Before selecting an international car shipping company, it’s very important to research each one beforehand. From cost to background to experience, many factors come into play here, leading to a wise and successful decision. Here is a guideline to help you.
Step 1: Do Your Research on the Company
One of the first steps in any purchasing decision is the research phase. Making a hasty, ill-informed decision can have large time and cost ramifications later.
Gather a list of international car shipping companies that you’re considering using. Check their ratings on sites like BBB.org, Federal Maritime Commission, review sites, and forums. Also, ask friends and family for references too. Which companies have they been happy with in the past? Why? Would they use them again?
Take a look at each company’s credentials and certifications to find out if the company is licensed, insured and bonded. They should be very straightforward in providing this information. Otherwise, they’re hiding something. Ask each company if they are fully insured and licensed and if they use licensed and insured carriers/third party services. Ask for those companies’ names and research those too.
Step 2: Do Your Research on Cost
Determining how much it costs to ship a vehicle overseas will start with a request for an online quote. This will also give you insight into how to ship your car overseas as well, as quotes typically contain information on the port of departure/arrival, overall costs, documentation needed, etc.
Some companies list generic rates online. Those rates listed on websites are for ideal shipments (such as the smallest size vehicle to a popular destination at the best rate). Rates also tend to change frequently with increases in fuel costs and other surcharges, which is why so many online prices are not up to date. You don’t want to book something at one rate and it changes later.
Step 3: Request Quotes and Compare Them
When comparing quotes, first look at the dollar amount. Then, fully read through each quote you receive very carefully.
Remember, there’s a lot more to the price quote than the ocean freight costs. Check out these key factors to look for, all of which have a direct impact on the final cost. You’ll have to clarify all of these factors before booking:
- Type of service: Are you paying for port to port, door to port, or door to door service?
- Method used: Is it shipping via RoRo or container? Shared or exclusive?
- Inland transportation: Some companies quote with domestic transport included, while others only include ocean transport.
- Destination Fees: For example, if you pay for door to port or port to port, this covers all export-related items, including U.S. customs clearance.
Once you have done your research, you will find that Ship Overseas comes out the clear winner. Get in touch now for a free quote and see how easy – and affordable – the process is!