International Container Shipping – Discover All You Need To Know

1. What is Container Shipping?
2. The Two Standard Container Sizes
3. Why Container Shipping is More Expensive Than Other Services
4. Documents Submitted Before Shipping
5. What You Need to Know About Customs
6. The Export Process in the USA
7. How Cars Are Secured in Containers
8. The Import Process at Destination
9. Why Container Shipping is Worth it

Several car shipping methods are available on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. It can confuse a first-timer to figure out the most suitable without breaking the bank.

You'll often have heard that shipping your car by the container is the most secure, but what makes it so? And what're the processes involved? Here's a complete guide if you want to ship your car in a container to your new home.

What is Container Shipping?

The name is pretty self-explanatory. Container shipping is when you transport your car to another country using a container.

Two primary ways of importing a car overseas are Roll-on and Roll-off shipping and container shipping.

Container shipping involves selecting one of two sizes for a container and loading your car into it. It's considered to be the most reliable method because it means that your vehicle will be enclosed in water and wind-tight space.

It'll also be secured firmly, and there's almost no chance of damage. It's a bit pricey compared to RoRo shipping, but it’s only because of the added precautions.

RoRo shipping has become very popular because it's affordable and quick. This is because, in this method, cars are rolled onto a standard deck and strapped in place.

They are below deck, so they aren't completely exposed to the elements, a drawback that makes people go for container shipping. However, for regular cars, it's generally safe.

Since certain costs are also eliminated, it's cheaper, making it a popular choice. But if you want a genuinely secure option with the slightest chance of damage, container shipping is your best bet.

The Two Standard Container Sizes

There are generally two standard container sizes: 20ft. and 40ft.

Your choice basically depends on budget and need. A 20ft. container can fit one standard car, so you'll have it to yourself. It means that your vehicle won't be subject to handling by anyone else, and you can have more peace of mind.

A 40ft. container fits two standard cars, so you'll probably have to share it with another customer. The best scenario is if you have two vehicles that need to be shipped, you can lower the total cost and securely send them to their destination.

This is because a 40ft. container is cheaper than a 20ft. one. If you're sharing it with another person, you'll pay less than you would for an individual container. And even if you have two cars, the cost will be lower.

This is because 20ft. containers are more likely to be delayed at Customs since they need another one to ship it out, or port prices would go through the roof. So, you'll need to be prepared for a long wait.

On the other hand, since the 40ft. container is already the required size, it'll be shipped out quicker. You also don't have to worry about the shipping time since the other car will be at the same port and will most likely be your shipping company's customer.

You'll want to weigh the positives and negatives of either choice. Unless you have a specialty car, it's wise to go for a 40ft. container.

Why Container Shipping is More Expensive Than Other Services

The primary reason is space, security, and transportation.

First, your vehicle will have an entire container, and shipping anything is never cheap, let alone a car. So, you’re paying for the space.

Next, your car is carefully secured using chocks and tied to eyelets to ensure it doesn't budge. Although methods like RoRo shipping also involve these costs, they can't be ignored here.

Finally, the most significant difference comes in transportation. The main costs are incurred when the container needs to be taken off the carrier, which requires a crane. You'll pay the fee for the crane, as well as storage costs, as long as the container is at the port.

That’s why the overall price tends to be much higher than RoRo shipping.

For comparison, we can take these same factors. For space, an individual car in a flat area will take much less space than a container, which leaves more room, even if they can be stacked.

Next, there are no added costs for security. The car is carefully strapped to the carrier, but there’s no container for things like protection against elements, which are costs considered for containers. It’s also not locked in somewhere and is more susceptible to damage.

Although it's not common, it's still possible, which is why RoRo shipping is cheaper.

Finally, the car can simply be rolled off and on deck, hence the name. This takes out all crane and container storage costs and is the main reason it’s so much cheaper.

