Meet Adam Knizner: An International Moving Expert at Laser International | Part 2

Adam Knizner, a Relocation Manager at Laser International, has helped customers navigate international moves to destinations around the world. From understanding moving quotes to choosing between groupage containers and an exclusive container, Adam shares some of the most common questions he receives—and the advice and tips he gives customers every day.

When you're moving internationally, there are plenty of questions. How much will it cost? What can you pack? How far in advance should you plan? And perhaps most importantly, how do you choose a moving company you can trust?

In the second installment of our International Moving Experts series, we sat down with Adam Knizner to get his perspective.

Nearly 10 Years of Helping Customers Move Around the World

Adam will reach 10 years with Laser International in January 2027, building on approximately 15 years of experience in the logistics industry.

Before joining Laser, Adam worked in logistics with J.B. Hunt. He knew he wanted to continue building his career in the logistics industry, but he was looking for an opportunity that would allow him to take on a broader operational role.

“The international aspect that Laser International offered was really appealing to me,” Adam explains. The opportunity to move beyond a regional or Midwest focus and navigate logistics on a global scale was a challenge he was excited to take on.

That international focus has given Adam experience with a wide variety of destinations and customer situations—experience that continues to benefit the customers he works with today.

The Two Questions International Moving Customers Ask Most Often

One of the most common questions Adam hears isn't necessarily about the big picture of an international move.

It’s about plastic storage bins.

Customers frequently ask whether they can use plastic totes instead of traditional moving boxes.

But another question comes up just as often: How much will my international move cost?

According to Adam, customers sometimes assume that international moving prices are primarily determined by the market. While market conditions and logistics do play a role, shipment volume is one of the biggest factors in determining cost.

A description such as “a one- or two-bedroom home” can provide a starting point, but it isn't enough information to accurately determine the price of an international move. The actual volume of belongings, along with the logistics involved in getting those belongings to their destination, is critical.

The takeaway: The more accurately a moving company can understand what you're shipping, the better it can advise you on the right solution.

Plastic Totes Are a Practical Alternative to Moving Boxes

Adam says plastic bins are a great alternative to traditional moving boxes. Because they are rigid and reusable, they can also serve a purpose long after the move is complete.

Think books, holiday decorations, children's toys and clothing—items that can easily be stored in the same bins once you arrive at your new home.

In fact, Adam estimates that plastic totes are involved to some extent in about 8 out of 10 moves.

For many customers, the best approach isn't choosing one or the other. A combination of traditional moving boxes and plastic storage bins can make sense depending on what is being packed.

Every International Move Is Different

Adam gave two important pieces of advice when he was asked what he wished every customer would know before moving internationally.

First, every moving company is different.

It can be easy to assume that international moving companies all provide essentially the same service. But Adam says customers should look more closely at the differences between companies—not just contract terms, but also communication, reliability, experience and customer service. Laser International checks all those boxes.

Second, international transportation can be unpredictable.

Even after a shipment has been scheduled, ocean carrier and air freight schedules can change. Routes and sailing schedules may shift, which means an international move doesn't always follow a perfectly predictable timeline.

Understanding that reality from the beginning can help customers set realistic expectations and work with a moving company that knows how to adapt when circumstances change.

International Moving Is Anything but a Standard Process

One of the biggest misconceptions, Adam says, is that an international move is a standard or straightforward process.

It isn't.

Even if two customers are moving from the same origin to the same destination, their circumstances can be completely different.

For example, a customer's travel schedule, arrival expectations or housing situation can affect how a shipment needs to be handled. Someone may leave the United States before they have purchased or secured a home overseas. In that situation, the moving company may need to coordinate storage or adjust the shipment's routing and delivery plans.

That's why flexibility and communication are so important.

International moving isn't simply about getting belongings from Point A to Point B. It's about understanding the customer's entire situation and adapting the logistics around it.

Learn more about our process.

Read the Fine Print Before Choosing a Moving Company

One of the biggest mistakes Adam sees is not taking the time to carefully read and compare moving quotes and companies.

A quote isn't just a number at the bottom of a page. Customers should understand:

• What the price is based on
• The shipment volume, weight or container size
• What services are included
• What services are excluded
• Each party's responsibilities throughout the move

Adam also recommends looking for a quote that clearly explains how the price was calculated. Inclusions and exclusions should be easy to find rather than buried in the fine print.

Taking the time to understand the proposal can help customers make a more informed decision and avoid surprises later in the process.

Start Planning Your International Move At Least Three Months Ahead

Adam's recommendation is simple: start exploring your options at least three months in advance.

An international move involves much more than the shipment itself. Customers may also need to coordinate:

• Immigration documentation or status
• Housing
• Employment start dates
• Children's schools
• Travel plans
• Shipment timing
• Customs requirements
• Delivery arrangements

Waiting until the last minute can add unnecessary stress and make it more difficult to determine the best shipping method and timeline.

While international moves can sometimes be arranged on shorter timelines, Adam believes three months is an ideal starting point for customers who want enough time to understand their options and make informed decisions.

The Right Shipping Method Depends on Your Shipment Size and Destination

Adam explains that the volume threshold for determining whether groupage (shared container) or an exclusive container makes the most sense can vary depending on the destination.

For example, the volume threshold that makes one option more cost-effective for a shipment going to Germany may be different from the threshold for a shipment going to Spain or Portugal.

That's why there isn't a universal answer for how to ship your goods.

The goal is to understand the customer's shipment volume and destination and then recommend the solution that makes the most sense from both a cost and efficiency standpoint.

Responsiveness and International Expertise Matter

For Adam, one word stands out: responsiveness.

Moving internationally can be stressful, and customers want to know they have someone they can turn to when questions arise.

Having a responsive relocation professional who understands the customer's move and can provide answers throughout the process can make a significant difference.

But responsiveness isn't enough on its own. Adam also emphasizes the importance of experience and knowledge, particularly when it comes to customs requirements, documentation, logistics and transit times.

At Laser International, Relocation Managers work with customers throughout the process, helping them navigate the complexities of an international move and providing a consistent point of contact.

Check out what our customers are saying about us.

Every Customer’s Move Is Different—and Every Destination Has a Story

Over the years, Adam has helped customers move to some memorable destinations, including Bonaire, Iceland, Senegal, Eswatini, Egypt and Tunisia.

He has also developed additional experience helping customers move to Madeira, Portugal, and the Azores.

But perhaps the biggest lesson Adam has learned throughout his career isn't about a particular destination. It's about communication.

He says clear, concise and consistent communication is one of the most important things he can provide to customers.

At Laser, the Relocation Manager isn't simply selling a move and handing the customer off. The same person can remain involved throughout the process, helping coordinate the details and staying invested in the customer's success.

“We genuinely care and are invested in each client's move.”

For Adam, that's what makes international moving rewarding: customers are trusting Laser with a major life event, and being part of that journey is something he genuinely values.

Moving Internationally? Start With the Right Questions.

An international move comes with a lot of moving parts—and a lot of questions. Adam's experience reinforces an important point: there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to international relocation.

Understanding your shipment, comparing quotes carefully, planning ahead and choosing an experienced, responsive moving partner can help make the process more manageable.

And perhaps most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions.

That's what your Relocation Manager is there for.

Ready to start planning your international move?

Fill out our international moving form or call 800.880.3086 to speak with an international relocation expert today.