The cost of shipping cars overseas can seem daunting, but our guide will tell you exactly how much it will cost you to send your car to wherever you want it to go. What’s more, we will also look at ways that you can reduce the cost of shipping your car so that you are paying as little as possible for the service. There are plenty of different options available when it comes to shipping a car overseas, and we will cover all of them in this article so that you have access to all of the information that you need before making any decisions about how to ship your car overseas.
Shipping a car overseas may seem like an intimidating task, but it’s actually easier than you think, especially if you know what to expect and have some car shipping tips under your belt. This guide to shipping cars overseas will walk you through each step of the process, helping you to estimate how much your car shipment will cost and the various options you have for getting it from point A to point B. From start to finish, we’ll help you get your vehicle where it needs to go with as little hassle as possible. Keep reading to learn more about how much does it cost to ship a car overseas!
Picking the right carrier
The decision of which carrier to use can be overwhelming. With so many companies vying for your business, the task is finding one that’s right for you. Here are some tips to make this process a little less difficult:
Find out which carriers provide services in the specific country you’re shipping to. Consider whether you want door-to-door delivery or just delivery of the container at the destination port. For door-to-door service, consider if you want container packing and unpacking services from an agent in your home country or at the destination port. Think about any restrictions on what type of vehicle you can send and what other accessories must be sent inside the container. Remember that sometimes shipment time may vary depending on the company’s schedule; contact each company to find out when they’ll have space available for your shipment. Know that if you need something special like an enclosed container or pallet, there will be additional charges. Make sure you research each company and understand all their terms before signing anything because once you sign up with them, there may not be a way back!
Packing your vehicle
There are many considerations that go into packing your vehicle, including where you’ll be driving to, how long you’ll be on the road, whether or not you’re going through any countries with different electrical standards or legal limitations for transporting hazardous materials, and if there are any special protections required by law. It’s essential that you always follow these regulations. For example, some items may require a special permit before they can be moved between countries. In addition, your automobile must have its safety features in place like headlights and turn signals before you can transport it internationally. This is done in order to comply with traffic laws of the country in which your vehicle will enter. The next step is preparation for shipment; this includes the following:
- Disconnecting battery
- Removing keys from ignition
- Stowing away valuable cargo (e.g., maps)
- Securing doors and windows
- Locating registration information
Dealing with customs
This can depend on a number of factors such as the country you are shipping to, the weight of your vehicle, and the type of shipping method you would like. Some countries might not allow certain types of vehicles, which will also determine your costs. You should always consult with an agent before sending off your vehicle to be sure that you are following all regulations. The last thing you want is for your expensive vehicle to be returned or confiscated by customs because of a mistake in paperwork. It’s important to get professional help so that you don’t have any hidden fees once your vehicle has arrived at its destination. It’s usually easiest to work with someone who is familiar with shipping vehicles internationally, but if you do decide to go this route yourself make sure that everything from insurance coverage to border crossings are considered when coming up with your budget.
Choosing between ocean and air freight
International shipments can be really pricey, but how much you pay depends on what type of service you need. Ocean freight is cheaper than air freight. Also, ocean freight can take up to two months while air freight will take around 20 days. There are other factors that could make prices change too like the weight of the shipment and the mode of transportation (road, rail or plane). If your vehicle weighs less than 4,000 pounds then it’s best to use ocean freight since this method doesn’t include insurance for vehicles. If you’re shipping a larger vehicle or one that weights more than 4,000 pounds then air freight is the way to go because it includes vehicle insurance.
What to do when shipping gets difficult
To make things easier, you need to be organized. Prepare all the paperwork and find out what shipping needs to happen before you pick up your car from the dealership. Make sure everything is clear before getting on the plane because if anything goes wrong at customs, it could cause serious problems for you. You should also get in touch with an international carrier well in advance of when you need the vehicle picked up so that they have time to arrange insurance for your transport and export. Then, when you arrive at the port or airport, your car will already be there waiting for you. The next step is to go through customs and pay any import duties or taxes required by the country of destination. Once this has been done, take delivery of your car and prepare yourself for some big driving adventures!
Conclusion
Doing your research can help make the process of shipping your vehicle internationally cheaper and less complicated. The process typically begins with finding a certified auto shipper who has experience in international trade, which you can do by contacting organizations like the American Association of Exporters and Importers or the American Automobile Dealers Association. Once you have one or more names, call them and ask for references from clients who recently used their services. Then it’s time to contact them with all your questions about importing or exporting, including how long it takes on average for vehicles that are shipped via ocean-liner to be delivered after arriving at their destination port, or what country’s import/export laws might affect you in ways like extra taxes or fees for customs clearance procedures.
