Shipping a car abroad is not as exciting as it may seem. You probably have to get through different shipping options, multiple documents, and plenty of headaches. After that, you still have to pay to ship your car internationally.
So how much does it cost to ship a car abroad? Knowing this can really help you plan ahead. International car shipment depends on a lot of factors. After reading this guide, you will be able to get an estimate of how much it takes to ship a car to another country.
How does car shipping work?
Before getting into the cost estimation, do you know how you can ship your car abroad? Of course, it’s way different than your consolidated package hiding somewhere among the merchandise of giants.
It’s a car, that needs great attention, so your four-wheeler money buck does not ruin along the way. So you have to research for a good freight forwarding company that works both in the origin and destination country.
Once you select the company, you need to consider the shipping option. The available options are air freight, container shipment, and roll-on/Roll-Off (more on this later).
Another milestone is to prepare the documents. To ship a car, what you need include:
- A filled-out U.S. Customs and Border Protection Vehicle Export Cover Sheet
- A photo ID
- The car’s registration
- A bill of lading
- The notarized bill of sale
- EPA and DOT forms
Once you gather these forms, you select the destination port or place depending on your chosen mode of shipment.
The cost of international car shipment
This is a straightforward process to ship a car internationally. However, the cost estimation is not simple. To get a rough estimate, it can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $4,000. You see, this wide range is because there are plenty of factors that directly affect the shipping cost.
Here is an overview of these factors.
Shipping Method
There are plenty of options to ship a car abroad, each with its own shipment cost.
Roll On/Roll Off (RORO)
If you have not heard about this option, don’t worry, it does not involve any physics. Your vehicle is driven onto a seafaring vessel directly. RORO leaves your car in open space and keeps it secured. It’s the most affordable option, costing around $1,000 to $3,200 to ship a car abroad. But on the downside, your car is prone to multiple risks because it’s wide open in space.
Container Shipping
The same as RORO, except that your car is in a container whether it is a sea freight container or a railway container. This option, as compared to RORO, is a bit on the expensive side, around $1,600 to $4,000. But the perk of this option is that your car is protected by a steel shell, so you don’t have to worry about the risks of damage.
Air Freight
The most expensive option to ship a car out there, but it’s really fast. But still, don’t expect it to get delivered in a couple of days. If the ship takes around two months, the plane may take around 2 weeks.
And about the cost? Be prepared for around $5,000 to $50,000 to ship a car abroad. There are several other factors that contribute to making a more precise estimation.
Other Factors
Time of Year
If you ship a car in peak season like between September and April, the prices will be 20 percent higher than normal. Try to avoid these seasons to save a few bucks.
Pick-up and Drop-off Location
Distance matters too, you know that. But the destination port is also a major factor. Some countries and ports may have complicated handling procedures and accordingly high port and customs fees. Plus, you need a special agent or broker to get you through the customs, which charges additionally around $500 to $800.
Insurance Coverage
Besides car insurance, you should consider shipping insurance as well. Freight forwarding companies like Foresmart usually recommend insuring cargo during international transportation. We have long-term cooperation with insurance companies to provide you with a variety of insurance plans.
Vehicle Type
The model of your car also impacts the cost of shipping a car. If your car is big, it would take up more space and care, and in turn, you have to pay more. Similarly, if your car is expensive, you have to pay more premium to ensure it is safely delivered to the destination port.
Money-saving tips to ship a car abroad
For most of the shipping costs, you can’t do anything. But, there is still a chance to reduce a few bucks from your overall cost to ship a car. For instance, you can save a few dollars using terminal-to-terminal or port-to-port delivery.
A terminal is a place where cars are loaded and unloaded. So instead of door-to-door delivery, if you pick your car up by yourself timely, it can save the cost of final delivery.
Final Words
Shipping a car internationally is no joke. It needs a lot of attention and effort, but once you understand how to do it right, things can go smoothly.
The big part of the issue is it costs a lot, so you need to know how to ship a car in the most effective way.
FAQs
What is the most affordable way to ship a car abroad?
Roll On/Roll Off (RORO) is the most affordable option. You can use the enclosed option as well, but it takes 50 percent more than open carriers.
How long does it take to ship a car abroad?
Shipping times vary depending on the destination and method. Generally, container shipping can take 2-6 weeks, while RORO shipping might be slower.
