Monday, 2 December 2013

Important Facts You Should Know About International Car Shipping

If you're planning to move to a different country and want to transport your car, it's a good idea to get familiar with the car shipping process. Although it takes longer, sea freight is much more economical compared to air freight?


Here's how to get started:

Choosing the Right International Car Shipping Agency

There are hundreds of cargo companies that offer to transport your car to overseas destinations. Reputed shipping agencies are registered with the FMC or Federal Maritime Commission. Only shippers licensed to transport cargo can legitimately accept your car for shipping.
Again, rates vary significantly across car shipping agencies so make a detailed comparison of quotes before signing on the dotted line. Comparing quotes is not restricted only to the cost but what services offered for that cost. Opt for a trustworthy and established shipping agency for a smooth and hassle-free experience.

International Car Shipping Insurance

Insurance plays an important contributing role in overseas car transport. While most cars arrive at the destination intact, it's good to understand the insurance contract.

- Take a closer at your shipper's insurance. Most cargo shippers already have insurance meaning that your car is already covered for damage etc. The cost of insurance is typically covered in your quote.

- Understand the extent and type of damage covered by the shipper's insurance. Most international car shipping insurance will offer to give you only the minimum value of your car (also referred to as the Kelley Blue Car Value). Ideally, the minimum deductible should exceed the basic value of your car.

- If you're not satisfied with the extent of coverage included in the shipper's insurance policy, you can ask if you can purchase additional insurance. It's also a good idea to keep your local auto insurance provider informed about the fact that you plan to transport the car to an overseas destination.

Tips for Transporting your Car Overseas

In addition to selecting an established shipping company and understanding the terms of insurance, here are some more useful tips for international car shipping:

- Inspect your car for internal and external damage before transport. Better still, take a photo or a video of your car and ensure that your shipping agent records this in his documents as proof of the condition of your car

- Remove loose parts like antennae and turn in the side-view mirrors to avoid damage. Make sure you turn off your car alarm

- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel in your car for use at the other end. Check your car for leaks and see that the tires are properly inflated

Small Print

Shipping contracts and quotes are notorious for hidden charges in their contract. Take a closer and confirm that the shipper has clearly detailed the following points:

- The services that the quote covers. For example, door pickup and drop-off services; warehouse or clearing agents at the destination who can help you at the other end. It helps to request for assistance as communication can be an issue in a non-English speaking country
- The shipping agency must provide you with important documents like the Bill of Lading, Customs Clearance and Export Declaration

Click Here for More Information About international car transport or car shipping to Australia.

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

The Cost of Car Shipping and What You Should Know


A car is a very essential asset. The need to have it shipped to a new location can be efficiently done with the right service provider. This can be fairly costly depending on the particular shipping company that is used and the different options you select. Most shipping companies offer free quotes up front so that potential customers will have a clear idea of how much it will cost to move their vehicle from one point to another.
The Value of the Car
The particular type of vehicle will play a major part in how much it will cost to ship. An older model vehicle that is not considered classic or vintage will generally cost less. Regular sedans that are not specialist cars will also fall on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Those cars that have a higher value and result in a greater cost for shipping include SUVs, minivans, exotics such as Bentleys and Porches; vintage, muscle cars, classics and race cars.
Shipping Destination
The greater the distance of the destination port to the point from where the car is shipped will incur more money since the ship will have to travel farther and need more fuel to do so. Additionally, for some destinations it may be necessary for transfers to another vessel. This may result in extra tariffs for each port at which the car is unloaded. It is also important to note that some countries, despite their distance away, may be more expensive to ship to as a result of unduly high customs duties on imports.
Method of Shipment
There are two practiced methods of car shipping. These are roll on roll off (RORO) and container shipping. In the RORO method, vehicles are simply driven onto the ocean liner at the port of embarkation and then off again at the point of destination. Container shipping on the other hand, involves using a vessel that ship’s cargo containers. Besides the cost of transport, senders must pay extra for the container in which the vehicle will be shipped. Overall, the RORO method is found to be cheaper than its alternative.
Insurance
Due to the uncertain environment of transport by sea, it is recommended that vehicles being shipped have marine insurance. This may not have been included in the car's original insurance policy and therefore will need to be purchased before the shipping company will sign off on transporting the car. Senders may be able to obtain this type of insurance from their car insurance provider or directly from the shipping company.
Pick-up and Drop-off Services
In some cases, the sender and receiver may not be able to deliver the vehicle to the port and collect it once it arrives at its destination. This may be especially true for salvaged vehicles. In either case, many shipping companies offer pick-up or delivery services right at your doorstep, at an additional cost of course.
Brokerage Services
Shipping a car involves a large amount of paperwork. Many shipping companies offer to take care of all necessary documentation and will liaise with port authorities on your behalf. For this hassle free service, many customers are willing to pay the extra fees that such a service incurs. Click Here For More Information About car shipping cost or auto transport rates.