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When selecting an international moving company to handle corporate relocations or personal moves across borders, not all providers are created equal. The right international relocation company can make a complex move feel seamless—but choosing the wrong one can cause delays, confusion, and added stress for everyone involved.
One of the most critical aspects to examine when evaluating an international moving company is who they partner with overseas. No company operates everywhere, so most rely on trusted international agents to complete key portions of a relocation. The quality of those partnerships can make or break your moving experience.
Below, we’ll explain how we select our international agents at DeWitt Move Worldwide and what you should ask any international relocation company before signing a contract.
4 Ways We Choose International Relocation Partners
Every international moving company works with overseas partners, or agents, who take over key steps of the relocation—such as customs clearance, delivery, and final unpacking. When these agents are experienced, responsive, and aligned with your mover’s standards, the result is a smooth and successful move. But when they’re not, issues can arise quickly.
At DeWitt Move Worldwide, we’ve built a global network of reliable agents to ensure every move is executed with care. Here’s how we choose them—and the questions you can ask to ensure you’re hiring the right international relocation company. So how do we find these partners in the first place?
Source #1: Existing Relationships
Our international relocation experts have 10+ and even 20+ years in the business. Over time, they’ve built strong relationships with local international movers who consistently deliver high-quality service.
They know, for example, the best company to work with for a high-touch, high-level move to Paris or which moving company they can trust to handle a shipment headed for a tiny island in Greece. They’ve personally worked with companies all over the globe, including Asia, South America, Australia—and beyond.
When they have a transferee they need to move to a far-flung destination, they may already know just the right international agent for the job. Additionally, they may already have completed past relocation projects with that agent, smoothing the way for a seamless moving experience for the transferee.
What to Ask During Your Vetting Process
When you’re vetting a company to handle international relocations, ask: How long have your team members been doing international relocations?
Experienced international moving companies will have long-standing, tested relationships that help ensure a smoother relocation.
Source #2: Trusted Industry Referrals for New Destinations
Of course, there will be times when an international relocation specialist will be faced with a new destination they haven’t previously worked in.
In these circumstances, their experience in the industry will still pay off. If our team collectively doesn’t have first-hand experience in a particular destination, our team will work their extensive network to get a personal recommendation from a trusted colleague.
Our team’s depth of experience means makes it likely that they’ll know an industry contact who has a connection in that particular destination. These kinds of referrals make it much simpler for us to locate an international partner whose level of customer service matches our own high standards.
What to Ask During Your Vetting Process
During your interviews, consider pitching this scenario to your potential moving partners.
Ask: “What’s your process when relocating someone to a country you haven’t serviced before?”
Their answer will reveal how resourceful and connected they are—and whether they prioritize quality when choosing new partners.
Source #3: Participation in Global Moving Associations
At DeWitt Move Worldwide, we’re proud members of the International Association of Movers. Our President, John Burrows, has served on the IAM Executive Committee as both the Claims and Risk Management Chair, then as Vice Chair. Membership in professional organizations like IAM signals a commitment to high standards, ethics, and ongoing education.
Our relationship with IAM fills three important functions:
- Vetting potential international agents: We only work with companies that are active members in good standing with IAM. This offers us yet another quality control measure when seeking agents to assist with international moves.
- Meeting other global moving professionals: By attending IAM conferences and meetings, our team broadens their network of contacts from a pool of already-vetted companies. As we mentioned above, these contacts can prove vital referral sources for destinations we haven’t previously worked in.
- Keeping abreast of changing customs regulations: Organizations like IAM help all of its members stay on top of new customs regulations and requirements globally. This means access to the vital information we need to execute simple and stress-free moves for transferees.
What to Ask During Your Vetting Process
What to ask your moving company: “Are you a member of any international moving associations like IAM?”
Membership is a good indicator that your provider takes its role as an international relocation company seriously.
Source #4: Government-Level Vetting and Certification
DeWitt Move Worldwide is a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) for the U.S. government under the GSA’s CHAMP program. This means we’ve undergone an extensive vetting process and consistently deliver service that meets strict government standards.
We also partner with other TSP-approved companies when additional agent support is needed, ensuring a high standard of care at every step. They’re a top choice for us to assist in relocations.
What to Ask During Your Vetting Process
What to ask your moving company: “Do you handle relocations for government agencies?”
If they do, it usually means they meet rigorous requirements—something that can give you extra confidence in their services.
Selecting the Right International Relocation Company
Choosing an international moving company is about more than just price or availability. It’s about trust. You’re relying on them to coordinate one of life’s most complex events—often across time zones, languages, and regulations.
By asking the right questions and learning how each international relocation company chooses its overseas partners, you’ll gain insight into their quality, reliability, and professionalism.
If you’d like to talk to our team about assisting with your international relocations, just reach out to us. We’d be happy to talk with you further about how we choose our international agents—and answer any other questions you might have
