Shipit.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website shipit.co.uk, it appears to be a legitimate and comprehensive service for international removals from the UK. The site, representing 1st Move International, clearly outlines its offerings, benefits, and commitment to customer service, presenting a strong case for its reliability in overseas shipping.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Company Name: 1st Move International (operating under shipit.co.uk)
• Service Offered: International Removals of household goods, furniture, and personal effects from the UK.
• Experience: 25+ years in the industry.
• Key Differentiators: Faster Shipping (pre-booked container slots, weekly sailings), Safer Packing (palletised, shrink-wrapped system), Smarter Pricing (volume-based, exact measurements).
• Accreditations: Members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA). Registered customs brokers with an EORI number.
• Customer Service: Dedicated personal move managers, 24/7 container tracking, customs clearance handling.
• Transparency: Detailed FAQs, clear pricing explanations, prohibited goods list, and links to governmental compliance checks.
• Ethical Considerations: The service focuses on legitimate and necessary logistical support for relocation, adhering to standard industry practices. There are no apparent elements that would raise concerns from an Islamic ethical standpoint. The emphasis on transparency, safe handling, and regulated operations aligns with principles of honest dealing and professional conduct.

The website provides a wealth of information, addressing potential concerns about shipping logistics, costs, customs, and security. They highlight their unique palletised packing method, which they claim reduces damage and mix-ups. Their membership in reputable industry associations like BAR and BIFA, along with direct links to government registers for customs agents and EORI numbers, significantly bolsters their credibility. The inclusion of a personal move manager and 24/7 tracking also adds a layer of reassurance for customers. Furthermore, their detailed FAQ section and the clear breakdown of pricing structures, shipping options (shared vs. full container), and prohibited items demonstrate a commitment to transparency. Overall, shipit.co.uk appears to be a well-established, transparent, and professionally run international removals company.

Here are some excellent alternatives for shipping and logistics services, ensuring ethical and reliable options for your relocation needs:

• DHL Express
  • Key Features: Global leader in express shipping and logistics, offering international courier, parcel, and express mail services. Provides end-to-end tracking, customs clearance support, and a wide network.
  • Average Price: Varies significantly based on destination, weight, and speed; typically higher for express services.
  • Pros: Extremely reliable, extensive global reach, fast transit times for express shipments, excellent tracking system.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than sea freight options for large moves, primarily focused on smaller parcels and urgent documents unless specified for larger cargo.
• UPS (United Parcel Service)
  • Key Features: One of the world’s largest package delivery companies, offering a wide range of logistics services, including international shipping, freight forwarding, and supply chain solutions.
  • Average Price: Competitive, depends on service type (express, standard), destination, and size/weight.
  • Pros: Vast global network, reliable delivery, diverse service offerings from small parcels to large cargo, strong tracking capabilities.
  • Cons: Pricing can be complex, may not be the most cost-effective for very large household moves compared to dedicated removal companies.
• FedEx
  • Key Features: Provides worldwide express shipping, freight services, and e-commerce solutions. Known for its speed and reliability in international logistics.
  • Average Price: Generally premium pricing for express services, competitive for freight.
  • Pros: Fast international transit times, robust tracking, extensive global presence, good for time-sensitive shipments.
  • Cons: Higher costs for large volume shipments, less focus on household goods removal specialists compared to dedicated moving companies.
• Maersk
  • Key Features: A global integrated container logistics company, primarily focused on ocean freight and related services. Ideal for very large shipments or commercial cargo.
  • Average Price: Typically quoted per container or volume, highly variable based on route and market conditions.
  • Pros: World’s largest container shipping line, highly cost-effective for large volumes over long distances, reliable for ocean freight.
  • Cons: Not directly a household removals company; customers would need to arrange packing, loading, and local delivery separately; longer transit times.
• MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
  • Key Features: Another leading global container shipping company, offering extensive port coverage and sea freight services worldwide.
  • Average Price: Varies based on container size, route, and current shipping rates.
  • Pros: Massive fleet and network, very competitive for ocean freight, reliable for intercontinental transport of goods.
  • Cons: Similar to Maersk, focuses on port-to-port shipping rather than door-to-door household removals; requires coordination with other logistics providers.
• Royal Mail Parcelforce Worldwide
  • Key Features: A UK-based courier and logistics company that offers international parcel delivery services. Good for smaller shipments of personal effects.
  • Average Price: Reasonable for parcels, increases with size and weight.
  • Pros: Reputable UK service, good for sending individual boxes or smaller items, reliable tracking for parcels.
  • Cons: Not suitable for full household removals, limits on size and weight for individual items, less comprehensive than dedicated international movers.
• Specialist International Removals Companies (e.g., White & Company)
  • Key Features: Many UK-based removals companies specialise in international moves, offering full packing, customs assistance, and door-to-door services tailored for household goods. White & Company is one such established firm.
  • Average Price: Varies widely based on volume, distance, and services chosen (e.g., packing, insurance).
  • Pros: Comprehensive door-to-door service, expertise in packing and handling household items, customs guidance, insurance options.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than purely freight options, require detailed inventories and planning.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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shipit.co.uk Review & First Look: A Deep Dive into 1st Move International

