FAQ moving & relocation

Here we have listed the most common questions and answers about overseas removals for you.
For questions about vehicle transportation when moving, please visit the FAQ for Vehicles on this website.

Should you have further questions, please send us an email or call us at +49 (0) 421 / 649 227 - 0.

Questions about import to germany

Do you provide packing materials?
Do you pick up our removal goods and deliver them in Germany?
Are there any minimum quantities or do I always have to book a whole container?
Am I allowed to load and unload the container myself?
For which items or vehicles do I have to pay custom duties and taxes?
Are there any items, products or objects that cannot be taken under any circumstances?
Do you also offer relocations to Austria?
Do you also provide transports of relocation goods to Switzerland?
Can my belongings get wet and where is the container on deck?
Which unexpected costs can arise?
Do you offer transport insurance?
How can I place an order?
Is a deposit required?
When is the freight price due for payment?
Which methods of payment do you accept?
Who determines the conversion rate for offers in other currencies?
I have questions that are not listed here. Now what?

Questions about import to germany

Do you provide packing materials?
This varies depending on the country of departure. This varies according to the country of departure. Basically we offer the possibility of wrapping your furniture and personal effects worldwide through local removal companies. But you can also pack yourself and use standard boxes or provide your own crates or pallets. If you entrust us with the package, we provide the necessary materials.

Do you pick up our removal goods and deliver them in Germany?
Yes we offer a worldwide door to door service. However, this is not mandatory and you can bring items to the loading station and also pick them up yourself in Bremen.

Are there any minimum quantities or do I always have to book a whole container?
Consolidated shipment is charged according to cbm and 1 cbm is usually the minimum amount that is transferred to the settlement. We calculate for you whether a consolidated shipment or a separate container is preferable.

Am I allowed to load and unload the container myself?
Basically, yes, although in some Asian cities and residential areas in the USA it is not permitted to park containers.

For which items or vehicles do I have to pay custom duties and taxes?
In general, all new goods are liable to duty and tax. For import to Germany or any country of the European Union, duties as well as the local tax (Germany 19%) are payable according to tariff.
Used personal effects are duty-free if the following conditions are met or the following documents are submitted:

  • Proof of a 1-year stay (at least) abroad of Europe (work contract or lease with corresponding consumption calculations)
  • Content list German / English.
  • Copy of passport
  • Current confirmation of registration of the German registration office.
  • work or residence permit for non-EU citizens


Are there any items, products or objects that cannot be taken under any circumstances?
If you want to bring live animals or fish, please contact appropriately specialized companies. The transport of dangerous goods, e.g. spray bottles containing aerosol, paints and coatings is possible with reservation and at higher costs.  Food can only be taken in close coordination with us and with reservation.

Do you also offer relocations to Austria?
Yes, via the German seaports, service to Austria including the local immigration control as well as handling all required ancillary services is feasible.

Do you also provide transports of relocation goods to Switzerland?
Yes, after transit to Switzerland we work with Swiss furniture shippers and offer all kinds of services.

Can my belongings get wet and where is the container on deck?
No, water damage is extremely rare. The container is sealed watertight and thus safe from water intake, even if it is in the top or outer position.

Which unexpected costs can arise?
All anticipated costs are included in our offer. It is possible, however that additional costs incur through official instructions or unanticipated events. This may be an examination or x-ray of a container by customs authorities.

Do you offer transport insurance?
Yes, due to our low loss ratio, we can offer you very favourable transport insurance, be it only against loss as a so-called Stranding Cover or against all risks of damage. The insurer is a renowned German company and the DTV clauses, which you will be handed out at our offers, are the basis.
The individual transport routes can be insured by you individually, for partial sections as well as from house to house.

How can I place an order?
With our offer you will get a corresponding order form by PDF. After receiving it, we will send you an order confirmation with further explanations about the procedure.

Is a deposit required?
Yes, 50 % will be due at the time of order.

When is the freight price due for payment?
Full invoice amount we be due prior release.

Which methods of payment do you accept?
Please understand that we only accept transfers and cash payments and do not accept credit cards or checks.

Who determines the conversion rate for offers in other currencies?
To avoid exchange rate differences and to offer comprehensibly, our offers are partly in U.S. $. The settlement is based on the respective mean rate of exchange on the day of the ship's departure.

I have questions that are not listed here. Now what?
If you have further questions, please send us an email mail  or call us at +49 (0) 421 / 649 227 – 0.

Pangaea Cargo

As a traditional Bremen shipping agent we are a Hanseatic forwarding agency with passion. We provide professional service for business and for private customers, import and export, sea and air, door to door, worldwide....
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Service & Info

Phone:   +49 421 / 649 227-0
Fax:       +49 421 / 649 227-19
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