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...
Really impressed and will use again if I had to move
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Well known name and internet
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?
Brand name
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Josh and Aaron top lads.
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?
Really impressed and will use again if I had to move
Fast movers and didn't waste time
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Card through the door, and we chose you because you came across as very professional
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?
As above
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Great guys, polite and friendly and very efficient, they were fast movers didn't waste time and the van was loaded in no time
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Nothing I can think of
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?
We were disappointed that one item was damaged.
Quite simply excellent
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Seen vehicles locally and details from website
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?
Impressed with the surveyor
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Quite simply excellent. Nothing was too much trouble and the whole experience was handled professionally
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
I cannot think of anything that would have made the move better
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?
Nothing more to add
The move team were pleasant, cheerful and helpful
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Wanted comparative quotes. Looked at recommendations on Google.
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?
Seemed a helpful professional company and were able to fit in the date required
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
The move team were pleasant, cheerful and helpful. They worked very hard and competently.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
There was just one hitch initially, when the survey I had booked by phone did not register, so no one came on the agreed survey date. This was quickly rectified when I phoned to enquire why. A minor problem but could lose a customer.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
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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.
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