Get a Quote

How to Be Sure of World-Class International Car Shipping

a collection of global flags

 

Few things concern vehicle owners more than the ultimate long-distance investment. Learn how to relax with our guide to international car shipping.

Key Takeaways: 

  • International shipping methods vary, with inherent pros and cons
  • Car owner preparation plays a large part in successful transport
  • Climate concerns, proper paperwork, and timing are important factors
  • Working with an experienced international auto broker protects your investment

Every car owner should take two steps before their vehicle makes any journey: Learning how the auto transport process works and knowing what to look for in an auto transport company. This knowledge can cut your concerns in half when entrusting your vehicle to a carrier. However, even the most well-versed customer gets antsy over international car shipping.

This is understandable. The longer the journey, the more potential for mishaps when car owners and carriers don’t prepare or perform as they should. Read our guide to learn how safe the long-haul can really be and discover what you can do to prep your vehicle for shipping.

International car shipping methods

Cars can go overseas in a solo shipping container, which is the more expensive but also the safest of the usual methods. Added protection from damage, theft, and the elements isn’t the only benefit: If you opt for a shared container, you’ll save some money as the shipping charge is spread between the owners using it. A downside is that these containers won’t ship until they’re full. Thereby subjecting them to potential delays that don’t affect the solo option.

Less expensive and, as a result, more risk-prone is RORO shipping, which stands for “Roll On, Roll Off.” Your vehicle is rolled onto a ship (which may be of various types) and shored up against transit shift with many others until being driven off at the docking point and transported to drop off. This approach has the virtue of being quicker than container transport. Also, its lower price tag makes it the most common method of international car shipping.

If you do have the money for air freight, you’ll receive the safest and fastest international shipping out there. Owners of particularly expensive vehicles may find their insurance company gives them no choice but to use air freight to prevent an unnecessary payout, so check with your provider if that’s the vehicle class you drive.

5 ways owners can prep for international car shipping

Beyond selecting a safe shipping method, there are steps car owners can take to make sure their vehicles are in good condition when they make it to their final destinations.

1. Consider the new climate

When your vehicle lands in a new country, it may be faced with a significantly different environment than it’s used to. Increased levels of precipitation and cold are usually the issue here and can be tackled in several ways. Fitting your car with weather-specific tires before it ships means it can hit the ground running at Point B. Reassessing and, if necessary, replacing your windshield wipers and car battery also gives you a head start on Mother Nature.

2. Be extra-careful with luxury or electric cars

Shipping luxury or electric cars internationally means some extra prep, but some steps are common pre-shipping practices. Owners of either car type should document their vehicle’s condition thoroughly before it ships. Knowing how to inspect your vehicle at both ends of an international trip helps you successfully manage potential damage claims while readying your car’s contents to ensure it meets weight restrictions (and stays within the law).

Prepping an electric car for shipping means giving it a good wash (dirty cars can hide transit damage), fully charging the battery, and running a complete maintenance check. Owners of luxuries and electrics/hybrids may also want to consider auto transport insurance. Accidents can happen even with the best carriers, and extra coverage will provide greater peace of mind.

3. Check if international car shipping is even possible

The country you’re shipping to may require a clean vehicle title before allowing import, if it allows it at all. Check your car’s VIN before shipping to streamline international transport and contact Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), they will be able to confirm if your destination country accepts your car.

4. Refer to CBP resources

The CBP provides a handy international car shipping glossary that demystifies shipping lingo and clarifies the required documentation, times of presentation, and how shipping via sea or air affects procedure. Typical documentation required from car owners is proof of ownership (this may be a Bill of Sale or the VIN), photo ID, and vehicle registration.

A CBP vehicle export cover sheet must also be completed and all required paperwork submitted to the authorities at the export point no less than 72 hours before shipping. These are standard requirements, however, further documents may be necessary, as may duplicates. Also, an existing lien on your car will require written permission from the holder before it can ship. Contact the CBP in advance with all questions and concerns.

5. Consult with an experienced auto broker

That carrier company you spoke to may have sounded worth the money, but only an auto transport broker who handles international car shipping can provide the insight necessary for a smooth journey. Brokers vet carriers on metrics like their safety record, experience level, ratings, references, and insurance status.

These specialized brokers can also help car owners consider other important matters, like additional customs or import fees and how to get their car safely from the docking point to the desired pick-up location. The cheapest auto carrier isn’t always the best, especially when it comes to international trips. A good broker will ensure you get the best possible service at the lowest possible price.

Trust Mercury Auto Transport when shipping closer to home

Mercury Auto Transport is a nationwide, full-service auto shipping company that connects buyers with reliable vehicle carriers anywhere in the country. Our process is transparent and trustworthy, and we can provide you with a car shipping quote within minutes. We’re always working to get you the best deal. Call us today to see how we can help!

Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

One Comment

Comments are closed.

Get a quote.

Transport Vehicle FROM
Transport Vehicle TO
Vehicle Year
Vehicle Make
Vehicle Make
Vehicle Model
Vehicle Model
Vehicle Type
Destination
2
Vehicle
3
Date
Full Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Available Date
Additional Information
Location
Vehicle(s)
3
Contact & Date

Thank you!

Thanks for submitting the form. You will be receive an email shortly.

RECENT POST
What Our Customrs Are Saying

FAQs

We feel it’s important for you to know how we determined your quote. Quotes are based on what the market demands for cars to be moved at a given time. Each quote is compared with the current rates on the National Load Board before being sent to our customers and will be reviewed periodically through the process.

Other companies might offer you a lower price to obtain your business. This method is ineffective because if the car does not pay the correct amount of money, it will run the probability of not getting loaded or transported on time. You will not get this information from our competitors. Truck drivers always take the loads that pay the most first, leaving the loads that are mispriced to be moved last or not at all. We try very hard to avoid this with our customers by quoting a fair but realistic quote up front. Visit our How we determine your quote page for more information.

Understanding auto transport insurance is important and we think it’s valuable to explain how it works. As part of providing a great car transport service, it is our job to guarantee that the carrier we assign to pickup your vehicle is licensed and insured. Click here to check out our license.

When you go with Mercury to ship your vehicle, you can rest assured that the carrier assigned to move your car is fully insured and licensed with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier and Saftey Administration).

Your vehicle is covered by the carrier’s insurance policy that is doing the shipping. Depending on the type and size of the truck/trailer that is shipping your car, the insurance policy can cover from $100,000 to $1,000,000 of damage.

We have also provided a checklist to explain what you need to do at both pickup and delivery in case there are any issues so, you can file a claim and know that everything will be taken care of.

It is rare but, time-to-time there may be accidental damage while in transit and it is good to know that your carrier’s insurance will protect your auto shipment in that event.

To view a sample BOL (Bill of Lading) and learn what to do in case of accidental damage, please check out our Condition Report and Procedure checklist.

When comparing auto transport companies, keep in mind that low-priced quotes often result in delays in getting your vehicle loaded. Choosing the right broker is vital to getting a reputable carrier for the lowest price possible.  

We feel it’s important for you to know how we determine your quote.

When you’re looking for a car shipping rate, you want to understand how auto transport works. Prices are based on seasonal market demands for cars to be moved at any given time. Each quote is prepared based on the season and the current national rates.

When comparing auto transport companies, keep in mind that low-priced quotes often result in delays in getting your vehicle loaded. Choosing the right broker is vital to getting a reputable carrier for the lowest price possible. Not all brokers are created equal in this talent.

Mercury does a thorough background check with each carrier for every shipment. We verify their ratings, references, and in addition, we obtain a certified copy of their insurance certificate, directly from the government agency that it is on file with.

You can have peace of mind knowing that the carrier shipping your vehicle is the very best and that there are no surprises guaranteed.

Mercury Auto Transport is licensed, Bonded and Insured. Our FMSCA Motor Carrier Number is MC647319.

While we do our best match your auto shipping needs with the most responsible carriers with the best track records, from time-to-time there may be accidental damage while in transit, it is good to know that the insurance of the carrier we locate for you will protect your auto shipment in that event.

Shipping a vehicle can be stressful if you don’t know what to do.  This is why we believe it is paramount to have our highly trained agents be your main point of contact from start to finish.

They will go over everything you need to know so you can relax.  In the meanwhile, we prepared this checklist.  This includes everything from pickup to delivery and how to make sure your car is ready for pickup.

When it comes to car moving, we want you to be ahead of the game!  For any questions and further assistance our agents are standing by, (800) 553-1828.  Please read our checklist to prepare your vehicle to learn more.

There are several ways you can ship a car.  The options include enclosed trailer, open carrier transport, flatbed truck, door-to-door shipping services, and to or from a terminal as well.  The most popular of the options is a 7 to 10 car open carrier.  These large trucks can accommodate almost any size vehicle including cars, SUVs, trucks, jeeps, and vans.

Open car transport, door to door is also the best way to get the cheapest auto transport rate possible.  To learn more and see what transport method is best for you, please fill out our free quote form and one of our representatives will respond to you within minutes.  You can also call us at (800) 553-1828.

We present offers from FMCSA Licensed and Insured Carriers. When you accept an offer, we send your service agreement that guarantees the price, door-to-door service, and 100% bumper-to-bumper insurance. There are never any hidden fees or charges, guaranteed.