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What Is Needed to Ship a Car Overseas?

Published by Tamar Hela.

What Is Needed to Ship a Car Overseas?

If you've decided to move overseas and want to take your car with you, you must be wondering what things are needed to ship a vehicle overseas. Right?

This "taking it overseas with you" thing can be due to several factors. For example, you could be emotionally attached to it and have sweet family memories related to your auto. As a result, you don't feel like selling it out.

And more!

It's also a great option if you think that you have enough time to wait for the delivery at your new destination as the process may take some time. You can afford the cost, plus it is well maintained and in running position.

Above all...

If you have been moving there for a long time, then you might have made the right decision to relocate along with you.

This blog post will get you to know what things you need to haul overseas and what steps you need to take. Let's begin.

vehicles are parked on a dockyard

List of Things You Need to Move Overseas [Important Documents]

Moving isn't effortless. You need a list of things to get your vehicle onboard. It can also cost you a handsome amount plus a list of

Many overseas movers don't advise delivering unless your car is highly valuable and super expensive. After all, it will pass the oceans, travel by ship, and cost an extensive amount of money. Hence, it could be more cost-effective than buying a new one once you have reached your destination.

But, as you're in love with it and don't want to go abroad without your favorite delivery, you've got to need some important documents, including your and its details.

You'll have to arrange all the required documents by the company you are taking service to move. In addition, you will have to provide the company with a copy of the papers.

Anyhow, here's the list of documents you need to haul.

Personal Identification

First off, you'll have to provide your identification credentials. The personal identification documents include an Identity card (issued by the state), your driving license, passport, etc.

Title

While moving, you will need to bring two copies of the title, one for keeping in it. The second will be required while booking.

Ownership Proof

To haul overseas, you will have to prove the ownership. In addition, you must show the authorization proof and bill of sale before booking your shipment.

Inspection Report

The inspection report is also known as the condition report. It's an important document. The inspection report tells the vehicle's exact condition while being hauled.

Before moving, the driver sifts through the exterior, creates a digital or paper report, and the driver signs on the description of its condition. Then the information is sent to the pickup person. Finally, the driver loads it.

When the car is successfully moved, the delivery person unloads it. He also inspects it to see any damage and reviews the report.

Finally, he signs the inspection report.

a lady showing her license

Bill of Lading

BOL (Bill of Lading) is also considered one of the most important documents. That is a receipt or invoice received by the person who picks up the freight.

Most carriers combine the Inspection report and the bill of lading, but some may separate the documents. The difference between the two is simple to understand. The customer signs the condition report while a broker signs the bill of lading.

If you don't know, a broker is the person between you and the carriers. The "brokers" are the people who don't own their trucks but get you connected with carriers or make shipments with the assistance of call carriers.

With that, we have completed the list of much-needed things you'll require. And, if you have any confusion about further proceedings of delivery. We have cleared the dust for you.

Scroll below and learn about the different methods.

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How to Move Overseas – Your Step-by-Step Guide!

Think delivering is a hard nut to crack? Nah! It's pretty easy. (Okay, not too much, but it isn't that hard either.) Just follow our instructions and it will be soon at its next destination.

Let's walk you through the process overseas. Here are the steps that you'll have to go through:

Start Your Research

The first and foremost step is carrying out your online research while doing anything. Thanks to the internet! The same is the case with delivery. If you are moving overseas, research companies first offer services.

Several companies offer you international delivery, which means you require a lot of time to perform extensive research.

You may do your online research on search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing.

Another great option is to take references from your friends or friends of friends.

While researching companies, you should check for the authentic companies that hold the license. Furthermore, they must be insured. Finally, ensure that the company offers services from your location to the EXACT place where you will haul.

Some companies work with third parties. If the company you decide on also works with third parties, they should be licensed.

If the company doesn't hold the license and certification, they are not trustworthy, don't hire them for your task.

If you find companies that fulfill the requirements of registration and certifications, then the next move is to check for their authentication and services evaluation. For this purpose, you may check that particular firm on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. You may check the two crucial numbers USDOT and MC.

USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) and MC (Motor Carrier) are the government's numbers to track the registration status and other safety records about the moving company.

Request & Compare the Quotes

Now, you have found some authentic companies. Just gather quotes from them. You may ask them for their registration numbers as well.

Getting a quote could also be a great way to get information on the departure time, arrival time, and total expense, plus the details of necessary documents required for hauling.

After Receiving the quotations from the different well-reputed companies, you will have to compare the quotes while comparing the one factor that counts much is $$$. Therefore, make sure to examine the passage cautiously. The price and process are mentioned in their website's services section.

Take the following things into account while signing a contract with a company to haul:

  • Are they going to offer you port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-door?
  • What method will they use to move? Roll on Roll off or an Ocean Container?
  • Are they offering you inland hauling? It includes delivery by roads, inland waterways, and pipelines.
  • How much are they charging for destination fees?
containers and on a side calculator

Determine the Cost

Moving can cost you the highest price, but your budget varies. Further, it depends on the method and the period you want your vehicle moved.

It includes some more factors too, and we will discuss them in detail.

