International auto transport can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days from start to finish.
International car shipping is a long process that requires a lot of time and planning. You need to prepare your vehicle, find an auto transport company, pack up the car, and ship it overseas.
You’ll also need to make sure that your international vehicle shipping company is reputable before signing any contracts with them.
Each step is important, and you need to make sure that you don’t miss any of them. If you are wondering what you need to know when shipping a car abroad, this short and simple guide is for you.
Shop Around for the Lowest Prices
Before you buy anything, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices. You can get quotes from different auto transport companies online or by phone.
Check with the shipping company about any additional fees they may charge.
You may find that some auto transport companies offer better rates than others. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples, meaning you should compare the same type of vehicle and its condition.
Always Check Reviews
It’s always a good idea to check the reviews of auto transport companies before you book them. You can do this by searching for their business name on various review sites, such as Yelp and Google Reviews.
You can also check out websites like the BBB or Angi for more information about each company.
It’s important to note that not all auto transport companies have reviews or ratings on these sites. If you can’t find any information, call the company and ask about their history and experience.
Learn About the Payment Policy
Auto transport companies usually have different payment policies.
Some may require you to pay for the entire shipping cost in advance. Others will ask for a deposit and allow you to pay the rest of your bill when they deliver your vehicle.
Find out what type of payment policy the company you choose has, and make sure you’re comfortable with it.
Have Your Documents Ready
Before you book your auto transport, make sure you have all the documents needed for your vehicle.
This includes proof of ownership and a description of the vehicle. It should also include any paperwork that shows that it’s fit for travel.
If you don’t have these things, you’ll need to get them before booking your auto transport.
Clean Out Your Car Before Shipment
You don’t want your vehicle to get damaged during transport. The best way to avoid this is by cleaning out your car before you ship it.
Remove anything that could fall off, break, or otherwise cause damage in transit. This includes anything on the floor, under seats, and in the trunk.
You should also remove any valuables from your vehicle before shipment. Remove any belongings and leave the car empty if possible.
Get Your Car Inspected
You should also get your vehicle inspected before you ship it. This will help to ensure that your car is in good condition and ready for transport.
You can have a mechanic inspect your car for you, or you can do this yourself.
Check the lights, fluids, tires, and other parts of the car to make sure they are in good condition. You may also want to get an emissions check if you live in an area that requires this type of inspection.
Have Your Alarm System Disconnected
Whether you ship your car to another state or country, having the alarm connected can cause problems with the shipping company. The alarm system can be very sensitive and go off with the slightest movement.
If this happens, it will delay the shipping process while workers try to determine if there’s a problem.
Disconnect the alarm system before you ship your car. If you can’t, be prepared to pay the shipping company extra for their effort in dealing with this problem.
Take Pictures of Your Car
Take pictures of every part of your vehicle, including the interior and exterior. The more pictures you have, the better.
You may also want to create a video that shows off all the features and functions of your vehicle.
Send these photos and videos to yourself in case anything happens during shipping. If you have any special features or modifications, be sure to take pictures and videos of these as well.
The more information you can provide the shipping company, the better they will handle your car during transit.
Choose Your Shipment Date Carefully
You have a lot of options when choosing the date for your vehicle to be shipped.
Choose a date based on the prices being offered by different shipping companies. Or, choose a date that is as close to when your vehicle needs to be delivered as possible.
The faster you can get the car to you when it arrives, the less time there will be for damage or theft.
Know Your Destination Port
When you ship a car, you need to know where your vehicle is going. Find out which ports are the closest and most convenient for you and your vehicle.
The port you choose can also affect the price of shipping your car. Some ports are cheaper than others, and some are more convenient for customers.
Use this information to help you decide which port to ship your vehicle.
International Car Shipping: Work With an Experienced Company
International car shipping is a complex process. You need to know where the vehicle is going, how much it will cost, and what regulations apply.
You also need to know who you can trust.
There are many ways to ship a car internationally, and you need to know which one is best for your situation. If you’re still not sure where to begin, contact an experienced international car shipping company today.
For more on car shipping tips and tricks, check out the latest articles on our blog.
