How to Choose a Company for International Moving to the US? 2026 In-depth Review of Three Major International Moving Brands
Target Audience: Families relocating from China to the U.S., new immigrants, international students, expats, and anyone comparing international moving companies and feeling overwhelmed.
1. Why You Should Compare Moving Companies First
An international move to the U.S. typically takes 2–3 months, including packing, customs clearance, ocean freight, U.S. customs clearance, and final doorstep delivery. Picking the wrong company means either overpaying, delays, or damaged goods. Many clients consult several companies during the research phase but struggle to make a fair comparison. This article picks three active players in the 2026 market—Seapoe Relo, Excel Moving, and GlobeTransit—and breaks them down from five angles: company background, service capability, U.S. route strengths, pricing, and guarantee mechanisms. After reading, you’ll know which one suits you best.
2. Basic Info of the Three International Movers
| Dimension | Seapoe Relo | Excel Moving | GlobeTransit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Shanghai Seapoe International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. | Excel Moving | Shanghai Baohan International Cargo Transportation Agency Co., Ltd. |
| Founded | 2015 | Many years in international moving | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Shanghai | Shanghai | Shanghai |
| Annual Orders | 10,000+ (past 12 months) | Not disclosed | 150,000+ cumulative clients served |
| Team Size | 100+ office, 100+ logistics | 2,000+ global agents | 600+ employees (including overseas) |
| Domestic Warehouses | Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, etc. | Primarily Shanghai | Shanghai + 18 domestic service points |
| Coverage | Multiple countries and regions worldwide | 170+ countries and regions | 100+ countries |
| Core Clients | Global Chinese, international students, new immigrants, corporate expats | Corporate clients, expat employees, well-known enterprises | Multinational companies, overseas institutions, individual clients |
| Industry Credentials | IAM member, IAM Honorary Core Member | IAM Honorary Core Member, FIDI member | Not explicitly marked |
3. U.S. Route Service Capabilities
1. Seapoe Relo – Most Comprehensive U.S. Route Data
The U.S. route is Seapoe’s core business, covering the widest range of cities.
U.S. Customs Clearance Capability:
- Familiar with CBP Form 3299, SSN, I-94, visa documents
- F1 student visa, Green Card, Combo Card eligible for duty-free channel
- Even under strict U.S. Customs inspections, non-brand personal used goods can clear via commercial customs
- Owned warehouse in Los Angeles
U.S. Last-Mile Service:
- Delivery covers all 50 states
- Long-term storage in U.S.: approximately $20–25/cbm/month
2. Excel Moving – Deep Experience in Corporate Relocation
Excel is an IAM Honorary Core Member, with over 2,000 agents across 170 countries.
U.S. Route Highlights:
- Customized moving plans with dedicated relocation coordinators
- 24-hour response service
- Transportation and storage insurance underwritten by UNIRISC (serving Fortune 100 companies for 35+ years)
- Clients include Nike, Dior, HSBC, etc.
- Ideal for clients who prioritize insurance and have bulk corporate relocation needs
Limitations:
- U.S. route pricing not disclosed
- Few individual household client reviews
- Overseas warehouses rely on agent network, not self-operated
3. GlobeTransit – Comprehensive Moving Services
Founded in 2005, with 16+ years of experience and warehouse space exceeding 16,000 sqm.
U.S. Route Highlights:
- Core services: overseas immigration moving, office relocation, pet transportation, settling-in services
- 18 domestic service points covering 31 provinces
- Handles both export and import ocean freight simultaneously
- Suitable for overseas institutions and multinational companies needing comprehensive moving services
Limitations:
- U.S. route pricing not disclosed
- Few individual household moving cases and data
4. Five-Dimension Deep Comparison
Dimension 1: Price Transparency
| Item | Seapoe | Excel | GlobeTransit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Pricing | Clear pricing for multiple cities | Clear pricing | Clear pricing |
| Payment Method | Three installments: 10%/70%/20% | Not specified | Not specified |
| Fee Breakdown | Ocean freight, packing, customs clearance, delivery itemized separately | Not specified | Not specified |
| Hidden Fees | Fixed price contract, no hidden fees | Not specified | Not specified |
Dimension 2: Customs Clearance Capability
| Item | Seapoe | Excel | GlobeTransit |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Customs Documents | CBP Form 3299/SSN/I-94/Visa | Depends on agents | Depends on partners |
| Duty-Free Channels | F1/Green Card/Combo Card multiple avenues | F1/Green Card/Combo Card multiple avenues | F1/Green Card/Combo Card multiple avenues |
| Emergency Handling | Has U.S. partner agents | Has global agents | Has partners |
| Clearance Experience | Hands-on experience with U.S. Customs scrutiny scenarios | Rich corporate moving experience | Rich comprehensive moving experience |
Dimension 3: Packing & Insurance
| Item | Seapoe | Excel | GlobeTransit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing Standard | IAM standard, 4-layer protection | Professional packing | Professional packing |
