Japan Luggage Express · Established in 1995
International Shipping
by Sea from Japan
Moving overseas or returning home? Send your personal belongings and household goods by sea, with clear guidance from our Japan-based team.
Room for your belongings
A cost-effective way to ship your belongings overseas.
Our shared container service, known as LCL (Less-than-Container Load), lets your shipment travel alongside other cargo. You pay primarily according to the space your packed goods occupy.
Whether you are sending a collection of boxes or a larger shipment of household goods, we can help you plan the arrangements for your destination.
When sea shipping is a good fit
- You are relocating overseas or returning home with a substantial amount of belongings.
- You have multiple boxes of clothing, books and household items, or bulky goods.
- You can allow time for ocean transport and want to compare the cost with air shipping.
For smaller or urgent shipments, air shipping may be a better option. We can advise based on your volume, destination and timing.
Understanding your quotation
Sea shipping charges start with volume.
For ordinary personal effects, the main measurement is cubic metres (m³). The standard minimum chargeable volume for LCL sea shipments is 1m³. Shipments measuring less than 1m³ can still be shipped, but are charged as 1m³.
1m × 1m × 1m = 1m³
Approximately 35.3 cubic feet
Estimate your packed volume
Measure the outside of each packed box, including any bulges, then add the volumes together.
| Boxes | Total volume | Chargeable volume |
|---|---|---|
| 10 boxes | 0.8m³ | 1m³ minimum |
| 15 boxes | 1.2m³ | 1.2m³ |
Each box in this example occupies 0.08m³. Your final charge is based on the official measurement of the shipment after collection, in accordance with your quotation.
Why twice the volume does not mean twice the price
Some costs apply once to the entire shipment, while others increase with its volume. As a result, the charge for an additional cubic metre is generally lower than the charge for the first cubic metre.
A shipment means all the boxes and other packages sent together under one shipping arrangement.
Does weight matter?
For reference, a personal effects shipment measuring 1.0m³ generally weighs between 120 and 300kg, depending on its contents. By comparison, 1m³ of pure water weighs approximately one metric ton (1,000kg).
Ordinary household shipments are usually charged primarily by volume. Particularly heavy or dense cargo may require a different calculation, so please tell us if your shipment includes unusually heavy items.
You do not need an exact volume to make an initial inquiry. Approximate box sizes, box numbers and details of larger items will help us prepare an estimate.
Door-to-port: a cost-saving option
We recommend door-to-port service as a more economical alternative to door-to-door shipping. It is often considerably less expensive, particularly if you can arrange customs clearance and collection yourself.
Many customers clear their shipments themselves by visiting the local customs office, where self-clearance is permitted. The procedure and requirements depend on the destination.
In some countries, the destination agent also offers customs clearance and delivery services. Some customers choose to book these services directly with the agent. Arranging them directly can cost less than having a company in Japan act as an intermediary.
Available services and charges vary by destination. Please confirm the arrangements with the receiving agent before deciding how to clear and collect your shipment.
Overseas destinations
Beyond the port city.
Sea shipping can also serve selected inland cities. Cargo travels by sea to a port and continues by rail or truck to the destination terminal.
North America
Port destinations and selected inland terminals in the USA and Canada.
Europe
The UK and selected continental European port and inland destinations.
Oceania & other regions
Australia, New Zealand and selected destinations in Asia and other regions.
Routes and service availability can change. Please contact us with your destination city and country so we can confirm the current options. Tell us if you require delivery to your home.
From your first inquiry to arrival
Your shipment, step by step.
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Request a quotation
Tell us your collection location, destination, approximate shipment size and preferred timing.
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Book & prepare documents
We provide the application and packing list forms and explain the documents and submission deadlines for your shipment.
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Pack & arrange collection
Have your goods securely packed and ready for transport. Let us know about large or heavy items in advance.
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Confirm volume & export clearance
The packed shipment is measured at the cargo facility. Charges are confirmed using the official volume and agreed quotation terms, and export clearance is arranged.
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Ship overseas
The shipment travels in a shared container. Depending on the route, it may transfer between vessels at an intermediate port.
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Clear & receive at destination
Arrange import clearance yourself where permitted, or use an agent or customs broker. Collect your goods or book local delivery according to your service.
Allow time for the whole journey
Transit time includes more than the voyage itself. Collection, consolidation, export clearance, vessel connections and destination release all take time. We will advise an estimated timeframe for your route when quoting. Vessel schedules and arrival dates are subject to change.
Before collection
Good preparation makes the move easier.
Use strong shipping cartons and protect the contents carefully. Suitcases should be placed inside cardboard boxes for transport. Contact us before booking if you have furniture, unusually heavy packages or items requiring special packing.
Documents & insurance
Prepare a packing list describing the contents of each package. We will explain the passport, travel and other documents needed for your shipment.
Insurance is available on request at an additional charge. Please ask about the cover and conditions before shipping.
Import requirements vary by country and by item. Let us know about anything unusual before packing. We do not handle car shipments.
Common questions
A few things you may be wondering.
Can I ship less than one cubic metre?
Yes. Shipments below 1m³ can be accepted, but the minimum chargeable volume is 1m³. For a small shipment, it is useful to compare air or courier options as well.
Can I request a quote before I finish packing?
Yes. Give us the approximate number and sizes of your boxes and details of any larger items. We can provide an initial estimate; the final chargeable volume is confirmed after collection and official measurement.
Do I need to hire a whole container?
No. With LCL service, your packed shipment shares container space with other cargo. You do not need to fill or hire an entire container.
Can you ship to an inland city?
Service is available to selected inland terminals, with rail or truck transport after the sea voyage. Send us your destination city so we can confirm the available route and receiving facility.
Can you deliver to my home overseas?
Door-to-door service is available for selected destinations at an additional charge. Please include your destination address or postcode when requesting a quotation for home delivery.
How far in advance should I contact you?
Please contact us as early as possible, ideally at least one to two weeks before your preferred collection date. More notice helps with preparation and route planning. If time is short, ask us whether arrangements are possible.
Can I send suitcases?
Yes, provided they are suitably packed inside cardboard boxes. Measure the outside of the finished carton when estimating volume.
Will I need to pay import duties or taxes?
This depends on the destination, your circumstances and the items being shipped. Used personal effects may qualify for relief under local rules, but eligibility and required documents must be confirmed for your destination.
Plan your move from Japan
How much would it cost to ship your belongings?
Contact us for an estimate, even if you are still deciding what to ship.