Shipping vehicles within the US is cheaper when compared to moving them from abroad. The costs are usually higher because of the various procedures involved in overseas shipping. This is one reason why vehicle owners use shipping companies to handle the process on their behalf. Often, the cost of shipping vehicles from the US cannot be accurately determined beforehand because they are determined by a number of dynamics. Some of the factors that help in establishing the actual cost of shipping a car from the US are listed below.
Actual car size
Cost of shipping vehicles from the US can vary depending on the size of the car, especially if using enclosed container shipping. Regular sedans are cheaper to ship compared to larger vehicles such as SUV’s because of the amount of space they occupy. It is common to find many saloon cars packed in a single container which can only fit two or three large vehicles. If there is any extra space remaining in the container, it will still be paid for by the vehicle owner even though it is not being used.
Transport Options Available
The transportation of standard size vehicles can cost anywhere from $1000-$5,000, which is the average amount charged by shipping companies in the US. These costs are only applicable when the car is a standard size and can easily fit in a container. However, if the vehicle is much larger, it may require Roll On/Roll Off shipping which is more costly. The main reason for increase in cost for the Ro/Ro transport option is the use of specially partitioned ships for transportation. Often, the higher costs translate into a safe and secure space for the car being shipped from the US.
Condition Of The Car
Most shipping companies require vehicle owners to declare the condition of their car before quoting the amount to be paid for transportation. Non-operational vehicles being shipped from the US attract a higher cost than those that are in good condition. The loading of the car takes up time and uses extra equipment because of its inability to move. Also, unloading at the final destination will require extra manpower, and time, to get it off the carrier and hand it over to the owner.
Distance from the shipping port
The cost of shipping vehicles from the US also depends on your place of residence within the US. Cars that need to be picked up from locations that are farther away from shipping ports are charged more for services offered. The increased costs are due to the fuel and time it will take for the vehicle to be transported to the port for shipping. These costs are usually calculated based on the distance covered and included in the overall shipping costs. Car owners that live near shipping ports can even drive it to the loading area and reduce shipping costs substantially.
Final Shipping Destination
The distance between the US and the country the vehicle is being transported to also determines the overall shipping costs. If the destination is near the US, the cost of shipping will be much lower compared to when it is on the other side of the world. Also, the amount of time required for it to reach its destination safely is also used in calculation of shipping costs. However, the use of expedited shipping which involves the acceleration of the time within which the car should reach its destination attracts the highest cost. Before choosing to expedite the transportation of your vehicle, compare costs to help in making and informed decision.
Taxes
Cost of shipping vehicles from the US always includes the taxes charged for importing the car into the particular country. Countries that have trading ties with the US often have manageable import taxes and make the process easier for vehicle owners. However, some countries such as those within the European Union give preference to their members when it comes to import taxes. To be sure of the taxes levied for importation of vehicles from the US, it is important to check on government websites or consult your shipping company. If the import taxes are too high, you may have to reconsider moving your car to that country.
Shipping of vehicles from the US can be very costly if you have no one to guide you through the process. Contact us today for the best rates and tips to help you save money when transporting your vehicle.