When you’re facing an international move, the sheer logistics can feel overwhelming. That’s where services like shipit.co.uk come into play, promising to simplify the process. Based on a thorough examination of their website, 1st Move International, operating under the shipit.co.uk domain, presents itself as a highly experienced and structured international removals company based in the UK. Their platform is designed to instill confidence, providing detailed explanations of their services, unique selling points, and a strong emphasis on security and transparency.

Initial Impressions and Website Navigation

The website, shipit.co.uk, immediately highlights its core service: international removals. The layout is clean and professional, with clear calls to action such as “Request your free international Removals quote today.” The navigation is intuitive, allowing users to easily find information on shipping options, packing processes, customs clearance, and popular destinations. This user-friendly approach is crucial for individuals navigating the complexities of moving abroad, ensuring they can quickly access the information they need without unnecessary hassle.

Company Background and Credibility

1st Move International claims over 25 years of experience in shipping household goods overseas. This long tenure in the industry is a significant trust factor, suggesting a deep understanding of international logistics and potential pitfalls. They explicitly state their membership in the British Association of Removers (BAR) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA). These are key industry accreditations in the UK, indicating adherence to strict quality guidelines, financial stability checks, and professional codes of practice. For instance, the BAR Code of Practice is approved by the Trading Standards Institute, providing consumers with an additional layer of protection. This commitment to industry standards is a strong indicator of their ethical standing and operational integrity.

Unique Benefits of 1st Move International

The website clearly outlines three “Unique Benefits” that differentiate their service: Faster Shipping, Safer Packing, and Smarter Pricing. These pillars address primary concerns for anyone planning an international move.

Faster Shipping: Pre-booked Container Slots and Weekly Sailings

1st Move International claims “Faster Shipping” by utilising pre-booked container slots shared with commercial exporters. This strategy means they don’t wait to fill an entire container with household goods before shipping, allowing for weekly sailings with “the world’s premier shipping lines.” Apcarpetcleaningservices.co.uk Review

• Benefit: This reduces waiting times, which can be a significant advantage for those needing to move swiftly.
• Mechanism: By integrating with commercial shipping schedules, they leverage existing logistics flows that are typically more frequent and robust.
• Data Point: The claim of “unbeatable transit times” suggests an efficient operational model, though specific transit time guarantees would vary by destination and current shipping conditions.

Safer Packing: Palletised Shipping for Maximum Protection

The company’s “Safer Packing” methodology involves palletised shipping. Instead of handling individual items, belongings are shrink-wrapped and secured onto pallets.

