Tell us your bike, your location, and where it's going — we'll handle the rest
Relocating internationally is one of the biggest transitions you’ll ever make. Your household goods — furniture, appliances, clothing, personal effects, family heirlooms — deserve to be handled with the same care you’d give them yourself.
Go Ocean Logistics provides international household goods shipping from the U.S. to destinations worldwide. We manage the ocean freight, export documentation, U.S. Customs clearance, and destination coordination — so you can focus on your new life, not the logistics of getting there.
- Full Container Load (FCL)
- Shared Container (LCL)
- Door-to-Port Service
- Port-to-Port Service
- U.S. Export Customs Handled
- Marine Insurance Available
- Ships to 100+ Countries
- Fully Licensed & Bonded
- Professional Packing Coordination Available
- Destination Import Clearance Coordinated
Why Go Ocean for your move
Moving abroad is exciting. The logistics can be overwhelming. Between deciding what to ship, what to leave behind, how to pack it, which port it leaves from, and what paperwork is required at the other end — most people don’t know where to start.
At Go Ocean Logistics, we’ve guided families, expats, military personnel, and professionals through international moves to dozens of countries. We know the process, the ports, the documentation, and the customs requirements — and we walk you through every step so nothing is left to chance.
Your belongings will be packed professionally, loaded securely, and delivered to your new home with the same care and attention we’d want for our own families.
4–12 wks
100+
FCL + LCL
Door-to-port
WHAT WE SHIP
What We Ship — Household Goods & Personal Effects
- Furniture — sofas, beds, dining sets, wardrobes, bookshelves, cabinets
- Appliances — refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, kitchen appliances
- Electronics — TVs, computers, audio/visual equipment, home office gear
- Clothing & Personal Effects — boxed and properly packed
- Artwork & Antiques — with appropriate protective packaging
- Books, Documents & Personal Collections
- Kitchen Goods & Tableware
- Children's Toys & Sporting Equipment
- Bicycles & Small Recreational Equipment
- Musical Instruments
- Garden & Outdoor Furniture
What Cannot Be Shipped
- Hazardous materials — flammable liquids, propane tanks, aerosols, chemicals
- Perishable food items
- Plants, soil, or organic material (biosecurity regulations)
- Firearms and ammunition (require special licensing — contact us to discuss)
- Currency, financial instruments, or irreplaceable documents
- Pets (require specialist pet relocation services — we can refer you)
Not sure if an item can be shipped? Contact us and we'll advise based on your destination country's import regulations.
Shipping Options for Household Goods
We offer two container shipping options depending on the volume of your goods. We’ll advise which is right for your move based on your inventory and destination.
Exclusive Container (FCL) — Full Container Load
Your household goods fill an entire 20′ or 40′ shipping container. The container is sealed at origin and doesn’t open until it reaches the destination terminal — providing maximum security and privacy.
- 20′ Container — suitable for a studio, 1–2 bedroom apartment, or partial home contents (~33 CBM)
- 40′ Standard Container — suitable for a 2–3 bedroom home (~67 CBM)
- 40′ High Cube Container — extra height for tall furniture or large volume (~76 CBM)
FCL is ideal when your shipment fills or nearly fills a container, or when you want the security of exclusive use — your goods packed together, sealed, and untouched until delivery.
Shared Container (LCL) — Less-Than-Container Load
Your goods share a container with other households’ shipments. You pay only for the cubic metres (CBM) your goods occupy. LCL is the most cost-effective option for smaller moves — a few boxes, a partial room, or select items you can’t leave behind.
LCL is ideal for smaller households, singles or couples relocating, or supplemental shipments when most goods have already been shipped or are being purchased locally.
Rough Volume Guide
| Home Size | Estimated Volume | Recommended Option |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Small 1-Bed | 5 – 15 CBM | LCL (Shared Container |
| 1–2 Bedroom Apartment | 15 – 28 CBM | LCL or 20' FCL |
| 2–3 Bedroom Home | 28 – 50 CBM | 20' or 40' FCL |
| 3–4 Bedroom Home | 50 – 70 CBM | 40' FCL |
| Large Home / 5+ Bedrooms | 70+ CBM | Multiple containers |
These are estimates only. The actual volume depends on the size and density of your furniture and goods. We can provide a detailed volume estimate based on your inventory.
Tips for a Smooth International Move
Start your inventory early
room-by-room lists prevent last-minute chaos and help us size your container accurately
Declutter before you ship
international freight is priced by volume and weight; shipping items you'll replace is rarely cost-effective
Use proper export-grade packing materials
standard moving boxes may not survive an ocean voyage; double-wall cartons and proper internal cushioning are essential
Label every box clearly
with contents, destination room, and handling instructions
Keep an inventory copy
photograph valuables before packing; this simplifies any insurance claims
Understand your destination's import rules early
some countries restrict certain appliances, electronics voltage, or food items; we'll advise you based on where you're going
Plan your timeline
factor in the port cut-off date, ocean transit, and destination customs clearance; the full door-to-door timeline is typically 4–12 weeks depending on destination
Step-by-Step: International Household Goods Shipping
Step 1: Request Your Free Quote
Contact us with:
- Your current city/state (origin)
- Destination country and city
- Approximate home size or estimated volume of goods
- Target move date or cargo-ready date
- Any special items — piano, artwork, antiques, oversized furniture
We’ll provide an all-inclusive quote covering ocean freight, documentation, and port handling. No hidden fees.
Step 2: Inventory & Packing
We recommend preparing a room-by-room inventory of everything you plan to ship. This helps us confirm volume, recommend the right container size, and identify any items that require special packaging.
Packing options:
- Self-Pack — you pack your own boxes using appropriate packing materials. Lower cost, but marine insurance may have limitations on self-packed items.
