How are personal belongings transported abroad?
Temporary or permanent work assignments, studying abroad or returning home – there are many reasons for transporting personal effects or furniture across the border. No matter what the motive may be, it is always important that they arrive at their destination safely and on time.
If you want to transport your personal belongings abroad, start by making a detailed list with an approximate value of each item. All items must be listed by packaging unit (box, crate, bag, etc.), and each packaging unit needs to be clearly marked and numbered. This list is handed over to the freight forwarder, who will prepare the documents for the customs authorities.
The choice of transport method will depend on the shipment volume, the destination, and on how quickly you need your items delivered.Road transport can be a cost-effective option for closer destinations. You can have a truck or van hired exclusively for your needs, or make use of groupage transport.
For overseas destinations, seafreight is the most economical option. You can book a full container or make use of consolidated transport, sharing a container with other shippers. Some forwarders will require special wooden crates, while others also accept cardboard boxes or suitcases.
If you have only a few boxes and need them shipped as quickly as possible, airfreight is the simplest option. Airlines will charge based on the actual or “calculated weight” of your shipment, whichever is higher. The calculated weight in kg is determined as follows: length x width x height in centimetres, divided by 6,000.
Leaving Serbia? If you are planning to take books, paintings and other art objects out of the country, you will require special permissions. For works of art and all other objects older than 50 years, permission must be obtained from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Serbia. In the case of books and publications, it is issued by the National Library of Serbia.
Returning to Serbia? If you are a citizen of Serbia and have been working abroad for a minimum of two years, you may be exempt from some or all import duties on your personal effects and furniture. Your logistics provider can assist you in preparing the required documents.
A change of residence is always a busy time, so the transport of your personal belongings should not cause you any additional worries. Take care to choose an experienced logistics provider with a professional and engaged staff to answer all your questions and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