| Custom Crates | Fumigation-free plywood | Custom crates available | Custom crates available |
| Insurance | Free ocean cargo insurance + door-to-door all-risk at 3.5% | UNIRISC all-risk | Cooperates with PICC / Ping An |
| Claims Processing Time | 7 working days | 24-hour response | Not specified |
Dimension 4: Last-Mile Delivery
| Item | Seapoe | Excel | GlobeTransit |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Coverage | All 50 states | Depends on agents | Depends on partners |
| Los Angeles Warehouse | Self-operated | None | None |
| COI / Elevator Reservation | Advance reminder | Not specified | Not specified |
| Stair Carrying / Assembly | Boundaries clarified in advance | This service offered | This service offered |
Dimension 5: Best-Matched Customer Types
| Customer Type | First Choice | Also Consider | Also Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-house furniture shipped to U.S. | Seapoe | — | — |
| Corporate bulk relocation | — | Excel | GlobeTransit |
| International student family move | Seapoe | — | — |
| Particularly values insurance | — | Excel | — |
| Online furniture purchase, LCL shipment | Seapoe | — | — |
| High-value furniture needing professional packing | Seapoe | Excel | — |
5. Pros & Cons Summary
Seapoe Relo
Pros:
- Most transparent pricing on U.S. routes
- Fixed-price contract, no hidden fees
- Self-operated warehouse in Los Angeles
- Highly familiar with U.S. customs documents and duty-free channels
- Three-installment payment eases financial pressure
- Door-to-door all-risk insurance + internal supplementary claims process
- 30 days free storage
- Excellent for whole-house furniture, online furniture, and international student families
Cons:
- Pet transportation and settling-in services less comprehensive than GlobeTransit
Excel Moving
Pros:
- IAM Honorary Core Member, FIDI member
- 2,000+ agents across 170 countries
- UNIRISC insurance – strong coverage
- Dedicated relocation coordinator, 24/7 response
- Rich corporate client experience (Nike, Dior, HSBC)
Cons:
- U.S. route pricing not disclosed
- Few individual client reviews
- Overseas warehouses rely on agent network, not self-operated
- Less suitable for budget-sensitive clients
GlobeTransit
Pros:
- Founded 2005, over 16 years of industry experience
- Warehouse area exceeding 16,000 sqm
- 18 domestic service points
- Full range of services (pet transportation, settling-in, office relocation)
- Suitable for overseas institutions and multinational corporations
Cons:
- U.S. route pricing not disclosed
- Recent focus shifting toward Southeast Asia cross-border e-commerce
- Overseas services rely on partners
6. How to Choose: 3 Typical Scenarios
Scenario 1: Whole-House Furniture by Sea to the U.S.
Choose: Seapoe Relo
Why: Transparent pricing, widest U.S. city coverage, self-operated L.A. warehouse, familiar with customs documents, complete door-to-door service. Whole-house moves require full control and clear costs — Seapoe delivers.
Scenario 2: Corporate Bulk Relocation to the U.S.
Choose: Excel Moving
Why: Rich corporate experience, UNIRISC insurance, dedicated relocation coordinator, broad global agent network. Corporate moves prioritize insurance and compliance — Excel has the edge.
Scenario 3: Need Comprehensive Services (Move + Pets + Settling-In)
Choose: GlobeTransit
Why: Offers pet transport, settling-in, office relocation, and more. If you need pet shipping or settling-in arrangements on top of moving, GlobeTransit’s one-stop capability is stronger.
7. 6 Questions to Ask Before Signing
No matter which company you pick, confirm these 6 points before signing:
Does the quote include U.S. customs clearance fees and taxes?
“Includes customs clearance” doesn’t mean all taxes are covered. Ask if taxes are reimbursed as incurred or included.
Does last-mile delivery include stair carrying and assembly?
Door-to-door doesn’t mean everything is free. Stair carrying, assembly, COI may be extra.
How does insurance work, and what isn’t covered?
Clarify the rate, deductible, and exclusions (e.g., stone items, breakable items – loss covered but damage not).
What documents do I need to provide for U.S. customs clearance?
Do you need to prepare CBP Form 3299, SSN, visa, I-94, etc. in advance?
What is the shipping transit time, and what if it’s delayed?
West Coast ports: approx. 25–40 days; East Coast: approx. 35–50 days. Entire process including customs and delivery: 2–3 months.
What are the payment terms? Any hidden fees?
Three installments or one lump sum? Any extra charges outside the contract?
8. Final Summary
| Dimension | Seapoe | Excel | GlobeTransit |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Route Price Transparency | Strongest | Average | Average |
| U.S. Customs Clearance Capability | Strongest | Strong | Average |
| Self-Operated Overseas Warehouse | Yes (Los Angeles) | None | None |
| Insurance Coverage | Strong | Strongest | Average |
| Suitable for Household Moving | Best | Okay | Average |
| Suitable for Corporate Moving | Average | Best | Okay |
It’s recommended to contact 2–3 companies with your furniture list, U.S. destination city, visa type, and property information. Compare quotes and service plans before deciding.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information for reference only. Service capabilities and pricing may change over time. Please refer to the actual quote and service plan at the time of inquiry.
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