How to prep your vehicle for international transportation by sea

Buying a vehicle overseas always comes with the next question: how to get it home. Not every seller will offer to take care of this, especially if you managed to get a great deal for a luxury vehicle from a private seller. All that is left is to make the arrangements yourself, which, in most cases, will mean transporting your newly purchased vehicle by sea in a shipping container. 

Your Options When Shipping a Car Internationally 

You have two main options when it comes to shipping your vehicle internationally. You could either opt for RORO or containerized shipping. Both will involve your vehicle being transported into a shipping container, but there are a few key differences. 

RORO – Roll on, Roll Off 

You drive in to a container, you drive off. Doesn’t allow for personal items in the vehicle. It’s a fast and efficient way to get your vehicle from one destination to another, but do note that it isn’t always an option. 

Containerized Shipping 

You have your own container, can also ship other items alongside it. This is great if you have more to ship alongside your vehicle, or if either of the ports you are using don’t offer RORO. 

Standard Steps to Take Regardless of Your Shipping Option 

When shipping a newly purchased luxury vehicle you need to be aware that there are always risks. Though large, shipping containers are nothing in comparison to the sea itself. Things will move, which means the risk of your vehicle being damaged in some way is there. That is why it is actually worthwhile to have it fully serviced and upgraded before you leave. Having the additional protection of a XPEL Paint protection film from Wrap N Shine Auto Spa will help rebuff cosmetic damages to your vehicle. 

This is just one step you will want to take, regardless of which shipping option you use. The rest include: 

• Remove all personal effects from your vehicle 
  
• Have it professionally detailed 
  
• Add paint protection film 
  
• Have the engine inspected and secured 
  
• Provide reports to your shipping agent 
  
• How to Further Protect Yourself and Your Vehicle   
  
• Protecting your vehicle is the first step. You will then want to go that extra bit further and: 
  
• Select Your Freight Forwarder Carefully to Avoid Hidden Costs 
  

Your freight forwarder needs to be: 

• Licensed 
  
• Insured 
  
• Bonded 
  

Purchase Cargo Insurance 

Always go through the extra cost of paying for cargo insurance. The seas can be rough and though rare, these ships can sink. Insurance is the only way to cover yourself financially. 

Have the Paperwork in Order 

Don’t risk missing the next shipment and have all this information ready beforehand: 

• Original title
  
• Copy of the bill of sale 
  
• Copy of your passport 
  

If you need additional help there are always people available to hire to sort everything out for you. Always check their references and their licenses, however. Just as you would want your freight forwarder to be fully insured and bonded you will also want any individual agent taking care of the organization for you to be insured and bonded.