Moving out of China? Want to take all your belongings with you? For waaaaay cheaper than it would normally cost? Read on for how to do that with international shipping company Allied.

It's Just the Worst Time to Try to Ship Your Belongings

If you're trying to move out of China and ship your belongings overseas, chances are, you'll be facing astronomical shipping costs. It's not hard to see why. The shortage of consumer goods, rising oil and gas prices, disrupted supply chains, and trade barriers all contribute to massive price increases. On top of that, shipping costs have also surged due to high demand following the lifting of restrictions post-COVID worldwide. According to BBC, sending a single 40ft container from Asia to Europe currently costs USD 17,000 — 10 times more than the year before, when it was USD 1,500.

The situation gets even worse when items are shipped from China where border closures and lockdown measures have halted and backed up shipping lines. Some restrictions on shipping were lifted on June 1 but due to heavy backlog, rates are at a premium.

If you've got more items than you can bring with you on a one-way flight and are looking to save money, you should look into Groupage.

What Is Groupage?

Groupage is a shared container service by Allied to support customers with fewer belongings. Basically, Allied helps you by arranging a shared container with other clients heading to similar international destinations by splitting the cost among them, hence, saving everyone money. You pay only for the volume you need, which is far cheaper than airfreight or direct LCL (less than container load) service. Kind of like a "group buy" on a shipping container — a concept everyone in Shanghai is familiar with these days.

There is no limitation to size of shipment or destination but it's recommended to those who do not have sufficient items to fill up a 20ft or 40ft container.

What Sort of Savings Are We Talking Here?

Depending on where you are coming from, volume of items you have — prices are determined by volume in cubic meter — and where you are going. Situation differs from individuals. According to past records from Allied, total savings of up to 50% can be made if you choose this option. As mentioned earlier, shipping costs have risen 10-fold; this is the most cost-effective way to ship your household goods if you wish to relocate abroad.

How long does it take for my belongings to arrive at the destination?

Again, that varies. Groupage does take longer to ship than if you're paying premium prices, due to time taken on the organizational side of things. One of the advantages of going with Allied is their large worldwide client base — they ship 1000 families around the world every day — they can put together groupage containers quickly. Depending on the destination, it can take about two months for your belongings to arrive.

It's a great option to ship non-perishable and large and bulky items, while you get set up in your new home overseas.

There is also no minimum shipment amount. So, if you've got very little belongings but still too much to take with you on a plane, they can accommodate.

What is the process of signing up and shipping with Groupage?

Just drop an email to Allied at GMS-CNGeneral@allied.com or scan the QR code. Their move consultant will get in touch to understand your requirements and arrange for the most suitable moving solution.

Who is Allied and what services do they offer?

Allied is a reputable and renowned mover with over 400 years of experience in branches around the world. First established in China in 1998, they offer services on the global front reaching 965 locations in more than 200 countries and territories. Basically, they'll move you anywhere you want to go. They also provide door-to-door, packing and unpacking services insurance, storage, vehicle relocation, and even pet relocation.

If you would like to find out more about how they can help you move in the best, most cost-effective way, reach out to them at that email or scan this QR code.