Moving to USA
Importing Personal Effects
Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty free entry, provided that they have been owned and used for at least 12 months prior to importation.
Documentation
We will provide you with the correct customs forms that must be completed prior to the goods leaving the UK, however, unless you are a US passport holder (or have a valid Green Card), you must ensure you have the appropriate visa for entry into the USA. To avoid additional charges it is essential that documentation is completed and returned promptly.
Prohibitions and Restrictions
In general it is in your interest not to import the following items.
Transit Times
Groupage or shared load consignments usually take 8 to 11 weeks to destinations via the East Coast, and 11 to 14 weeks if going via the West Coast, door to door. However, this can vary depending on volumes being shipped, customs or immigration delays and prevailing weather conditions. Sole use containers usually take 2 weeks to the East Coast and 4 weeks to the West Coast port to port, and there is a weekly service to all major ports.
Computer Tracking
Through satellite and computer technology we are able to monitor the progress of your consignment.
Bar Coding
All Groupage consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
Domestic Pets
Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pets from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures.
Motor Vehicles
There are few countries outside the EU where it is practical or possible to send motor vehicles. Your local Britannia member will be able to guide you further on this.
Customs clearance
It normally takes 5 to 14 days for customs clearance and delivery. The time taken to clear goods through customs can be affected by Government policy, X-raying of goods, physical inspection, volume of traffic and the levy of any import duties or taxes. Charges raised by customs or Homeland Security officials will be paid for by our Britannia agents, who will seek reimbursement from yourselves prior to delivery.
Britannia in the USA
Britannia has established a long standing successful relationship with a network of dedicated removers, who will assist you with your destination services. Their full contact details will be provided at the time of the forwarding of your consignment. Our agents are part of our extended Britannia family and we meet with them on a regular basis to ensure high standards of service are maintained.
Storage
Should you require storage prior to delivery this can be arranged. You should expect to pay a one off storage handling fee, plus a monthly storage charge N.B. these charges are payable locally. It is vitally important that you ensure that your marine insurance policy is extended for the period of the storage.
Destination Services
Following customs clearance your consignment will be delivered to your home, on a mutually convenient date – please note this is only for customers who have paid for a ‘Door to Door’ service. Goods will be delivered into your new home and placed in the relevant rooms as directed by you. Professionally wrapped and packed goods will be unwrapped and cartons unpacked onto a flat surface. All used packing materials will be removed from site on the delivery day. Although, there may be insurance implications, you do retain the right not to have some or all items unpacked or unwrapped should you so choose.
Insurance
Britannia Movers International is regulated by the Financial Services Authority and accordingly is authorised to provide fully comprehensive marine insurance cover. An insurance pack will be forwarded to you if requested.
On Arrival
Britannia can offer advice on a variety of issues related to living in the USA.
