Shipping and Removals in the USA

The costs and logistics of shipping items to, from, or across the US are largely dependent on the area of the country your goods are being shipped to.

Both coasts of America have several major ports, and shipping to these regions is less expensive than to inland areas. To deliver smaller cargo to landlocked cities, air-freight delivery works much faster. Buying cargo insurance makes good sense, and most reputable movers will offer this coverage.

Shipping household goods to the USA

You can bring household goods into the USA duty-free as long as they are not new and have been in use for at least a year prior to your relocation. When transporting household goods into the US, you’ll need a full and detailed inventory list to accompany your shipment.

Your personal belongings face different requirements depending on their value and type. Books and clothing typically pass through customs without issues, provided they show clear signs of use. Furniture follows the same rule. Personal effects like clothing and jewellery over one year old usually have duty waived, though vehicles may still incur duties depending on residency status and intended use.

Electronics and appliances may need voltage converters once they arrive, as the US uses 120V power compared to 220V to 240V in most other countries.

Useful links

• CBP: Prohibited and Restricted Items
• CBP: Import Requirements
• CBP: Moving Used Household Goods
• CBP: Customs Duty Information

Shipping pets to the USA

As of August 2024, all dogs entering the US must meet new CDC requirements, regardless of their country of origin. The previous temporary suspension for dogs from high-risk rabies countries was replaced by new regulations. You’ll need to complete a CDC Dog Import Form for all dogs, with additional requirements varying based on whether your pet is coming from a dog rabies-free, low-risk, or high-risk country.

Dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries require the CDC Dog Import Form plus proof of rabies vaccination (if the dog is over 12 weeks old). Dogs that have been in high-risk countries within the past six months require health certificates from APHIS-accredited veterinarians and may only enter through specific airports. 

Rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 28 days before entry for dogs over 12 weeks old, with dogs needing to be at least six months old to enter from high-risk countries.

Microchip identification following ISO standards (11784/11785) helps with identification. It isn’t universally required by federal law, but individual states may have their own rules.

Certain breeds face restrictions across various US states and localities. Pit bull-type dogs are targeted in roughly 96 percent of breed-specific legislation ordinances, and Rottweilers and wolf-dog hybrids also commonly face bans or restrictions.

Useful links

• CDC: Bringing Dogs into the US
• APHIS: Pet Dog Import Requirements
• CDC: High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies