SAN PABLO, CA, November 05, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- The shipping experts of West Coast Shipping are hoping to educate American consumers offering 10 tips for anyone hoping to ship a vehicle overseas for the first time.
"Shipping your vehicle internationally can be very confusing task," notes Alex Naumov of WC Shipping.com. "Fortunately, with the right knowledge you can easily make arrangements to have your vehicle shipped to your destination within a few weeks. Before you even consider hiring a shipping company, be sure to look over the following of 10 things you should know before shipping your car overseas."
1. Selecting an Automobile Transporter
If you need to have a vehicle shipped overseas then you want to make sure and spend time finding a quality car transporter. Make sure the company is registered with the department of transportation, and has both a Motor Carrier (MC) and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) registration number. In addition to having the proper registration numbers you will also want to verify their authenticity. You can also research the company online and contact any references listed on their website. By taking a little extra time to find a quality automobile transporter you can rest assured that your vehicle will be treated with care.
2. Check Insurance
Although car transporters are required to carry insurance, it is your responsibility to ask for proof and verify that the information is correct. You can do this by checking Safersys.org or by calling the transporters insurance company. Make sure to find out if their insurance is enough to cover to value of your car, and ask about additional insurance options.
3. Vehicle Transport Arrangements
Many companies will pick up your vehicle from your home, or directly from a dealership. However, others have a designated drop off spot. Depending on the destination they may also be able to get your vehicle to its exact destination, or you may need to arrange for the vehicle to be picked up from a terminal.
4. Pricing
The amount of money you can expect to pay to have your car shipped will depend on a few factors. First of all the type of car you are shipping, as many companies charge more to ship and sport utility vehicles than a compact car. Other factors include where you are shipping your car to, and whether or not you purchase additional insurance.
5. Shipping Time
The time it takes to ship your car internationally can vary widely depending on where the car is being shipped. If you are only shipping your car a short distance then it might only take a few days. However, if you are shipping a vehicle across the globe then it will take much longer. With long tips, your vehicle is going to need to go through numerous ports, and will have to deal with customs at each location
6. Preparing your Car
There are a number of things you will want to do before your vehicle is picked up. First of all remove any items in your car that you do not want shipped. As a precaution you should take pictures to document the current condition of your car. That way, you will have proof should something happen to your vehicle during shipping. Most shipping companies also recommend that you leave about ¼ of a tank of gasoline in your vehicle when you ship your car overseas.
7. Storing Items in your Car
For whatever reason, you may want to use your car as storage, and place a few items in it before shipping. However, there may be a few risks. Make sure that you are not transporting any illegal items, or you may have problems with customs. If you do store items in your car then it also probably a good idea to purchase additional insurance from your automobile transporter.
8. Customs
Most auto transporters will have customs brokers to ensure your vehicle goes through customers safely and swiftly. This can be very helpful, as dealing with customs on your own can be very confusing. Be sure to think about customs while talking to potential shipping companies.
9. Extra Needs
There are several standard services most shipping companies provide, however you may have additional needs that are not usually offered. When screening potential carriers make sure to ask lots of questions to make sure all of your needs will be met. You may be surprised to see how many companies are wiling to work with you, and will go to great lengths to ensure you are satisfied with your transport.
10. Auto Transporter Contracts
You may be asked to sign a contract or some simple paperwork before paying for your transport or having your car picked up. This is pretty standard, just make sure you read each line carefully to insure that you are aware of everything stated in the agreement.
About West Coast Car Shipping
Looking to get a car shipped overseas? West Coast Shipping is a fast growing international shipping company that provides reliable car and vehicle shipping services. Call us today for a free auto shipping estimate.
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