While container freight transporting for vehicles has been universally embraced as a cost effective, efficient method of shipping vehicles and goods, not everyone is happy about this development. In a US Study conducted in 1998 it is estimated that container freight can be loaded nearly twenty times faster and critics argue the new method of shipping is responsible for freight consolidating jobs to move out of the ports and further inland, which decimated harbour-based jobs even further.

Since the containers have a considerable weight themselves, it is obvious that transport companies need to spend more money on fuel whilst shipping the containers with their cargo. The weight of the container also reduces the transport companies’ capacity on their rigs, as they are governed by strict weight limits per trailer. Using the enclosed shipping method car transport companies pass the increase in cost on to the end consumer.

Police reports have claimed containers have been used to smuggle anything from contraband to people. Owing to the vast number of containers loaded and off-loaded in ports most containers are never subjected to the scrutiny needed to detect such criminal activities and in recent years the threat of international terrorism has highlighted this lack of security. A more frequent examination and scanning of high-risk cargo at the port of departure may lead to costly delays neither welcomed by the shipper nor the car-buyer.

The point of using containers is to use them constantly, not letting them sit idle when they are unloaded at their destination. This isn’t always possible and in some cases the cost of transporting a container to the place where it should be can be considerably higher than the value of the actual goods transported in them. In the summer of 2010 a world-wide shortage of containers threatened international shipping and transport, when it transpired new container production had largely ceased owing to the recession, whilst shipping had increased dramatically in the post-recession period.

This resulted in a delay of goods being shipped to their end destinations, so if you had ordered a new car and it was caught up in the container shortage, you may have had a much longer wait than usual. Car manufacturers shipping vast quantities of a brand new model would experience a serious backlash from disgruntled customers, so safeguards are put in place. Shipping lines and container leasing companies are experts at redirecting empty containers from areas of low or no demand to areas of high demand.

Pitfalls of Container Shipping

Whilst the majority of cars arrive at their dealerships in perfect condition, there are occasionally accidents involving container transport. Sometimes adverse weather plays havoc and containers fall from their ships and are washed away during heavy storms. Reputedly some 10,000 containers are lost at sea each year.

The containers usually float rather than sink and if you’re lucky and live by the sea you might one day find a stranded container containing well…anything from luxury cars to rubber ducks.

Floating containers become a shipping hazard as they are difficult to detect, but the world’s oceanographers were delighted when a container with thousands of yellow plastic ducks was washed off a cargo ship, spilling its contents into the sea. The scientists were able to track global ocean currents thanks to the helpful ducks.

Disputes

If you believe that a shipping company has not treated you fairly, first try to work it out with the company. Carriers are more likely to cooperate if they believe you are trying to work fairly with them. Take a reasonable, but firm approach. If all else fails, you may consider filing a complaint with the authorities in the city in which the car transport company is listed, in the USA this may be the Better Business Bureau and in the UK the Office of Fair Trading. Depending on the damage and the costs involved, ultimately you may consider taking the matter to a small claims court to seek remedy.

Pick-up and Delivery Dates

Ask your carrier for estimated pick-up and delivery times. They should be able to offer a 3-day window for pick-up – during the busy season the window may be larger, but the carrier should warn you of possible delays well ahead of time. Distrust exact pick-up and delivery dates promised by automobile transport companies – If they promise you exact dates, get it in writing and state the remedy if service is not performed on the stipulated dates (perhaps a $50 discount, or no fee to cancel, or reimbursement for your rental car).

Once the pick-up is made, your broker or carrier should keep you up-to-date with your vehicles progress and provide you with a fairly exact delivery date. If you need a precise date for pick-up, most automobile transport companies can pick-up your car and hold it at a depot or terminal for an additional charge.

After you sign your contract, your shipping company will ALWAYS direct you to the contract for any complaints you may have, including the cost to cancel your automobile shipment. Beware of a clause stating there is no guaranteed pickup or delivery date. Even though most vehicles are delivered by carriers within the expected time frame, most will not guarantee a delivery date.