Documents Submitted Before Shipping

When preparing to ship your car overseas, you need to consider many foreign laws regarding the export of vehicles. It'll be much easier if you pair up with a reliable shipping company, like A1 Auto Transport.

You'll only have to submit the documents, and they'll handle the rest. Still, it's always best to know what you're doing and have a clear idea of the process so you can keep an eye on everything.

The documents you’ll need before export are:

• Dock receipt: proof that the shipping company has been authorized to handle the car on the customer's behalf.
• Bill of Lading (BOL): a contract between customers and carriers that lists shipping details.
• Insurance papers: companies and carriers are legally bound to be insured.
• Title and registration: proof of ownership and registration papers from the DMV to declare a vehicle roadworthy.
• Lien release documents: if your car is still leased, you’ll need to obtain written authorization before shipping.
• Gate pass: allows the company to pick up or release a car.
• Photo for identification.
• US Customs and Border Protection Vehicle Export Cover Sheet
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) form
• Department of Transport (DOT) form.
• Power of Attorney (POA): to allow the company to make decisions on your behalf.

What You Need to Know About Customs

Take into account that Customs, in any country, is responsible for ensuring anything entering or exiting the government complies with regulations.

They will inspect your car thoroughly, so ensure it's been cleaned beforehand. Your shipping company will guide you through the process.

Countries don't allow cars with dirt inside or outside into the country for health and environmental reasons.

If your car isn't up to standards, it can be withheld, so make sure you have a trustworthy company.

The Export Process in the USA

It's best if you prepare all the documents around a month before export, so you have time to apply for something in case there are issues. keep in mind that you need to submit the necessary documents to Customs at least 72 hours before shipping.

Next, once your documents have been approved, your shipping company will start loading your car onto the container.

• Stuffing: the car will be loaded into the container and secured carefully.
• Customs: your shipment will need Customs clearance before it leaves the country. For vehicles, they'll be inspected thoroughly and might be loaded after it.
• Shunting refers to transporting the container from where it's stored in a warehouse to the port.
• Loading: finally, the container will be loaded onto the carrier, ready to be shipped

How Cars Are Secured in Containers

First, all four wheels are chocked to ensure they don't move inside the container. The chocks can be wooden or metallic and screwed in place.

Then, padded ratchet straps tie the wheels to eyelets built into the container. This step adds additional security, so the car doesn't budge even when picked up by a crane.

If the wheels are too expensive (e.g., for a specialty car), the front and rear towing eyelets are used instead.

Finally, as mentioned, car containers are also wind and water-tight, which is one of the main reasons people pay the extra costs for one. You can rest assured that your car will reach you safely.

The Import Process at Destination

Once the ship reaches its destination, the unloading process begins:

• Disembarkment: the container is transported off the carrier using a crane and stored at the port.
• Terminal Handling Charges: You'll pay THC fees for storage and transport. Your shipping company may give you the total amount later.
• Customs: just like at export, you'll have to go through Customs and any other authorities involved. They'll need to inspect and clean your car before it's released. You'll also be paying taxes and duties here.
• Shunting: the container will be taken from the port to a warehouse for storage before it’s released.
• Unloading: the vehicle will be taken out of the container.

Once your car is out of the container, the rest of the procedure consists of delivering the car to you. You'll then start registering your vehicle in your new country. This usually involves local authorities, where you'll pay a small fee, have a test, and obtain your new licence plates.

Why Container Shipping is Worth it

No matter how popular RoRo shipping gets, there's a reason container shipping is considered to be the most foolproof.

You should definitely opt for it if it's within your budget. But take into account that it's your decision, and other methods won't hurt.

You need to take a step back and consider the big picture. Transporting a car is expensive no matter your method, and you're most likely shipping household items if you're moving to a foreign country.

That means your budget is already stretched as it is. Next, what’s your car like? Is it something you recently bought or just paid off, or is it one you’ll be replacing in a few years anyway?

All this should factor in your shipping method since you'll be paying over $1000 to $1500 minimum for exporting it to any country.