How to Ship a Car Internationally

Shipping a car internationally can be done three different ways: a roll-on roll-off (RORO), in an exclusive container, or consolidated with other freight in a high cube 40 foot container. Sometimes there are restrictions about shipping a car to a particular country and you can check websites of shipping companies for more information.

RORO

Roll-on roll-off shipping is when the vehicle is manually driven onto the boat to be shipped, then manually driven off at the destination point.  This requires special docks, so these vessels cannot stop at all ports of call.   

Exclusive Container

Your car can be secured in an exclusive container. In this way, the car can be under your total control for the whole trip.  It is secured for safe shipping inside its container by a professional driver, then loaded onto the ship. When the container reaches its destination, you will be notified to open the container, as you are the only one with access.  This is the most expensive method.

High Cube 40 foot Container

This is the least expensive method of shipping a car overseas.  The containers can hold three or four cars, depending on the size, and the more cars that fit into a container, the less shipping charges.  The containers are stacked and unloaded by mechanical cranes which do all the work in less than 24 hours, saving the shipping company tons of money, savings they pass on to the consumer.

In General

You must be sure the shipping company has a copy of the certificate of title. Customs officials sometimes request to see these documents and it is important the shipping company be able to produce them.  All international car shipping companies are required by law to provide insurance.  They do, but your car is insured for the lowest blue book value. Each car is examined by a professional driver as it is loaded, and again as it is unloaded to check for any damage. Make sure you get a copy of the “Original Inspection Report” before your car is shipped.