Receiving positive feedback makes guiding someone through the process of how to ship a car to Mexico particularly gratifying. If someone is moving to Mexico, buying a vehicle, or even sending a vehicle over for business purposes, escorting them through the process aids understanding and aids deliberation. Having a clear understanding of all the relevant prerequisites ensures protection and safety during delivery, as well as timely arrival.
Due to the expertise that we have on car shipping services to Mexico, we cover in this piece the most important steps of the processes along with recommended procedures, documentations and other pre-routing considerations needed prior to dispatching a vehicle.
The Approach is: Step One – Identify The Most Suitable Method Of Shipping
There are different methods of transporting vehicles to Mexico and all of them require time and money. On the approach of a new Mexican venture there should be an allocation of funding and timeline set, similar to any other business operations. One of the two most common methods is RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping and container shipping. Each of them has their own distinct pros and cons.
1. RoRo Shipping (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Vehicles can be shipped to Mexico using RoRo or container methods, among which RoRo has proven over the years to be the easier, more economical and widely accepted method. This method combines marine transport with personal road transport allowing vehicle owners to drive their vehicles straight onto the shipping ship. Vehicles are boarded, strapped down, and prepared to be driven off once the ship reaches its destination in Mexico.
Benefits of RoRo shipping:
– Cost-Effective: RoRo is almost always cheaper than container shipping for the simple reason that a lot less money is spent to ease the loading and offloading of the Ships filled with vehicles.
– Speed and Precision: Vehicle drayage leads to superior efficiency when it comes to the time taken to load and offload.
– Commonly Accessible: RoRo ports are available in both Mexico and the US.
Hurdles of RoRo shipping:
– Exposure to the Elements: There is no protection from weather, moving vehicles, or debris while goods are being transported.
– Port-to-Port Service: Geographically, drivers are only covered from one point to another which adds difficulty to journey management.
In this scenario, the client has to drop off the vehicle at the main terminal and handle the vehicle’s secondary rendezvous on their end, and vice versa for the secondary party which adds complication to return travels.
2. Ship in a Container
Container shipment is these particular individuals preferred method of shipment due to the added protection it affords them for the vehicle. In this method of shipping, the vehicle is loaded into a container which is locked and then shipped to Mexico. Both the car and container are safeguarded against inclement weather such as rain or floods that could cause damage during the trek as well as damages that may occur during transit.
Benefits of Container Shipment
– Best For High-End Vehicles: Container shipment is highly applicable for these super expensive cars being shipped as it demands serious delicate handling while harsh, classic, or any high-value vehicle which needs to be taken care of demands extra care during the shipping.
– The automobile, the weather, road debris, and even theft are ensured the supreme guards against the container which maintains maximum protection of the vehicles containing them.
Advantages and disadvantages of container shipping:
Flexible Options: The shipment of the containers can span on a port-to-port basis or even door-to-door. This is useful if the vehicle requires delivery directly to a home or business.
Disadvantages of container shipping:
– It is more expensive: Due to increased handling and additional precautionary measures taken for protection, the costs of container shipping are higher than RoRo shipping.
– Longer Transit Times: The extensive extraction and placement of containers can lead to longer than anticipated shipping times.
Getting the Vehicle Ready for Shipping
Following the guidelines will assist in getting your automobile ready for shipping and ensuring it gets to the required location in one piece. Carrying out the outlined tasks will aid in canceling possible problems and complications when transporting the vehicle to Mexico.
1. Wash the vehicle
Dirty contaminants like mud are a huge concern, especially to a country like Mexico that has serious crisis regarding soil pests, soil and vegetation. Washing the vehicle exposes certain damages it has, which can be tremendously beneficial.
2. Eliminate all personal items from the vehicle
When transporting the vehicle to another region or country, all personal belongings must be removed. In these cases, pertaining to vehicle shipping services, personal items are not allowed and bear no responsibility against damage or loss. Some items will increase the weight of the vehicle which increases shipping costs, and this is not ideal.
