No Sea of Difference When Shipping Your Auto by Sea
Advertisement
Have you ever wondered at those freight ships with their checkered load of red and blue containers which, slowly passing bridges like the Golden Gate Bridge, may look almost toy-like form that windy observation point, and which you have never seen docked, but which in reality must be titanic? Don’t be alarmed at that ominous last word: shipping your car by sea is as easy and safe as domestic shipping.
You can obtain quotes at no cost from many overseas shipping companies. These companies make the arrangements and get your vehicle rapidly on its way for you easily and stress free. Long established as well as modern carrier companies guarantee your vehicle, no matter what type, safe transport on any or all of the seven seas.
Shipping by sea is really not that different from land shipping. You will need maritime insurance, though, as your regular car insurance won’t cover overseas travel. Any of the three standard shipping methods will require you to prepare your vehicle for shipping just as you would over land.
If your car is not in a drivable condition to get it to its departure port, company trucks will be available to haul it to the docks. A full tank of gas is not a good idea as it adds weight. Have just enough gas to maneuver it to its port of shipment and to its final destination.
You have a choice between three shipping methods: Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) and either a 20-foot or a 40-foot container.
The least expensive way is by a RoRo ship: a great vehicle ferry. Your car will be driven onto the ship and into a slot along other cars. Though secured in place, the car will still be left open alongside other cars, remaining more vulnerable to damage or accident. RoRo is the standard method to ship over short distances.
A safer way is the container method. A car is snugly fitted into a 20-foot container so it does not shift and it is all by itself. It is securely locked in its nest to protect it from access by anyone but the authorized agents until it either reaches customs or its destination, whichever comes first. The container also protects it against damage by other vehicles and the elements.
These two methods will usually not allow transportation of any personal belongings with the car. In some cases (depending on your car make, for example) a 20-foot container has room to accommodate some personal belongings. With a 40-footer, personal belongings are loaded in first, secured and separated from the vehicle, which is then driven or pushed into the container.
There will be port fees to pay upon arrival – take into account the appropriate fees in foreign countries. Documentation is likely to be somewhat different from standard ground transportation, but if you consult the company before hand, there should be no problem to fully secure your property in every respect.