Although most cars are picked up on the scheduled date or within a few days of that date, a one or two week delay may occasionally happen during busy periods. The cancellation clause in your contract should allow for at least a week beyond the agreed pickup date.

It is difficult for any carrier to promise an exact delivery date, however, if your automobile shipping company offers a guarantee that covers rental car, find out the cost of the guarantee (if any) and the maximum amount in dollars/Pounds per day covered.

Verify Everything in Writing before Going Forward

Just as important as following up several references on your chosen carrier, is the final contract itself. Apart from the above mentioned you should ensure that all out-of-the-ordinary extras, such as delivery to a place other than you home or place of work or personal items to be shipped with the vehicle, are included in the contract, before you allow the carrier to pick-up your vehicle.

And just when you’ve sorted out the contract, the country you’re relocating to demands you take another driving test to comply with local road legislation! Ah well, nobody said relocation was easy…

Do’s:

Think about what you need and know your budget. When you shop around looking for a shipping company you’ll find out that service rates vary tremendously, ask the company which charges are included and which are not, and if there additional costs. The following is a short checklist; important things to do before you ship you car.

• Insurance: Check your insurance on coverage. If it doesn’t cover shipment abroad, get an additional insurance with adequate coverage.
• Make arrangements for transportation to and from the ship. You might need a trucking company to unload your car and send it to your new home.
• Paperwork: Check with customs to find out what papers you need.
• Packing professional: If the shipping company doesn’t provide for this, you need to find a packing professional in order to adequately block your car in the container. This is not something you can do yourself. If you use containerized shipment, you can pack personal things in the car and the container.

Don’ts:

• Don’t agree and stop looking after the first company you talk to. Get quotes from a number of companies to get the best deal.
• Don’t accept verbal quotes; they are nothing more than hot air! Request all quotes in writing.

Paperwork Needed for Export Process:

• Customs in the USA vehicles require approval prior to exporting: Clean Title, Manufacturers Statement of Origin (mso) or Salvage Certificate.

• Shipper’s Export Declaration.

• Marine Cargo Insurance: carriers are only liable for $500.00 per vehicle or container, so the shipper should ask for marine cargo INS.

Delivering Your Car to the Shipping Company:

Most companies have following requirements on delivery:

• Gasoline tank should contain less than a quarter tank of fuel (due to shipping laws), some companies charge extra money if they have to drain your tank.

• In winter should your cooling system be filled with 100% antifreeze, this in order to prevent damage to the engine block.

• You have to sign a condition report of which you will receive a copy.

• Battery must be disconnected before shipping, so ensure your battery can be easily accessed.

• You must know the location of the vehicle identification number (VIN#) of you car.

• You must leave a set of keys for all compartments of your car.

As you’ve seen, international shipping is a complicated process. But in the same time there are no obstacles you cannot overcome. If you keep all the above in mind and get yourself accurately informed at customs and at the shipping company about all the rules and needed paperwork, you can follow their requirements step by step. Ship your car to the other side of the world and you’ll see in no time you will be driving around in your good old car in your new home country.

By the way, don’t forget to check on foreign traffic rules!

After arranging the details of shipping an automobile across the country, it is necessary to ensure that the vehicle is in proper condition for shipment. Most auto transport companies have a checklist available to assist the customer in preparing their vehicle. Below is what you need to know about shipping your automobile.

Vehicle Condition

When the auto is presented to the carrier, it is important that it be clean. The vehicle will be inspected prior to loading, thus, with it clean and washed it should be easy for the fair value and condition to be ascertained.

Keys

While it might seem obvious, the driver of the transport is going to need access to the vehicles key or keyless entry device.

Fuel

The vehicle does need to be able to be moved and driven. Therefore, there should be a minimum of ¼ tank of gasoline in the auto. However, the auto movers usually do not want any more than that, due to the potential liability if the transport were to encounter a wreck or accident.

