variability to the overall timeline.
Planning Your Timeline from Sacramento
Because Sacramento shipments route through Oakland or Long Beach rather than a local port, we build the inland transfer into your timeline from the start rather than treating it as an afterthought. Most clients begin planning 8 to 12 weeks before their target departure. That window covers the in-home or virtual consultation, custom crating for delicate items, documentation for the destination country, and enough flexibility to book a sailing slot without paying rush fees. It’s a planning range, not a guaranteed delivery date, since customs processing at the destination can add time depending on the country and the season.
If your schedule doesn’t allow for a full planning window, expedited options are available, though they typically mean a smaller pool of sailing dates and less flexibility on packing timelines. Our team will tell you upfront if a compressed schedule changes your options rather than promising a date we can’t reliably hit.
Documentation and Customs Preparation
Every destination country has its own requirements for what counts as an acceptable household goods inventory, and getting this wrong is one of the most common causes of delay at customs. We prepare a detailed, itemized inventory for your shipment in the format your destination customs office expects, and we handle the paperwork directly rather than routing it through a third party. For moves that include a vehicle, we confirm the destination country’s import rules before the vehicle is loaded, since requirements around emissions, age, and title documentation vary widely by country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shipping from an inland city like Sacramento cost more than from a coastal city?
Not meaningfully. The inland transfer to Oakland or Long Beach adds a short trucking leg, which is factored into your quote up front rather than added as a surprise fee later.
Can I ship part of my household now and the rest later?
Yes. We regularly coordinate staggered shipments for clients who want to send essentials ahead while the rest of their belongings stay in storage until they’re settled.
Do I need to be present for the customs process?
No. We manage customs documentation and clearance on your behalf, both at pickup and at your destination.
Overseas Vehicle Shipping
SDC ships vehicles from Sacramento in-container alongside household goods rather than through a separate car-only carrier. We confirm import requirements for your destination country before the vehicle is loaded, so there are no surprises at customs on arrival. Learn more about vehicle shipping.
Service Areas Near Sacramento
We serve Sacramento and the surrounding region, including Folsom, Davis, Roseville, Elk Grove, Rocklin, West Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, and nearby communities. Call 877-339-0267 to confirm service in your specific area.
Moving Insurance
International shipments are covered by marine insurance to protect against loss or damage during ocean transit. We offer basic coverage based on the actual value of your belongings, as well as full replacement coverage, and our team can help you decide which fits your shipment. Call 877-339-0267 to go over your options.
Secure Household Storage
If your timeline needs a gap between pickup and final delivery, we offer secure, climate-controlled storage at staging facilities near Oakland, whether you need a few days or several months. Learn more about our storage options.
