Relocating from the US to the UK can be an exhilarating experience, whether for employment, education, family, or a fresh adventure. However, the logistics of moving your life across the Atlantic can feel overwhelming.
Choosing the right international moving company is essential for a seamless move.
In this updated November 2026 guide below, we evaluate five top international moving companies to help you choose the best one for your needs.
1. Sunset International Shipping
Pricing: Guaranteed flat-rate pricing determined by comprehensive inventory. No undisclosed charges or weight variations. Ocean shipping is less expensive than air for complete home relocations.
Features: Door-to-door service with professional packing. Custom crating and vehicle shipping are also offered. There’s unpacking assistance and tracking, as well as insurance.
Also includes 30 days of free climate-controlled storage. There’s a dedicated coordinator serving as the single point of contact.
Shipping methods: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). There are also shared/groupage containers and air freight for urgent shipments. Vehicle transport via ocean freight. Sea freight takes weeks to months, but air freight is faster.
Use cases: Expat household moves alongside corporate relocations and employee transfers, as well as executives returning from overseas. Individuals shipping vehicles with household goods can also use it.
Compliance and trust signals: Licensed, Bonded and Insured (FMC #023860N). Has BBB A rating and 4.7/5 on Trustpilot. Offers mandatory liability coverage and optional Full Replacement Value Insurance.
UK-side entities: The client will need to fill out HMRC’s ToR01 residence transfer form, as well as satisfy the requirements of the UK Border Force.
They must also coordinate shipping with visa approvals. Common entry points are Southampton, Felixstowe and Heathrow. Review HMRC relocation tax rules.
Pros
- Transparent flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees and 30 days of free storage included
- Full-service door-to-door relocation. Includes packing alongside crating and vehicle shipping, as well as a dedicated coordinator
Cons
- Higher pricing than DIY or basic freight-forwarding options
- Sea freight transit times can be lengthy and subject to shipping disruptions
2. Cross Country Movers
Pricing: This Top International Moving Company in USA offers guaranteed flat-rate pricing. This is dependent on detailed inventory instead of weight. Costs depend on volume alongside service level and destination. Method and seasonality also matter.
Features: Export packing alongside custom crating and vehicle shipping. Includes real-time tracking and unpacking, and also does furniture assembly.
There are 30 days of free temperature-controlled storage offered. A dedicated relocation coordinator manages the entire move.
Shipping methods: FCL and LCL options are available. There’s air freight for urgent shipments. Ocean freight to Europe takes 14 to 21 days plus customs and delivery. Hybrid sea-air solutions are also available.
Use cases: Family relocations and employee transfers alongside executive moves, as well as corporate assignments. Ideal as well for international moves requiring end-to-end support.
Compliance and trust signals: Licensed and insured (USDOT #2552260; MC #889368). BBB A rating and 4.9/5 on Google, updated November 2026.
Offers standard liability coverage (60 cents per pound). Optional Full Replacement Value protection available.
UK-side entities: Clients responsible for ToR01 filings and UK customs compliance alongside visa timing and relocation tax considerations. Common entry points are Southampton, Felixstowe and Heathrow.
Pros
- Guaranteed flat-rate pricing and no hidden fees, plus 30 days of free storage
- Direct-carrier service. Includes packing, vehicle shipping, tracking, and unpacking
Cons
- More expensive than DIY or basic freight solutions
- Port congestion and customs delays can affect delivery schedules
3. Schumacher Cargo
Pricing: Gives volume-based quotes. Uses cubic footage instead of weight. Costs are dependent on size, alongside origin and destination, as well as method. Shared containers reduce costs, but destination fees may be excluded from initial quotes.
Features: Export packing and custom crating alongside secure warehouse storage and vehicle shipping. There’s online tracking and export documentation support. Unpacking assistance and dedicated move coordination are also offered.
Shipping methods: FCL and LCL/consolidated shipping. Air freight and RoRo/containerized vehicle transport are available. UK ocean freight transit ranges from 14 to 21 days. This includes customs and delivery.
Use cases: Household relocations and vehicle shipping alongside executive moves and employee transfers. Also ideal for shipments requiring storage flexibility.
Compliance and trust signals: Licensed NVOCC. Motor Carrier #MC518452; Freight Forwarder #9801; Broker Authority #MC932203). IAM, FIDI, and AMSA memberships.
BBB accreditation and 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating. Marine insurance includes Total Loss and All Risk coverage.
UK-side entities: Customers must manage ToR01 applications and customs compliance alongside visa timing, as well as applicable relocation tax considerations. Common entry points are Southampton, Felixstowe and Heathrow.
Pros
- Direct-carrier model with owned warehouses and greater shipment control
- Competitive consolidated shipping options and transparent volume-based pricing
Cons
- Destination charges may not be included in initial quotes
- Final delivery experience can vary depending on UK partner agents
4. Seven Seas Worldwide
Pricing: Transparent pricing via online quote system, starting from £329.50 for box shipments and £899.60 for a Small MoveCube®. Price freeze guarantee for 60 days included.