Alarms

Auto alarms need to be disarmed while the vehicle is being transported. If there is a reason that an alarm must be engaged, it is imperative that the company be made aware of that fact. If an alarm is on, and it drains the battery, the company often will not be held responsible.

Windshields and Antennas

During the vehicle inspection, notations will be made to any damage to the windshield already in existence. This is to ensure that the moving company is aware of any damage prior, and will not be held responsible pre-existing damage.

Most auto shippers also want the antenna of a vehicle to be lowered or removed if it is possible. If an antenna can be removed, it should be placed inside the vehicle and labeled. This will ensure that it does not get misplaced and does not get damaged during the actual move.

Truck Camper Tops and Canopies

If a truck has a camper shell or canopy, it is the responsibility of the owner to either ensure that it is firmly attached, or that it is removed entirely. While most truck covers are securely attached, there are many that are instable or shoddily done. Since this can be a liability issue, the shipping company is within their right to assure that the top is attached or they can order it removed.

Personal Items

All personal items should be removed from the vehicle prior to the pickup. Personal items include everything from a box of tissue to tool boxes and jumper cables. If the vehicle has a removable stereo, that should be removed as well.

The auto mover does not want to be responsible for anything that could be stolen from the vehicle while it is being transported. Although a couple of CDs may seem insignificant to the owner, it is a potential claim for the carrier.

There are many reasons why a person may need to transport their vehicle internationally. No matter what the reason, however, there are steps that should be followed to ensure that the vehicle arrives in good condition, in the agreed upon amount of time, and with no additional problems.

Top Ways to Ensure a Successful Auto Shipment

1. Customs: When shipping internationally, it is imperative that you choose an auto shipping carrier that is experienced in international transport. Usually, the company has customs brokers or clearing agents that assist in all aspects of getting the vehicle through customs and into the new country effectively. Make sure the company has someone to handle all of the paperwork for you, that way you are assured it is done correctly.
2. Insurance: According to Maritime Law, the transport company is liable for $500 per car. Since this amount will most definitely not help you if the auto is damaged, it is advisable to take out an additional policy for more complete coverage.
3. Shipping Options: When arranging for the shipment of your vehicle, be aware of all of the options. Some shipping options are less expensive than others. However, remember that just because one method is less expensive you will be getting equal value. In the terms of international shipping, you truly get what you pay for. Either way, make sure that you know what you are getting into and are fully informed.
4. Personal Items: The majority of auto transport companies do not want person items to be in the vehicle at all. This includes small things like CDs and loose change, all the way to removable CD Changers and stereo systems. Any personal items left in the vehicle are not covered by insurance at all. The meager $500 doesn’t cover a single penny left inside the automobile. Because of this, it is best to arrange that your personal items be shipped separately, or if you are purchasing a shipment container, that you follow the guidelines for personal effects.
5. Ports/Terminals: Once a transport has made it into customs, there are different ways for the vehicle to be delivered. Usually, the shipment will not stay at a specific port or terminal unless there is difficulty getting it to the land location. This often only happens when weather is an issue, or if the delivery location is remote and difficult to get to in poor conditions. Others, once the vehicle clears customs, it is arranged for land delivery.
6. Payment: The big factor when moving an auto internationally is expense. While it is considered considerably more expensive than domestic transport, international movement is not always prohibitive. Payment, in most cases, comes in two parts. There is the initial deposit (usually half of the amount for total transport), and then the final payment is due upon delivery. Make sure that you are clear on what form of payment is accepted. More times than not, credit cards are not an accepted form of payment. It is usually paid by cash or certified cashier’s check. You will need to be very clear on this aspect so that you can plan accordingly.

By being prepared for the journey, your vehicle will arrive on time and in good condition. Be aware of the possible pitfalls and keep track of the progress.