How To Ship A Car

If you are going to ship a car overseas there are some very important steps you need to take. They will be the same steps if you are shipping a car for business or personal reasons. Shipping a car is as not as easy as picking up the telephone and calling a service to come out and pick up your vehicle then do all the work. There is some research that needs to be done first.

Step One – Selecting the Right Company

When choosing an overseas shipping company, make sure they can track your car any time of day or night. The company should also be able to provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact and phone number. They should also be well educated in customs laws for the country you are shipping, so if a problem arises they will be able to assist you. The shipping company should be able to complete all the required overseas paperwork, have the container loaded and unloaded (at its final destination), also handle approval, clearance, and inspection issues.

Step Two – Your Research

As equally important as choosing a shipping company is the research. You will need to find out the import/export rules, fees, regulations, and procedures to ship a car for both the United States and the country you are shipping to. You will also need to get quotes from the shipping companies, both trucking/rail logistic and overseas shippers. You will need a trucking/rail company to haul you vehicle if you do not live near a port.  Don’t forget to check out the companies you choose with the Better Business Bureau.

Step Three – Preparing your Vehicle for Shipment

Once you complete your research and are educated on the companies, the cost and regulations, it is time to prepare your vehicle for the shipping. The company you choose should provide you with the instructions you need to take to get your car ready. You may have to get the clean original title or have your car maintenance. You will also have to get special insurance to ship a car. Be sure to shop around for the best company with the best rates.

Step Four – Coordinating the Shipment

After you have decided on the company/companies you are going to use, you will need to coordinate them. You will have to schedule a date with the overseas shipping company first, because there are set days the ships come into and out of the port. Once that is arranged, then you can easily schedule for a trucking company to come pick up you vehicle to transport to the overseas shipping company, if needed.

Final Step – Follow up / Pick Up at Destination

When your car arrives at its final destination overseas and clears customs, you will have to contact the shipping company to find out where the container is that your car is in and follow up with the appropriate Port Authority Official. If you ship a car for business purposes and you will not be picking it up yourself, you are going to have to arrange with the port of arrival, an authorized pick up. This may involve another local transportation company. If you shipped your car for personal reasons, like a move, and plan to pick it up yourself, you are still going to have to set up an authorized pick up. Depending on the regulations at the destination port, you may not be able to enter and get your vehicle yourself. Make sure to check into this during your research step to avoid any added hassles.