Moving is always complicated, even if it’s just locally. Moving from Japan to another country is even more complicated. It inevitably includes international shipping, unless you are willing to relocate without any of your belongings, which is another kind of hardship. Transporting your belongings far away is a task that has to be approached with diligence and proper organization. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start! Almost everybody who has moved from the Land of the Rising Sun has been in the same situation. Luckily, living in the internet era has its benefits. For example, it’s easy for our experts her at Kokusai Express Japan to reach you and help you learn about international shipping options. Read on so that you can make an informed decision about the transportation of your possessions to your new country.

Hire experienced international movers

If you haven’t moved internationally before it might seem like an easy job at first glance. A little packing, arranging the transportation, and buying the plane tickets and you’re all set. That’s all there is to it, right? Well, not really. It’s easy to forget or overlook things when it comes to moving. Also, things can go wrong fast when you don’t have a proper plan. And if a mistake happens it can cost you more money than you would pay for the services of international movers. This is why we suggest you research overseas shipping companies and find a reliable and experienced company that will make a relocation plan with you and explain the international shipping options you can choose between.

When searching for the right movers, make sure to check their websites and reviews and compare their estimates. Remember that no detail is too small when comparing companies. You want your movers to be polite and professional and to answer all your questions clearly. Also, they should be willing to negotiate.

Deciding between different international shipping options

There’s no right answer when it comes to choosing an international shipping option. How your belongings will be transported to another country depends entirely on your needs. That is why it is crucial to evaluate different modes of freight forwarding and choose the one that best suits you. If time is a crucial factor for you, you’ll ship them via air. If, however, it’s important to you that you save some money, you’ll choose sea freight. For some people, combining the two is the best option. Read on and learn more about international shipping via air, as well as international shipping via sea. After familiarizing yourself with all options, moving from Japan will be easier and less stressful.

Air transport as one of the international shipping options

Using the services of air freight forwarders is without a doubt the fastest way to ship your cargo from Japan to your new destination. It’s also a very safe way of transporting your possessions since the cargo goes through a strict check. This is also the best option if your cargo has to reach a remote island or continent. Still, air transport has a major downside. It’s the most expensive form of transport. This is the main reason why shipping via air is not the most popular option when it comes to moving from Japan.

Goods that cannot be transported via air

If you do decide that this is the best international shipping option for you, note that applicable laws in Japan prohibit air transport of dangerous goods that are likely to explode or cause a fire. Some items they are subject to company rules of procedure. The list of prohibited goods may also include lithium batteries, animals, fine arts, precious metals, etc. Nevertheless, this doesn’t automatically mean that you will not be able to ship those goods. It means that you will have to consult with local authorities and, if necessary, undergo the procedure of inspection and clearance in advance.

Sea freight forwarding

Shipping your cargo via sea means that it will travel to its destination at a considerably slower pace than shipping via air. But, it also means that you will save a noticeable amount of money. Another benefit of using the services of sea freight forwarders is that it is in fact the more environmentally friendly option. When choosing how to transport your cargo, bear in mind that the emissions of CO2 are much higher by air than sea freight forwarders. So, if you want to do your part in making the planet Earth a better place for all of us, opt for sea freight forwarding. Since it’s the slower option of shipping, most companies offer the option of knowing where your cargo is at any given moment via cargo tracking applications.

Combine the two international shipping options

Using a mix of transportation modes for relocating your goods is sometimes the best option. That way you can adjust transportation to your needs. If you combine air and sea freight forwarding properly, you can reduce the time and cost of your cargo transport. A good combination of air, sea and ground transportation is the key to reduce expenses.

Don’t forget about insurance

After reading this article, you probably have a better idea of international shipping options and which one is the best for you. Now you can mentally prepare for the overseas move. Whatever way you decide to ship your cargo, keep in mind that shipping items overseas always carries certain risks. This is why getting cargo shipping insurance is very important. It will protect both of you from possible problems. Accidents can happen no matter how good the shipping company you chose is. To that end, it is always advisable to invest in the safety of your cargo. Better to pay a certain amount of money in advance than worry whether all of your items will arrive without damages to their destination.