Moving to another country means figuring out how to get your entire household there. Choosing between ocean freight and air freight is the most important decision you will make. It changes both how much you pay and how fast your belongings arrive.
If you are moving for work, you want to settle in and get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible. Here is how to use the Pacific Northwest’s ports and airports to make your move smooth and free of delays.
The Sea-Tac Advantage: Air Freight for Quick Setup
When you need to start working right away in a new country, air freight is the best choice for the items you cannot live without. Instead of waiting weeks for a shipping container, you can send a smaller shipment by air. This approach ensures your work gear, electronics, and daily essentials arrive right after your flight lands.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), it usually takes 1 to 7 days to ship items by air, depending on customs processing. Because Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is right here, processing your items is very quick. You can set up your home office and keep working without taking a break.
The Ports of Seattle & Tacoma: Ocean Freight for the Heavy Lifting
Air freight is built for speed, but ocean freight is how you move a whole house. For furniture, big appliances, and the bulk of your belongings, packing everything into a shipping container is the safest and most affordable option.
The Pacific Northwest is a great location for ocean shipping. The Northwest Seaport Alliance notes that Seattle is the closest major U.S. port to Asia. The ships move efficiently: going straight to major cities like Tokyo or Shanghai takes about 10 to 14 days, while trips to places like Vietnam take around 18 days.
Even though the ocean trip is relatively fast, the overall travel time is longer. Packing your items, storing the container at a secure Kent warehouse, and clearing customs at your destination will usually take 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish.
The Best of Both Worlds: The Hybrid Strategy
To save money and keep your life running smoothly, the most effective plan is to use both methods:
- The “Must-Have” Air Box: Send a smaller shipment out of Sea-Tac with everything you need to be completely comfortable for your first 30 days.
- The Main Container: Send your furniture and the rest of your household goods by sea through the Port of Tacoma or Seattle.
By splitting up your move, you avoid the hassle of living out of a suitcase. You can focus completely on your new job and city while the rest of your home crosses the globe.
Lincoln Moving & Storage uses our strategic Kent location to make your global transition completely seamless. Our dedicated move coordinators handle every single detail, from careful export packing to clearing foreign customs. By trusting our team with the heavy lifting, you can focus entirely on starting your new life and career abroad.
