Articles on: Pre Aliyah

Best Shipping Companies

The Best International Moving Companies for

Relocating to Israel

(Comprehensive guide for Aliyah, relocation, and household shipping)

 

 

Why Choosing the Right Moving Company Matters

Relocating internationally — especially to Israel — is not just about moving boxes. It’s a complex logistical process involving shipping routes, port coordination, customs clearance, and local delivery. Israel adds its own layer of challenges: customs regulations that can change unexpectedly, narrow city streets that complicate delivery trucks, and the need to synchronize your shipment with your Aliyah arrival.

Choosing an experienced mover means safeguarding your belongings and your peace of mind. The wrong company can result in months of delays, hidden fees, or even loss of irreplaceable items.

Below is a breakdown of the most trusted international moving companies for Israel, based on verified reviews, customer testimonials, and overall reliability.

 

1.  Aliyah Lift Shipping — ★★★★★ *Highly Recommended*

Overview:

Aliyah Lift Shipping is widely regarded as the go-to company for families and individuals making Aliyah from the United States and Canada. The company specializes exclusively in shipments to Israel — both full container and partial “lifts.” Their team understands the nuances of the Aliyah process, customs exemptions, and Nefesh B’Nefesh documentation requirements.

Reputation & Reviews:

ï           Facebook rating: **5.0 / 5.0 stars **(based on verified client reviews).

ï           Customers describe the team as “personal, responsive, and knowledgeable about every stage of Aliyah shipping.”

ï           One reviewer wrote:

“Our lift arrived exactly when they said it would. Everything was packed perfectly, nothing damaged, and their customer service in Israel was excellent.”

 

ï           Another noted:

“They made our Aliyah shipment completely stress-free. Every email was answered quickly, and we were guided through customs with care.”

 

Strengths:

ï           Dedicated to Aliyah and Israel-bound shipping — not just generic international moves.


ï           Door-to-door service including customs, port clearance, and final delivery.

ï           Responsive customer support in both North America and Israel.

ï           Offers partial or consolidated shipments (for smaller loads) to reduce costs.

Things to Confirm:

ï           Exact timeline for container departure and arrival — typically 6–10 weeks.

ï           Clarify what is included: packing, insurance, unpacking, storage (if needed).

ï           Check marine insurance options and coverage limits.

Verdict:

Aliyah Lift Shipping is the **top choice **for North American families making Aliyah. It combines deep expertise in Israeli customs procedures with a personal, community-oriented approach that few competitors match.

 

 

2.  Kef International

Overview:

Kef International is one of Israel’s most established movers, operating for decades and focusing on household relocations to Israel. They are known for professionalism, communication, and careful handling.

Reviews:

ï           Rated **9.8 / 10 on Sirelo **(32 reviews).

ï           Clients praise their “excellent communication from beginning to end” and note that containers arrived in good condition and on schedule.

Strengths:

ï           Excellent customer service and attention to detail.

ï           Offers a range of services from door-to-door shipments to full relocation logistics.

ï           Extensive experience handling U.S., U.K., and European shipments.

Things to Check:

ï           Prices are on the higher end of the market.

ï           Ask for a clear contract covering customs, delivery, and insurance.

Verdict:

A premium, well-established company ideal for customers seeking reliability and excellent communication throughout the moving process.


3.  Sonigo International Shipping, Packing & Moving Ltd.

Overview:

Sonigo is an Israeli-based company with more than 35 years of experience in shipping and relocation. They manage thousands of containers annually and have offices in both Israel and the U.S.

Reviews:

ï           **8.4 / 10 on Sirelo **(200+ reviews).

ï           Some customers highlight their “on-time delivery and excellent packing.”

ï           Others mention occasional communication or pricing surprises — so clarity is key.

Strengths:

ï           Strong local presence within Israel, which helps during customs and final delivery.

ï           Offers both sea and air freight options.

ï           One month of free storage often included for container shipments.

Things to Check:

ï           Clarify written estimate to avoid hidden charges.

ï           Confirm your main contact person for both the origin and destination sides.

Verdict:

A respected Israeli mover with a large volume of clients; a good choice for people seeking a middle-tier balance between price and service quality.

 

 

4.  AGS Movers Israel

Overview:

AGS Movers is a global brand with a branch in Israel and more than 140 offices worldwide. They are known for corporate relocations but also handle private Aliyah and family moves.

Reviews:

ï           Good international reputation, particularly for professional packing and global coordination.

ï           Reviewers appreciate the standardization of service across countries.

Strengths:

ï           Strong global coverage — ideal if you’re moving from a country with limited Israel-specific providers.

ï           Offers storage, insurance, and worldwide documentation management.


Things to Check:

ï           Some services are subcontracted; ask who will handle pickup and delivery directly.

ï           Ensure clear communication between the origin office and the Israeli destination team.

Verdict:

Excellent for complex or multi-country relocations, especially when you want one brand to handle the full logistics chain.

 

 

Key Questions to Ask Every Mover

**1.        Is the service truly door-to-door? **Ensure it includes pickup, sea freight, customs clearance, and delivery to your new home.

**2.        What is included in the quote? **Packing, loading, insurance, customs, delivery, and unpacking should be itemized.

**3.        How long will the shipment take? **Average sea freight to Israel ranges 6–10 weeks depending on origin.

**4.        What happens if there is a delay? **Ask about compensation or storage options.

**5.        Who handles customs in Israel? **The mover or a third-party broker?

**6.        What insurance coverage is provided? **Full-value protection is preferable.

**7.        Can I track my shipment? **Transparency builds trust.

8.        What do past clients say about damage and claims handling?

**9.        Are there any extra fees upon arrival? **Such as port storage, handling, or delivery surcharges.

**10.     Do they have recent Aliyah references? **Always request contactable references from recent Olim.

 

 

Final Recommendations

 

Company

Primary Route

Strengths

Rating /

Aliyah Lift Shipping

U.S. / Canada →Israel

Deep Aliyah expertise, personal support, fair pricing

★★★★★ (TopChoice)

Kef International

U.S. / U.K. / Europe→ Israel

Exceptional service and reliability

9.8 / 10 (Sirelo)

Sonigo Ltd.

Global ↔ Israel

Experienced Israeli company with

8.4 / 10 (Sirelo)

AGS Movers Israel

Worldwide ↔ Israel

Global network and corporate structure

Strong brand, mixed pricing


Conclusion

Choosing the right moving company is one of the most important steps in your Aliyah or relocation process. While Aliyah Lift Shipping **leads the field for its personal service and deep experience in Israel-bound moves, **Kef International, Sonigo, and **AGS Movers **each offer strong alternatives depending on your location, budget, and service expectations.

Before signing, obtain at least **three written quotes **with identical service scopes, review all inclusions and exclusions carefully, and speak directly with past clients. By partnering with a mover that understands both international logistics and Israel’s local complexities, you can ensure your transition is smooth, transparent, and — most importantly — stress-free.

Updated on: 01/02/2026

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