International Moves

At E Freight, our international moves solutions take the stress out of cross-border relocations—handling customs, transport, and safety so you can focus on settling in. This case study shares how we moved the Lee family (2 adults, 1 child) from New York City to Tokyo in 3 weeks, with zero damage to their 2-bedroom home goods and seamless customs clearance.

The Lees, a tech professional family, needed to relocate for a 3-year work assignment. Their key needs:

1. Safe Transport of Sentimental Items: A family photo album, child’s handmade toys, and a wooden dining table (gifted by grandparents) required extra care.
2. Fast Customs Clearance: They needed belongings to arrive within 3 weeks to avoid living in a hotel long-term.
3. Hassle-Free Process: Neither parent had time to handle international paperwork or logistics.

Challenges included:

• Tokyo’s strict import regulations for wooden furniture (to prevent pests).
• 6,700-mile transit (air + ground) risking item damage.
• Coordinating pickup in NYC and delivery to their Tokyo apartment.

We kept the process simple and secure with 3 key steps:

• Item Check & Compliance: Our team inspected the wooden table, treated it with pest-free sealant (meeting Japan’s standards), and created a detailed inventory list for customs.
• Customs Support: We filed all paperwork (import permits, duty declarations) upfront—avoiding last-minute delays.

• Air Freight for Speed: We shipped essential items (clothes, child’s toys) via air (arrived in 5 days) and bulk goods (furniture, kitchenware) via sea (arrived in 2 weeks).
• Protective Packing: Sentimental items were wrapped in shock-absorbing foam; the dining table was crated in reinforced wood.

• Tokyo Ground Transport: Our local partner picked up goods from the port, cleared customs, and delivered to the Lees’ apartment.
• Basic Unpacking: We unpacked essential boxes (bedding, kid’s toys) so the family could settle in the same day.

“E Freight handled everything—from treating our table to tracking shipments. We didn’t fill out a single form, and our photo album arrived perfect. Moving internationally felt easy for once!"

— Mr. Lee, NYC-to-Tokyo Mover

• Customs Expertise: We know 100+ countries’ regulations to avoid delays.
• Dual Transport Options: Air (fast) or sea (cost-effective) to fit your timeline.
• 24/7 Tracking: Check your belongings’ location via our app anytime.

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