• Process: This unique process aims to minimise handling of individual items, thereby reducing the risk of damage or mix-ups during transit.
• Security: Palletisation also enhances the security and protection of goods, as items are consolidated into fewer, more stable units.
• Industry Standard vs. Unique: While palletisation is a common practice in commercial logistics, its application to individual household removals in this manner is presented as a distinctive advantage, offering a more robust protection compared to loose packing methods.

Smarter Pricing: Volume-Based and Accurate Billing

“Smarter Pricing” focuses on transparency and accuracy. Moving costs are determined by the total volume of the shipment. After packing, their pallets are measured exactly to ensure “clear and accurate billing.”

• Principle: This volume-based pricing model is standard in international shipping, but the emphasis on exact measurement post-packing aims to eliminate billing surprises.
• Cost Efficiency: For customers, this means they only pay for the precise space their goods occupy, especially beneficial for shared container services.
• Transparency: The website provides a link to an “international removals cost calculator,” enabling potential customers to get an estimate and understand how volume impacts their final cost.

shipit.co.uk Services and Options

The website details various shipping options to cater to different needs and shipment sizes, along with crucial auxiliary services like customs clearance and tracking.

International Removals by Shared Container

This option is ideal for smaller international shipments, typically up to 15 cubic metres or 530 cubic feet. Customers share a shipping container with other consignments bound for the same overseas destination.

• Cost-Effectiveness: This is presented as a more affordable solution as customers “only pay for the space your own goods take up.”
• Logistics: The palletised shipping system is highlighted as making loading and offloading easier and safer in a shared environment.
• Frequency: Shared container services run on “set weekly shipping schedules” to popular destinations such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Dubai.

International Removals by Full Container

For larger international moves, such as a 3-4 bedroom household, 1st Move International offers full container services (20ft or 40ft containers) used solely for the customer’s shipment. Lockings.co.uk Review

• Scope: This is suitable for transporting all personal effects, including white goods and furniture.
• Loading Options: Containers can be loaded directly from the customer’s home (subject to access) or goods can be collected in smaller vans and securely loaded at their warehouse facilities.
• Process Duration: Packing and loading can take up to 3 days, after which the container proceeds directly to the port for the next available sailing.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Beyond just shipping, the website emphasizes a “Global Relocation Service Like No Other.” This includes:

• Personal Move Manager: A dedicated single point of contact with expertise in international removals, customs protocols, and documentation. This person coordinates every aspect of the move.
• Early Booking Discount: A 10% discount is offered if a move date is reserved within 10 days of receiving a quote, with “no deposit, no cancellation fees.” This incentivises early commitment and reflects operational savings passed to the customer.
• Customs Clearance: As registered customs brokers, they handle all customs documentation, regulations, and inspections, ensuring swift passage through border control. Their use of the UK Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system and their publicly available EORI number (GB720702181000) demonstrate their compliance and expertise.
• Shipment Protection Cover: While they take great care, they recommend their “MoveProtect cover” due to the distances and handling by multiple parties involved in international moves. This is a standard and wise recommendation in the removals industry.
• Container and Vessel Tracking: Customers can track their shipment’s progress using a provided container number via an online tool. This offers peace of mind throughout the transit.

shipit.co.uk Pros & Cons

Understanding the advantages and potential drawbacks of any service is crucial for making an informed decision. For shipit.co.uk, the strengths largely revolve around their established processes and customer-centric approach.

