Car Shipping Guide
Which shipping method should I use: Container or Ro-Ro (Roll-On Roll-Off)?
This depends on the size of your car, total cars being imported. We will advise you based on the type of car best suited to your needs whether Ro-Ro shipping or Container shipping, and more importantly the type of vessels available on any particular shipping route. eg may only be a container line only.
How to measure and weigh my car?
LOA or Overall length bumper to bumper.
Overall width is measured as the widest point of the car. You may have to mark the wide points on the ground by a drop line and then measure those points.
Weight is the fully loaded weight with all equipment.
If using a container service, who will arrange for the loading and securing of the car?
We will pick up you car anywhere in US: car dealer, car trader, ebay seller, private seller, liquidation auction, copart, insurance auction iaai, car storage and deliver to our loading facility where we will pack, secure and load it and then we will deliver container with car(s) to port.
What documents are required to arrange the Customs formalities?
To make sure there are no delays, it is important that we have all necessary documentation promptly. Below is a list of the minimum required documents to present to US Customs and for most countries destination Customs Clearance.
- Bill of sale, invoice or proof of value when importer already owns the car.
- Car Title Original and Copy
- Photo ID: Passport or Driver’s license copy
- Filled out Letter of Intent (we provide to you)
Providing we have all documentation in advance, will allow us to liaise with all authorities to ensure you’re car can be made available as soon as possible. For more information on what type of clearance best suits your situation please feel free to contact us. This is best discussed prior to the vessel sailing, to ensure the correct documents are complete at origin.
How do I prepare and protect my car?
Disconnecting the batteries, drain fuel to below 1/4 of the full tank if shipping inside container, RO/RO or conventional vessels.
Do I have to insure my car while in transit?
Marine cargo insurance is optional and can be covered under our marine open policy. It is strongly recommended as the liability of the shipping line is limited. All container and conventional vessels clause their bills of lading “shipped on deck at shippers risk.” Some insurance companies will insist on a car inspection report. There are three types of cover. Total Loss, Total Loss plus Theft and “All Risks”. Total Loss only covers cases when the car is totally lost thru being lost overboard, fire etc, whereas All Risks also covers damage over an agreed value. Insurance rate is calculated on a percentage of the declared value. A minimum insurance premium may apply.
How is Insured Value calculated?
When we insure car for shipping, it is necessary to cover ALL costs associated with the shipping, so that in the event of total loss, you receive back the value of the car, plus costs for the freight and associated charges.
Calculation Example:
(Car Value + Ocean Freight + 10%)= insures value X premium.
The addition 10% is to cover all associated costs in the event of total loss. For example: if you had paid airline and accommodation expenses to fly to a country to purchase your car. In the event of total loss, the 10% would cover all or part of these costs, not directly associated with the actual shipping.
What happens when my car arrives at its destination?
You will need to arrange Customs clearance prior to the arrival of the car.
In most cases we can do this for you, or recommend that you a local destination Customs broker. For more details please contact us.