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Overseas Moving Quotes Explained: Line by Line
How to read an overseas moving quote section by section, and spot the costs that are often left out.
Origin services
This covers packing, materials, loading and transport to the port or airport. Check whether packing is included or priced separately, and whether special crating for fragile items is listed.
Freight
The main shipping charge. Check whether it is sea or air, and for sea freight whether you have a full container (FCL) or a shared container (LCL). Make sure the quote is based on your actual inventory, ideally after a survey.
Destination services and charges
Port, terminal, customs clearance and delivery fees at the destination are often the least clear part of a quote. Ask in writing whether they are included, or billed later by an overseas agent.
Estimate type, deposit and insurance
- Is the price binding or non-binding?
- How much is the deposit, when is it due and is it refundable?
- Is cargo insurance included or optional, and how are claims filed?
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Last updated October 2026. General consumer information, not legal or financial advice.