Pros of Using shipit.co.uk

• Extensive Experience: With over 25 years in international removals, 1st Move International brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to complex overseas logistics. This long-standing presence suggests reliability and a proven track record.
• Strong Industry Accreditations: Membership in BAR and BIFA provides significant credibility, assuring customers that the company adheres to strict professional, financial, and ethical standards within the UK removals industry. Their EORI number is also transparently displayed and verifiable.
• Unique Palletised Packing System: This method is a key differentiator, designed to offer enhanced protection for belongings, reducing the risk of damage, mix-ups, and improving security compared to traditional loose packing.
• Dedicated Personal Move Manager: Having a single point of contact simplifies communication and coordination, providing a consistent and personalised experience throughout the complex international moving process.
• Transparent Pricing and Quote Process: The website clearly explains that costs are based on volume, offers an online calculator, and provides a clear quote form. The 10% early booking discount without a deposit or cancellation fees is also very consumer-friendly.
• Comprehensive Customs Handling: Their expertise as registered customs brokers and handling of all necessary paperwork, including electronic filing through the CHIEF system, significantly eases the burden on the customer regarding complex international regulations.
• Global Reach and Frequent Sailings: Offering services to over 6,500 worldwide cities and ports, combined with weekly sailings through pre-booked container slots, provides broad accessibility and reduces waiting times for shipments.
• Positive Customer Feedback Indicators: The website states “135,000+ Happy Customers” and includes Trustpilot links, suggesting a generally positive customer satisfaction rate. (It’s always advisable for users to check third-party review sites directly for the most current sentiment).

Cons of Using shipit.co.uk

• Cost Perception: While they highlight “Smarter Pricing,” international removals, especially with professional packing and customs services, are inherently expensive. Customers accustomed to basic courier services might find the costs high, although they are competitive within the specialized international removals market.
• Dependency on External Factors: Like all shipping companies, 1st Move International is subject to external factors such as port delays, customs inspections in destination countries, and global shipping line schedules, which can impact transit times despite their best efforts.
• Insurance Requirement: While offering “MoveProtect Cover” is a responsible practice, the disclaimer that self-packed items are not covered for damages means customers must carefully consider their packing options and the associated risks.
• No Direct Online Booking with Fixed Price: The process still requires a quote request and a subsequent booking to secure the 10% discount, rather than an instant, fixed-price online booking for convenience. This is common for complex removals but less immediate than some e-commerce transactions.
• Limited Information on Airfreight Costs: While airfreight is mentioned as an option for urgent items, detailed pricing or a dedicated calculator for airfreight isn’t as prominent as for sea freight, which might necessitate further inquiry.

shipit.co.uk Pricing and Cost Structure

Understanding the cost of an international move is paramount, and shipit.co.uk strives to be transparent about its pricing model. They operate on a volume-based system, meaning the cost is directly tied to the total cubic volume of your packed goods.

How Costs Are Determined

The core principle behind shipit.co.uk’s pricing is the total volume of your shipment after packing. This is a standard industry practice for international removals.

• Exact Measurement: They state that after their professional packing service, pallets are measured exactly to ensure “clear and accurate billing.” This aims to prevent hidden fees or unexpected charges based on initial estimates.
• Shared vs. Full Container: The cost significantly varies depending on whether you opt for a shared container (groupage) or a full container (FCL).
  • Shared Container: You only pay for the specific space your goods occupy within a shared container, making it more affordable for smaller shipments. The website states shared container costs are typically between £1,250.00 and £4,000.00 depending on the final packed volume and destination.
  • Full Container: A dedicated 20ft or 40ft container for your sole use. This is naturally more expensive but necessary for larger households. A full house move with a dedicated container can cost between £4,500.00 and £7,500.00 depending on the destination.

Getting a Quote

Shipit.co.uk emphasizes a personalised quote process: Independentmerchantservices.co.uk Review

• Online Quote Form: The “simple quote form” on their website is the primary method to obtain an estimate. They promise to send a “tailored estimate within 24 hours.”
• Information Required: To provide an accurate quote, they need details on what you are shipping, your origin in the UK, and your destination overseas.
• Cost Calculator: For a budget estimate, they provide an “international removals cost calculator” on their website, allowing users to get an approximate idea of potential expenses before requesting a detailed quote.

