Ultimate Guide to International Car Shipping
Cars can be big hassles to transport overseas — and even across entire oceans — but the process for international car shipping can be less complicated than you think.
Finding the right international car shipping company
There is no shortage of international car shipping companies, so you will want to do lots of research to find the one that is best for you. In order to find a good company to ship a car overseas, you need to use search engines. Search engines like Google will provide you with plenty of information about the different companies that offer to move your car internationally.
Any transportation services company you choose for this job must meet the requirements listed below.
- Offer to deliver from one location to another.
- Is fully registered and insured.
- Only work with vendors that are fully qualified, registered, fully bonded, and covered.
If international auto shipping companies don’t meet any of the requirements that we listed above, it’s best to cut them off your list. If you are unsure about a company’s licensing or insurance, you should ask them right away. Ask for proof that a company is licensed and insured, and if it says yes during a phone interview, that’s fine.
Now that you’re down to a couple of shipping companies that meet the above requirements, you can start making some more specific comparisons. Then, you should start to narrow down your options by getting several quotes from all the shipping companies you want to compare and then pick the one that has the most reasonable price.
Prepare your documents
Moving a car internationally requires that you fill out a number of papers, like you would do any other move. For you to transport your vehicle overseas, you’ve got to bring the proper documents with you. Your car will be sent to the destination country at the earliest possible date.
In this case, you need to contact your Port of Entry in advance of moving, so you know what they are expecting from you and when they expect it from you. We would advise you to allow at a minimum of one month to get all the necessary documents.
Also, inform the DMV that you’re planning to ship your car to another state. Some states may require you to show a new set of documents to prove that you’re traveling by car. You may be asked to turn in a temporary license plate to allow you to drive the car while you’re in another state. And be sure to buy insurance as well to protect against theft.
Cost of international car shipping
It can cost up to $5,000 to ship a car abroad, depending on how far it is being taken and the company that you choose to do the job. Obviously, this is just one cost to consider before you start the process of having your vehicle shipped overseas. You may incur extra fees on top of your car shipping cost for the following items:
- Marine Insurance: It’s a worthwhile idea for you to carry additional insurance to help you secure your car, even if the company that is shipping it does not obligate you to carry such insurance. Check to see if your auto insurance provider offers coverage for boats. Your car insurance company should allow you to take out additional insurance coverage when you ship your car. If they do not, go to a broker who sells insurance for marine boats.
- Destination Charges: When your vehicle reaches the destination country, it will need to be taken off the ship and safely steered into the country’s customs area. You’ll need to hire a customs agent to do this for you. Most shippers have agents who work at certain ports. They’ll show you where you can find one. You will need to pay an extra $500 to $800 for this service.
- Custom Duty: Customs duties are a fee that countries around the world charge for the import and export of certain items. You’ve got to get in touch with your new country’s customs office in order to find out what they charge. This is normally paid in an amount that amounts to a percentage of the value of the item that is being shipped.
- Extra Fees and Taxes: Taxes and fees apply when you ship a car internationally, and there are often other fees involved. You should be notified when things will be okay when it comes to shipping charges, but keep room in the budget for unexpected costs.
Time estimation for international car shipping
This varies widely depending on where the car is going. Plan to allow 3 to 12 weeks for a car to arrive at its destination. Your shipper will know when your car will get to its destination and give a good estimate of when it will land at the destination, which will likely be correct, barring any issues at customs.
International car shipping by plane
Air freight, or the cost of shipping a car by plane, is the most costly overseas car shipping method. But, it’s also the most convenient and efficient way to ship a car. If you can afford it (and if you want it done quickly (in a matter of days instead of weeks, or even months, by shipping by boat), then take the plane! Shipping your cars by plane is convenient and very efficient, especially if the car is very expensive, such as a vintage car, a rare model, or luxury car.
Just as you would need to ship your car by boat, you’ll need to prove that it is running properly. And no other important things should be in the vehicle. You can only place a maximum of eight gallons of gas in the gas tank. Door-to-door delivery is also an option, but it is more expensive than having it delivered to your home.
Generally speaking, everything that you need to import a car is the exact same as if you were shipping your car by boat (i.e., identification, proof of ownership, etc.). We advise obtaining information from the corresponding embassy in your destination country to find out the latest tax and import regulations.
Conclusion
Regent Express is an international car shipping company in Singapore with over 20 years of experience. We are experienced in handling international car shipments for businesses and simultaneously cater to the specific needs of our individual clients.
Contact us to get your vehicle shipped!