Features: MoveCube® system allows self-packing in Small/Medium/Large containers. There’s door-to-door delivery and tracking. Customs support and packing supplies offered. Gives two weeks of free storage at origin and destination.
Shipping methods: Primarily ocean freight. This is via MoveCube® containers and shared-container services. However, air freight is available for smaller urgent shipments. Normal door-to-door delivery takes four to six weeks.
Use cases: Those prioritizing affordability. Examples include students alongside budget-conscious households and young professionals.
Compliance and trust signals: 30+ years of experience with an owned global depot network. 4.5/5 TrustScore on Trustpilot. Optional insurance coverage available.
UK-side entities: Customers must complete ToR01 requirements and comply with UK import regulations. They must also account for visa timing and relocation-related tax considerations.
Pros
- Cost-effective self-pack model with transparent pricing and free storage
- Flexible MoveCube® options for different shipment sizes
Cons
- Customers are responsible for packing and loading
- Improper packing may limit protection or claims coverage
5. Viking International Movers
Pricing: Free and non-binding estimates. This is based on shipment volume and service level. Consolidated shipping reduces costs, but door-to-Port services offer savings for customers managing UK-side arrangements.
Features: Packing alongside custom crating and furniture assembly. Handles debris removal and vehicle shipping. Specialises in fine art and high-value items. Includes 30 days of free storage and insurance options.
Shipping methods: FCL and LCL/consolidation. Air freight available. Coordinated via major US export hubs. This includes New York, California and Florida.
Use cases: Moves involving artwork and antiques or even specialty cargo. Suitable also for executive relocations and employee transfers alongside partial-load shipments.
Compliance and trust signals: Licensed Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI). FMC #025047N; USDOT #2530978; and MC #879544. BBB-accredited with IAM affiliation and 4.4/5 Google rating. Offers optional third-party insurance based on declared value.
UK-side entities: Customers must address ToR01 requirements and customs compliance alongside visa timing and relocation tax considerations. Common entry points are Southampton, Felixstowe and Heathrow.
Pros
- Specialised expertise in high-value shipments
- Cost-effective consolidation options for smaller moves
Cons
- Non-binding estimates provide less price certainty than guaranteed-rate providers
- Less direct operational control than integrated global carriers
Summary Comparison Table
| Company | Pricing | Key Features | Best For |
| Sunset International Shipping | Guaranteed flat-rate | Full-service packing
Vehicle shipping 30-day storage |
Full-service Vehicle moves |
| Cross Country Movers | Guaranteed flat-rate | Direct carrier
Custom crating Vehicle shipping 30-day storage |
Family and corporate relocations |
| Schumacher Cargo | Volume-based | Shared containers, air/ocean freight, tracking | Budget and consolidated shipping |
| Seven Seas Worldwide | Online self-pack rates | MoveCube® containers, two-week dual storage | DIY and student moves |
| Viking International Movers | Free volume estimates | Fine art and antique care
Assembly/disassembly |
High-value shipments
Partial loads |
“Record numbers of Americans applying for British citizenship and settlement highlight growing interest in the UK as a long-term relocation destination.” — The New York Times.
Conclusion
The Problem
Moving from the US to the UK is complex. It requires managing timelines and customs rules alongside pricing and arrival logistics. Poor planning can lead to extra fees, shipment delays, damaged belongings or even late deliveries.
Key Takeaways
- Transparency varies: Sunset International and Cross Country Movers offer guaranteed flat-rate pricing based on inventory. This provides the highest cost certainty.
Schumacher and Viking offer competitive volume-based rates. However, they may exclude destination fees in initial quotes. Seven Seas offers transparent self-pack pricing. - Service models differ: Sunset and Cross Country operate as direct carriers. This reduces broker risk. Schumacher and Viking are licensed freight forwarders/NVOCCs with strong networks.
However, they rely on partners for final-mile delivery. Seven Seas’ cheaper self-pack model requires more customer effort. - Specialisation matters: Viking excels in fine art and antiques, but Schumacher is strong in vehicle shipping, whilst Seven Seas is ideal for budget-conscious DIY moves. Sunset and Cross Country provide comprehensive solutions suitable for most household relocations.
Next Steps
- Inventory items to determine whether you need FCL, LCL, or a moving pod.
- Compare quotes from at least three movers and check fees, customs support, and insurance.
- Verify credentials. Confirm FMC licensing and UK delivery partnerships.
- Book 2-3 months ahead. This is especially important during peak summer moving season.
FAQ
Does the mover handle UK customs?
Movers only help with customs paperwork and coordination. However, you’re responsible for completing forms such as the HMRC ToR01. Making sure documents are submitted correctly is also your responsibility.
What’s the difference between a direct carrier and a freight forwarder?
Direct carriers handle more of the move themselves, offering greater control and a single point of contact. Freight forwarders coordinate through partner networks, often providing lower costs and more flexibility.
What’s the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL gives you exclusive use of a container. It is best for full-household moves. LCL combines your shipment with others to reduce costs, but it may end up increasing transit times.
