Whether you're moving across the border or across the globe, Universal Cargo has specialized in international moving logistics and planning since 1983. We understand the intricacies of customs regulations and clearance processes worldwide, offering fully comprehensive door-to-door services—from packing to setup in your new home.

What’s the Best Shipping Method for Your International Move?

There are three main transportation options: ocean freight, air freight, and overland transport.

Ocean Freight

Ocean shipping is the most commonly used method in international logistics. Within this category, there are two main options:

Full Container Load (FCL – FCL)

Ideal for clients with a significant volume of household goods. With FCL, the entire container is reserved for one shipment, ensuring greater security, privacy, and faster delivery times.

Available container sizes:

• 20-foot container: approx. 30 cubic meters (suitable for a standard 3-bedroom home)
• 40-foot container: approx. 63 cubic meters
• 40-foot High Cube container: approx. 72 cubic meters (ideal for a 4–5-bedroom home)
• A 40-foot container is also suitable for transporting household goods along with one vehicle.

Shared Container – Less than Container Load (LCL – LCL)

In this option, multiple shipments share the same container. Each client's items are packed in custom-built wooden liftvans for safety and organization. This can be a more cost-effective solution, although it is not always available and may have longer transit times than an exclusive container.

Air Freight

Air freight is faster, safer, and more reliable than ocean freight, although often more expensive. Airlines also enforce stricter regulations regarding hazardous materials such as flammable liquids, lithium batteries, corrosive substances, etc.

Is air shipping always the most expensive option?

Not necessarily. Two key factors can make it more cost-effective:

For certain smaller volumes, air freight may actually be less expensive than ocean freight.

If your destination city is far from a seaport but has an international airport (e.g., Madrid or Mexico City), air freight can save on inland transportation costs.

Overland Transport (By Truck)

Planning a move to a neighboring country? For nearby destinations, road transport is often the best choice. Universal Cargo provides international moving services to and from Uruguay, southern Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Paraguay.

Our personalized approach, along with in-depth knowledge of customs procedures on both sides of the border, ensures a smooth, secure, and efficient transition—especially for shorter distances.