Additional Cost Considerations

• Customs Duties and Taxes: While shipit.co.uk handles customs paperwork, they clarify that “typically, you can import your personal and household items without paying any duties if you’ve owned and used them for at least one year and they’re not intended for resale or for someone else.” However, they wisely advise contacting them to confirm any taxes or restrictions as regulations vary by country. This is a critical point, as destination country taxes are almost always the responsibility of the importer.
• Move Protection (Insurance): They recommend their “MoveProtect cover.” This is an additional cost but provides peace of mind. They also note that self-packed items are not covered for damages, which highlights the value of their professional packing service from an insurance perspective.
• Airfreight: While primary focus is on sea freight, airfreight is offered for urgent items. This is significantly more expensive per cubic metre or kilogram. The website advises air freighting only essentials for the first 1-2 weeks due to the cost.

Overall, shipit.co.uk provides a relatively transparent pricing structure for international removals, laying out the general cost ranges and the factors influencing the final price. The emphasis on exact measurements post-packing aims to ensure fairness and accuracy in billing.

How to Choose an International Moving Company

Selecting the right international moving company is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success and stress levels of your overseas relocation. Shipit.co.uk, through its own advice, provides a good framework for this selection process.

Research Multiple Companies

• Due Diligence: Begin by researching several international moving companies. Don’t settle for the first option you find.
• Online Presence: Evaluate their websites for professionalism, clarity of information, and ease of navigation. Look for comprehensive details on their services, experience, and regulatory compliance.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Check independent review platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and industry-specific forums. Look for consistent themes in customer feedback, both positive and negative. Pay attention to how companies respond to complaints.

Check Memberships and Accreditations

• Industry Associations: Ensure the companies are members of reputable trade associations. For moves originating from the UK, key organisations include:
  • British Association of Removers (BAR): As shipit.co.uk highlights, BAR membership indicates adherence to strict quality guidelines, financial stability, and a code of practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute. This provides a strong layer of consumer protection.
  • British International Freight Association (BIFA): Membership in BIFA signifies compliance with professional standards in freight forwarding, which is essential for the international movement of goods.
• Government Registrations: Verify their status as registered customs brokers and check their EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) if they claim to handle customs. Transparency in providing these details (like shipit.co.uk does) is a positive sign. You can often check these on government websites (e.g., gov.uk).

Evaluate Standards and Compliance

• Code of Practice: Look for companies that adhere to professional standards and compliance inspections. BAR members, for instance, are subject to regular audits.
• Transparency: Assess how transparent they are about their processes, pricing, and potential challenges. A company that clearly outlines what’s included, what’s extra, and what documents are needed (like prohibited items lists or customs requirements) is more trustworthy.
• Insurance/Protection: Understand their approach to shipment protection. A reputable company will offer or recommend comprehensive insurance coverage for your goods during transit.

Consider Experience and Expertise

• Track Record: Choose a company with a proven track record in international moves. Experience often translates to better handling of unforeseen issues and smoother operations. The number of years in business, volume of shipments handled, and customer satisfaction statistics (if verifiable) can all be indicators.
• Specialisation: Some companies specialise in certain destinations or types of moves (e.g., household vs. commercial). Ensure their expertise aligns with your specific needs.
• Customer Support: Assess their responsiveness and willingness to answer all your questions thoroughly. A dedicated move manager, as offered by shipit.co.uk, is a significant plus.

Get Detailed Quotes

• Compare Apples to Apples: Obtain detailed, written quotes from multiple companies. Ensure each quote specifies:
  • Volume of goods included
  • Services covered (packing, loading, customs clearance, delivery at destination)
  • Transit times
  • Insurance options and costs
  • Any potential surcharges or exclusions (e.g., destination duties/taxes, unpacking)
• Hidden Fees: Be wary of unusually low quotes that may have hidden fees. A comprehensive quote, even if initially higher, can save you money and stress in the long run.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly increase your chances of selecting a reputable and efficient international moving company, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home overseas.

Prohibited Items When Moving Overseas

One of the most critical aspects of planning an international move, and one that shipit.co.uk rightly highlights, is understanding what items you cannot ship overseas. Failing to adhere to these restrictions can lead to significant delays, fines, or even confiscation of your belongings. These prohibitions are usually based on international shipping regulations, customs laws of the destination country, and safety considerations.

