Best USA to India Shipping Services when Returning to India

So, you’re an NRI planning to relocate your entire household from the USA to India.

Moving a large shipment overseas is no small task—it involves careful coordination with a reliable shipping company, detailed packing, customs navigation, and door-to-door service.

Choosing the right shipping agency USA to India

To make your move as seamless as possible, you need an international shipping company that specializes in large moves, provides full-service support, and has experience with customs clearance in India.

Here’s a look at some of the best shipping companies that NRIs commonly use for moving their homes from the USA to India.

1. SFL Worldwide

SFL Worldwide specializes in international relocation services, offering door-to-door solutions tailored for NRIs.

Their services include professional packing, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to your new residence in India. SFL Worldwide is known for its competitive pricing and customer-centric approach.

SFL Worldwide

Key Services:

  • Professional packing and loading.
  • Customs clearance assistance.
  • Door-to-door delivery.
  • Real-time shipment tracking.
💡Tip: SFL Worldwide offers up to 70% savings on shipping costs; consider obtaining a quote to compare rates. Share on X

2. UniRelo

UniRelo is an international shipping service that assists NRIs in relocating their household goods from the USA to India.

They provide a range of services, including full packing, sea and air shipping, customs clearance, and storage solutions. UniRelo is known for its transparent pricing and comprehensive support throughout the moving process.

Unirelo

Key Services:

  • Full-service packing and crating.
  • Sea and air freight options.
  • Customs clearance and documentation assistance.
  • Storage solutions at origin and destination.
💡Tip: UniRelo offers customizable moving plans; discuss your specific needs to tailor their services accordingly. Share on X

3. Universal Relocations

Universal Relocations has extensive experience in relocating families from the USA to India, offering comprehensive moving services.

Their offerings include professional packing, shipping via sea or air, customs clearance, and delivery to your new home in India. They are known for their expertise in handling complex relocations and providing personalized services.

Universal Relocations

Key Services:

  • Professional packing and loading.
  • Sea and air freight services.
  • Customs clearance assistance.
  • Door-to-door delivery.
💡Tip: Universal Relocations offers bonded warehousing for items; inquire about storage options if needed. Share on X

4. Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines is a well-established international moving company offering comprehensive services for large household relocations.

Their services include door-to-door solutions, professional packing, shipping, insurance, and customs clearance support. Allied is known for its extensive resources and experience in handling entire household moves.

Allied

Key Services:

  • Full packing and unpacking services.
  • Custom crating for fragile items.
  • Door-to-door delivery with customs assistance.
  • Real-time tracking.
💡Tip: Allied offers an online tracking system, allowing you to monitor your shipment throughout the journey. Share on X

5. International Van Lines (IVL)

International Van Lines is recognized for its competitive rates and flexible options, making it suitable for long-distance and international moves.

They offer full-service packing, loading, and door-to-door delivery, with a responsive customer service team to assist with customs and logistics.

International Van Lines

Key Services:

  • Customizable moving plans.
  • Full-service packing and loading.
  • Air and sea freight options.
  • Insurance options for high-value items.
💡Tip: IVL provides customizable plans, allowing you to select services based on your moving needs and budget. Share on X

6. United Van Lines

United Van Lines is a popular choice for international moves due to its high-quality service and extensive network.

They offer professional packing, loading, and unloading services, as well as secure storage options if needed. United provides support through the customs process and has a reputation for handling delicate and high-value household goods.

United Van Lines

Key Services:

  • Full-service moving with professional packing.
  • Storage options available for flexible timing.
  • Dedicated moving manager to coordinate the process.
  • Special packaging for fragile and valuable items.
💡Tip: United offers special packaging for delicate items; inquire about this service for added protection. Share on X

7. Atlas International

Atlas International offers end-to-end moving solutions, specializing in large moves and complex logistics.

They provide custom crating, dedicated coordinators, and online tracking to ensure a smooth relocation process.

Atlas International

Key Services:

  • Air, sea, and consolidated freight options.
  • Custom crating for delicate or valuable items.
  • Dedicated move coordinator for personalized support.
  • Online tracking and customer support.
💡Tip: Use Atlas’s custom crating option for fragile items to ensure they arrive safely in India. Share on X

8. Agarwal Packers and Movers (APM India)

Agarwal Packers and Movers is an India-based company with extensive experience in international relocations, especially for NRIs moving back home.

They are known for their door-to-door service, handling customs clearance, and expertise with Indian regulations. APM also offers specialized packing for furniture, appliances, and vehicles.

