If you are exploring options for shipping a car overseas, the process can seem daunting when you start. There are many options available, and you have to figure out which one you can trust with your vehicle. Additionally, if you are relocating to a new place, you probably have several shipping expenses lined up one after the other.
Our article provides you with information on everything you need to know about shipping your car overseas and the costs involved in the process.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Shipping a Car Overseas
There is no straightforward answer to how much shipping a car overseas will cost for you. It can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your circumstances.
The primary factor that affects shipping costs is the destination you are shipping to. The shipping costs will increase almost linearly as the shipping distance increases. Additionally, if your chosen destination is not easily accessible or is remote, then this also factors into the expenses.
Another factor that will affect shipping costs is the type of shipping method you choose. For overseas car shipping, you can choose between container shipping or RoRo shipping. These shipping methods are discussed in detail ahead.
A third factor is the size and the weight of your vehicle. Some carriers also consider the type and the model of your car. This can affect the storage requirements and hence affect shipping costs.
Finally, your shipping costs will be influenced by the seasonality. Depending on what time of the year you choose to have your car shipped, this can significantly influence shipping costs, with rates almost doubling in peak seasons.
Also bear in mind that depending on your destination overseas, you may have to pay import fees and taxes. For more detail on shipping costs, and to get an estimate based on your vehicle and destination, you can use online car shipping cost calculators.
Overseas Car Shipping Methods
There are two main methods you can choose to ship your car overseas. One is known as Roll Off/Roll On shipping, or RoRo. With this method, ships are equipped with a ramp, which means that your vehicle can be driven onto the ship to be parked.
This process eliminates the need for cranes, reducing the time and cost needed to onboard vehicles. On average, it takes a professional company about two hours to onboard cars onto a RoRo ship. The RoRo shipping method is relatively affordable, and requires that your car must be working and empty.
The other method for shipping your car overseas is container shipping. This method places your vehicle in a metal container, where it is secured. You can choose a shared container or a dedicated container for your car. In a shared container, up to 4 cars will be stored together, but if you choose a dedicated container, then the container will be reserved entirely for your car. These containers can go up to 40 feet, giving you lots of room for larger vehicles.
Container shipping is costlier in comparison with RoRo shipping because it involves greater setup costs. However, it also offers more protection from environmental elements such as seawater or debris.
Additionally, with container shipping, you will not have to empty your car of personal items or valuable accessories such as stereo systems. This makes container shipping a better option if you plan to relocate to the destination you are shipping your car to.
The least popular method of overseas shipping for your car is by air. Fewer shipping companies offer this option as it is expensive, but it is the quickest out of all methods. Typically, your car will get delivered in 1-3 days if you get it shipped by airplane.
Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the shipping quotes given by the moving company, you should prepare for additional shipping costs. When your vehicle is shipped to the destination, you may have to pay a collection cost. This is if you opt for an additional service of having your car picked up at the destination location.
Other fees to consider include import duties and taxes. These will vary by your car’s destination, so connect with your shipping company for more guidance.
Final Notes
When shipping your car overseas, it is important to consider factors such as your budget, preferred shipping timeline and the type of vehicle to make an informed decision about which shipping method suits you best. This will also help you minimize costs and pay according to your requirements.