General Categories of Prohibited Goods

While the exact list can vary slightly by destination country, there are common categories of items that are universally or widely prohibited from international shipping, especially within household goods. Shipit.co.uk advises checking their specific “prohibited goods list” for full details, but general examples include: Hobibear.co.uk Review

1. Perishable Goods:

   • Description: Food items that can spoil, rot, or attract pests, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and certain packaged foods with limited shelf life.
   • Reason: Risk of spoilage, contamination, pest infestation, and health regulations.

2. Plants and Plant Products:

   • Description: Live plants, seeds, bulbs, soil, and sometimes even dried plant materials.
   • Reason: Agricultural restrictions, prevention of invasive species, and disease transmission. Many countries have strict quarantine laws.

3. Tobacco and Alcohol:

   • Description: This category is often prohibited or heavily restricted, requiring specific permits, licences, and incurring high duties and taxes.
   • Reason: Excise duties, import quotas, and health regulations. Shipit.co.uk explicitly lists alcohol as prohibited for household removals.

4. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT):

   • Description: Items that pose a risk to health, safety, or property during transport. This is a very broad category including:
     • Flammable Liquids: Paints, varnishes, lighter fluid, aerosols, solvents, certain glues.
     • Corrosives: Batteries (especially uninstalled or damaged), acids, cleaning chemicals.
     • Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, firearms (highly restricted and require specific permits, often not allowed for general household goods).
     • Gases: Propane tanks, fire extinguishers, diving tanks.
     • Radioactive Materials: Any items with radioactive properties.
     • Poisons: Pesticides, toxic chemicals.
   • Reason: Safety regulations for air and sea transport, risk of fire, explosion, or chemical leaks.

5. Narcotics and Illegal Drugs: Chillfrost.co.uk Review

   • Description: Any illicit substances.
   • Reason: Illegal worldwide, strict penalties for attempting to ship.

6. Pornography and Obscene Materials:

   • Description: Content deemed offensive or illegal in the destination country.
   • Reason: Moral and legal restrictions in various jurisdictions.

7. Counterfeit Goods and Pirated Materials:

   • Description: Fake designer items, pirated DVDs, software, or other intellectual property infringements.
   • Reason: Intellectual property laws and combating illegal trade.

8. Valuables and Irreplaceable Documents (Highly Discouraged):

   • Description: While not strictly “prohibited” for shipping, companies like shipit.co.uk strongly advise against including jewellery, large sums of cash, important legal documents (passports, birth certificates, deeds), and sentimental irreplaceable items in your main shipment.
   • Reason: Risk of loss, damage, or theft during transit. These items should typically be carried personally.

9. Weapons and Ammunition:

   • Description: Firearms, knives, swords, and related accessories.
   • Reason: Strict national and international laws, often requiring special permits or being completely prohibited for import by individuals.

Why Adherence is Crucial

• Customs Inspections: Customs authorities in both the origin and destination countries have the right to inspect shipments. If prohibited items are found, the shipment can be delayed, returned, confiscated, or result in significant fines for the shipper and receiver.
• Safety Risks: Hazardous materials pose serious risks to shipping personnel, other cargo, and the vessel itself.
• Legal Consequences: Attempting to ship illegal items can lead to severe legal penalties.

Always consult the specific moving company’s prohibited items list and, if in doubt, contact them directly. Additionally, it is wise to check the customs website of your destination country for their most up-to-date import regulations. Diamondcutdetailing.co.uk Review

shipit.co.uk vs. Competitors

When evaluating shipit.co.uk (1st Move International) against its competitors in the international removals market, it’s essential to consider their unique approach and target audience. While direct apples-to-apples comparisons can be tricky given the varied service models, we can benchmark them against general categories of international movers.

Traditional Full-Service International Movers

Companies like Pickfords, Britannia Movers International, or Allied Van Lines (though primarily US-based with international partners) fall into this category.

