Your car shipping process can go smoothly if you plan with a reliable partner. Whether you are sending your vehicle for a special event overseas, relocating, or purchasing it overseas, we guarantee that your car will arrive on time and while in pristine condition.
We specialize in making the task of international car shipping effortless. Throughout this guide, we will outline the entire overseas shipping processes, from planning Europe as the destination, preparing the car, and navigating through the customs.
Selecting the Suitable Method of Shipment
Considered while shipping cars to Europe, there are a few methods one can adopt with regard to their financial considerations and the shipping period. Here are two options that stand out from the rest as per the given requirements:
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
Roll-on shipping (RoRo) is one of the cheapest and most used methods for shipping a car to Europe. In this method, the vehicle(s) are driven onto special cargo vessels at the port of departure. The vessel is parked at the port which allows the car to be rolled off. Your car is rolled off the ship at the European destination port.
Advantages of RoRo Shipping:
– Cost-Effective: RoRo is the cheapest method of shipping cars to Europe.
– Not Complicated: Your car is rolled on and rolled off, which means the processing time is short.
– Global Access: There is wide availability of RoRo services to major European ports.
Negatives of RoRo Shipping:
– Weather Conditions: If the car is being transported by ship, it will have to sail through its fair share of bad weather. In this case, the car will be defenseless to all kinds of damage that may be caused due to weather. The conditions are inappropriate for high-value or expensive luxury automobiles.
– Port Service: As with most other shipping methods in RoRo, these other ways work through the vehicle being taken from port to port solely. Because of this, the vehicle would have to be driven to the harbor for shipment and fetched from the harbor.
- Container Shipping
There is a higher purpose when it comes to preserving valuable, luxurious, or classic cars. For this reason, container shipping is ideal. It is when the vehicle is stuffed into a box so that no item may ever touch it during its journey until it reaches its destination and has to be unloaded. This helps prevent the automobile from any harm, dirt, scratches or marks that could happen while it is en route.
Benefits of Container Shipping:
– Great Protection: A vehicle is reasonably safe from being damaged or worried about because it is inside a bounding box in which it will never be exposed to exterior forces and thus with a significant level of additional protection.
– Best for Expensive Cars: Any person shipping a beloved vehicle is going to have it done right so with each requirement being properly addressed. Seeing as container shipping has the required standards, then with an AFR offers the best shipping solutions.
– Time Efficient: If arranging RoRo with container, it is very likely there will be the alternative offered to communicate with them after driving to the destination which means these methods may also be required without taking away the fact the ride can easily be door to door.
Drawbacks of Container Shipping:
– Expensive: Container shipping costs more than RoRo shipping because of the additional protection or service associated with it.
– Longer Transit Time: Overall shipping times may take longer because of the extended time required for loading and unloading the containers.
Get Your Car Ready for Shipping
Having your automobile ready for the shipping process means paying attention to specific tasks. Here are the steps you need to take in readiness Before shipping your car to Europe:
- Wash your Vehicle
The foremost step any shipper should take is cleaning the vehicle. This makes the inspection process easier and is more efficient for both practical and legal considerations. Additionally, several countries possess stringent customs policies against the exportation of dirt or flora. Furthermore, as part of the inspection process, wash the vehicle to ascertain that there is no damage.
- Make Sure Check Fluid levels and Charge the Battery
Confirm that the fluids (engine oil, coolant, or even brake fluid) are filled to the required levels. Shipping companies also have requirements such as maintaining a certain gas limit (typically lower than a quarter tank) before the auto is shipped. Additionally, the battery should be fully charged because the auto may be needed to be operable during the loading and unloading processes.
- Clear Out Personal Effects
Shipping companies usually do not allow clients to keep personal belongings in the car. Such items do not have coverage under the shipping insurance and may add unnecessary weight which increases the cost of transport. Ensure that you clear out all electronic gadgets, clothes and any other personal effects.
- Take Pictures of the Vehicle Condition
An accurate record is very helpful serving as a proof of the car’s condition against any possible damage the vehicle might incur while being transported. Take several pictures of the car from different angles to capture its condition before driving off. It is a requirement that cars be documented before handing them over to the shipping companies for transport. In case of damage, having photographs ensures you can file your insurance successfully.
- Make Sure The Car Is In Good Condition Driving Smart Container shipping does not require a car to be in working order, but the vehicle should be in fair mechanical working condition to avoid hassles when loading the car onto the ship. If you opt for RoRo shipping, you must ensure the car is in perfect driving condition as the vehicle will be driven onto the ship.
Make Copies of Pertinent Documents
In order to ship a car outside the country, you would first have to get the car cleared through customs which involves a list of specific documentation. Prepare the following documents if you are planning to ship your vehicle to Europe.
- Ownership Verification
Ownership of the car can easily be verified through its title or registration which serves as its proof of ownership. This confirms that you indeed possess the vehicle and have the legal rights to ship it overseas.
- Purchase Agreement
In case you bought the vehicle recently, then it is important to also submit a bill of sale or a purchase invoice. Due to fortified custom clearance regulations, this is mandatory especially where the car is being shipped for resale.
- Verification Passport and ID
To grant administrative clearance, customs officials would typically check proof of identity and residence of the client in the headquarter country through a valid passport, national ID or proof of residence. Certain nations also demand such vehicle documentation accompanied with Visa or work permits.
- Customs Declaration Form
Like any other items by air, a declaration form is vital for all borders. This is to provide information pertaining to the vehicle detailed as the make, model, year, and value. This serves to estimate depending on the value of tax or form of import duty needed.
- Import Permit
Some countries in Europe have specific requirements that need to be fulfilled to obtain an import permit for vehicles being shipped into the region. This means that they permit you to import the vehicles, but this might need to be obtained prior to shipping the vehicle, or even at the port of destination.
Familiarize Yourself With The Expenses
Expenses associated with shipping the car to Europe depends with the estimated transport costs, and the transport methods to be used. Some of the points that influence the expenses break continuum:
- Method of Shipping
As previously mentioned, a great difference exists between RoRo shipping and other shipping types, especially in terms of affordability. Luxury cars also fall under High Value cars. Other would be considered more expensive because container shipping is safer.
- Distance and Destination
Longer routes are more expensive than shorter ones. Ports of Europe such as Germany, UK, and France have lower prices than more remote countries. Furthermore, many European countries have additional costs like import taxes and duties that can lead to extra expenses on the shipment.
- Additional Services
Optional services such as Door to Door, Guaranteed time specific, or unprotected insurance will incur more costs than normal. When looking for different quotes, it’s very important include these changes in the discussions.
Why Choose Shipping Cars for Your European Car Shipping Needs?
Here at Shipping Cars, we take pride in shipping cars to Europe, providing professional and economical services. Your vehicle can be delivered safely to the required destination. Here are the reasons of why we are best suited for your car shipping needs.
– Best Available Rates: We provide car shipping services at industry competitive rates which gives you great value for your investments.
– Proven Track Record: Our dedicated professionals deal with recognized carriers which safeguard timely and safe delivery of your vehicle in Europe.
– Shipping Tailored to Every Individual’s Needs: Depending on different requirements of the customer including cost and protection offered, we provide RoRo and container shipping.
– Experienced Professionals: From packing the car to shipping and customs regulations, we follow the procedures and are here to assist every step of the way.
Conclusion
Selecting an appropriate shipping option along with understanding the necessary details makes shipping a car to Europe easy and simple. By following the principles listed in this post together with a reliable company like Shipping Cars, your car will arrive safely and on time, every time.