International Classic Car Transport – How Classic Cars Are Shipped Across The World

Whether you’re just a classic car enthusiast, or you own your own classic vehicles and may need to ship them abroad for a trip, an auto show, or because you’re permanently moving and relocating from your current country, you may be wondering how they’re shipped internationally. Let’s explain the top options for international classic car transport, and a few of the reasons why classic cars may need to be shipped internationally.

What Are The Options For International Classic Car Transport?

The primary methods of ocean-going freight for international classic car transport is RoRo (Roll On, Roll Off) shipping and containerized shipping on a cargo vessel. Air transport is also an option for international classic car transport and is very fast, but can be incredibly expensive.

• RoRo shipping – RoRo, short for Roll On, Roll Off, is a specialized cargo shipping option for wheeled vehicles. RoRo cargo vessels have a gigantic internal cargo compartment that’s built similarly to a parking garage, complete with ramps and multiple levels of storage for wheeled and tracked vehicles. The cars and other vehicles are simply driven onto the ship to be loaded, and then are unloaded by driving them off of the vessel at its destination – hence the term “Roll On, Roll Off.”
  RoRo shipping can be a good option for classic car transport, but it does expose the car to other vehicles, and since the car will be highly visible in the cargo ship, it could be at a higher risk of vandalization.
• Container shipping – For very valuable classic cars, container shipping is often chosen. Most classic cars can fit in a 20’ or 40’ standard cargo container, which can be loaded onto a container ship just like any other type of cargo. This protects the car from view and provides it with extra protection. You can also load and ship accessories, parts, and other items into the container with your vehicle for additional convenience.
• Air shipping – Air shipping is extremely expensive – often costing up to $10,000 or more for a one-way trip. However, it is very secure and fast. Cars shipped by air can be delivered in 1-2 days, in most cases. For time-sensitive shipments, you can’t beat air freight, but you’ll also pay a pretty penny for the service.

Why Are Classic Cars Shipped Internationally?

Wondering why a classic car would need to be shipped internationally? A few common reasons include showing off the car at an auto show or expo, importing a car for personal use, or selling/buying a car internationally.

• Auto shows & expos – Sometimes, a private owner or a vehicle manufacturer may wish to show off a particular classic car model as part of an auto show or expo. In this case, it may be necessary to ship the car internationally via ocean-going freight or air freight.
• Personal use – A person who is moving to a new country may wish to bring their classic vehicle along with them, and this is allowed by most countries, though it may still have to meet emission and quality standards, and taxes may be levied on the value of the vehicle.
  
  More rarely, a person may import a car for temporary personal use – such as a road trip or a long vacation. The ability to do this depends on the local laws and legislation of the destination country.
  
• Classic car sales – Some models of classic cars are highly valuable, and their desirability means they are often bought and sold internationally. People who collect classic cars will often purchase vehicles from sellers who are located abroad, and then arrange international classic car transport services to get the vehicle to their home country.

Need International Classic Car Transport Service? Turn To A-1 Auto Transport

When it comes to shipping classic cars internationally, we can point you in the right direction. Our extensive network of domestic and international auto shipping companies can handle any job, and provide your classic car with the care and attention it deserves during the shipping process. Get a quote now by contacting us online or giving us a call at (888) 230-9116.