How Are Vehicles Shipped Overseas

This is How Vehicles Shipped Overseas

Shipping vehicles overseas is a common activity in different countries around the world. Many countries have also increased their revenue by manufacturing cars and shipping them to nations in which the vehicles are in demand. The reason for moving cars ranges from personal to commercial, with the main aim being delivery of the vehicle to its intended destination. Fortunately, there are a number of transport options available for vehicle owners that want to move cars abroad. Here are some available transport options to look up if you’re wondering how are vehicles shipped overseas.

Transport Options

Shipping Containers

A huge number of cars that are shipped overseas are transported using containers. These containers are usually twenty to forty feet in size and are the safest shipping method for cars. Some are partitioned in order to allow maximum use of the space. The cars in the containers are usually strapped down so that they are stable, with wooden blocks placed on the sides to keep them secure. Personal belongings can be stored alongside the cars when shipping cars, a practice which could help lower the overall shipping cost. Cars that are small in size, intermediate or larger, are best transported using shipping containers.

Open Air Trucks

In the US, all states are connected by road making it easy to transport cars to the country within agreed timelines. How are vehicles shipped overseas using trucks is a common question among vehicle owners. Not only can these trucks be used locally, they can also be used to ship cars abroad. That is provided that there is a good road network in between or as a complementary transport option to air freight and sea freight. Open air trucks are quite affordable because they can carry many cars, a fact that makes them a top choice for many vehicle owners.

Roll on /Roll off

Shipping cars to overseas destinations can also be done using the Roll on/ Roll of (RO/RO) option. This transport option involves the driving of the vehicle into the ship by the vehicle owner/handler. The specially designed ship has parking decks that are enclosed allowing cars to be arranged within the space securely and economically. Every car placed in the ship has its own parking spot where it stays till it gets to the overseas destination. On arrival, the vehicle or their representative drives the car from the ship to the customs clearance office to conclude all the necessary formalities. This shipping option is ideal for all types of vehicles.

Enclosed Trucks

If transportation of your car is done during winter months, you need to ensure that it is well protected. Enclosed trucks are the best option for such a move, although it might cost you more in transportation charges. The trucks, which are designed to cover the entire loading sections are also ideal for high-end vehicles whose damage may result in costly repairs. Shipping of vehicles using enclosed trucks is therefore safer and is highly ideal for new or high-end vehicles.

Cargo airplane

How are vehicles shipped overseas quickly and safely, is another question often asked by car owners seeking to transport vehicles. Overseas shipping via air is the most ideal answer, albeit expensive. Depending on the arrangement, the vehicle owner can drop off the car at the airport or have it picked up from their premises. When the car arrives at the airport, it is loaded onto the plane using special equipment. Alternatively, it can be driven into the plane and parked in the cargo section where it is secured using straps and blocks. In many cases, a plane can only carry a single vehicle at a time.

Professional Drivers

Although not commonly used for long distances, professional drivers can be a great option when on a low budget. These drivers are experienced in driving for long hours and in different terrains in different countries. It is possible to have two drivers move the car to a neighboring country so that they can take turns driving up to the the final destination. The downside of this kind of long distance driving is the accumulation of extra miles on the car especially if you plan to sell it. However, if the car is for personal use, professional drivers are worth the investment.

In general, the mode of transportation selected for shipping cars abroad is largely dependent on an individual’s budget and personal choice. If you still have questions on how are vehicles shipped overseas, you can call us and book an appointment with our team to get them all answered.