I agree.
If it's something you consider "irreplaceable" (family heirlooms, etc.), you are crazy to ship it in the first place, there is ALWAYS a significant (10%+) chance of damage or loss when shipping overseas. That's just the way it is.
By the time you take into account the cost to get the stuff there and then to get it back in a few years, it starts making less sense to take it with you.. If the cars are just ordinary cars, sell them and buy something overseas. Same with furniture and household goods. By the way, if you have a loan on the cars you need to check with the finance company because you probably aren't permitted to take them out of the country.
Has anyone ever bought a car or truck in Japan and had it shipped to the U.S.? I would like to buy a right hand drive land cruiser and get it over here. anyone ever pulled that off?