How transporting a car overseas works
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There are two ways to transport a car from one country to another: you can drive it yourself or arrange to have it shipped.
If you've purchased a car from another country for regular use in the UK, the last thing you want to do is fly out and drive it back yourself. It's not cost-effective and racks up hundreds - if not thousands of miles - onto your new car. It's also possible that you might be buying a non-operational vehicle in hopes of fixing it up when it arrives.
For these reasons, many turn to international car shipping for their car transportation needs. But how does it work?
International car shipping cost calculator
In addition to the rates and charges from your courier, the cost of exporting or importing a car from abroad depends on the type of car and the location it is going to and from.
Here is a breakdown of the factors that could affect the price of your vehicle transportation job.
Model
Different cars will cost different amounts to move. For example, shipping a Ford Fiesta from London to Berlin can cost around £750. On the other hand, a Range Rover Sport is more likely to cost around £1000 to ship.
An international car courier will ask you all the details of the vehicle you need to be transported to figure out a bespoke deal. Although it does make a difference, the make and model of your car are unlikely to make a massive difference to the price of a job; the primary factor influencing the price is the size and weight of the vehicle.
Condition
The car's condition will also be an essential factor affecting overseas shipping costs. For example, shipping non-operational cars costs more than fully operational ones because loading and unloading could require extra time and equipment. However, if the vehicle is being transported on a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ship, where the vessels are designed to move wheeled cargo, the cost could be reduced.
Whether you'll be able to use a RORO ship depends on where you're transporting your car; some countries may not have a port with the specialist facilities required.
Location
The distance you cover when shipping your car will undoubtedly impact the cost.
While shipping that Ford Fiesta from London to Berlin can cost around £750, exporting it to Moscow from London will likely cost closer to the £2,000 mark.
Flexibility
Another factor in the price of your overseas car shipping job is how flexible you are when you want your item delivered and picked up. For example, the price could be significantly lower if you are willing to receive your car within a 3-day period. Choosing a flexible delivery period will likely reduce the cost of shipping overseas.
How does international car shipping work?
Shipping a car can be as easy as sending any cargo from overseas, but you should be equipped to deal with the process. For example, if you're moving overseas and would like to take your car, you should investigate whether you need one in your new destination; public transport varies from place to place.
The physical process can be broken down into these simple steps:
Pick up and loading
First, the courier will pick up your vehicle from your designated destination. Then, the courier will load your car safely and securely at the pickup site, fastening it with lashings, chains and other stabilising equipment.
Shipping the vehicle
Couriers will drive either a single-car, multi-car or enclosed car transporter. Delivery times vary depending on how far your car is travelling.
Delivery
Once the driver has reached the drop-off point, they will greet you with your safely-delivered vehicle, which you are free to drive whenever and wherever you like.
Ensure your vehicle is registered in its new country, complying with the proper tax and insurance laws.
Documents
Other essential elements in shipping cars abroad include import permits, export paperwork and customs requirements; for example, you cannot import a car into Australia if you've owned it for less than a year. Export paperwork will not be necessary if you will be away for less than a year, but you will be expected to continue paying UK road tax and retain valid MOT and insurance certificates.
While these factors vary, considering customs requirements will always be essential, meaning you must familiarise yourself with the local rules and regulations before moving ahead.
Why not book with AnyVan?
If you'd like to take the stress out of moving your car abroad, don't hesitate to get in touch. Our professional team of international car shippers will handle all the details and give you a seamless service, so why not start the process with a competitive quote?