• Similarities with shipit.co.uk:
  • Offer comprehensive door-to-door services, including packing, loading, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery.
  • Typically members of BAR and other international moving networks (e.g., FIDI Global Alliance).
  • Provide dedicated move managers.
• Differences:
  • Packing Method: Shipit.co.uk’s unique palletised shrink-wrap packing is a distinctive feature. Many traditional movers use standard carton packing and crating, which might not offer the same “no individual item handling” benefit.
  • Shipping Frequency: Shipit.co.uk’s claim of weekly sailings due to pre-booked commercial slots might be more frequent than some traditional movers, who may wait for a container to fill with household goods before dispatching shared shipments.
  • Pricing Transparency: While all reputable movers provide quotes, shipit.co.uk’s emphasis on “exact measurement” post-packing for “smarter pricing” aims for high clarity on volume-based costs.

Freight Forwarders (e.g., Kuehne+Nagel, DSV)

These companies primarily handle the logistics of moving goods from one point to another, often for commercial cargo, but can also facilitate personal effects.

• Similarities with shipit.co.uk:
  • Handle international sea and air freight.
  • Expertise in customs procedures.
• Differences:
  • Service Scope: Freight forwarders typically offer port-to-port or door-to-port, but often do not include the extensive home packing, unpacking, or dedicated personal effects handling that a specialist mover like shipit.co.uk provides. You might need to arrange your own packing, local collection/delivery, and insurance separately.
  • Focus: Their primary focus is on logistics efficiency for bulk cargo, whereas shipit.co.uk is tailored specifically for household removals with a strong customer service component.
  • Pricing: Freight forwarders may appear cheaper for the actual shipping component, but total costs can quickly add up when you factor in all the necessary auxiliary services they don’t provide.

International Parcel/Courier Services (e.g., DHL, UPS, FedEx, Parcelforce Worldwide)

These are ideal for sending individual boxes or smaller, urgent items.

• Similarities with shipit.co.uk:
  • Offer international shipping and tracking.
  • Handle customs clearance for parcels.
• Differences:
  • Capacity: These services are generally not equipped for full household removals (multiple cubic metres of furniture, appliances, etc.). They have strict weight and size limits per package.
  • Cost-Effectiveness for Volume: Extremely expensive if used for more than a few large boxes, making them unsuitable for even a small apartment move compared to sea freight options.
  • Service Model: Lack the dedicated move manager, specialised packing for furniture, and comprehensive handling of an entire household that shipit.co.uk provides.

Conclusion on Competition

Shipit.co.uk positions itself as a specialist international household removals company that blends the comprehensive, high-touch service of traditional movers with innovative packing methods and potentially more frequent shipping schedules than some peers. Their strong accreditations and transparent approach to pricing and customs make them a competitive choice. For someone planning a full household move from the UK, especially valuing efficient transit and robust packing, shipit.co.uk presents a compelling option that stands out from general freight forwarders or parcel services, while being a strong contender among fellow specialist removals companies. Perfumeextract.co.uk Review

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move overseas with shipit.co.uk?

The cost to move overseas with shipit.co.uk varies depending on the size of your move and whether you choose a shared or a dedicated container service. A full house move with a dedicated container can range from £4,500.00 to £7,500.00, while shared container costs are typically between £1,250.00 and £4,000.00, depending on the final packed volume and destination.

How do I get a quote for an international move from shipit.co.uk?

You can get a quote by completing the simple quote form on the shipit.co.uk website. They aim to send you a tailored estimate within 24 hours based on your moving requirements, origin, and destination.

What is the unique packing process used by shipit.co.uk?

Shipit.co.uk uses a unique palletised shipping process where belongings are carefully packed and shrink-wrapped onto pallets. This method is designed to minimise handling of individual items, reducing the risks of damage or mix-ups and improving the security and protection of your goods.

Does shipit.co.uk offer an early booking discount?

Yes, shipit.co.uk offers a 10% discount if you reserve your move date within 10 days of receiving your quote. They state there is no deposit required and no cancellation fees associated with this booking.

