The Difference between International and Domestic Auto Transport
Posted By admin on October 10, 2011
More and more auto shippers are beginning to offer overseas shipping. Although international auto transport is more expensive than domestic auto shipping, it can be just as easy. As long as the car owner is familiar with the process of international shipping, moving your car across borders will not be a problem.
The most common method of shipping internationally is the ‘roll-on, roll-off’ method. Compared to domestic auto shipping where cars are driven onto a carrier, the ‘roll-on, roll-off’ method drives cars onto the cargo deck of a ship. This is known to be the most affordable way of shipping overseas.
Similar to domestic shipping, some auto shippers offer enclosed shipping where cars are placed in a container and will remain there until they reaches the destination. Although more expensive, enclosed shipping assures that your car won’t be exposed to dirt, dust or other particles. For better rates, though, inquire about sharing a container with other cars.
Planning your shipping at least two weeks in advance is a must when dealing with overseas shipping as cargo ships deal with definite schedules and times. While domestic car shipping deals with weeks of waiting for your car to arrive, international shipping can deal with weeks to months of waiting depending on your location. You should remember that the most common means of shipping across borders is by boat, which can take a long time.
The tracking device offered by a number of auto shippers then becomes extremely useful in international shipping. Car owners are allowed to know the exact location of their vehicle with this function. Plus, they will also know when to expect their delivery.
Aside from attaining insurance for your car during transit, you may need to obtain marine insurance to cover your car during transit as well. Having full coverage is always the best way to go. This may also include checking on insurance claims in the destination state or country as well.
An arrival notice will be brought to your attention once the car reaches its destination. By then, you will need to have all necessary documents to be cleared through customs such as a copy of the agreement and passport delivery notice. Know that every country has its own set of laws and rates when it comes to car shipping so make sure to be familiar with them.
Compared to domestic shipping, international shipping will require the car owner to inspect the vehicle with the delivery crew upon arrival. Because the car has been in transit for so long, it may have a higher chance of getting scratches or dents. Check for any damages so you can settle it right away.
Although not as popular as using boats for transit, transporting cars through air is possible but can be extremely expensive. Boat transport companies take more time to deliver the car but it will turn out to be more affordable than air transportation. The only advantage of transporting by air is the quick delivery of cars to another country.
More and more auto transport companies have started to give assurance that would encourage people to send cars across the globe. International car shipping has then become a phrase quite common to many car owners. As long as you know how international auto transport goes, shipping cars overseas can be as simple as shipping your car domestically.
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