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
Our move across 2 days and 180 miles was seamless.
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Honestly cannot remember
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?
Mark listened to us and quoted accordingly
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
The 4 guys were all excellent
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
You are doing fine as you are.
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?
The highest praise I can give the removal team is that our move across 2 days and 180 miles was seamless. The guys were excellent.
I didn't get other quotes after our phone conversation
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I had your card (through the door?) / you moved us to France many years ago
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?
Big effort you made to find us an appropriate date and I didn't get other quotes after our phone conversation
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Easy going / efficient / friendly / obliging / nice people ... a pleasure to meet them all
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
I wouldn't know how to answer this
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?
It took the sting out of the anxiety involved ... especially after the calls you made on my behalf from Leicester to Stafford which resulted In getting a cancelled booking, allowing me to move before the big stamp duty deadline which the rest of my chain were trying to beat. As the truck pulled into the drive of my daughter's house, the phone rang to confirm the exchange of contracts on the house ... tight timing!
First class service
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommendation
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?
Confidence in the discussion with the office.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
They treated me with total dignity and respect throughout the move, with compassion and kindness, even when the completion was delayed by 2 hours!, efficient and multiple teams came to do the final unload which was so kind.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
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?
First class service
UK Quote
Complete the form below to get your UK Removals quotation
European Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your European Removals quotation
International Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your International Removals quotation
Call Me Back
Complete the form below and we'll call you back to discuss your requirements
Self Storage
Complete the form below to get your Self Storage quotation
UK Price Guide
Complete the form below to get a Price Guide sent to you
Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only. If you're moving to or from the UK mainland please speak to one of our friendly team who will be able to provide you with a bespoke quote.
© Bradshaw Moving Services 2025.
Registered in England 10144531
Bradshaw Moving Services is a trading name of Bradshaws of Leicester Limited
An indicoll website
Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclaimerAccessibility