The world is vast, and you relish the opportunity to explore as much of it as possible. That’s why you’re an expat. You want to experience everything travelling has to offer.
You’d also like to bring your car along for the ride.
That means understanding how to ship your car overseas so you have it ready and waiting for you on your adventures. With the answers to these frequently asked questions, you’ll ensure your vehicle arrives safely.
Table of Contents
Question 1 – Should I Use a Car Shipping Company?
Trying to ship your car overseas without the help of a shipping company is possible. But it’s also challenging. You have to handle all the logistics and documentation, which are time-consuming tasks when preparing for an overseas move.
Generally, it’s easier to use an auto shipping company, such as A1 auto transport. They handle the hard work for you, in addition to offering insurance and experience. Ensure you look for a company with a USDOT, MC, or MX number registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Check the FMCSA’s Company Snapshot database to confirm the legitimacy of your carrier.
Question 2 – Should I Ship via Air or Ocean Freight?
Both options have pros and cons to consider before you make your choice.
Shipping your car by air is the most expensive option. However, it’s also the fastest because you can usually ship a vehicle within a few days. You also don’t have to worry about potential wear and tear due to saltwater exposure.
Using ocean freight is more cost-effective, though it’s also slower. Still, it comes with the advantage of multiple shipping options. You can choose between container shipping and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping. The latter involves rolling your vehicle onto a ship and securing it in place for the journey. With the former, your vehicle is placed in a container, protecting it from the environment and other people.
Question 3 – What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Vehicle Overseas?
The specific documents you need vary depending on the country. Always contact the relevant customs authorities, both at home and in your destination country, to ensure you have the proper documents. That said, you’ll typically need to bring the following when shipping a vehicle overseas:
- The Certificate of Title of Ownership for the vehicle
- A Notarized Bill of Sale
- Information about the port or airport from which you’ll send the vehicle
Some destinations may require an Export Power of Attorney document, which isn’t mandatory. If your vehicle has a lien on its title, you may need documents granting permission for shipping from the lienholder. You may also need a Certificate of Origin, especially if you’re shipping a new car.
Question 4 – Who Can Collect My Vehicle?
Most shipping companies only allow you or a pre-authorized person to collect your vehicle at the port or airport. Inform your shipping company and the customs authorities if you wish somebody else to collect the car.
This other person becomes a consignee of the vehicle. They’ll usually need to provide photo ID to prove they are who they say they are when collecting. The same applies to you if you decide to collect the vehicle yourself.
Question 5 – What Should I Look For in a Shipping Company?
There are many car shipping companies, many of which offer international shipping. First, look for evidence that the company has experience shipping overseas. There needs to be more than a mention of international shipping on their website. Search for social media and Google reviews, paying particular attention to those that mention shipping a car overseas.
Second, look for licenses and insurance details. The previously mentioned FMCSA Company Snapshot database is a valuable resource. It helps you confirm the company’s legitimacy. For insurance, you must ensure the shipper has liability insurance, at a minimum. It’s also worth enquiring about any additional insurance products you can purchase to protect your vehicle in transit.
Finally, examine the costs of each company you consider. Gather and compare quotes to determine the average cost of shipping. Be wary of companies far below this average because they may have hidden fees or extra charges they haven’t mentioned.
Question 6 – How Quickly Can I Ship a Vehicle Overseas?
Speed depends on the method you choose.
With air freight shipping, you should receive your vehicle within five days of handing it over to the shipping company. Some providers offer expedited shipping to shorten your wait.
Ocean freight shipping takes longer, with most vehicles taking about two weeks to reach their destinations. Again, the shipping company you use affects the duration. Some companies offer expedited shipping using advanced technology to get your car to its destination faster.
Question 7 – Can I Keep Personal Possessions in My Vehicle as It’s Shipped?
It’s inadvisable to keep personal belongings in your car during transit, regardless of the shipping method you use. In the case of RoRo shipping, most companies bar you from doing so at all.
If you choose container shipping, you may be allowed to keep your possessions in your car. Note that you do so at your own risk. Most shipping companies don’t insure your possessions when they’re in transit.
Question 8 – Should I Leave Gas in the Tank?
Most shipping companies ask you to drain your gas tank until it’s only a quarter full. There are two reasons for this.
First, a full gas tank adds to your vehicle’s weight. This added weight increases your shipping costs and could lead to the carrier shipping fewer vehicles.
Second, the carrier may need to drive your vehicle on and off a ship or into and out of a container. They’ll need gas to do so, so they need the quarter-tank.
Prepare for Your Overseas Adventure
Moving overseas can be as stressful as it is exciting. You have a lot of things to sort out, with shipping your car being one of many challenges. With the answers provided in this article, you now understand the general processes involved and what you need to do. Prepare well in advance, and you should be able to ship your vehicle smoothly and safely.
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