International Moving Company Serving Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and a significant number of residents relocate internationally each year for work assignments, family moves, and retirement. SDC International Shipping coordinates door-to-door international household moves from Phoenix and throughout the Greater Phoenix area, managing export packing, container logistics, customs documentation, and overseas delivery under one organized plan.
We are a Federal Maritime Commission-licensed freight forwarder with a global network of affiliate partners across more than 150 countries. Call 877-339-0267 or request a quote online to get started.
Phoenix Logistics: Inland Drayage to Port
Phoenix is an inland city, which means all containerized household goods shipments require inland drayage to a departure port before the ocean leg begins. For most Phoenix-origin moves, the Port of Los Angeles or the Port of Long Beach in Southern California is the departure point. These are the two busiest container ports in the United States and offer direct sailings to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America on frequent vessel schedules.
The inland drayage leg from Phoenix to the LA/Long Beach port complex typically runs one to two days by truck and is coordinated by SDC as part of your overall move plan. You do not need to arrange this separately. Your coordinator will confirm the departure port, drayage schedule, and vessel booking based on your destination and timeline.
Ocean transit from Los Angeles to the UK and northern Europe typically runs 20 to 28 days. Moves to Asia from the West Coast run 14 to 22 days depending on the destination port. Australia from Los Angeles typically runs 20 to 28 days. Total door-to-door time including packing, drayage, port processing, and customs clearance at the destination typically runs eight to fourteen weeks.
International Shipping Options From Phoenix
Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL gives you exclusive use of a 20-foot or 40-foot container. Your goods are loaded, sealed, and remain in the same container from your Phoenix address through to your destination port. This is the right choice for larger households, moves that include a vehicle, or clients who want their goods to travel without consolidation handling.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
LCL consolidates your shipment with others heading to the same destination port. This is typically more cost-effective for smaller volumes such as a one or two-bedroom apartment. LCL shipments involve consolidation and deconsolidation handling at each end, which adds some time to the overall transit window but reduces cost compared to booking a full container.
Air Freight
Air freight from Phoenix Sky Harbor is used for small, time-sensitive shipments or essentials needed quickly after arrival. Transit to most destinations runs five to ten business days. For full household moves, ocean freight via Los Angeles is the standard choice.
Packing, Crating, and Storage
Export-grade packing is strongly recommended for international shipments. Phoenix’s dry heat affects some materials differently than coastal climates, but the greater concern is the ocean voyage itself, which exposes shipments to humidity, vibration, and temperature variation that domestic moves do not. Our crews use reinforced cartons, custom crating for fragile or high-value items, and professional loading techniques that maximize container space and minimize movement during transit.
Learn more about our professional packing services. If your delivery address overseas is not ready when your shipment departs, we can coordinate storage at origin as part of your move plan.
Vehicle Shipping From Phoenix
We ship vehicles internationally only when containerized alongside household goods. We do not offer stand-alone vehicle shipping or RoRo service. Your vehicle is braced and secured inside the container with your household goods under one coordinated shipment and customs entry. Learn more about vehicle shipping with household goods.
Piano and Artwork Shipping From Phoenix
Pianos and artwork require custom crating, specialized loading, and container placement that isolates them from heavy furniture. For pianos, we stabilize moving parts, protect finishes, and secure the instrument inside the container to prevent vibration-related damage during the ocean voyage. For artwork, antiques, and sculptures, we build custom crating with acid-free materials and supports that reduce pressure points and guard against humidity fluctuations.
Let your coordinator know about specialty items early so the right materials and specialists are scheduled for packing day. Learn more about artwork shipping and piano moving services.
Customs Documentation Support
Customs documentation is one of the most common sources of delays in international moves. We prepare export documentation, guide you through the inventory requirements specific to your destination country, and coordinate with our destination partners to support import clearance. Duty-free eligibility for household goods varies by destination and typically depends on your residency status, visa category, and how long the items have been owned and used. Your coordinator will confirm the qualification requirements for your destination before your shipment departs.
Areas We Serve in the Greater Phoenix Area
We coordinate international relocations throughout the Greater Phoenix metro area including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Buckeye, El Mirage, Paradise Valley, and Fountain Hills.
What Our Customers Say
“Absolutely exceptional and user-friendly service from all the participants of my move, very impressed with all the team members.”
Liam G.
“Timothy dealt with me through the entire process and helped me wherever I needed him. He was always kind, and I thank him for his patience. The packing and loading workers did an excellent job and were very careful with my items. I am very happy with their service.”
Gianna K.
Phoenix International Movers FAQ
Which port does my shipment leave from if I’m moving from Phoenix?
Most Phoenix-area shipments depart through the Port of Los Angeles or the Port of Long Beach, the two largest container ports in the United States. SDC coordinates the inland drayage from Phoenix to the port as part of your overall move plan. Your coordinator will confirm the departure port and vessel schedule based on your destination and timeline.
How long does the move take from Phoenix?
Total door-to-door time from Phoenix including packing, inland drayage to Los Angeles, port processing, ocean transit, and customs clearance at the destination typically runs eight to fourteen weeks. Ocean transit from Los Angeles to Europe runs 20 to 28 days, to Asia 14 to 22 days, and to Australia 20 to 28 days.
How far in advance should I book?
Four to eight weeks before your target pack date is the practical minimum. Phoenix moves require coordination of both the local packing and the inland drayage to Los Angeles, so earlier planning gives more flexibility on vessel departures and reduces the risk of schedule gaps between your pack date and your container’s port arrival.
Can I ship my car from Phoenix with my household goods?
Yes, when the vehicle is containerized alongside your household goods. We do not offer car-only shipping. Your coordinator will confirm eligibility, required documents, and the drayage plan for including a vehicle in your container before booking.
Do you ship pets?
No. SDC does not provide pet transportation services. We can refer you to specialist pet relocation companies that handle health certification, documentation, and transport for your destination country.
Start Your International Move From Phoenix
Email [email protected], call 877-339-0267, or request a quote online. We will build a structured plan tailored to your destination, shipment size, and timeline.
