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International Sea & Air Shipping – Shipping Cars Overseas
If you are planning an overseas move, you may also require international car shipping services. Reliable overseas auto transport services help you understand customs duties, restrictions, and rules for importing your car. They simplify the complex process of transporting a vehicle across an ocean into a new country. Read on to find out more about international vehicle shipping for your overseas move!
Types of International car shipping services
There are several different methods of overseas car shipping available to you. At International Sea and Air Shipping, we offer the following services:
- Roll-on/roll-off service: In this service, you must roll or drive the vehicle onto the ship. This provides it protection under the deck.
- Container shipping: The safest method to ship your vehicle overseas often involves placing your car in its own individual container. It is then required to rolling it onto the ship. We offer 20-foot or 40-foot FCL sole-use shipping containers.
- Conventional on-deck shipping: In this service, the team ships your vehicle on the ship’s deck. Typically, companies shipping a large volume of cars use this method.
Required documents and customs regulations
When shipping your vehicle overseas, there are important documents necessary to clear customs and import your car into the country. Customs regulations vary depending on the country, but commonly required documents include:
- Original Certificate of Title or a certified copy
- Proof of vehicle registration
- Completed HS-7 form
- Completed EPA 3520
- If you lease your car or have a lien, you must also provide a letter. This letter must from the lien holder authorizing the exportation. It is often along with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the owner/ lien holder’s name, telephone number, signature and date.
- U.S. government employees moving overseas on official reassigning will need special documents. These are generally military orders or a letter from the government or other authority authorizing the transport of the vehicle.
- Upon buying and shipping a new care, you need a Bill of Sale and an Original Certificate of Origin. This has to be taken from the dealership.
- DOT requires a copy of the DOT label (usually located on the door panel). If it is not available, you can contact corporate headquarters for the MFG and request a letter confirming your vehicle. You have confirmed to US Federal Motor Vehicle safety, bumper and theft prevention standards.
- If you cannot be present at the point of departure with your vehicle, you may require a power of attorney.
Depending on your destination country, customs regulations restricting the age and type of vehicle permitted for import will vary. Some countries will not allow cars that exceed a certain age limit or did not pass safety or emissions inspections. The vehicle’s value, engine size and other factors can also affect the tariffs, customs duties and taxes required for entry.
Preparing your vehicle for shipping
Before shipping your car overseas, it’s important to properly prepare your vehicle for the move.
Remove all personal items from your car
It is important to remember that nothing must be inside the car during shipment. Remove all your belongings. Personal items can become lost or damaged in transit, and your overseas auto shipper will not be responsible for them.
Leave no more than one gallon of fuel in the gas tank
Excess gasoline can leak out of your vehicle during shipping. Plus, less fuel in your tank means your car weighs less.
Check the fluid in the expansion tank
You may have to reduce fluid levels in the expansion tank. This is to allow the air and antifreeze room to expand with increasing temperatures and pressure during transit.
Check the battery
Failure to start your vehicle when needed for shipping may result in a penalty charge. Hence, please be mindful of this. Also, make sure your battery has an adequate charge before shipping your car overseas.
Thoroughly clean your car
It is important to consider washing and cleaning both the inside and outside of your car. This enables you to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for damage before shipping it.
Disable any alarms
Turn off any anti-theft devices to allow the driver access to your vehicle without any problems.
Remove or protect any loose parts
Remove the antenna and other detachable parts. It is crucial to protect parts that cannot do not have option of removal. This includes parts such as spoilers and fog light. It is highly advisable to wrap them with protective covering.
Get Insurance
Your car has a long way to go. In the unfortunate event that it sustains any damage during international car shipping, you must receive a compensation.
Make sure you purchase full insurance coverage on your vehicle when shipping it overseas. By law, you have an entitlement of minimum coverage for your vehicles. However, you should always inquire about additional insurance in prior so as to ensure that is under best protection.
At International Air and Sea Shipping, we offer full coverage insurance plans for shipping your vehicle overseas. Just inquire about details and pricing when you receive your overseas auto shipping estimate!
FAQs
International car shipping costs vary based on factors like distance, car size, container choice, and service customization, with a general starting price of around $900. For an accurate quote, contact our experts..
Every international car shipping company like us has a customized approach towards their international car shipping services. Here is what we to do fulfill your needs of a smooth, safe and trusted shipping vehicle overseas service:
Enquiry and Customized Quote
Vehicle Preparation and Inspection
Documentation Verification and Completion
Shipping Method Selection (Containerized or RoRo)
Transit Management
Final Destination Inspection
International car shipping takes 30-60 days, varying by origin and destination.
When shipping your vehicle overseas, the required documents may vary depending on the country and specific customs regulations. This is a list to the most commonly required ones:
Original Certificate of Title or Certified Copy
Proof of Vehicle Registration
Completed HS-7 Form
Completed EPA 3520 Form
Lien Holder Authorization (if applicable)
Military Orders or Authorization (if applicable)
Bill of Sale & Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
DOT Label Confirmation (if applicable)
Power of Attorney (if applicable)
It is important to note that customs regulations and requirements vary by country. Consult with our shipping experts and the destination country’s customs authorities for the necessary documents. This ensures a smooth shipping process.
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