How to Transport a Car to Another Country

First, you’ll need to choose an international relocation company that specializes in vehicle transport. Make sure to get quotes from multiple companies so that you can compare prices and services. Once you’ve selected a company, you’ll need to choose a transportation method that suits you the best, gather the necessary paperwork, and prepare your vehicle properly. Finally, once the driver comes, you’ll sign the bill of lading and officially hand over your auto to your relocation team.

Figuring Out How to Transport a Car to Another Country Starts With Thorough Research

Whether you’re relocating to Canada or have chosen some faraway country for your new home, relocating a vehicle abroad is often a necessity – especially if you’re moving to a big city. However, when you want to live abroad and use your machine there, creating a list of potential shipping businesses is the first thing you should do.

As with relocation companies, your research of suitable companies should start with finding reviews and testimonials – the more, the merrier. Start with those you can find on the company’s website, but pay more attention to those on Better Business Bureau or some other independent site. Don’t hesitate to ask for a word-of-mouth recommendation from your family, friends, and cousins who moved recently.

When you get a list of potential businesses, don’t forget to examine the credentials and certifications of each one – you must check them even if you’re in a hurry with a last-minute move. See as well if the business has a license and insurance. If an auto shipping team meets all the criteria mentioned above, they won’t try to hide it. To make your research easier, and avoid potential relocation scams, ask the company about the US DOT number provided by the FMCSA. Every company that operates in a relocation business and has an internal pickup department must have it.

What Qualities Does a Good Overseas Shipping Company Have

Not all companies have the same level of expertise, professionalism, and devotion. Because not all auto transport businesses are created equal, if you see the following qualities in one, you’ll realize you’ve found a winner:

• Reasonable prices without hidden expenses – a reliable team won’t try to deceive customers by charging them a ton of extra money during or after the vehicle is shipped. Instead, they will want to be open and truthful, and they’ll give costs that suit all of the parties involved.
• Excellent insurance – look for a company that offers its clients full insurance protection for all areas of their auto export.
• Professional and competent team – both on-site and customer service staff must exhibit professionalism in all aspects of their work. They must be able to take care of your vehicle with the utmost care. If you opt for combining international moving services, make sure the team is skilled in providing basic relocation and packing services and can help you move efficiently.
• User-friendly website – look for a company with a professional-looking website that is simple to use, offers immediate and free pricing quotes, and clearly lists all available services. It’s obvious that these companies think about customers’ needs.

Before Giving Away Your Machine, Request a Few Moving Quotes for Shipping Overseas

When you’re ready to move overseas, one of the first things you’ll need to do is get a few quotes. This will help you budget for your move and choose the right mover for your needs.

To get started, gather some basic information about your auto, such as its make, model, and year. You’ll also need to know where you’re relocating from and to and when you need the vehicle moved. With this information in hand, you can start contacting different auto transport companies for quotes.

Be sure to ask each company about its rates, services, and policies – you must completely understand all the fees involved in transportation to avoid additional relocation stress. And finally, be sure to get everything in writing before you agree to anything.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car Overseas?

The cost of shipping vehicles can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. The size and weight of the machine, as well as the distance it needs to be shipped, are all major considerations. Still, generally speaking, transporting an auto within the same state will be much less expensive than relocating it across the country, and interstate shipping will be more affordable than an overseas one. The further the distance, the higher the cost will be.

The type of transportation method you choose will also affect the cost. There are two main methods of transporting cars overseas: container and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping. Container shipping is more expensive than RORO, but it offers more protection for the vehicles since they will be shipped in their own container. However, keep in mind that there are also different methods of container transportation that tend to differ in price.

Note that some companies offer different pickup and delivery options, as well. Usually, you can choose between door-to-door, port-to-port, or door-to-port delivery, with door-to-door auto transport being the most expensive option.

Does Overseas Moving Company Offer Insurance?

Some transportation companies offer insurance free of charge, while some charge this type of insurance with a rate based on the car’s value. In any case, it is important to read the fine print to see what is covered. Many times, the insurance offered by the company will not cover the full value. Additionally, you need to consider where you are transporting an auto. Some countries have very strict laws about importing cars. If you are relocating to a country with strict import laws, you may need to purchase special insurance.

Prepare Paperwork for Your Vehicle Before Moving Overseas

Once you’ve selected a company and chosen a transportation method, it’s time to gather the important documents the auto transport team needs to proceed with the shipment. Records required for auto transport consist of the following:

• A copy of your passport,
• A copy of the original title,
• Bill of sale.

Specific ports or end destinations may require additional paperwork or documentation, such as proof of insurance or vehicle registration information. For example, if you’re relocating to Sydney or any other of Australia’s cities and want to ship a vehicle there, you must acquire import approval before the move.

Prepare Your Machine for the Relocation

When preparing a vehicle for international transportation, there are a few specific things you need to place on the to-do list in order to ensure a smooth and successful process. First of all, look for exterior damage that has already occurred and photograph the vehicle. This includes paint chips, discolorations, scratches, and dents. If you hire a reputable and trustworthy company, it’s unlikely that your automobile will be harmed during transportation. However, these images will be able to support your case if the company denies liability for damage that happened during transport.

You must also service your vehicle before the move. Check for mechanical problems and leaks and fix any issues before your vehicle is picked up. Pay special attention to tire pressure and battery charge. Additionally, make sure all of the vehicle’s fluids are filled up (brake, oil, and so on). Check the mileage before the auto is picked up in order to compare it with the numbers upon delivery.

Additionally, don’t forget to empty the gas tank. Topping your tank with gas before the relocation date is unnecessary because your automobile is being carried rather than being driven. Additionally, more gas means more weight, which will increase the cost of transportation. Instead, only fill up about a quarter of your gas tank. It will have enough fuel to get it onto and off the transport vehicle without running out.

Know What to Leave and What to Remove From the Vehicle

When relocating across the world, you might well be tempted to store a few items or boxes in the vehicle – but don’t make this common relocation mistake. The items you pack in your car won’t be covered by insurance against theft or damage, while relocation companies that allow it risk being fined.

Take all the unnecessary items out of your auto (sunglasses, water bottles, USB cables, GPS devices, and so on). You must also remove toll tags or parking passes and any type of exterior accessories, but leave relocation essentials such as spare tire, license plate, or emergency kit with the vehicle.

Clean the Vehicle Thoroughly

Although washing your automobile before shipment may seem unnecessary, doing so will help you spot any additional damage that develops during transportation. A clean exterior helps you to detect existing damages, dents, and scratches that are already on your vehicle. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the automobile as well. Removing any clutter inside of a vehicle is not only preferable but is often a mandatory part of relocation day preparations.

Take a look at the video below for some valuable relocation hacks on how to clean and organize your vehicle before the move.

Sign the Car Bill of Lading

When the driver comes, you or your representative must be present to check the vehicle and sign the bill of lading – it’s the last thing on a relocating abroad checklist for our vehicle. It is a binding contract between you and the company and serves as a receipt for your auto transport services. The car’s condition and special issues (if any) will be stated in this contract, as well as the pickup and delivery destination. After this contract is signed by both you and the divers, your automobile will be loaded into the truck – and the overseas vehicle shipping process will start.

Sit Back, Relax, While International Moving Company Does All the Heavy Lifting

Now that you’ve completed the process of transporting your auto overseas and handed the vehicle over, it’s time to sit back and enjoy. If you take some time to choose the right company, your vehicle will make it to its destination safely and without any hassle – and you will meet it again without almost any work on your side. Whatever your reasons for relocation are, your auto will be there with you every step of the way to help you enjoy all the relocation benefits.