- Professional Packing Coordination — we can connect you with professional packers who use proper export-grade packing materials and techniques. All items properly packed are fully covered under marine insurance.
All items must be packed in sealed, labeled boxes or properly wrapped and protected before port delivery. Loose, unwrapped items are not accepted.
Step 3: Export Documentation
For household goods and personal effects, standard U.S. export requirements include:
- Detailed inventory / packing list (room by room, with descriptions and approximate values)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of residence or relocation documentation (for duty-free import in many countries)
- Bill of Lading (prepared by Go Ocean)
- U.S. Customs AES/EEI filing (handled by Go Ocean)
Import requirements vary significantly by country — some offer duty-free import of personal effects for returning residents or new immigrants; others impose full customs duties regardless. We advise you on destination requirements at the time of booking and work with our local agents to coordinate clearance.
Step 4: Port Delivery
You deliver your packed goods to the designated port terminal or Container Freight Station (CFS) by the cargo cut-off date. We provide exact delivery instructions, accepted hours, and point-of-contact information at the terminal.
If you cannot transport your goods to the port yourself, we can coordinate inland trucking pickup from your home or storage unit to the departure port.
Step 5: Ocean Transit
| Destination Region | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Caribbean & Central America | 10 – 20 days |
| South America | 18 – 32 days |
| Europe (Northern) | 14 – 22 days |
| Europe (Mediterranean) | 18 – 28 days |
| West Africa | 20 – 32 days |
| East Africa | 32 – 45 days |
| Middle East | 22 – 35 days |
| Asia & Pacific | 28 – 45 days |
LCL shipments add 2–5 days at each end for consolidation and deconsolidation processing.
Step 6: Destination Clearance & Delivery
At destination, our local agent coordinates:
- Import customs clearance and duty assessment
- Port release and terminal handling
- Delivery to your new address or temporary storage if needed
We keep you informed throughout the entire transit. You’ll know when your goods depart, when they arrive at destination, and when they’re cleared for pickup or delivery.
Where We Ship Household Goods
Europe
Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland, Ireland, and more — popular for expats, professionals, and retirees relocating abroad
Latin America & Caribbean
Panama, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and more
Africa
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania, Cameroon, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and more
Middle East
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and more — a major destination for international professionals and contract workers
Asia & Pacific
Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and more — contact us for availability
Don’t see your destination? Contact us. We most likely ship there.
Protect Your Belongings — Marine Cargo Insurance
Your household goods represent years of accumulated life. We strongly recommend marine cargo insurance for every international move — especially for FCL container shipments where a single event could affect an entire household.
Full Coverage
1.75% of declared value
- Loss, theft, damage
- $500 deductible
Total Loss Only
1.25% of declared value
- Complete loss of the shipment
Coverage is active from port loading at the U.S. departure terminal until port release at the destination. Self-packed items may have limited coverage under some policies — professional packing ensures full coverage. We advise on insurance options at time of booking.
Why Families Choose Go Ocean for Their International Move
We Manage the Complexity
Export customs, ocean freight booking, destination clearance, delivery coordination — we handle the entire logistics chain so you can focus on your family’s transition.
FCL & LCL Options
Whether you’re shipping a full home or a few essential items, we match the right container option to your volume and budget.
Door-to-Port Service
We arrange inland trucking from your home to the departure port if you can’t deliver your goods yourself.
Destination Agent Network
We have agents at ports worldwide who manage import clearance and delivery coordination in-country — you’re not on your own at the other end.
Marine Insurance
We provide full and total loss coverage options for complete peace of mind throughout the voyage.
Transparent, Itemized Quotes
No surprise charges. We quote ocean freight, documentation, port handling, and surcharges all-in before you commit.
Personal Communication
You’ll work with a Go Ocean professional who knows your shipment. We answer your questions — no automated systems, no guesswork.
Fully Licensed & Bonded
U.S. DOT NO. 3124544 | MC #89820 — a regulated freight company you can trust with your most personal belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at sales@gooceanlogistics.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Cost depends on the volume of your goods (in CBM), the container option (FCL or LCL), your departure port, and destination. LCL pricing starts per CBM; FCL is priced per container. Contact us with your home size and destination for a personalized quote.
Door-to-door timelines typically range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on destination. This includes packing and preparation, port cut-off dates, ocean transit (10–45 days depending on destination), and destination customs clearance. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at the time of booking.
At origin, someone must be available to supervise loading and sign documentation. At destination, you or an authorized representative must be present to receive and sign for delivery.
Yes — your household goods and vehicle can be coordinated as part of the same move, though they typically ship separately (container vs. RoRo). We handle both. Contact us to coordinate a combined shipment.
Import duty regulations vary significantly by country and individual circumstances. Many countries offer duty-free import of personal effects for permanent residents returning home or new immigrants. We work with our destination agents to advise on your specific situation and coordinate clearance accordingly.
Yes, but voltage compatibility matters. The U.S. uses 110V/60Hz; most other countries use 220V/50Hz. Many modern appliances are dual-voltage, but older or large appliances (washing machines, dryers, air conditioners) may require voltage converters or may not be worth shipping. We recommend checking compatibility before including large appliances in your shipment.
Marine cargo insurance covers damage, theft, and loss during transit. We strongly recommend insuring your shipment for its full replacement value. Without insurance, carrier liability is minimal. We handle insurance claims coordination if an incident occurs.
Yes. We provide vessel details, voyage number, and container number at time of departure. We also send milestone updates — loaded, departed, arrived, released — so you always know where your belongings are.
Ready to Start Your International Move?
Tell us your home size, origin, and destination — we’ll guide you through every step and provide a clear, all-inclusive quote.
Office Hours: Monday–Friday | 9AM–3PM ET / 7AM–5PM PT