How to ship a vehicle to the United States might frighten you initially, but as long as you are informed and prepare well, the journey will actually be easy. It does not matter if you are moving, buying a car from another country, or if you have a classic car that needs to be transported. By knowing the ins and outs of international car shipping, you will be able to make some well-thought-out decisions. This blog/newsletter will share with you the vital stages, thoughts, and strategies associated with overseas car shipping in the USA.
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The process of having a car delivered to the US is often a bit complex and requires taking several big steps. In most cases, you can manage these steps in the easiest way just by deciding on the kind of transport, preparing the car, employing a reliable car shipping company and ensuring that the documentation checklist is present. These steps are presented visually.
The two main car shipping methods from abroad to the USA are Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and Container shipping.
| Shipping Method | Cost | Speed | Protection | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo Shipping | Less Costly | Faster | Less Protection | Regular cars |
| Container Shipping | More Expensive | Slower | More Protection | Luxury and classic cars |
As soon as you get this concept the whole international car-shipping idea will be much easier. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) use their own implementations of rules, which are competent in emission, safety standards, and general vehicle eligibility without any faults. Non-compliant vehicles might require reparations or modifications to bring them up to standard.
Alongside that, make sure you are ready for import duties. Usually, the car import duty in the USA to Canada ranges from 2.5% to 25%, depending on the vehicle type and age. Be sure to calculate these charges in your overall shipping expense.
In order to ship your car without encountering any problems, you must put it in the right condition. Some of the steps are mentioned here:
Besides, most shipping companies prohibit personal belongings in the vehicle. That is because they can be a security risk or incur extra charges.
After having a look at the fundamentals of the issue, the next step is to fathom the detailed procedure for car shipping in the USA.
The next step after you choose a company is to ask for a shipping quote. Make sure that you give precise and complete information about your vehicle’s brand, model, size, and location. Part of the money to pay will be influenced by the shipping method, distance, and car size.
One of the most important steps to be followed in order to appropriately ship a vehicle is the gathering of suitable information about the vehicle and the shipping process. Here are some documents you will need :
Your shipping company will help you with the customs clearance process and the check of all the required documents.
After the car is ready for transportation, the company will coordinate the delivery of the vehicle pickup at your place or a drop-off at a specific port. The RoRo method of Canadian car shipping is used to drive the vehicle into the ship, while in container shipping, the car is put into a safe container. The delivery will eventually be done to the USA and the time of transit will differ from origin country and shipping method.
When choosing a company to send your car to the USA, it is necessary that you consider other aspects regarding the cost and compare more companies. Take into account the following:
This list of practical tips will help you a lot in carrying out the car shipping task without feeling any major difficulties:
Think about your car’s price, its weight, and what you would personally like best as you decide between RoRo and using a container. If you have a high-end or historical car, it might be better for you to choose container shipping despite the higher cost because of the extra safety it offers.
Except for a certain basic insurance that goes by default, there can be a need for extra coverage if the value of your car is taken into consideration. Get the info from the carrier of your shipment about how many and what sort of insurances are at your disposal and if you are to bring a separate one.
A clean vehicle is always favorable for the examination, especially when crossing into the USA. Besides Canadian Car Shipping, it never hurts to have your car at the mercy of the camera before shipping, thus if it is scraped during the journey, the perpetrator can be easily identified.
An individual might face the trouble of importing a car from abroad to the USA if he is not well versed with the rules and statutes. The shipping of your trip can be made easier by choosing the right shipping mode, engaging with a trustworthy company, and getting your vehicle ready for shipping. It is equally important not to overlook the assessment of costs comprising import duties, and insurance and also abiding by the instructions set forth under the regulations of other documents.
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