Frequently Asked Questions

Transit times vary by destination and shipping method. Ocean freight to Ireland and the UK typically takes 4-6 weeks door-to-door, including customs clearance. Continental European destinations take 5-8 weeks. Air freight is much faster — most shipments arrive within 7-14 days door-to-door. We will give you a specific timeline estimate with your quote.

You can ship most personal effects, household goods, clothing, books, electronics, small furniture, kitchenware, artwork, sporting equipment, and similar items. Some items are restricted or prohibited, including hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable food, live plants and animals, firearms (without proper licensing), and illegal substances. We will review your inventory and advise you on any items that may be restricted.

Prohibited items include explosives, flammable liquids and gases, corrosive substances, toxic materials, radioactive materials, narcotics and illegal drugs, counterfeit goods, and certain agricultural products. Restricted items that require special documentation include alcohol, tobacco, medications, firearms, and certain electronics with lithium batteries. When in doubt, ask us — we will let you know if something cannot be shipped.

Yes. City Post Express holds Federal Maritime Commission License #034938 and is fully bonded. This means we meet strict federal standards for financial responsibility, ethical practices, and consumer protection. We have been FMC-licensed for over 25 years. We also carry comprehensive cargo insurance and can arrange additional coverage for your shipment.

FMC stands for Federal Maritime Commission, the US government agency that regulates international ocean shipping. An FMC license means the company has been vetted for financial responsibility, has posted a surety bond to protect consumers, and operates under federal oversight. This matters because it protects you: if anything goes wrong, there are legal and financial safeguards in place. Always verify that your international mover is FMC licensed.

While our specialty and highest volume routes are from the US to Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we can ship to destinations worldwide. We have experience with shipments to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. Contact us with your destination and we will let you know what we can do.

It depends on the destination country and your residency status. Many countries, including Ireland (Transfer of Residence relief) and the UK, allow you to import personal effects duty-free if you are genuinely relocating and meet certain conditions — such as having owned the items for at least 6-12 months. We will advise you on the specific customs rules for your destination and help you apply for any available exemptions.

At a minimum, you will need a detailed inventory list of all items being shipped, a copy of your passport, and proof of your new address or visa. For personal relocations, you may also need proof of prior residency, evidence that items have been owned for the required period, and a completed customs declaration form. We prepare all documentation for you — just provide the basic information and we handle the rest.

Transfer of Residence relief is a customs exemption available in Ireland and other EU countries that allows people relocating from outside the EU to import their personal belongings duty-free. To qualify, you generally need to have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, be genuinely relocating your normal home to the EU, and have owned the items for at least 6 months. We help our clients apply for ToR relief as part of our customs clearance service — it can save you significant money on duties and VAT.

No. We handle customs clearance on your behalf using a power of attorney or customs authorization form that you sign before shipping. Our customs brokers at the destination manage the entire process. You do not need to visit any government offices or attend any inspections.

Customs inspections are relatively rare for personal effects shipments, but they do happen. If your shipment is selected for inspection, there may be a short delay (typically a few days). We coordinate with customs authorities on your behalf and handle any additional documentation required.

We provide tracking at key milestones: pickup, warehouse receipt, vessel departure, arrival, customs clearance, and delivery scheduling. Your move coordinator is available by phone or email anytime.

Our local partners handle customs clearance. Once cleared, we schedule delivery to your address within a few days.

In most cases, yes. Contact us as soon as possible. Changes in the same area usually have no extra charge.

Document the damage with photos, notify us within 48 hours. If insured, we manage the claims process on your behalf.

Standard service is door-to-door delivery. We also offer depot collection as a lower-cost alternative.