Are items packed by myself covered by MoveProtect cover with shipit.co.uk?

No, shipit.co.uk explicitly states that any items you pack yourself will not be covered for damages under their MoveProtect cover. They recommend using their professional packing services, especially for fragile items and most furniture, to ensure coverage. Citizenticket.co.uk Review

Does shipit.co.uk handle customs paperwork?

Yes, shipit.co.uk handles all customs paperwork and forms for your international move. They are registered customs brokers and electronically file all UK customs documents on your behalf, using systems like CHIEF for smooth transit.

Can I track my overseas move with shipit.co.uk?

Yes, you can track the progress of your shipment using their container tracking tool. Once your goods are packed and loaded, they provide you with a container number to use for tracking.

What accreditations does 1st Move International (shipit.co.uk) hold?

1st Move International is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA). They also publicly display their EORI number (GB720702181000) as registered customs brokers.

What is the cheapest way to move internationally with shipit.co.uk?

The cheapest way to move internationally with shipit.co.uk is via sea freight, specifically using their groupage (shared container) shipping service. This ensures you only pay for the exact space your household goods occupy inside the container.

Can shipit.co.uk ship cars overseas?

Yes, shipit.co.uk can ship cars overseas. However, they advise that in most cases, you need to have owned the vehicle for more than 12 months to avoid duty or taxes, and specific customs regulations vary by country. Levisolicitors.co.uk Review

What documents do I need for an international move with shipit.co.uk?

Essential documents typically include a copy of your passport, relevant visa or resident permit for your destination, and an inventory and valuation of the goods you are shipping. These can often be uploaded via their secure document transfer page.

What areas of the UK does shipit.co.uk serve for collections?

Shipit.co.uk offers nationwide collections from all major UK towns and cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Leicester, Coventry, Southampton, Plymouth, Exeter, and many more.

How long has 1st Move International been operating?

1st Move International has been shipping household goods overseas for more than 25 years, indicating significant experience in the international removals industry.

Can I send urgent items by airfreight with shipit.co.uk?

Yes, shipit.co.uk’s airfreight department can arrange to fly important items that need to arrive within a few days, such as essential clothes, toiletries, important documents, or children’s comfort items. However, they note that airfreight is significantly more expensive.

What items are prohibited from being shipped overseas by shipit.co.uk?

Prohibited items typically include perishable goods, plants, tobacco, alcohol, hazardous materials (like paints, aerosols, batteries), illegal drugs, and firearms. Shipit.co.uk advises consulting their specific prohibited goods list for full details. Lakelandverandahs.co.uk Review

How does shipit.co.uk ensure “Faster Shipping”?

Shipit.co.uk ensures “Faster Shipping” by using pre-booked container slots shared with commercial exporters, allowing them to ship weekly with premier shipping lines without waiting for their containers to be completely filled solely by household goods.

What happens if I need storage before my international move?

Shipit.co.uk offers free UK storage up to the next scheduled sailing date, which can be beneficial if there’s a gap between your moving day and the ship’s departure.

How does shipit.co.uk handle import duties and taxes at the destination?

Shipit.co.uk handles customs paperwork and declarations. However, they clarify that typically you can import personal and household items duty-free if owned for over a year and not for resale. Nevertheless, they advise contacting them to confirm country-specific taxes or restrictions, as the importer is generally responsible for these.

What are the two main shipping options offered by shipit.co.uk?

The two main shipping options offered are International Removals by Shared Container (for smaller shipments, up to 15 cubic metres) and International Removals by Full Container (for larger moves, like 3-4 bedroom households, using 20ft or 40ft containers).

How does shipit.co.uk justify “Smarter Pricing”?

Shipit.co.uk justifies “Smarter Pricing” by accurately measuring the exact volume of your shipment after their professional packing process. This ensures clear and accurate billing, so you only pay for the precise space your goods occupy, particularly beneficial for shared container services. Quartzkitchen.co.uk Review

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