5 Little Known Facts about International Boat Shipping Services

5 Little Known Facts about International Boat Shipping Services

Reliable freight forwarding companies like K International Transport Co. Inc., can help clients transport all boats and watercrafts overseas to virtually all ports in the world. The process is similar to that of overseas automobile shipping, with a few differences, however. A freight forwarding company will first ask for a payment, several documents–including a power of attorney form and legal identification–and the client’s preferred schedule i.e. when they would like the shipment to leave and arrive.

white and black yacht on body of water surrounded with tall and green trees
Photo by Marcin Ciszewski on Unsplash

International Transportation Process of Watercraft

The watercraft will first be transported from a warehouse to a port in the United States, either by the client, or by an inland trucking and transportation company. Once the watercraft reaches the port of origin, the client will have options to ship the watercraft on a trailer or cradle, with roll-on/roll-off (RORO) or container services.

With a reliable shipping company like K International Transport, shipping a boat overseas can be both hassle-free and affordable. Before you ship, however, there are a few things you should know:

Things To Know About International Boat Shipping

1) The Watercraft must be completely paid off before overseas shipping can take place.

If you purchase a boat or watercraft overseas and would like to ship it home or to any other destination, the vehicle must be completely paid off without any remaining lien. Clients still paying off their boat or watercraft, are advised to settle their debts before attempting to transport the watercraft overseas.

However, a small exception exists. Clients may still transport their boat or watercraft overseas if they have secured a letter from the financer, authorizing the export of the watercraft. Normally, loan financers and banks will allow this if the client has sufficient credit, finances or assets.

2) There are height restrictions on roll-on/roll-off shipping.

Most shippers know the basic differences between container shipping and shipping via RORO vessels. Cargo that is wheeled and self-propelled can be transported via RORO vessel, which is often the cheapest and most efficient scenario for these instances. Cargo that is not self-propelled, not wheeled, or can be taken apart, is often better suited for container shipping. The same applies to boats and other watercrafts.

Many watercrafts can be wheeled on trailers, which makes them good candidates for RORO shipping. However, clients should keep in mind that there are size restrictions that may preclude large boats, yachts, or houseboats from being transported via RORO. Typically, the maximum height allowed for this method of shipping, including the height of the trailer, is approximately 12 to 13 feet. An experienced international shipping company like K International Transport, can help clients determine the best method of shipment for their particular watercraft, by determining its size and destination port.

body of water near buildings at daytime
Photo by Dan Kb on Unsplash

3) Shipping on a trailer can be cheaper and more advantageous than shipping on a cradle.

Another decision left to international boat shipping clients is the choice between a trailer or cradle to hold their boat during shipment. Both options are effective at securing the watercraft and getting it overseas safely, but trailers are typically recommended.

Cradles are usually custom-made to fit the dimensions of the particular boat or watercraft being transported, which can dramatically increase the overall cost of shipment. After the boat is placed into the custom-made cradle, the cradle is then strapped to a flat-rack and secured on the ship. Because of the labor and machinery required to lift and load the boat, this can be an expensive method of shipping. Alternatively, boats on wheeled trailers can simply be towed onto a RORO vessel, which makes this method of shipping both simple and economical.

Clients can rely on the expert knowledge of a reliable international freight shipping company like K International Transport, to select the best, most affordable method of shipping to deliver their boat or water vessel abroad safely.

4) The cost of boat shipping services has declined over the past several years.

Although transporting large cargo overseas may still seem like a luxury, the cost of transporting boats and other watercrafts has significantly declined. Compared to the last few decades, international boat shipping services are more affordable and easier to come by than ever before. Of course, shipping to and from destinations that are farther away will generally be more expensive. Transporting boats and watercrafts from the eastern coast of the United States to Europe, is usually the most affordable transportation option.

cargo ship on body of water
Photo by Patrick Brinksma on Unsplash

5) K International Transport Co. Inc. can ship virtually all boats and watercrafts to every port in the world!

K International Transport is a reliable and experienced international shipping company that has successfully transported hundreds of water vehicles around the globe. K International Transport can safely and economically transport:

  • Motorboats
  • Speedboats
  • Fishing Boats
  • Sailing Ships
  • Yachts
  • Jet Skis
  • House Boats
  • And more!

Clients can transport boats and watercraft to virtually any port in the world from ports in the United States including:

  • New York
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • South Carolina
  • Georgia
  • Florida
  • Texas
  • California

Choose K International Transport Co. Inc.

After the client’s security documents have been prepared and the boat or watercraft is ready to be shipped, clients working with K International Transport can request a custom price quote for their shipment. To receive a quote, visit our rate request page or contact K International Transport by phone, email, or Skype.

Once K International Transport has provided you with the lowest possible rate for your overseas boat shipment, an agent will proceed by determining your preferred schedule for export and delivery, submitting the necessary documents to all parties involved, and handling payments. Once this process has been completed, K International Transport will take the most exceptional care of your cargo every step of the way.

Call us today at 212-267-6400 or send an email at inquiries@kinternational.com. You can also reach out to us on Skype at kinternationalny. We look forward to providing you with the best there is in international boat and watercraft shipping!