Agarwal Packers

Key Services:

  • Door-to-door service with customs assistance.
  • Expertise in local regulations and customs clearance in India.
  • Specialized packing for large household items and vehicles.
  • Regular updates on shipment status.
💡Tip: Agarwal’s team can handle local customs clearance in India, simplifying the process for NRIs. Share on X

Cost Comparison of Shipping Companies for Moving from the USA to India

To give you an idea of the costs involved, let’s compare estimated prices from each company based on a hypothetical scenario:

Scenario:

  • Moving a 3-bedroom household (furniture, appliances, personal items, and some fragile goods) from New York, USA to Mumbai, India.
  • Shipping via a 20-foot container (suitable for a 3-bedroom household).
  • Door-to-door service with full packing, customs assistance, and insurance for fragile items.
Best USA to India Shipping Services when Returning to India 1

Estimated costs will vary depending on the exact volume, weight, and additional services, but here’s a rough breakdown:

CompanyEstimated CostIncluded Services
SFL Worldwide$4,000 – $6,000Full packing, door-to-door, customs support, tracking
UniRelo$3,500 – $5,500Packing, sea freight, customs clearance, storage options
Universal Relocations$4,500 – $6,500Packing, customs, bonded warehousing, sea/air freight options
Allied Van Lines$5,000 – $7,000Full packing, custom crating, door-to-door, real-time tracking, insurance
International Van Lines (IVL)$4,000 – $6,000Customizable plans, packing, air and sea options, insurance
United Van Lines$5,500 – $7,500Full-service packing, special handling for valuables, storage available
Atlas International$4,800 – $6,800Custom crating, dedicated coordinator, online tracking, customs brokerage
Agarwal Packers & Movers$3,000 – $5,000Door-to-door service, customs assistance, expertise in Indian regulations

Cost Comparison Analysis

  • Budget-Friendly Options: UniRelo and Agarwal Packers & Movers generally offer more affordable rates, ideal for those looking to manage costs while still receiving full packing and customs services. These options are great for NRIs needing a straightforward relocation with essentials included.
  • Comprehensive Service with Customization: International Van Lines (IVL) and SFL Worldwide provide a range of customizable services at a moderate price point. These companies are ideal if you want flexible plans and a mix of both cost-effective and premium services, such as insurance or special handling.
  • Premium Options with Added Care: Allied Van Lines, United Van Lines, and Atlas International offer higher-end services that include custom crating for fragile items, dedicated move coordinators, and secure storage. While pricier, these companies are best for those with high-value items or who want comprehensive, worry-free service throughout the move.
💡Tip: Always ask for a detailed quote, including any hidden fees, like customs duties, packing supplies, and extra charges for door-to-door delivery, to avoid surprises. Share on X
CompanyKey ServicesBest For
SFL WorldwideProfessional packing, customs assistance, door-to-door delivery, trackingCost-effective services with competitive pricing
UniReloFull-service packing, sea and air freight, customs support, storage optionsTransparent pricing and flexible moving plans
Universal RelocationsProfessional packing, sea and air freight, customs clearance, bonded warehousingBonded warehousing and personalized service
Allied Van LinesDoor-to-door service, custom crating, real-time tracking, customs supportSecure, full-service international moving
International Van Lines (IVL)Customizable plans, insurance options, flexible air and sea freightBudget-friendly options with flexible packages
United Van LinesFull-service moving, secure storage, special packing for fragile items, customs supportComprehensive service with extra care for valuables
Atlas InternationalCustom crating, dedicated coordinator, online trackingLarge or complex moves with delicate items
Agarwal Packers & MoversExpertise in customs, door-to-door service, local support in IndiaNRIs needing customs help and local delivery

Conclusion

Shipping an entire household from the USA to India involves finding a reliable, experienced shipping company that can handle packing, customs, and secure delivery to your new residence.

Each of these companies offers unique services, from specialized packing and bonded storage to competitive rates and door-to-door solutions tailored for NRIs.

💡Tip: Reach out for quotes, ask about customs handling, and consider your specific needs (fragile items, vehicle transport, etc.) to select the best moving company for a hassle-free relocation. Share on X

Have any experiences moving back to India? Share your insights in the comments to help fellow NRIs with their move!

Having lived in the USA for almost 7 years, I got bored and returned back to India. I created this website as a way to curate and journal my experiences. Today, it's a movement with a large community behind it. Feel free to connect! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn |

Leave a Comment

Join City Groups