FAQs
We know that international auto shipping is an unfamiliar topic for many. If you're planning to ship your vehicle, you may want to know several pieces of information that many clients also ask before booking shipping services.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping rates vary depending on the vehicle type, mileage, size, and shipping destination. We recommend calling us or visiting our website for a free quote by providing this information. You can also address other shipping-related concerns.
Are vehicles insured while in transit?
Vehicles are insured as mandated by the Maritime Law for international shipping. However, vehicle moving companies can only cover a maximum amount of $500 a car when transported internationally. Therefore, it's advisable to get additional coverage, especially with the travel time to take before the shipment arrives and the vehicle's value. Getting insurance add-ons like full coverage will keep clients from worrying about damages because they will be covered. Other insurance options are also available. We'll discuss all your options to get the best coverage possible.
What Vehicle types do you ship?
We ship every vehicle type from regular cars, trucks, tankers, RVs, motorcycles, and a lot more. Call us for more information to give more precise instructions and details about the vehicle you'll want to ship.
Are there other expenses to pay?
Other expenses that come in shipping are tolls, taxes, and fuel, which will all be given on your quote. We are transparent with all shipping information including these fees. Don't worry about hidden charges because we guarantee clients that they know where their money goes.
How Many Cars can You Ship for a Client?
You can ship one or more vehicles. They will be shipped with other clients' vehicles as well, so shipping more cars won't be a problem.
Can I Save Money On Shipping?
We know our clients want to save money in shipping such an investment. We offer different shipping options that will suit your budget. Inquire about how you can reduce your shipping expenses and we'll recommend the best choice according to your budget.
What Kinds of Documents are Required in Shipping a Vehicle Overseas?
Numerous documents will be needed to get your vehicle shipped. Prepare the following documents:
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Original Title of Ownership of the vehicle. The title should not have a lien.
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In case the vehicle has a lien with the lienholder, provide us with a notarized letter allowing the vehicle for shipment. Members of the state, government, or military services must also obtain shipment permission from the lienholder if the vehicle has a lien. Secure several certified copies of the document. Also, contact us for more information about liens and lien-related documents to clarify every detail you need to know.
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Letter of endorsement from old owner to the new owner. This is for pre-owned vehicles sold to the current owner.
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Original Certificate of Origin must be provided if the vehicle is newly purchased. The document should be obtained from the dealership.
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Bill of Sale for newly purchased vehicles. This is also required for some ports where the shipment will be dispatched.
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Custom Clearance, which will be obtained after securing the Certificate of Origin.
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Power of Attorney. This document is required for some states' ports, like in Florida. The Power of Attorney permits clearing agents to clear papers on behalf of the clients.
These are only some of the necessary documents. Secure extra copies because they might be needed. We will provide additional information about possible additional documents for special shipment cases.
What Does the Marine Insurance Cover?
The Marine Insurance covers for damage or loss while the vehicle is in transit. Coverage starts once the vehicle is loaded on the shipping vessel and ends once you take the vehicle upon reaching its destination. However, insurance coverage may still vary depending on the type of vehicle you own, like in the case of newly purchased vehicles and even the older ones that are not insured. We will recommend the best option for insurance coverage for specific vehicles.
When Should I Book Your Service?
We recommend booking our services as early as possible or at least two weeks before we pick up your vehicle.
What Shipment Carrier is Used for Shipping Cars?
Within the United States, your vehicle will be shipped via shipping trucks that hold several cars. For international shipping, cars are shipped via roll on-roll off (RoRo) vessels. RoRo vessels are large fleets that have lower decks where vehicles are kept during shipment. They are large enough to hold several vehicles of different types. They can transport large vehicles like buses, trailers and others. This is the cheapest option, which is ideal for budget-conscious clients. Furthermore, RoRo's lower deck looks like a parking lot, which means your vehicle is safe from elements that can be damaging to your prized investment.
Nevertheless, RoRo is not extended to all countries. We will inform you if RoRo is available to the shipment destination.
