Can You Ship an SUV by Sea?

Shipping a car by sea isn’t a new concept. However, shipping an SUV may be a little different. Preparing your SUV for shipping by sea can be more complex than for a smaller car.

If you’re considering hauling your SUV by sea, there are a few things to know before making a final decision. We'll explore the process of shipping an SUV by sea, including the costs, restrictions, and preparation required.

SUVs Can Be Shipped By Sea

Yes, SUVs can be moved by sea using several methods, such as container hauling, enclosed transport, and roll-on/roll-off vehicle shipping.

A freight ship transports the Sport Utility Vehicle in a container. Enclosed transport, on the contrary, involves placing the SUV in a covered trailer and transporting it to the port for hauling.

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vehicle shipping involves driving the SUV onto a hauling vessel via a ramp.

When hauling an SUV via sea, consider the personal items you want to transport with the vehicle. Equally important is factoring in the destination country and the transit time.

Larger vehicles may attract additional costs and fees, and import duty and taxes may apply. But each destination charges differently.

Shipping a Sport Utility Vehicle by sea can be costly. However, compared to air freight, which is considerably pricier, it's the more feasible option. Anyone wanting to ship an SUV by sea should get an instant online quote or a custom quote from a trusted auto transport company and an insurance company.

Different Methods Of Moving Vehicle Via Ocean

Container Shifting

Container shipping is a cost-effective way to transport larger vehicles, such as SUVs, internationally by sea. Furthermore, shared or exclusive container hauling options are available.

• Shared container hauling: This type of hauling involves sharing a container with other individuals or businesses, which means the cost is split between the parties. It can be more affordable, but it may also have a longer wait time for the container to be filled and moved. However personal belongings cannot be included in the container with shared shipping.
• Exclusive container shipping: This type of hauling costs extra but offers more security. The vehicle is loaded into a container and shipped separately from other cargo, reducing the risk of damage or loss. Plus, you are allowed to include personal belongings within the container.

Both shared and exclusive container hauling methods have pros and cons, depending on the needs of the individual or business.

Shared container shipping is friendlier to your budget. But it may take longer to complete with no ability to include personal belongings. alternatively, the exclusive alternative is more expensive but has greater security.

Roll-On/Roll-Off Vehicle Hauling

Roll-on/Roll-Off (RoRo) vehicle hauling is a widely preferred method for transporting wheeled vehicles. And this method is incredibly more affordable and efficient compared to other shipping methods.

The vehicles are loaded onto the RoRo move and tied down to the deck, keeping them secure during the journey.

RoRo ships can accommodate a great variety of wheeled vehicles. Not just cars and motorcycles, but bigger vehicles can fit in, too, such as:

• Motorhomes
• Campers
• Trailers
• Buses
• Construction vehicles
• Boats

RoRo hauling offers high-level protection for vehicles in transit. This shipping method protects cars and other vehicles from external elements, severe weather conditions, and water damage.

With RoRo shipping, the car arrives in the exact shape it was when it was carried onto the ship.

Considerations When Delivery

Shipping an SUV by sea is excellent when transporting your vehicle over a long distance. However, while sea freighting SUVs, you have to think of several factors.

Personal Items

When shipping an SUV by sea, it’s possible to transport personal items within the vehicle as long as certain guidelines are followed:

• Weight limit: There is typically a limit for how much total weight the SUV can carry inside. Hauling companies will have rules explaining this limit. The weight of the personal items must also be evenly distributed throughout the vehicle to maintain balance and safety during transit.
• Safety requirements: Most companies require that items be securely packaged and labeled with the owner's information. Fragile items should be packed with extra care to avoid damage during transport.
• Packaging requirements: Packaging requirements for personal items moved in an SUV by sea may also vary, depending on the shipping company.

There can be further limitations regarding where passengers can store personal goods within the car. Follow the rules carefully to prevent harming your SUV and any other moved items.

It's recommended to place items in the cargo area of the SUV. However, some shipping companies may allow for additional items in the cabin as long as they’re not obstructing any safety features.

Destination Port

Your SUV's destination may influence certain things, like the shipping cost and timeframe. For example, SUVs from the USA routinely arrive at European ports. But each port is different.

One of the most popular ports for most vehicles is the port of Antwerp in Belgium. It has the most frequent and reliable shipping services. However, other ports like Bremerhaven in Germany or Le Havre in France can be more cost-effective if shipping to inland Europe.

These ports have good connectivity and offer efficient inland transport options, making it easier and quicker to reach destinations further inland.

Meanwhile, Rotterdam, Southampton, and Barcelona ports permit US automobile shipments. Check with the shipping company to confirm which ports they operate from and which would be best for the shipment.

Destination Country

Numerous criteria must be considered to ensure a smooth and affordable SUV export. Import duties and destination charges are two important elements that can greatly impact shipping costs overall.

Import duties are taxes levied by the destination country on the imported goods. Meanwhile, destination charges refer to the cost of transporting the SUV from the port of arrival to the delivery address.

The distance between the collection and delivery locations may have an impact on the price of shipping. Shorter moves within the same city may cost less than shipping an SUV from San Francisco to San Diego.

Using a shipping calculator or contacting a shipping company to get an instant or custom quote and comparing different transport methods, such as enclosed or container shipping, is advisable.

You can send a Sport Utility Vehicle to almost all international shipping destinations on any continent. But the destination country's insurance needs may vary.

For example, shipping an SUV to Germany may require a TÜV inspection. alternatively, you may need additional insurance for shipping to South America.

Research the requirements and additional costs beforehand to avoid delays or issues during shipping.

Transit Time

Shipping an SUV by sea is good for transporting larger vehicles overseas. However, transit time is longer compared to air freight.

On average, shipping a vehicle by sea can take two to eight weeks, depending on the destination. For example, sending an SUV to San Juan may take around two weeks. But shipping to an international destination may take up to eight weeks or more.

In comparison, air freight can take around two to five days to transport a vehicle, but it is a more expensive option.

Being flexible with delivery dates can help save on shipping costs. Some shipping companies may offer lower rates for SUV transport if the delivery date is not time-critical.

Compare different shipping services, including the transit time and additional charges, to find the most affordable option.

Additional Cost For Larger Vehicles

Due to their size and weight, SUVs cost more to freight. This is because larger cars require larger trailers, containers, or trucks to transport them, which affects the cost per mile.

The average cost per 1,000 miles to ship a personal vehicle can range in the following figures:

• Between $600 and $1,000 for sedans
• Between $800 and $1,100 for SUVs and pickups, respectively
• Between $1,000 - $1,500 when shipping larger vehicles like RVs or buses

Get a custom quote from a shipping company specializing in shipping larger vehicles, as this will provide a more accurate estimate of the additional cost.

Sport Utility Vehicle Delivery

Shipping an SUV by sea is possible. It's very similar to sending any car by sea freight, with a few minor differences. The biggest consideration will be the size. Because of this, Sport Utility Vehicles have different requirements than standard sedans.

You can accomplish this feat more easily by working with a trustworthy shipping company. A1 Auto Transport makes SUV delivery easier. We have the expertise to ship your SUV worldwide with proper preparation. Browse our services and get your free quote today.