International car shipping has become increasingly popular as people relocate, import, or export vehicles for various reasons. Whether buying a classic car from overseas or participating in a global auto exhibition, understanding the intricacies is essential.
In this post, we have done all the legwork for you, combing through all the processes so you can handle overseas car transport easily.
Table Of Contents
- What is car container shipping?
- What is roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping?
- What is international car shipping by air?
- How much does international car shipping cost?
- How long does it take to ship a car overseas?
- What documents will you need to ship a car abroad?
- How to prepare your car for overseas shipping?
- How can ASL help you with overseas car transport?
Shipping a car overseas is a complex process that involves multiple steps to ensure the safe and efficient transport of vehicles across borders. One of the vital steps is choosing the most suitable logistics method. You can review the following content to explore the various ways of shipping cars internationally.
What is car container shipping?
Container shipping is a practical and cost-effective way to transport your vehicle internationally. It also offers increased security for your vehicle because the container is sealed and locked during international car shipping. Shipping your car in a container is particularly beneficial if you have a valuable or classic car.
In addition, if you want to save costs, you can consolidate your automotive with other overseas auto shipping that goes to the same place. But this may significantly extend your time as the logistics company has to fill a container before sending it overseas.
What is roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping?
RORO shipping is known for its efficiency and quick turnaround times. These RoRo vessels are designed to accommodate a wide range of wheeled cargo, from cars and trucks to heavy construction machinery.
When transporting only one vehicle, RoRo shipping is your priority choice. You should make sure your car is able to make it up and down the ramp without any assistance. Once loaded on the RoRo ship, each vehicle is tied down securely in its designated spot.
What is international car shipping by air?
Air freight is the fastest way to ship a car abroad. However, it also comes with a much more expensive cost, so sending a car overseas by air is not a universal logistics method. You can choose air shipping when dealing with cars that require expedited transportation, such as for competitions, shows, or ultra-luxury vehicles.
How much does international car shipping cost?
The cost to ship a car overseas can vary widely depending on several factors:
1. Vehicle size and total weight
Generally, larger and heavier vehicles will cost more during overseas shipping. Meanwhile, high-end or luxury cars may also have higher freight costs due to the need for additional security measures.
2. Shipping methods
Typically, international car shipping by air will cost more than ocean freight. While in sea freight, container shipping tends to be more expensive than RoRo shipping as it requires a container to load and secure goods.
3. Distance between ports
In most cases, shipping costs range from $900 to over $3,000 per vehicle, depending on the overseas destination and car type. If you require door-to-door international car shipping, the price will increase, and the process will be more intricate.
For instance, shipping a compact car from the US to Europe via RoRo might cost between $700-$1,000. Conversely, transporting an SUV over the same distance will be around $2,000. Moreover, shipping a car overseas from China to Australia comes at a higher cost, approximately $3,000.
4. Customs and duties
Import duties and taxes are subject to the destination country, which will increase the total cost significantly. Be sure to research and budget for these additional expenses.
5. Logistics insurance project
You can consider purchasing insurance for shipping a car abroad. Typically, a powerful shipping agent, like Airsupply, will offer insurance options for your overseas car transport.
The insurance cost for international car shipping is typically around 1.5% to 2.5% of your vehicle’s estimated value. It means that this translates approximately $600 to $1,000 for a car valued at $40,000.
Apart from the fees mentioned above, the destination local charges are another consideration, such as unloading or handling fees. If you hire a customs broker to guide your vehicle through customs, you might add $ 200~$ 500 to the total costs.
To eliminate the transportation complexity, you can work with our Airsupply Group. We not only offer more competitive freight rates for your overseas auto shipping but also support one-stop logistics solutions.
How long does it take to ship a car overseas?
Like other international cargo shipping, the duration required to send a car overseas depends on the destination country and the chosen logistics method. Shipping your car via air is the quickest option, delivering it within a day or two.
However, if you opt for container shipping, it typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Under the equal shipping situations, RoRo shipping may be faster, with transit times ranging from 2 to 5 weeks. You also need to take care of the time it takes to load and prepare your vehicle for shipping.
We at Airsupply can promise the fastest and safest delivery for your international car shipping. With a transparent tracking system, we allow you to monitor your cargo status in real time.
What documents will you need to ship a car abroad?
Except for the shipping documents like invoices and bill of lading, you still need to provide the below critical documents:
1. Original certificate of vehicle title or certified copy
For customs clearance, you must possess the original vehicle title. It is also known as the “Pink Slip” and can prove you are the car’s legal owner.
2. Vehicle registration proof
It is an official document issued by a government authority that evidences a specific vehicle is legally registered to be operated on public roads.
3. Bill of Sale and Certificate of Origin
You should obtain these documents from the dealership if you’ve acquired a new car shipping from overseas.
4. Lien holder authorization (if applicable)
It refers to a legal agreement that grants a lien holder certain rights or permissions regarding a specific property or asset. If under a lien, you may not be able to take the car out of the country without this document.
5. Power of Attorney (POA)
If you can not physically take your car to the Port of Loading, you might need this document to grant someone the authority. It allows the carrier to handle the shipping process on your behalf.
6. DOT label confirmation
It is generally used to show safety compliance about the car that it meets U.S. safety and emissions standards. These labels communicate essential information about the contents of a package, including any potential hazards it may pose during transportation.
7. Completed HS-7 form
When importing into the USA, you should fill out this form, such as automobiles and motorcycles. This form provides information about the car.
8. Completed EPA 3520 form
This document certifies that the vehicle complies with U.S. emissions standards. You will require EPA Form 3520-21 when returning or importing your car into the USA.
In terms of each country’s varying laws and regulations, you can never be too prepared with the necessary documents. Before shipping your car internationally, you can consult our logistics experts. They provide a step-by-step guide for all the required paperwork you should offer.
How to prepare your car for overseas shipping?
1. Clean your car: Before international car shipping, you should thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Then, remove all personal items, like decor and clothes, from the car.
2. Reduce fuel level: Keep your car’s fuel tank between a quarter and a half. A lower fuel level reduces weight and minimizes the risk of leakage during shipment.
3. Check the battery:You should ensure the car battery is fully charged. It is essential for driving during customs inspections or upon arrival at the destination.
4. Disable alarm systems: If your car has an alarm system, deactivate it to prevent false alarms during transit.
5. Inspect for damage:Carefully inspect your car for any pre-existing damage, such as dents, scratches, or mechanical issues. Document these with photographs to ensure the auto shipping company didn’t tamper with them during shipping.
6. Remove or secure loose parts: Take off any aftermarket accessories that could be damaged or cause clearance issues during shipping. It includes spoilers or bike racks. Additionally, fold back or remove side mirrors and retract antennas to prevent damage during loading and unloading.
By following these steps or working with a shipping company like Airsupply, you can ensure that your car is well-prepared for overseas shipping. We are committed to minimizing the risk of damage or delays during transit, providing you with a hassle-free experience.
How can ASL help you with overseas car transport?
We understand that the safety of your vehicle is of utmost importance. Our global network aims to simplify and secure your international car shipping process. With over a decade of experience in the logistics market, we can provide competitive shipping rates and ample cargo space.
We act promptly to identify dependable carriers for your car shipment and will not charge you until a reliable one is secured. Our ASL professionals utilize specialized equipment and packaging to ensure your car arrives in the same pristine condition.
