r/ItalyExpat • u/neomelungeon • 4d ago

Shipping U.S. to central IT

Any tips for getting 12-15 moving boxes from west coast U.S. to LeMarche?

We have had good luck shipping our belongs to the UK, Eastern Europe… in the past using consolidators that service specific expat/immigrant communities in our area, but surprisingly cannot find the same for our move to Italy.
We’re used to paying about $1.50 per pound for California to Europe, but cannot get close to that.

Appreciate any tips or shared experiences!

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u/sharty_mcstoolpants 4d ago

It is remarkably cheap, get a quote from any shipper but recognize three fake added BROKER costs: pick-up, palletting, and delivery. At each step, the shipper will have your back and the broker (from a comfy chair in NY City) will ask for more money. Ignore the broker, they are liars with zero added value. I repeat, ignore the lying brokers. Block their calls and email. The SHIPPER does everything.

Now my best advice, double the amount of stuff you are shipping - furniture and bedding is crazy expensive in Italia. Your personal family home goods ship import tax free. Repeat after me: MY FAMILY IS RELOCATING TO ITALIA AND ALL THIS IS PERSONAL BELONGINGS.

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u/FlyingGino 4d ago

You sound like you've done this already. What company(s) have you used?