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Ship Car Mobile to Europe Cost

Published by Joe Webster.

Ship Car Mobile to Europe Cost

Ship Car Mobile to Europe: Complete 2024 Guide for Hassle-Free International Auto Transport

Looking to ship a car Mobile to Europe? Understand the costs, methods, and necessary preparations with our complete guide on how to ship car mobile to Europe. We provide clear steps, from selecting a credible shipping company and insurance to readying your vehicle for overseas transport, ensuring a smooth international auto transport experience.

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Key Takeaways

  • Selecting a reputable international car shipping company is crucial for ensuring safe and smooth transport, with factors like experience, transparent communication, and proper licensure being key considerations.
  • The choice between container shipping and RoRo shipping should be made based on security needs, cost considerations, and whether additional items are being shipped with the vehicle.
  • Proper vehicle preparation, understanding of necessary documentation, and clear knowledge of international shipping costs and customs procedures are essential for a hassle-free shipping experience.

Choosing the Right International Car Shipping Company for Your Mobile to Europe Journey

Shipping your car overseas to Europe begins with choosing a reliable international car shipping company. The company’s experience and reputation significantly influence your vehicle’s safe passage across the ocean.

Yet, reputation and experience aren’t the sole considerations. Transparent communication is key to smooth shipping. It’s essential to stay updated on your vehicle’s status and any prospective schedule changes throughout the journey.

vessel moving containers across endless waters

Evaluating International Car Shipping Companies

Evaluating potential shipping companies involves considering several factors. These include the company’s licensure, track record, understanding of local laws, and service availability.

Once you have assessed these factors, consider the range of services they offer. A company that provides a wide range of services, including international auto shipping quote and transport, will be able to adapt to your specific needs and potentially save you money. Some reputable international car shipping companies, such as auto transport company options, are International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and North American Van Lines among others.

Importance of Adequate Vehicle Insurance

No matter how meticulous your chosen shipping company is, accidents can still happen. This is where adequate vehicle insurance comes into play. Marine insurance offers comprehensive protection against vehicle loss or damage from the point of loading onto the ship to the final delivery.

International car shipping insurance can provide coverage for a variety of damages that may occur to your vehicle while it is being shipped, such as:

  • Scratches
  • Dents
  • Fire
  • Theft

It becomes particularly crucial to have this insurance during the period of hurricane season, which spans from June until November.

Deciding on the Best Car Shipping Method to Europe

a man cleaning a red automobile

After selecting your shipping company and arranging suitable insurance, you need to determine the optimal international car shipping method for your vehicle. The main options for exporting a car to Europe include container shipping and RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) car shipping to europe.

Both methods have their perks. RoRo shipping is known for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while container shipping offers the flexibility to ship additional items within the vehicle and is particularly suitable for inoperable vehicles.

Container Shipping: Security for Your Vehicle

Container shipping is considered the most secure method for shipping cars to Europe. This method involves using chocks, lashings, ratchet straps, and other safety equipment to secure the vehicles inside the container and mitigate any potential damage during transit.

Shared container shipping provides protection from the elements, cost-effectiveness, and the option to transport supplementary items alongside the vehicle. However, if you’re transporting an exotic or highly valuable vehicle, you may want to consider exclusive shipping container services, which offer heightened security and protection at an additional cost.

RoRo Shipping: Economical and Efficient

RoRo Shipping, on the other hand, is a transportation method in which vehicles are driven onto the ship using a ramp. This method is usually a more economical option compared to other vehicle shipping methods to Europe. New car manufacturers favor RoRo shipping due to its ability to shield the cars secured on the ship deck from exposure to the ocean during transit.

Upon arrival at the European destination port, vehicles shipped via RoRo shipping are securely strapped and parked on the ship’s deck for the duration of the voyage, ensuring a high level of security for the transportation process.

Preparing Your Mobile for Transport to Europe

With your shipping company and method decided, the next step is to ready your vehicle for its voyage. This step entails gathering the required documents and physically preparing your shipping vehicles.

Necessary Documentation for a Smooth Process

a crimson vehicle is being loaded onto a cargo vessel

The essential documents needed for international car shipping consist of the original vehicle registration, a valid driver’s license, and valid insurance documents. For leased or financed vehicles, it is necessary to submit a notarized copy of the lien authorization from the lien holder.

Different European Union countries may have varying documentation requirements for shipping cars. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the customs website of the destination country for detailed information on European countries.

Physical Preparation of Your Vehicle

Physical preparation of your vehicle for shipping includes:

  • Thoroughly washing the exterior, including the wheel wells and fuel intake area
  • Removing any personal belongings from the vehicle
  • Conducting a thorough inspection for pre-existing damage.

Next, inspect and adjust your vehicle’s tire pressure to ensure that the tires are adequately inflated and in optimal condition. Lastly, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle has no more than ¼ of a tank of gas when it is being shipped overseas.

