Shipping Cars Internationally

The majority of people who choose to purchase car shipping are moving to another state in the US. But, what if people need to have their car or truck shipped to another country on a different continent? Shipping cars internationally, while less common and more difficult, is possible via cargo ships.

Overseas Shipping Methods

Shipping cars overseas is going to be expensive, so, unless you want to ship a relatively new or expensive car, it might be a good idea to consider other options if you can. Expect to spend well over a thousand dollars, and more for destination and origin charges. Nevertheless, if you must ship a car overseas, there are several methods in which you may do so.

• Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping involves transporting cars onto ships simply by driving them up a loading ramp and parking. This convenient shipping method is the cheapest way to ship a car internationally. Car carrier ships are easily recognized by their boxy, tall appearance. However, their height and weight does, infrequently, cause problems with stability. Roll-on/roll-off ships have been known to sink, though more recent designs pose less of a risk.
• Lift-on/lift-off shipping vessels utilize cranes to move cars and other transportation vehicles onto the ship. This shipping method is far more expensive than RORO shipping, though it is primarily designed for vehicles, such as large boats, with height restrictions that prevent them from using a RORO service. However, on certain occasions, a cargo ship may not have adequate loading docks for transporting cars, thus necessitating this transport method.
• Expensive or luxury vehicles being shipped internationally may want to consider container shipping. Vehicles shipped in freight containers are much less likely to be damaged during shipment, but this safety comes at an added cost. Containers are loaded onboard a cargo ship using a crane or a semi-truck.

Precautions

It is highly advisable to hire car shipping companies when shipping cars internationally. Companies that specialize in international transport can arrange the necessary permits and authorizations for your car, truck or SUV to leave the US and enter another country. You will be notified of any paperwork, fees, and documentation the country requires.

For instance, most countries require that all cars entering be fumigated prior to arrival. The US also demands the original title document, as well as three copies of the title to be inside the car during shipping. Vehicle Identification Numbers must be posted inside freight containers, if used. Vehicles must be emptied of personal belongings - a good idea anyway, as shipping weight is factored into the cost.

Vehicle owners near international shipping ports may be able to drive their vehicles directly to the loading dock. However, residents of land-locked states will, probably, need to hire a car shipping company to transport their car to a dock, adding to the overall cost. Try to bundle both services through the same company if possible, as that will save you money.

Shipping cars internationally is clearly expensive and requires extensive documentation, but, at the very least, customers have choices in regards to the transport method.