The right tools and information can differentiate between a smooth and messy transition. Here you will find the best way to ship a car overseas, the cost, and the documentation required for exporting a motor vehicle.
It’s always best to speak with an international moving company about shipping a vehicle, but let’s get started.
If you’re planning on moving overseas and want to ship your car, you must own it or provide a lien letter from your bank. In addition, US Customs requires copies of the original title for your vehicle along with additional documentation, which you can find below:
An international shipping company with experience can provide you with the required documentation. The process is easy for those who own their vehicle and have the required documents handy.
Additionally, you should inspect your vehicle for any pre-existing damage and photograph the entire car. The more prepared you are, the easy the shipping process will be.
You should visit the customs website for your desired country and familiarize yourself with the customs laws and regulations. Regulation can vary from country to country.
They will look at your car’s vehicle type, age, and required documentation. Laws can change without notice, so you must speak with an international auto transport company that can walk you through the steps.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be on the way to finding the right company and service and having a smooth experience!
Affordable moving cost, best-in-class moving services and people who care.
Before shipping your car overseas, there are a few steps that you should take to ensure a smooth transition and shipping process. Below is a list of things you should do to prepare for shipping your automobile overseas:
There are several things to consider when selecting an international car shipping company:
Follow these steps and find the best auto transport company that meets your needs.
IVL is considered one of the International Moving companies in the nation.Due to the sheer volume of moves, we handle, we can offer very competitive pricing both nationally and internationally.
Shipping a car overseas will cost anywhere from $1800 to $4500. The make & model, service, destination country, and mode of transportation will be the most significant factors when it comes to cost.
Consolidation services are an excellent way to reduce the cost of your shipment while having your car containerized. It’s common practice for people or businesses to ship more than one car to the same destination.
The cheapest mode of transportation is ocean freight, and the most affordable service is roll-on roll-off (RORO). A RORO service is a port-to-port shipping option that requires a drop-off and pickup of your vehicle at both port locations.
Although a RORO service is the least expensive shipping option, some people prefer to avoid it because your car will be exposed. Your vehicle loads on the deck of a RORO vessel exposed to the elements.
However, due to the cost, RORO is still a popular shipping option for car manufacturers, dealerships, and private shippers worldwide.
Ocean shipping is the most common way to ship cars overseas, mainly due to the cost. If cost is of no concern and you need your vehicle immediately, consider air freight.
Air shipping is a niche service, so it’s essential to research international shipping companies with experience and knowledge.
Your vehicle may be on the ocean for a while and handled multiple times. There is room for error, and insurance claims happen on occasion. Preparing for the worst-case scenario can help save time and money. Below are the most common insurance options:
All Risk Insurance: All risk insurance covers damage and loss. All risk insurance costs are 2.5% to 4% of the vehicle’s declared value. An overseas mover can provide you with the details regarding insurance and required documentation.
Total loss insurance: Total loss insurance covers the complete loss of your vehicle. Your vehicle must be considered a complete loss to file a claim and get a reimbursement. It will not cover damage to the car.
You can also seek out your own insurance company. Having insurance is essential and should be considered when shipping your car overseas.
A car can’t be used as a vessel to transport additional items such as clothes, books, shoes, and files. A spare tire, tools, and whatever the car comes with are okay.
Ocean and air shipping are treated the same way as a routine flight. Your luggage is weighed, and you can bring a small carry-on bag. To ensure smooth operations, captains must confirm weight capacity.
If you don’t have an exemption, you may have to pay tax when shipping a car overseas. The amount will depend on the country, make, model and value. You must check with customs in your country of choice to confirm the tax amount.
Shipping a financed car overseas can make things a little more complicated, but it’s doable. If your vehicle has an outstanding lien, the best thing to do is get it paid. If that’s not possible, you can ask your finance company about getting a lien letter allowing you to ship your car overseas.
It’s common for people to export financed cars overseas, but you must follow the steps. If you feel your lending bank won’t comply, you must pay off the loan or choose not to ship your car.
Ultimately it’s up to you to decide if shipping a car overseas is worth it. You’ll have to look at your car’s value, shipping cost, and potential taxes. If you can afford it and it makes financial sense, shipping a vehicle overseas is worth it.
You can purchase a new car and ship it to another country if you own it and hold the original title. However, it’s always best to check with customs in your desired country for any regulations and taxes on importing a new vehicle.
Additionally, if you’re shipping a new car, consider sending it in a container. Container shipping may be more expensive than a RORO service, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that it’s containerized and blocked from the elements.
According to several third-party consumer groups, Forbes and US News, International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and National Van Lines are the best international car shipping companies that handle auto shipping. You can find the top five list below:
Each company has years of experience, excellent ratings with the Better Business Bureau, competitive pricing, and offers insurance on all international auto transports.
It’s best to get up to three international moving quotes for comparison. After reviewing your quotes, ensure that all your questions are answered and that you feel confident in your choice.
Depending on the service you choose, you may pay customs clearance charges. Most companies include port and customs fees if it’s a door-to-door shipment. It’s always best to speak with the international mover of your choice.
A 20′ container can get up to two vehicles, and a 40′ up to four vehicles. The make and model of the cars can also be a factor in the container size.
You can load your car in a container with the right tools and knowledge. Getting advice from a professional international auto transport company would be best.
Ocean shipping is the least expensive transportation method to ship your vehicle overseas.
You can ship a non-running vehicle overseas. However, consider asking an international shipping company to assist with loading, blocking, and bracing the car in the container.
You should remove all personal items from your vehicle before shipping. You can leave any items that the car comes with.
We use shipping containers or air shipping to ship classic cars overseas. You will want to avoid exposing your classic car to elements.
International Van Lines offers ocean, air freight, consolidation, and RORO service to and from Europe and is rated the best international moving company.
You can export a vehicle from the US to the Middle East if you have the required documentation.
Some international moving companies, like International Van Lines, offer international and domestic auto shipping.
Thousands of people ship cars overseas each year. Ensure you have the proper documentation and find the right international car shipping company, and you will have a seamless experience.
