Gift Icon
Get a 20% discount from our partners! Discount code will get added automatically when you submit the form.
yellow A1 Auto Transport carrier on highway
4.7 Star Rating4.7 (67,926 reviews)
96.3% positive
No Surprises, Just Savings: Verified Carriers, Instant Quotes, and Best Price Guarantee!
You save 20% compared to other companies
Get quotes from trusted carriers, thoroughly vetted and fully insured. Enjoy trackable deliveries, fair pricing, and hassle-free transport from start to finish. Transport any type of vehicle and drive away worry-free.
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs
Customer Ratings By Feature
Value for Money ★★★★★ 4.9
Vehicle Care ★★★★★ 4.9
Fast Delivery ★★★★★ 4.9
Friendly Staff ★★★★★ 4.9
Globe
190+
Countries
Served
Car
2M+
Delivered
Services
Car
97%
Customer
Recommended
Dave loved the fast deliveryDave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidanceCourtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair priceJeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safetyMaria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.
Recently featured on USA Today

“A1 Auto Transport became synonymous with top-notch service delivery, unfailing punctuality and constantly preoccupied with customer satisfaction.

See Article— USA Today

Ocean Freight Container Shipping

Published by Joe Webster.

Ocean Freight Container Shipping

If you need to ship a vehicle across the ocean, A1-AT is here to help. Ocean freight shipping is a useful way to haul items across the ocean, and it’s also a useful way to haul large quantities of goods cheaply. 90% of all shipments are moved.

We provide services for all types of vehicles. We are equipped to ship from any international destination.

Ocean Freight Shipping for Cars

At A-1 Auto, we specialize in hauling safely and quickly to their final destination, wherever that may be. If you are interested in using this method, you’ve come to the right place.

Your vehicle will be collected from a place of your choosing and then hauled to the loading dock or warehouse. Our carriers are highly experienced, so your car will be loaded, secured, and braced with the utmost care.

Pinned
New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.

Delivery For International Moves

We can provide a full moving service via this method. If you are planning a move across the ocean, we can arrange the entire process for you. Take the hassle out of moving and learn more about this service today.

Why Choose A1-AT for Your Shipment

We have decades of experience moving all over the world. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality service. We guarantee that we will do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle arrives as safely and as quickly as it possibly can.

Plus, our carriers are fully licensed and fully insured, so you won’t have to worry about what happens in the rare case of accidental damage.

Here at A1-AT, we want the entire process to be as smooth as possible. We will help you every step of the way, and take care of all of the complicated logistics of the journey. By choosing A-1, you will be taking a load off your shoulders.

Ready To Find Out More About Our Services?

Ready to begin your inquiry with us about moving for your car or your other personal goods? We will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns. Simply give us a call at 1-888-230-9116, or begin by filling out our complimentary quote estimate service.

Choosing This Method

If you need to haul your car or other belongings across the ocean, your only options are ocean or air moving. Can’t decide? Let’s compare the pros and cons of each.

The Benefits

Value. It tends to be a far more economical method. In many cases, you’ll find that hauling items via ocean freight is four to six times cheaper than the same journey by air freight.

Capacity. It can handle both large and small-sized shipments. Smaller cargo will be paired with other small shipments in one container, while larger cargo can be spread out between several containers. Moving in bulk is much easier with this. Air freight, in comparison, often puts restrictions on the weight and size of your cargo.

Flexibility. In most cases, you will find that it tends to be more flexible. You will have more options about how to move and when.

Carbon footprint. Compared to the air method, the ocean one is far more environmentally friendly. This method produces the fewest grams of exhaust gas emissions per ton of cargo, making it the best method for the environment.

showcasing a vessel

The Downsides

Speed. While it is often cheaper, more flexible, and more environmentally friendly, it is also much slower. It’s easy to see why air can deliver items much faster than other method- especially over long distances.

Reliability. In comparison to the air method, ocean one can be less reliable. Delivery times can change as a result of weather conditions, border issues, or other delays.

Risk levels. Ocean options can be much riskier than air. Because your goods will be handled more frequently, there is a higher chance that they will become damaged throughout the journey.

Types of Methods

When you choose to move, you will need to choose between LCL (less than container load) or FCL (full container load). These are the two methods of shipment, and each comes with its own pros and cons.

LCL means that your goods will be traveling alongside someone else’s shipment in the same container. This consolidation of goods makes travel cheaper.

FCL involves paying for the use of an entire container. This method is typically faster and safer than LCL. However, it is also more expensive.

Another method is known as Roll on, Roll off (RoRo), and refers to specific liners that are designed to carry shelled cargo. In this method of shipment, the vehicle is driven onto the ship, and then off again when it reaches its destination.

Click here for more information on FCL or LCL to decide which method will work for your situation.

FAQs

Still feeling a little confused? Here are some frequently asked questions.

pressing calculator

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost depends on the size of your shipment, the distance traveled, and any other specific logistics that affect the journey. Use our online free quote generator today to get a better idea of what you can expect to pay.

Here are a few of the most common items on a quote or invoice. These are the unexpected items that can change your prices.

  • Customs security surcharges
  • Container Freight Station (these are the consolidation charges, and so only apply for LCL shipments)
  • Terminal handling charges (fee charged by the port authority)
  • Customs Brokerage
  • Pickup and delivery costs
  • Insurance costs
  • Accessorial charges (fuel surcharges, handling hazardous materials, and storage)
  • Routing charges

How Much Longer Does It Take?

The difference can vary greatly. In some cases, a shipment could take up to a month, while an air shipment would arrive in several days. If you are pressed for time, enquire about it.

What Paperwork Will I Need To Provide?

International moving does require several documents. Every journey will be different, depending on the starting point and the ending point. We will tell you everything you need to know about your specific journey. If we need specific paperwork from you, we will notify you of this and will provide assistance as needed.

vessel on water

How Should I Prepare My Vehicle?

Your vehicle needs to be in the best possible condition before it sets off on the journey. Make sure it’s cleaned, and serviced, and take note of any superficial damage. Your carrier will go through the Bill of Lading with you on arrival.

This document serves as the official agreement between you and the carrier about what prior damage exists on the car. After the journey’s completion, any new damage will be easily discernible.

Share this content on social media for a chance to get up to 20% off your next shipment.
Copy link

Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

Email Me


Testimonial
Mylene Rutllant
It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.
★★★★★
...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.
Testimonial
Luis Rodriguez
You have my full support and recommendation!
★★★★★
A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!
Testimonial
Cristine Benoit
I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.
★★★★★
There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.
Testimonial
David Osallo
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10!
★★★★★
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us:

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
Copyright © 1988-2024, A-1 Auto Transport - All Rights Reserved.