Moving is already a stressful task, but when you tack on a long-distance, international move—it can become downright daunting. You need to secure your work visas, set up your new home, and pack your valued possessions. Your car, in particular, is an asset that you may not want to part with when making an international move. Here’s everything you need to know on how to ship your car to another country.
How to Ship Your Car to Another Country
But getting your car from point A to point B is not as simple as driving it to the port and shipping it off. It requires researching the car shipping ratings to find one that will get your car to its destination. Plus, gathering the required paperwork can be a tedious process too.
So, if you’re planning on making a move to another country in 2022, here’s a checklist of things you need to do to get started:
How to Ship Your Car to Another Country – Verify That Your Car Is Legally Acceptable in the Country You’re Moving To
This step should be one of the first things you need to do—before you even start packing up your car. Every country has different laws and regulations on imported vehicles. It’s crucial to research and confirm that you can take your car where you are moving. Find out if your destination has any restrictions on importing specific vehicles and whether you need to get a special permit.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) lists several considerations you need to know when shipping your car internationally. Read the requirements for exporting a motor vehicle as well
How to Ship Your Car to Another Country – Choose the Method of Shipping That’s Right for You
Once you have confirmed that you can ship your car to the country you’re moving to, it’s time to start thinking about the actual auto shipping process.
You have three main options when it comes to shipping your car internationally:
- Roll-on/roll-off (RORO)
This option is the most popular and the most affordable. RORO involves driving your car onto a large shipping vessel, where it will be securely parked for the duration of the voyage. The only downside to this method is that the open deck typically exposes your car to the elements. Your vehicle may be subject to some wear and tear during the trip.
- Container shipping
With this method, your car is placed inside a large shipping container and loaded onto the vessel. It costs more than RORO shipping, but your vehicle will be better protected during the trip. You can choose to have a shared container, which is less expensive, or a private container.
- Air Freight
Air freight is the quickest way to get your car to its destination. The costs can vary depending on the size and weight of your vehicle, but it will be more expensive than shipping by cargo ship
How to Ship Your Car to Another Country – Find the Right Car Shipping Company
Once you know which type of car shipping service you need, it’s time to find a reputable company that can help you with the process. This is where car shipping ratings come in.
Do your research and read reviews before settling on a car shipping company. And don’t forget to get quotes from different companies to compare prices. When you’re getting quotes, be sure to ask about:
- The type of car shipping service they offer (RORO, container, or air freight)
- The cost of the shipping service
- The estimated time it will take for your car to arrive at its destination
- Any extra fees or charges
How to Ship Your Car to Another Country – Get the Required Paperwork in Order
The next step is to gather all the required paperwork for your car. The documentation you need will vary depending on the country you’re moving to. But typically, you’ll need to prepare the following:
- Your car’s title and registration
- Bill of sale
- Driver’s license
It’s a good idea to start collecting this paperwork in advance. This way, you don’t miss anything and have plenty of time to get everything in order.
How to Ship Your Car to Another Country – Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Once you have all the paperwork in order and you’ve found a reputable car shipping company, it’s time to get your car ready for its journey. Start by giving your vehicle a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Doing this will help protect it from damage during shipping. Make sure to remove all personal items from the car.
Another tip is to take note of any existing damage to your car, and be sure to document it with photos. In the off-chance that something happens to your car during shipping, you can prove that the damage occurred in transit.
Remember that you’ll need to hand your car keys over to the car shipping company when they pick up your car. To be safe, make copies of your car keys before you give them to the shipping company. This way, you’ll have a spare set if there are any problems with the keys during shipping.
Ensure a Smooth International Move
Moving to another country is a big undertaking, especially if you’re planning to take your car with you. But by doing your research, getting the right documentation in order, and finding a reputable car shipping company, you can make the process a lot easier. And before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new home—car and all.