When relocating employees abroad, selecting the right international removals company is essential to ensure the process is completed quickly, on budget, and with minimal stress for everyone involved. A bad choice can cause more problems that it is worth: most people have heard horror stories about removals that have gone wrong but, when travelling beyond international borders, the risk of problems is even greater than domestically.
If you are wondering ‘How do I choose an international moving company?’, this short guide will outline the key considerations to help you to make an informed and risk-free choice.
Only consider companies that belong to recognised industry bodies such as the International Association of Movers (IAM), the Pan American International Movers Association (PAIMA), or the British Association of Removers (BAR). Also, confirm the provider has earned recognised accreditations, such as BS8564 and ISO9001, which confirms their commitment to best practice. Proven credentials are evidence that members are held to high standards and codes of conduct and that robust quality processes exist around risk assessment, performance reporting, and employee training.
Online research and reviews can be invaluable in helping you to evaluate the quality of different international moving companies. Check out online sources such as Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp to find candid customer feedback, as well as Facebook and other social media channels. Legitimate reviews can reveal past experiences with the quality of service, timeliness, and damages claims handling; companies with many negative reviews should be avoided.
An experienced international removals firm should provide free in-person or virtual surveys to prepare accurate quotes for a relocation. Estimates without visual verification often result in unexpected charges later. On-site or video surveys allow movers to see what is being shipped, consider access issues, and recommend tailored solutions that secure the best possible price without compromising on service delivery or efficiency.
Consider what services you require for your business relocation. Do you simply need transportation or would your employees benefit from additional options, such as packing and unpacking, storage, vehicle shipping, and destination assistance? Comparing the range of services providers offer will help you to customise your relocation package to ensure it is completed on time and on budget, with minimal disruption to your business operations and productivity.
Finally, be sure that your chosen removals company has adequate insurance to cover belongings in transit and storage, so ask about claims limits, item exclusions, and the settlement processes. Select a partner with robust coverage and a quick claims resolution to protect employees’ possessions should the worst-case scenario occur.
As an international moving expert, Galleon International can provide professional support with all aspects of your overseas business relocation, helping to make it more seamless and stress-free for you and your team.
To find out more, please book a free virtual survey today.
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