How long does international shipping take?

International Moving

Feb 08, 2026

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.

How Long Does International Shipping Take?

The duration of international shipping for household goods and personal effects varies significantly, primarily depending on the chosen shipping method, the destination country, and various logistical factors. It is essential to understand that transit time is only one component; preparation, customs clearance, and delivery at the destination also add to the overall timeline.

Key Factors Influencing Shipping Duration

Several elements contribute to the total time frame for an international move:

Method of Transport: Air freight is considerably faster than sea freight.
Distance: Shipments to nearby European countries typically take less time than those heading to Australia or New Zealand.
Customs and Border Control: Clearance processes at both the origin and destination can introduce delays. Requirements vary by country and require precise documentation.
Type of Service: Door-to-door services often take longer than port-to-port, as they include collection and final delivery arrangements.
Volume of Goods: Larger shipments, especially those requiring a dedicated container, might have more direct routes than smaller, consolidated loads.
Time of Year: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months, end of financial year) can lead to increased demand, potentially slowing down scheduling and transit.
Documentation Accuracy: Incomplete or incorrect paperwork is a common cause of delays at customs.

Shipping Methods and Typical Timelines

Sea Freight (Container Shipping)

This is the most common and cost-effective method for shipping household contents over long distances. It involves transporting goods in large steel containers on cargo ships. There are two primary options:

Full Container Load (FCL): If the volume of goods is substantial enough to fill an entire shipping container (e.g., 20ft or 40ft), this is an FCL shipment. It offers the quickest sea freight option as the container travels directly from the port of origin to the destination port without needing consolidation.
- Typical Transit Time: 4 to 8 weeks, plus additional time for collection, packing, customs clearance, and delivery.
- Overall Time Frame: Expect approximately 6 to 12 weeks from collection to final delivery, depending on the route and destination country.
Less than Container Load (LCL) / Groupage: For smaller shipments that do not fill a container, goods are consolidated with other customers' belongings into a shared container. This method is more economical but generally takes longer due to the additional time required for collection, loading, and consolidation at the port of origin, and then deconsolidation and distribution at the destination.
- Typical Transit Time: 6 to 12 weeks, plus additional time for consolidation, customs, and delivery.
- Overall Time Frame: The total process can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks, or even longer for remote destinations.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest option for international shipping, suitable for urgent items or smaller volumes of high-value goods. However, it is also considerably more expensive.

Typical Transit Time: 1 to 3 weeks. This includes time for airport handling, flight time, and customs clearance.
Overall Time Frame: Expect approximately 2 to 4 weeks from collection to final delivery.

Road Freight (for European Moves)

For moves within Europe, road freight is often the preferred method. This can involve dedicated lorries or groupage services where a vehicle carries goods for multiple customers heading in the same general direction.

Dedicated Lorry: 3 days to 1 week.
Groupage Service: 1 to 3 weeks, as it allows for multiple collections and deliveries along a route.

Preparation and Planning

While the transit times above provide an indication, the overall international moving process begins long before goods are loaded onto a ship or plane. Effective preparation is crucial to avoid delays.

Early Planning: Planning should ideally begin 8–12 weeks in advance of the desired moving date. This allows sufficient time for obtaining quotes, conducting a pre-move survey, and arranging packing and collection. Consulting a thorough moving checklist can be beneficial.
Documentation: Ensure all passports, visas, work permits, and customs forms are accurate and readily available. Many countries require a detailed inventory of goods.
Packing: Professional packing services are highly recommended for international moves to ensure items are properly protected for the rigours of transit. Consider how to pack items for long-term storage if there might be a gap between departure and arrival.
Customs Regulations: Research the specific import regulations of the destination country. Some items may be prohibited or subject to duties and taxes.
Insurance: Secure appropriate insurance coverage for goods, as incidents can occur during long-distance transit.
Utilities and Address Changes: Remember to manage updating contacts and service providers in the UK before departure.

In summary, international shipping is a complex operation with many variables. While air freight offers speed, sea freight is the default for most household moves. Customers and professionals should factor in not just the transit time, but also the extensive preparation and administrative processes required at both ends of the journey.