Depending on your destination, you have different options for shipping your car overseas. These options include Ro-Ro, air freight, or a shared container.
The most affordable option is Ro-Ro, which means your car will be driven onto a ship and then off again when it arrives at the port of your destination. However, this method of transport carries the most significant risk of damage.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Whether you’re moving abroad as part of the military or simply planning on traveling to an international car show, your vehicle must be adequately prepared for shipment. The first step is getting free quotes from auto transporters specializing in international car shipping. When requesting quotes, provide as much information about your shipment as possible to ensure you get accurate costs and services.
It’s also important to know the requirements and regulations for your destination country before beginning to ship your vehicle overseas. These rules and policies can vary by country, so it’s best to enlist the help of an expert who can walk you through the process.
You’ll want to remove personal items from your vehicle before shipping them abroad. The only exception is if the items are related to the car, such as a spare tire or jumper cables. It would be better to ask your transportation company how much gasoline can be stored in the tank. Many companies will allow up to a quarter of the tank.
You’ll also need to have the original copy of your title, a bill of sale, and a notarized lien permission to prove ownership. Ensure you have all these documents available to avoid delays or holds on your shipment.
Get a Quote
When shipping cars internationally, most companies will ask you for basic information about your vehicle before they can quote you. They will probably want to know where you are picking it up and dropping it off, what type of transport you want (door to door or terminal to terminal), the time frame for your shipment, and whether or not you need insurance coverage.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to take 360-degree images of your automobile to document its condition and remove any personal belongings you don’t need for transportation. It will be helpful if you need to file a claim.
Finally, if your car is being shipped internationally, you may be required to pay customs fees or taxes. These charges can vary depending on the country, so it’s essential to research this beforehand. Some companies may have customs brokers who can work on your behalf to get your vehicle through quickly and easily, saving you money in the long run.
Before deciding, it’s generally a good idea to review quotations from several international automobile shipping providers. Choose a company with good reviews and a solid reputation for providing high quality service at reasonable rates; try to select a company that offers multiple routes and door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal delivery options.
Book a Transporter
Once you have researched the countries you are shipping to and from, arranged for any necessary paperwork, and completed your vehicle preparations, it’s time to hire a car shipping company. An online quote comparison tool is the best way to find a reliable and cost-effective transporter. As you enter your shipment details, transporters specializing in international auto transport will submit competitive quotes. When you’ve narrowed your choices, contact each company directly to discuss your shipment needs and ask any questions you may have.
You’ll also want to decide on the type of international shipping you require, as this will affect both the pricing and timelines. Ro-Ro, or Roll on, Roll off shipping is the cheapest option, but it will expose your vehicle to weather and potential damage as it’s driven onto a cargo ship’s deck and then off when it docks at its destination. Shipping your car in a shipping container is more expensive, but it will protect your vehicle from the elements and ensure it arrives at its destination in the same condition it left.
If you have the budget to splurge, air freight shipping is also available and will provide the quickest, most secure delivery. If you opt for this, hire a carrier with good consumer reviews and a solid reputation for delivering vehicles on time.
Make Payments
Once you’ve selected a transporter and settled on a timeline for car shipping, it’s time to make payments. Most companies require payment upfront, but others will accept credit cards or debit cards. Whatever method you choose, pay your international car shipper on time so your vehicle can be picked up and shipped.
In addition to making payments, you’ll also need to have the necessary documents ready for your international move. You’ll need the vehicle title or bill of sale, proof of identity, and a valid passport (or other form of ID accepted by the destination country). Additionally, some countries will require additional paperwork like an EPA form 3520-21 or an HS-7 form for car reimportation. Check with your auto transporter to find other docs you may need.
When deciding how to transport your car overseas, remember that different methods vary in cost and speed. Roll-on/roll-off shipping is cheap but can leave your vehicle open to damage, whereas container shipping is safer and more expensive. Because it is the quickest and most costly alternative, specialized vehicles typically only use air freight.
If you want to save money on international car shipping, consider booking your shipment during off-peak season. The cheapest shipping times are generally between October and March when demand for international car shipping is lower, and transporters can offer discounts.
