International removals by sea
Whilst moving internationally may be a little more complicated than moving across the street, there aren't many places that we haven't completed a move to. Let Bradshaw Moving Services take the strain and support you with your exciting international move. Our experienced team have moved people all over the globe, and know how to help you have the smoothest move abroad possible.
Moving your home by sea does take longer than a move by road or air, and the most common questions we're asked are how much fits in a shipping container, and how long will it take for my items to arrive.

How large are shipping containers?
Below are the sizes and dimensions of the most commonly used containers to ship household goods and personal effects.
The cubic capacity stated is the maximum. When loading household goods and personal effects allow for a 10% reduction in capacity.
Container size | Length mm | Width mm | Height mm | Capacity in cubic metres |
---|---|---|---|---|
20' General Purpose | 5893 | 2337 | 2388 | 32.9 |
40' General Purpose | 12014 | 2337 | 2388 | 67 |
40' High Cube | 12014 | 2337 | 2667 | 75.8 |
45' High Cube | 13556 | 2352 | 2698 | 86 |


How long is transit time?
The transit times listed below are what we commonly experience, however, shipping lines do alter schedules from time to time without prior notice. It is worth noting that transit times can be impacted by economic fluctuations and adverse weather conditions.
For most ports there are several weekly sailings and transit times and costs can vary. Times shown are door-to-door.
Destination | Shared container | Sole use container |
---|---|---|
Australia | 10 - 12 weeks | 7 - 9 weeks |
Canada - East coast | 6 - 9 weeks | 4 - 5 weeks |
Canada - West coast | 10 - 12 weeks | 5 - 7 weeks |
Far East | 8 -10 weeks | 5 - 6 weeks |
Mediterranean | 6 - 9 weeks | 3 - 5 weeks |
New Zealand | 10 - 12 weeks | 7 - 9 weeks |
South Africa - Cape Town, Durban | 9 - 13 weeks | 5 - 7 weeks |
South Africa - Johannesburg | 9 - 13 weeks | 5 - 7 weeks |
Canary Islands | 8 - 12 weeks | 4 - 5 weeks |
Dubai & UAE | 7 -11 weeks | 4 - 6 weeks |
USA - East coast and Florida | 8 - 12 weeks | 4 - 6 weeks |
USA - West coast - San Francisco/Los Angeles | 9 - 13 weeks | 5 - 7 weeks |
Removal quote appointment booking service
Bradshaw Moving Services can help your move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 0116 289 9011 (Leicester), 0115 965 6555 (Nottingham), or 01283 243001 (Derby & Burton) and speak with one of our removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
A fantastic job getting us all packed in a day and unpacked in just a few hours
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommended by employer
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Relocation expenses covered by new employer
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Tommy, Jake, Kemp, and Marcus did a fantastic job getting us all packed in a day and unpacked in just a few hours.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Continue what you are doing!
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Polite and very helpful
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I received mail
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
A neighbour used you
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Marcus, What a nice man polite and very helpful. Took my dining table down and put it back up for us. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Score 10
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Cannot think of anything
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
I was very happy
Professional, helpful, prompt
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommendation from employee
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Recommended. Considering only 2 days notice your quote was very competitive
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Professional, helpful, prompt
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
No improvement needed.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Removal team were helpful, courteous and professional. Waiting for completion was long winded but the team were very patient
Took every care possible with our belongings
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Word of mouth - referral
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
9/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Referred to you. Advised your moving staff were very good.
How would you rate your move team?
9/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Kemp, Jamie and Aaron worked as a team. Took every care possible with our belongings. They all followed our request on specific items of value. Very happy individuals and worked very hard to make our move an easy process. We were pleased that we pushed our solicitor / estate agent which resulted in the release of the keys just before 11am.
Please pass on our thanks all three, plus they late helpers Tommy and Jake on the 25th. We would not hesitate in recommending this team in the future to friends and family. EXCELLENT JOB!
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
It was all good from Trevor's visit to finishing the move.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
9/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
No
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