We know it’s a daunting to pack up all your belongings and trust them to the high seas, but don’t worry: shipping your belongings to America need not be a nightmare. Like everything else, it’s just a case of doing your research and finding the best option for you. Whether you’re relocating, studying abroad, or just sending personal items, there’s plenty of choices out there.

Here’s a quick list of the best options for both large and small shipping to get you started.

For Documents, Small Parcels, and Urgent Mail

For quick and secure deliveries of smaller items like documents, these services are well-established and can get your package to the U.S. in record time—albeit with a price:

• DHL: Offers overnight shipping with high reliability. Prices vary depending on urgency.
• FedEx: Known for its express shipping, FedEx also provides overnight delivery.
• UPS: Another dependable option for overnight international shipping.
• USPS: The U.S. Postal Service’s Priority Mail Express delivers in 3-5 business days. Generally a budget-friendly option for less urgent shipments.

For Large Boxes and Shipping Containers

If you’re moving large quantities of personal items or furniture, you’ll need specialised services. This is where companies like Send My Bag, Seven Seas Worldwide, and Maersk Line come in.

Send My Bag

Send My Bag is one of the best options for those looking to avoid excess baggage fees while keeping things simple and affordable. Unlike traditional courier services, it is specifically designed to help travellers and expats ship personal belongings easily.

Here’s why we think they stand out:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Send My Bag allows you to ship personal items such as clothes, books, and even sports equipment at rates far more affordable than paying airline excess baggage fees.
• Door-to-Door Service: They offer hassle-free door-to-door shipping, allowing you to send your belongings straight from your home in the UK to your destination in the U.S. This removes the stress of managing heavy bags at airports.
• Baggage Alternatives: If you’re traveling light, Send My Bag lets you ship what you need rather than what an airline restricts you to. No more anxieties over weight or size limits imposed by airlines.
• Tracking and Flexibility: With tracking services, you can keep tabs on your shipment’s journey. Moreover, they handle everything from small boxes to larger pieces of luggage, and provide customs clearance assistance as needed.
• No Hidden Fees: All shipping quotes include customs duties and taxes, so you won’t face unexpected fees once your items reach the U.S.
• Environmentally Friendly: Send My Bag encourages users to reuse their boxes, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Their service is ideal for students, expats, or anyone making an international move and looking to travel lighter.

Seven Seas Worldwide

If your shipment includes bulky items like furniture, bikes, or large appliances, Seven Seas Worldwide offers a comprehensive shipping solution. They provide purpose-built shipping boxes for safe transport, and you can choose between air or sea freight depending on your timeline and budget. They also have options for larger boxes, accommodating a wide range of items, including sports equipment and musical instruments. Payment can be spread over several instalments, making it more budget-friendly.

Maersk Line

For those shipping an entire household or need container shipping, Maersk Line offers a robust sea freight service. It’s perfect for large shipments, but keep in mind that sea freight can take 6-7 weeks to arrive in the U.S. If you’re not in a rush and need to ship a massive amount of cargo, this is an option worth considering.

ParcelHero

A great price comparison platform, ParcelHero partners with leading courier services, offering discounted shipping rates—up to 60% cheaper than booking directly. While it’s geared toward small-to-medium shipments, ParcelHero allows users to compare multiple services for the best deal. They also offer optional shipping insurance, which is a wise choice when sending valuable or fragile items.

A Note on U.S. Customs

It’s vital to be aware of the customs regulations when shipping your belongings to the U.S.. Certain items may be restricted or require permits, so it’s wise to double-check with your chosen shipping provider beforehand. Most companies will offer guidance on what’s prohibited, along with necessary paperwork.

Lastly, shipping costs vary based on weight, size, and shipping method (air, sea), so it’s always best to contact the shipping company directly for a precise quote. By doing your research and selecting the right service for your needs, shipping your belongings to the U.S. can be smooth and manageable.