Those moving overseas must consider whether they will bring their vehicle and start planning long before the actual move. The objective is to find the most cost-effective process and a car shipping option that makes the most sense for your specific circumstances.
Most often, the mode of transportation is a boat, but you can also transport cars via air travel. Which you choose will depend primarily on the vehicle type. Still, air travel is expensive and only recommended if it’s a valuable or rare auto instead of a standard move.
While international car shipping might seem as though it would be involved and complex, the process boasts of being relatively straightforward and more budget-friendly than considering buying a new car upon arrival at your new destination.
Let’s consider some rules when shipping autos overseas so that you can make educated decisions for your specific situation.
What Are Factors To Consider When Having A Car Shipped Overseas
Transporting a vehicle overseas is expensive, but weighing the pros and cons of shipping the car or purchasing a new one once you arrive in the new country is necessary. That will depend on the auto you currently have and how valuable it is to you.
If you prefer to ship it, an ocean container is the easiest, safest, and most cost-effective method.
These protect the car from the elements and potential damages and keep them safe, plus allow personal items to be stowed in the auto. You can also choose “roll-on, roll-off” or “RO-RO” ocean shipping which is almost like a ferry for any vehicle that can drive onto the deck.
This is a straightforward process in that you bring the auto to the port with a set of keys and then meet up once it reaches the destination port to drive it to your new location. You can’t pack possessions when transporting them this way, and the car will be more exposed to the outdoor elements.
The ocean options will take longer than air travel but transporting by air is costly; usually more than many standard vehicles are valued at.
Find an international car shipping guide at https://www.automotoworld.info/guide-to-international-car-shipping/ and then look at some factors to consider when thinking about transporting your car overseas.
- The autos age will matter when going abroad
There won’t be trouble shipping the car abroad for a newer vehicle, but if your vehicle is a beloved aged auto, it could present a problem. The concern for many countries is engine emissions causing most to prevent cars from being imported that are greater than a specific age.
Each country has different criteria with the potential for the rules to change as time passes. Before making the car shipping arrangements, reach out to the
Customs officials in the country to become informed on their guidelines. If a meets the qualifications for an antique, the “old car” rule doesn’t apply.
Antiques like a “1966 Mustang” always have a place in the European Union, as do any cars aged 25 or older. Many of the countries are comparable with their guidelines.
- Can your car enter the country duty-free
Products brought into different countries are “subject to taxes and duties.” This doesn’t usually apply to personal possessions, which typically are allowed free, including autos.
The caveat is that you need confirmation that the car is your personal property with a documented registration for six months or longer.
If you can verify this, it will be allowed in the countries without duties or taxes being due.
For anyone leasing an auto and then purchasing, you would need to have been listed as the owner through the leasing period to make the vehicle your personal property for more than the six-month period for Customs to accept it.
- Your vehicle insurance coverage won’t apply overseas
When the car is internationally shipped, you’ll be able to drive temporarily using the license plates on the vehicle. Still, the US insurance coverage will not apply once the auto arrives in another country.
Local coverage will need to be arranged prior to the date you enter the country or upon arrival; this will need to be the first course of business.
Final Thought
Enlisting the services of a car shipping company with experience transporting cargo is essential, especially if you’re not versed in international travel with your auto being shipped via a container.
The best strategy is to contact a few transport companies well before the departure date to get details on the steps to follow for the process, the schedule and how it coordinates with your move, and the budget to anticipate. View here for more information on shipping your auto internationally.
Once you choose a company, you can affirm the arrangements and prepare the auto for the journey according to the car shipping company’s guidelines.