AFFORDABLE SHIPPING TO USA FROM UAE

The cost of shipping to USA from UAE varies depending on shipment size, shipping method (air or sea), and destination. We provide free pre-move surveys or online volume calculators to give you transparent, all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees.

Our door-to-door shipping service from UAE to USA covers every aspect of your move — packing, pickup, customs clearance, shipping, and final delivery. You simply tell us your dates and destination, and we handle the rest.

Yes. Universal Relocations provides free on-site or virtual pre-move surveys to accurately calculate shipment volume and costs. This ensures the most precise estimate and avoids surprises later.

Yes. Used furniture generally qualifies as duty-free household goods under Transfer of Residence (TR). Brand-new, unused furniture may not qualify and could be assessed customs duty. Let your coordinator know if any pieces are new.

Yes. Personal electronics you have used abroad for at least one year (laptops, TVs, cameras, kitchen appliances) can generally come in duty-free under Transfer of Residence. New electronics that have not been used abroad for a year may be assessed duty. Multiple identical units may be treated as commercial goods.

Most sealed, commercially packaged, non-perishable food (dry goods, spices, snacks) is generally allowed, but it must be declared. Meat, dairy, fresh fruits, and vegetables are typically restricted or prohibited and can be seized at the port.

A VACIS exam is a non-intrusive X-ray or gamma-ray scan that CBP uses to screen containers for contraband or security risks without physically unpacking them.

A more thorough physical inspection CBP conducts when a shipment is flagged for closer review after an initial scan or document check. It may involve opening and physically inspecting boxes. Only a small percentage of shipments are selected, and it can add anywhere from 1 to 15 days to clearance. Universal Relocations coordinates with CBP on your behalf.

Yes. We manage customs clearance at both origin and destination. Our experienced documentation team ensures all forms, duties, and permits are processed accurately to prevent delays.

Not necessarily. With a signed authorization form, Universal Relocations can represent you during the customs clearance process. However, you should be reachable to confirm details if U.S. Customs requests clarification.

Our trained packing team arrives with export-grade boxes, wrapping materials, and padding. Every item is inventoried, wrapped, boxed, and labeled, and fragile or high-value items are photographed for insurance records. You'll receive an itemized packing list, which you should keep for customs clearance.

We use high-quality, industry-grade packing materials such as:

Double-walled boxes for fragile items

Bubble wrap and foam sheets for electronics

Craft paper and wax newsprint for crockery

Custom wooden crates for valuable items

Specialized TV boxes and wardrobe cartons

Our crew comes to your residence, unpacks all your items, and places them on a flat surface. We don't put items inside shelves, cabinets, or decor units. Basic furniture such as beds and dining tables is assembled as part of standard delivery. We do not assemble IKEA-type flat-pack furniture, entertainment centers, or wardrobes; a third-party assembly fee applies if requested, so let your move consultant know in advance. Pooja mandapams and wooden swings are also not assembled by our crew.

We provide comprehensive transit insurance to protect your belongings against damage or loss during shipment. You can choose between:

All-Risk Coverage (covers partial loss/damage)

Total Loss Coverage (covers complete loss due to accident)

Our advisors will help you choose the right protection for your shipment value.

Once your shipment is loaded into the container, we'll provide online tracking details so you can follow its progress until it reaches the destination port.

You can use our online volume calculator or request a free home survey. Simply enter the number and type of items to get an instant estimate of cubic feet or cubic meters, which determines your shipping cost.

Yes. We offer vehicle shipping services by sea — either in a dedicated container or RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off). We’ll help you comply with EPA and DOT regulations, handle documentation, and arrange delivery to your U.S. address.

Yes, our pet relocation experts manage the entire process — including veterinary checks, microchipping, vaccinations, flight booking, and customs clearance. Your pets will travel safely in IATA-approved crates with comfort and care.

Prohibited or restricted items include:

Flammable or hazardous materials

Aerosols, batteries, and pressurized cans

Weapons, ammunition, or replicas

Plants, seeds, or soil

Alcohol and tobacco (without special permit)

Counterfeit or pirated products

Our team provides a detailed checklist to ensure compliance with U.S. import laws.

