International Car Shipping | Houston, Texas

What is the International Car Shipping | Houston, Texas?

Some of our recent blog posts have focused on the major port cities around the U.S. and what makes them more (or less) suited for certain types of international auto transport. This entry examines another global vehicle shipping industry player: Houston, Texas.

What makes Houston a good option for shipping a car or truck to another country? Like many other cities mentioned in this series, the main factor is that it’s home to one of the world's largest and busiest shipping ports. Not only is it the fourth largest port in the United States, but it’s also the major player in shipping and receiving cargo from other countries. For overseas car shippers that don’t have access to companies on the coasts, Houston is one of the preferred ports from which to ship a car internationally.

The Port of Houston is one of the prime delivery and pick-up points for international shipments coming from and going to the middle of the United States. With several coastal ports on either side of the country, Houston stands out as the central access point for much of the Midwest and other regions that may not be as easily accessible from a coastal shipping port.

Defining Roles: Understanding Auto Transport Terms

Several terms in the car shipping industry are only shades apart in meaning, though the distinction can be critical. One such example is the difference between a carrier and a freight forwarder. In the sections below, we’ll review a little about each and what sets them apart.

Freight Forwarders are also called NVOCCs, the non-vessel operating common carrier. What makes a freight forwarder different from a carrier is that they don’t do the actual moving of your vehicle. They forward it to a carrier but handle some of the responsibility and preparation, especially when it comes to documenting preparation and understanding the laws and taxes involved.

Carriers - When it comes to shipping internationally, even from a port as busy as Houston, carriers can be harder to find than they would be for shipping within the U.S. Not only are there fewer, but the role of forwarders and brokers play a more significant role in facilitating logistics. In some cases, you may find a company that operates as both a carrier and a freight forwarder, which is not uncommon. You may find this preferable as a customer since it generally indicates a more seasoned and well-rounded understanding of overseas auto shipping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhzFLr2WJRo

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