Owing a car means that at one point in your life, you will require to transport your automobile to another country and this is not an easy process.
Starting from the struggle of determining which customs to turn to and which requirements to fulfill to the struggle of properly protecting your vehicle during the journey, there are countless of them.
Nonetheless, to a layman these might seem to be some high risks that have to face while implementing such a scheme but a closer look at the whole idea would reveal that these are not really unmanageable obstacles they are only an essentials facts of reality.
In this piece, the author wishes to share his experiences on some of the more frequent issues faced in the vehicle shipment process and ways that one could address them.
Navigating Customs Regulations
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Challenge: One thing that really hampers the car owners is the various policies that will be implemented to regulate the international car shipping company.
As the word ‘import’ indicates that it is a process of receiving goods or services from other countries or companies, it is quite natural that rules regarding the import an object as basic as a car would also be many, and, in consequence, complicated.
Solution: This has been seen to be a major concern; hence, proper research on the customs regulations of the respective country should be conducted before the shipment to ensure that the importer does not incur a lot of penalties of paying lots of money or even losing the goods in the foreign country.
For more prohibition and restrictions on import products and services, import taxes and duties, necessary measures and formalities, consulting the embassy or consulate offices of the country that you are visiting would be helpful.
The prospective buyer should also consider opening an account with a customs broker who trades in imported used car and assist him/her to fill the necessary document so as to ensure that all legal forms are complied with.
Dealing with Documentation
Challenge: Dodging all those confusing forms make the international vehicle shipping process a headache.
Some of the documents you will need include bill of lading, vehicle title, proof of ownership, and customs documentation.
This simply means that if you do not have your paperwork in order, or if they are incomplete, you can have your vehicle impounded or be fined for traffic regulations infringement or simply be delayed at the border.
Solution: The following is a list of do’s and don’ts for dealing with authorities: Don’t neglect to prepare a list of all the required documents and make sure that each item is properly and accurately filled and submitted on time.
It is recommended to maintain several identical copies of every document and to preserve them in a secure yet convenient cabinet.
Another way is to work with a reliable shipping company as companies and agents do offer consultations when it comes to paperwork.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Challenge: When transporting a car to another country, there is also the possibility of having choices made and some of the ways that one can use is; Ro/ Ro manner, container and lastly; air transport.
Every method is good and bad in equal measure so when it comes to prospecting for the right approach this has to be observed so as to eliminate the wrong approaches that may lead to over expenditure or exposure to risk.
Solution: This means that in order to arrive at a decision, one has to do what can be termed as a pros and cons analysis of the two major modes of shipping with regard to certain parameters such as the cost implication, the period of transport, and the extent to which your vehicle would benefit from being protected.
RoRo is generally preferred due to its economic advantage, while shipping by the container is safer, the goods are better protected.
A somewhat more favourable method of international exportation of goods is through the use of aircraft, even though the costs of this mode of transport are relatively expensive.
Again, it might be wise to specify with your shipping compan About what sort of shipping option would better suit you if you could give more detailed information of your shipping services.
Protecting Your Vehicle During Transit
Challenge: Transportation of the vehicle means a lot for the owners thus they always ensure that their vehicles are safe during transshipment.
Every car is vulnerable to risk factors such as weather conditions that may cause harm to things within the car, theft, and poor handling among other factors.
Solution: Check specific ways in how to guard to car to ensure that it does not get damaged while in transit by washing it before shipment and keep records of the damages which may be evident by taking pictures.
Select a reliable and reputable company that is involved in the transportation of vehicles, preferably one that is well known for offering an efficient and safe service.
To ensure the safety of your asset, consider buying extra insurance to protect it from damages it may get while on transit.
In case of container shipment, order a specific container to ensure your products do not come in contact with other products.
Managing Shipping Costs
Challenge: Shipping a vehicle internationally can be costly decision depending on the distance of transport, the method of transport intact with the necessary fees that is charged at the destination port.
Times when one is caught up with some random expenses which were unusual in the certain duration, becomes hard to bear.
Solution: To minimize expenses, one has to ask for quotations from different shipping companies and analyze which company will be able to offer the best services at reasonable prices.
Be sure to ask any questions as well as examine all the possible fees that might not be mentioned in the agreement price.
Consider insurance, storage fees, and customs duties, in case the cost may be a little higher than planned.
In some cases, it is better to contact the shipping companies and try to come to an agreement regarding the fare.
Understanding Insurance Coverage
Challenge: Most of the shipping companies provide their customers with an insurance cover which may not provide cover for all the risks that may occur with the car.
Various areas of coverage and exempted areas must be evaluated for the purpose of analysing the PEO comprehensively.
Solution: Make sure you read or understand the shipping company’s insurance policy to avoid regrets in case of an accident and preferably try to go for great insurance coverage.
All-risk insurance is an insurance policy that will compensate for any cost of damage or loss that the item might go through in the shipping process.
Ensure and prepare in the understanding of the claims process as well as the ones that will be required when filing insurance claims clarification of the insurance claims process and documentation required when claiming for an insurance product is very importance.
Preparing the Vehicle for Shipping
Challenge: Correct prepping of your vehicle is crucial in order to avoid unnecessary problems and for the vehicle to have a smooth transit time.
Failing to do so can lead to corruptions or developing of some abnormalities during their transportation.
Solution: Ensure that you follow some of preparation guidelines given herein that are unique to shipping companies.
Typically, this involves washing the vehicle, as well as removing personal items and other fixtures, making sure that none of the components are loose and that the tank is only partially filled.
These activities can be done by turning off the alarm, and removing the battery to avoid any electrical complications during the process.
Check the car and take pictures of it in case of any scratch or any thing that has happened to the car that requires attention.
Conclusion
Moving a car overseas is not as easy as getting a vehicle transport service, but one first has to consider certain fundamental tests such as the legal regime of customs among others.
Through this article, various aspects that make up vehicle shipment have been identified and when these areas are well understood and well prepared, then there are reduced risks to expect a good shipment of the vehicles.
They may require knowledgeable assistance from qualified professionals or from other shipping companies to ease the exercise and avert any unnecessary pressure.
Hurdles that may be met in international vehicle moving are avoided when there is proper planning and care on the various areas involved in the process.