If you want to haul quickly in a short time, it may charge you a considerable amount.

Below are some vital factors that determine the price.

Methods:

First of all, we'll talk about the different ways.

There are three main modes. RORO (roll-on & Roll-off), Consolidated, and Container method.

RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off)

Roll-on and Roll-off is the cheapest method. It handles all sorts of cars, bikes, trucks, etc. However, the charge depends on the weight. Therefore, RORO is the cost-effective method; the cost manually depends on the different factors, including wherefrom -to you are moving the carrier, and the weight may affect the cost.

Your auto is brought into the vessel of the ship. However, it's placed in an open area, where it may be affected by climatic situations. Moreover, it's one of the slowest processes. Lastly, you cannot keep your personal belongings in it like spare tires and tire jacks, etc.

Container Method

Roll on Roll off the ship is a cost-effective method. On the other hand, the container is expensive, but it is accessible throughout the globe. It can be transported in any corner without delay on ships. That's the reason most people prefer this method.

It reaches the destination without damage, and it's considered the most secure method. Your vehicle is firmly fixed in the container with excellent protection; it's also protected from weather conditions. It is covered with nylon, ratchet, and chock straps that fix it firmly and do not allow its movement.

The additional advantage of this opinion compared to the Roll-on-roll-off method is that you can keep the different parts or instruments, like tires or some spare parts, in the container. By keeping the extra items, you may save the additional costs. Then, it finally reaches your place of port without any damage.

Air Freight

It's the most expensive method compared to the earlier procedures. Sometimes its cost can be more than the actual cost. But it will be moved in the shortest period to your destination.

Weights and Other Dimensions:

Your costs are determined by the size and condition, and if it's not in running condition, you may be charged an additional fee. Getting a vehicle running takes extra effort or entails extra charges if it has to be towed.

large airplane on a runway

Moving Insurance

One additional expense for internal insurance includes purchasing, which may cost you 1.5% or 2.5% of its value.

You may purchase the insurance from the company you are taking services from or contact some other company yourself.

Overseas Taxes & Charges

You will have to pay some taxes and delivery charges once it has reached its destination. Some companies may charge you more than 550$, including taxes and delivery fees.

Distance From Your Home to Port

If you are moving from home to the port, you will need other services. Overseas movers will charge extra if you ask them directly to pickit up. You are charged for hauling based on the distance from your home to the significant seaport.

Distance to the Destination Country

The cost also depends on the distance of your country to the country.

Prepare to Travel

You are finally done with learning the process. Now a bit about getting your auto ready for final departure. Before the company's agent picks up the car, remove all personal belongings from it.

The car should be in good working order and have some fuel or gas in the tank. Plus, remove your car alarm, remove your personal belongings, and get the car washed and super clean.

Don't forget to provide an extra key. Your agent or the company needs it when they drop it off.

How Long Will It Take to Arrive at its Destination?

We can't assure you of the fixed duration of how long will it arrive at your desired destination. Its arrival time depends on your method. If you want your car to come quickly, you need to hire a solo receptacle for your vehicle.

The time of its arrival depends on various factors. For example, what method you have chosen will determine the time.

Suppose you have opted for the solo container. In that case, it may reach the destination without any delay. However, this may charge you an extra amount of payment while booking a solo. On the other hand, if you go for a tight one that contains more vehicles, the company might want to fill up the container with more cars. All this process may have some delays on arrival. It can take a long time.

ship on a seaport

Let us explain the methods a bit in more detail:

Solo Container:

If you look forward to moving quickly and safely, you are most recommended to book your solo container of 20ft that will carry only your vehicle, and it will send it with great care to your destination. However, it could charge you more than the tight one.

Consolidated Container:

People often opt for tight containers; they will be shipped with the other autos destined for the same place. It may not drop it at the final destination but may be at the nearest seaport.A consolidated one is cheaper than a solo one.

RORO Method:

If you opt for the Roll on Roll, that may be less protective and may take more time to haul than the tight container. However, this could be a good option for you if you are a budget-minded shopper.

In the Roll-on Roll-off, the haulers would not secure it from the weather conditions, and it's exposed to the elements during travel.

You must cautiously choose the better method by keeping in mind the timeline, your budget, and the security so that it can reach your destination quickly and safely.

Besides, the timeline of your hauling depends on the location of its arrival. Therefore, the companies can better inform you about delivery time.

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided a good insight into what you will need to do to move overseas. Before hiring a firm, make sure to know the laws and regulations of services. Each country has its laws and rules. Abide by them and make sure the company whose services you are taking is legal and licensed.

We wish your car a safe journey!

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Tamar Hela is one of our featured writers at A-1 Auto Transport, researching everything from AI auto shipments out of China to what paperwork is required to move long distance. We can safely say she's become well versed in all things shipping and logistics while making the information easy to digest and understandable. 

Tamar has been a copywriter for over 16 years and was trained in the 7-Figure Copywriting Accelerator course through American Writers & Artists, Inc. (AWAI). She's also an incredibly seasoned copyeditor, having previously been the Chief Editor and Publishing Director for Cosby Media Productions, based in Atlanta, Georgia. 

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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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