5 Questions to Ask Your International Shipping Company Before Transporting Cars Overseas

5 Questions to Ask Your International Shipping Company Before Transporting Cars Overseas

Transporting automobiles overseas can be a complicated process that includes a plethora of paperwork and documentation, tricky customs regulations, and lengthy shipments overseas. Because of this, clients who are interested in transporting automobiles/vehicles/cars with overseas car transport services can greatly benefit from asking their freight forwarder several questions that can demystify the process. Below are some common questions and answers that can clarify international automobile shipping for clients transporting one or more vehicles abroad.

1) Should I ship my car via container or RORO service? What is the difference?

When deciding between container or roll-on/roll-off (RORO) service for transporting one or more vehicles, several factors are at play.

First, the make, model, year, and running status of the vehicle being shipped can favor one method over the other. Because RORO requires the automobile to be driven onto the ship, non-running cars and many vintage automobiles do not qualify for this service. However, roll-on/roll-off shipping is often less expensive and can simplify the loading and unloading of vehicles. Many clients can usually benefit by opting for RORO services if their vehicle allows.

Another consideration for clients is whether they want to ship personal effects along with their vehicle. If so, shipping via 20ft or 40ft shared or exclusive container is the option for them, as RORO does not allow clients to transport any personal effects.

Lastly, shipping companies sometimes have good deals with international ports depending on the method used. Speaking with your freight forwarder about your options can leave you in a good position to benefit from an affordable and practical shipment.

 

Captain Albert E. Theberge, NOAA Corps (ret.) [Public domain]

2) How quickly can my car be shipped overseas?

Shipment time can vary depending on environmental factors, delays at ports, customs clearance issues, and the speed of loading and unloading. A cargo ship can travel up to 670 kilometers a day, which can deliver shipments in a speedy manner provided that there are no unexpected delays.

For example, a ship leaving from NYC to Germany can arrive in approximately 12-15 days. For estimates specific to a port of origin and a destination port, clients can reach out to their international shipping company.

The process before the actual shipment of the automobile can take as little as one day to finalize. The client must submit the required documentation, including identification, a power of attorney form, and the car’s original title, as well as payment in full, for the shipment to be scheduled. Once that is completed, the automobile can be on its way overseas.

3) Who will pick up the vehicle at the port of call, and what regulations should I expect?

The shipper who finalizes the international automobile shipment can designate a person in the destination country, who is usually a friend, relative, or business associate, to pick up the automobile once it arrives at the port. To do this, they must provide their own identification as well as that of the consignee. This can be easily arranged by the shipper and the freight forwarding company.

The regulations that exist in both the port of origin and the destination port can include taxes and fees which are dependent on the country’s laws and shipping practices. Additionally, some countries have rules that limit the types of cargo that can be imported. Many can be especially strict in regard to automobiles. Such regulations can dictate the maximum age of the automobile that can be imported and the make or model of the vehicle.

Additionally, tariffs can be placed on various factors; sometimes the value of the vehicle is considered, and sometimes the size of the engine. For example, some clients experience difficulties when importing automobiles in the United States. The country’s strict laws and regulations regarding which vehicles can be used and driven in the States can cause several setbacks when shipping cars.

However, clients often do not need to know the intricacies of these rules and regulations, which can be tedious and plentiful. With a reliable and experienced international shipping company like K International Transport, a knowledgeable agent can inform clients of possible issues before they arise.

4) Do international shipping companies offer services that are specific to salvage, used, and antique vehicles?

Many international shipping companies can advise clients on the most practical and affordable methods for transporting various types of vehicles. By doing so, they can minimize tariffs the client will have to pay and the overall cost of the shipment.

For automobiles that are valuable, antique or vintage, or have sentimental value, K International Transport can offer insurance and container shipping services to minimize the risk of environmental damage and protect against possible harm to the vehicle at the ports or on the cargo ship.

In regard to salvage vehicles, freight forwarders can advise clients on the cheapest way to transport parts in order to get a bigger return in the destination country. K International Transport can speak to clients in regard to their specific vehicles and their needs.

Shaunak Modi [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

5) Where can I find the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable overseas car transport services?

When transporting a valuable commodity like an automobile overseas, clients should take great care to do appropriate research to ensure that their cargo is in the right hands. Luckily, with an experienced freight forwarding company like K International Transport, clients can expect affordable, practical, and fast shipments to virtually every port in the world.

With K International Transport, clients will also receive in-depth advice and counseling in regard to their specific vehicles and desired shipping schedules. K international will take care of nitty gritty export formalities as well so that their clients can have a hassle-free shipping experience to ports in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania.

 

 

For more information about how K International Transport can help you transport your automobiles/cars/vehicles overseas quickly and economically, call us at 212-267-6400. You can also email us at inquiries@kinternational.com or reach out to us on Skype at kinternationalny. For an international shipping quote, visit our rate request page today.