We spoke to the experts at Auto Shippers about shipping one of your most prized possessions across the ocean – your car.
When people decide to emigrate, there are numerous things that need to be taken into consideration. One of these is whether or not to ship your car.
Shipping your car
If your classic car is more than a car – let’s face it, it can be considered a part of your family – then the shipping option is definitely for you.
There are services on offer, such as the Roll on Roll off service (RoRo) that use the cargo ship’s own integral loading ramps. Your vehicle is driven on at the departure port and off at the destination, which is faster, more efficient, and safer than standard container car shipping.
Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Jaguar prefer this option of having their vehicles transported. The transportation vessels are vast and can carry up to 6000 cars per trip, and due to their modern engineering, the ships are equipped with several ramps to allow for more efficiency when loading and unloading vehicles.
How safe is shipping your car?
Inside the RoRo vessels are enclosed decks that have securing points throughout the floor and vehicles are tethered using straps around the wheels to ensure ultimate security.
Similar vehicles are loaded together so that your precious classic car will never be transported alongside a boat or tractor.
Also read: Emigrating? Pros and cons of shipping your personal items
Where can cars be shipped from?
Cars can be driven to the point of departure by their owners, or they can be collected by a chauffeur.
The UK ports that RoRo vessels depart from include Southampton, Bristol, Tilbury, Sheerness and Immingham.
Insurance
Ensure that the company you select to transport your car offers marine insurance cover. Quality insurance is vital when shipping your car internationally, so make sure you choose a company that offers the best insurance deal for you.
What about customs?
Since customs requirements vary from country to country, you will need to investigate your destination port’s rulings on customs charges. Auto Shippers has a guide to customs rules and regulations for cars leaving the UK and entering Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Cyprus, Malta and South Africa.