3. Verify Battery and Fluid Capacities
It may be a good idea to check that your automobile fluids such as the engine oil, the coolant, and also the brake fluids are filled up to the required mark. This check will ensure that the automobile does not undergo over shipment. Some shipping companies may also require you to take the fuel down to a safe operational level (generally below one quarter) to prevent spill or accident complications during shipping.
4. Perform Vehicle Inspection
This entails moving around the automobile and taking photographs at various reasonable distance. Document existing scratches, dents or any other relative damages. This documentation will assist in implementing damage claims that may need to be settled after the either the consignment or speed up processes with claims to the insurer.
5. Inspect Vehicle Movability
For RoRo shipping, the vehicle must be able to start and be driven without aid. In these instances, the vehicle is considered operational. The car does not have to be functional for container shipping, but lacking operational issues simplifies the process for container unloading and loading.
Get Documented
Certain documents need to be secured in a specific way if one intends to ship a vehicle to Mexico as it is bound to comply with the Mexican import laws. Getting a vehicle into Mexico comes with a few hurdles. The below-given listing includes the other documents that are legally necessary:
1. Vehicle Title and Registration
Legal proof of ownership comes with the Title document along with the Registration proof and in this case, you must show proof that the vehicle is also registered in your country of residence. In case the vehicle is financed, you will first need to sell it off and only then will need the lenders permission and the documents after the finance is cleared.
2. Proof of Identity and Residency
Identification of a living person bound legally to the boarding country can be proven by providing a passport and visa, current Mexican resident ID card or any other document indicating residency. This is needed for verification purposes at the Mexican customs to clear the person to import the vehicle.
3. Import Permit
When a vehicle needs to be brought into Mexico, the Mexican government requires an import permit. This particular permit is issued by MPF of Mexico’s SHCP that allocates the permit of importing the vehicle to the country.
Based on the shipping method chosen, the export permit may be secured online or via the exporting company.
4. Customs Declaration
A detailed customs document is required that includes the car’s manufacture, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and even the car’s approximate value. This information will assist Mexican customs authorities with determining the necessary import duties and taxes.
5. Insurance
Confirm that your car is insured up to the entire value of the car for the duration of the shipping process. Generally, companies do offer at minimum basic insurance which would apply to car shipping, but they must pay if they wish to insure the vehicle and ensure specialized methods of handling the vehicle. This other type of insurance is not mandatory.
Analyze the Aforementioned Cost Elements
Costs associated with shipping a vehicle to Mexico are influenced by the type of shipment of choice, the vehicle dimensions and weight as well as the distance from the departure port to the final destination. Some of these will include:
1. Means of Shipping
As mentioned earlier, RoRo shipping is often considered to be one of the most cost-effective options, however, container shipping, has proven to offer greater protection to the value of the vehicle.
2. Dimensions and Mass of Vehicles
Costs associated with a vehicle’s shipment tend to increase with its overall dimension and weight. Shipping costs for sedans and hatchbacks are lower than those for larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans.
3. Additional Factors
The cost of shipping vehicles from the US to Mexico increases with the services that are provided. Some of these may be Express service and door-to-door delivery. A full estimate should be requested that outlines all items charged in estimates.
What drove you to choose shipping cars as the transporters of the vehicles bound for Mexico?
For us at Shipping Cars, ensuring safe, quality and cost-effective car shipping to Mexico is our pride and focus as a business. Below are reasons we provide for you as to why you ought to consider us for your car shipping needs:
– Trusted Associates: We employ the best known and reputable shipping servicemen and women for shipping cars to Mexico. Thus, you are sure that your vehicle will be securely handled.
– Broad shipping options: We allow our customers the option of RoRo or container shipping at whichever price they prefer.
– Competitive prices: We offer market rates for our services and do not impose unreasonable extra charges.
– Comprehensive Wording: We Assist with Documentation and Provide Advice on Customs Procedure, Custom Supports Effortless and Effective Shipping.
Conclusion
Transporting a car to Mexico involves a number of steps and essential paperwork. Following the provided guide and utilizing a reputable shipping company like Shipping Cars will ensure the efficient and safe transport of your car.