Understanding the International Shipping Costs for Your Mobile

It’s vital to comprehend the international shipping costs for your vehicle. Various elements determine the cost of shipping a car to Europe, such as:

  • Shipping methods
  • Distance
  • Destination country
  • Insurance coverage
  • Extra charges like import duty, inspection reports, and customs clearance.

The cost of shipping a compact vehicle from the East Coast of the United States to a European country with container shipping usually ranges from $1,200 to $2,500. This can vary depending on the specific shipping company and the destination within Europe. For larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks, the cost can range from $1,800 to $4,000.

Variables Impacting Shipping Rates

cargo vessel

The shipping rates are influenced by the type and size of the vehicle, with larger or heavier cars costing more due to the space they occupy and the additional weight they add to the cargo load. Additionally, luxury cars or collectibles may necessitate extra insurance and special handling, contributing to the overall shipping costs.

The destination country also significantly influences car shipping costs. Generally, the farther the destination country is from the origin, the higher the shipping costs. Service providers utilize shipping zones to classify various geographical regions and allocate costs accordingly.

Estimating Your Shipping Investment

To calculate the shipping expenses for transporting your vehicle to Europe, it is advisable to request a quotation from an international car shipping company. This quotation will usually necessitate fundamental details like the origin and destination of the shipment, type of vehicle, and preferred shipping method.

In addition to the shipping costs, don’t forget to consider potential supplementary charges for shipping a vehicle to Europe. These may encompass expenses for:

  • larger vehicles, which can vary from $1,800 to $4,000
  • insurance
  • taxes
  • customs fees

To approximate these costs, as well as expenses such as insurance, taxes, and customs fees, one can utilize a car shipping cost calculator.

The Vehicle Shipping Process to Europe Demystified

With the preparation and planning completed, let’s simplify the vehicle shipping process to Europe. This process entails comprehending pickup and delivery options, managing customs clearance, and monitoring your shipment across the ocean.

Pickup and Delivery Options

ocean transportation

The available options for pick-up and delivery when transporting a car to Europe include door-to-door shipping and port-to-port shipping. Door-to-door shipping is a service that involves the pick-up and drop-off of your car at specific addresses, thereby eliminating the need for additional pick-up or drop-off locations.

On the other hand, port-to-port car shipping refers to the process of transporting a vehicle from the port of origin to the port of destination. This method is most convenient when carrier availability is high, making it the preferred method for shipping a vehicle from one port to another.

Navigating Customs Clearance

Having a comprehensive understanding of customs clearance and import tax is essential to prevent unforeseen charges during the importation procedure. Certain goods may qualify for exemption from import VAT or be subject to a zero rate, with regulations differing based on the country and nature of the goods.

Upon arrival at the European destination port, the vehicle undergoes customs clearance and import tax procedures. After the completion of these procedures, the vehicle is prepared for delivery to its ultimate destination.

Tracking Your Shipment Across the Ocean

Being able to track the progress of your vehicle’s shipment across the ocean is an important part of the shipping process. Your booking reference and container number are integral to monitoring the transportation of your vehicle during its oceanic voyage.

Platforms such as Detrack and GoComet are commonly recommended for tracking international car shipments due to their efficiency and ease of use. By utilizing the tracking number provided by the shipping company, you can ascertain the real-time location, monitor delivery progress, and determine the estimated arrival time of your car shipment.

Special Considerations for Shipping Different Types of Vehicles

Shipping different types of vehicles demands particular considerations. It’s essential to comprehend the specific considerations whether you’re transporting a compact car, a classic car, or a larger vehicle like a pickup truck.

large vessel

Compact Car Shipping Strategies

When shipping compact cars to Europe, shared container shipping can effectively reduce costs by optimizing the carrying capacity of each container, leveraging economies of scale, and distributing expenses among multiple customers.

However, when transporting your own car to Europe, compact cars must be registered in the destination country.

Transport Solutions for Classic Cars

Transporting a classic car over 30 years old from the US to the UK entails a 5% VAT and no import duties. Exclusive container shipping ensures the protection of classic cars during international transit by utilizing safety equipment, such as ratchet straps, to securely fasten the vehicle.

Guidelines for Shipping Larger Vehicles like Pickup Trucks

When shipping larger vehicles such as pickup trucks to Europe, the destination charges typically include approximately 22% import duty and 20% VAT. The most effective techniques for transporting larger vehicles such as pickup trucks to Europe include container shipping, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, and air freight.

Summary

In conclusion, the journey of shipping your car to Europe involves careful selection of a reputable shipping company, a suitable shipping method, necessary documentation, vehicle preparation, and understanding of the shipping costs. With all the information provided in this guide, you are now well-equipped to embark on your vehicle’s journey across the ocean with confidence.

cargo vessel at sea

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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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
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