Container shipping is also an option. It is more secured due to its setup. However, this will cost more and could be a good choice for luxury and other high-value vehicles.
Should Cars be in Working Condition to be Shipped?
We can ship cars in running condition or non-working vehicles. We may need additional solutions for delivering problematic vehicles including extra labor. Extra solutions and services mean additional charges, which will be provided on your quote. Inform us right away about your vehicle's condition, so we can give you a better idea about its shipping procedures.
How Much Fuel Should My Vehicle Have?
For safety reasons, your vehicle must only have a quarter of a tank or less. Vehicles with more than a quarter or full tanks will be emptied, which will cost money.
How to Prepare the Vehicle for Transport?
Preparing your car is essential for safety reasons and smoother transportation process. Do the following procedures before your vehicle is due to be picked up for shipping:
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Have a mechanic check the vehicle. Getting the vehicle checked will guarantee that it is in its running condition. Running vehicles will make sure you won't be charged for additional fees if it's considered as an inoperable car. Even if you're knowledgeable in automotive, it's still essential to have an expert to verify if anything is wrong with the car.
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Remove detachable and loose parts. Your vehicle will be cramped up in a space together with other vehicles. Remove all the detachable items that extend beyond the vehicle's actual height and width. Attachments like an antenna and other special decals must be removed. Fold mirrors back to decrease the vehicle's space.
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Fix loose parts that can't be detached. Detachable parts can be removed, but some damaged parts needed for driving the car must be fixed before shipping. Again, this is for safety reason and easy offloading.
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Inspect fluids. Check your car for possible leaking fluids. Automotive fluids are flammable, which means leaking fluids may cause accidents while the vehicle is in transit.
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Remove other personal items. Take out personal items inside your car if you're not planning to ship anything inside it. They may be held back at the port and can be a hassle to retrieve. Moreover, unnecessary personal items will only be extra weight on the vehicle.
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Turn off alarm. Double check if the alarm is turned off because it might cause disturbance in the shipping fleet.
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Check the tires. Tires should be hole-free and properly inflated. This will make pickup and delivery easier since the car is good to run upon offloading from the fleet.
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Wash the vehicle. Ensure that the car is clean before shipping. Changes in humidity can cause the dirt to adhere on the vehicle to the point where it's difficult to clean. Moreover, this dirt may also affect the vehicle's condition.
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Cover upholsteries with sheets. Just like exterior dirt, humidity will cause mold growth inside the car. Mold growth on upholstery will be difficult to clean later, especially since the vehicle will be in transit longer. Use a plastic sheet to cover seat covers and wrap headrests.
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Check the battery. Make sure that the battery is fully charged before shipping.
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Document the car's exterior condition. Take note of the car's pre-shipping condition, especially the exteriors. Take photos of the car's body including damage like dents. They will be used for documentation. Label the photographs' date and provide copies to shipping agents.
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Ensure recommended fuel level. Be sure that the fuel is within the required level or lower. Excess fuel may only cause additional expenses since it will be drained.
Can I Ship My Vehicle with My Personal Items?
Personal items can be shipped together with the vehicle. However, this may be subjected to special policies considering your items' insurance and shipping procedures. Personal items can be shipped if your vehicle will be shipped via shared containers. In terms of insurance, your vehicle's insurance doesn't cover the items stored in it for shipping, which leads to most experts recommending to not ship anything.
On the other hand, shipping personal items together with the car is not allowed for RoRo shipping. Items may be left behind once discovered inside the vehicle.
If you'll be shipping items, you need to pack your items well and provide a list of items to be shipped with the vehicle for documentation. Inform us if you're planning to ship personal items with your vehicle to set your expectations.
When will My Vehicle Arrive at the Destination?
Your vehicle's arrival varies depending on the destination. Within the United States, shipment may take from four days up to a month. For international shipping, shipment may take one to five months. Customs clearances on the loading port will take a week to complete before shipping. Of course, environmental conditions may affect the time it will take for vehicle arrival like extreme weather.