Storage is $0.85 per CFT per month, plus a one-time in-and-out handling charge of $0.85 per CFT. Let your move consultant know as early as possible if you expect to need storage.

We accept bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash payments in AED or USD. A detailed invoice is shared upfront, and there are no hidden fees. You’ll receive a payment receipt for your records.

We recommend booking your move at least 3–4 weeks in advance. This allows time for pre-move surveys, packing arrangements, insurance, and customs documentation.

Typically, door-to-door shipping from UAE to USA takes 6–8 weeks by sea and 7–10 days by air. Factors like customs inspections, destination distance, and vessel schedules may affect timelines, but we plan proactively to minimize delays.

Over 28 years of global relocation experience

FMC-licensed in the USA and IAM-certified worldwide

Comprehensive door-to-door services including pets, cars, and furniture

Transparent pricing, with any customs exam fees explained upfront

Dedicated Move Manager for each client

Offices in UAE, USA, and India for end-to-end support

When you move with Universal Relocations, you move with a partner who truly understands the challenges of international shipping and makes it effortless from start to finish.

We can't confirm an exact delivery date until U.S. Customs and Border Protection releases the shipment. Once it is cleared and ready for pickup from the port, we give a maximum of 2 days' advance notice before delivery.

A 20ft container typically runs about $10,000–$15,000, and a 40ft container about $15,000–$25,000, depending on the delivery location in the USA. Contact us for an exact quote based on your pickup and delivery addresses.

Our standard rate includes unloading and unpacking on the same day as delivery. Unpacking on a later date can be arranged for an additional charge that varies by city.

A valid passport, your U.S. visa or proof of resident status (e.g., OCI, Green Card, work visa), the original ocean bill of lading, a detailed packing/inventory list, proof of your new U.S. address, and a completed CBP customs declaration (Form 3299 for unaccompanied personal/household effects). Our team reviews your documents before shipping to catch any gaps early.

Transfer of Residence lets you bring used household and personal effects into the USA duty-free under HTSUS 9804.00.05/9804.00.45, using CBP Form 3299. Items generally must have been used abroad for at least one year, be for personal/household use (not resale), and be imported within 10 years of your last U.S. arrival from the country where they were used. Items arriving 25 years or more after that arrival never qualify. New, unused items typically don't qualify.

Raw wood can carry pests like the Asian longhorned beetle or emerald ash borer, which can seriously damage U.S. forests and agriculture. ISPM-15 requires wood packaging over 6mm thick to be heat-treated (56°C for 30 minutes) or fumigated and marked with the IPPC stamp. Universal Relocations uses ISPM-15 compliant crating for every shipment. Skipping this risks the packaging being held, fumigated at your cost, or destroyed at the U.S. port.

A hold placed by CBP/USDA APHIS on a shipment suspected of carrying a plant pest, disease, or other agricultural risk, commonly triggered by wooden furniture or crates, plant-based decor, soil residue, or undeclared food. The shipment is set aside for inspection before release, treatment, or (rarely) seizure. Declaring all wood and plant items accurately upfront helps avoid one.

VACIS (X-ray) exams typically run $150–$400, and intensive exams typically run $1,000–$3,500+, plus possible drayage and storage. These fees are not included in our Door-to-Door quote. If CBP selects your shipment for exam, they're billed separately to you, as required under U.S. customs law.

Cars imported into the USA must be built to US specifications and carry an EPA certificate of conformity, and must meet US safety (NHTSA) standards. The rules do not apply to vehicles that are 25 years old or older under the NHTSA rule, or 21 years old or older under the EPA rule. Newer cars that are not built to US specifications are generally not allowed in, except through a registered importer, which can be costly. Check your vehicle's eligibility before you buy or ship it.

Passenger cars are generally subject to a 2.5% import duty on the value of the car. Customs requires documents such as the DOT Form HS-7 and the EPA Form 3520-1 declaration, in addition to standard entry paperwork. Our team will help prepare these documents and arrange shipping and delivery to your US address.