Is Shipping a Car by Sea Dangerous?

What's in this article?

Potential Risks with Shipping a Car by Sea
Types of Ships Used to Transport Cars
Vessels and barges
Container ships
RoRo ships
Car Shipping Preparations
Pre- and Post-Inspections
Choosing a Shipping Service
Ocean Freight Experts

Shipping a car always carries certain risks. Damage to the car or theft and loss may well happen during transport. Whether on the road or by air, without the help of a professional auto transporter, the risks always loom large. Then there's sea travel.

Many people commonly believe that sea travel takes longer. But what we should ask is how safe it is for our beloved cars. Can we trust our cars to arrive without bumps and scratches across the ocean?

For many, these questions are enough to make them avoid boat shipping for their precious automobiles.

This article will answer all your questions so you can feel confident and safe when shipping your car by sea.

Potential Risks with Shipping a Car by Sea

Shipping a car via sea is widely regarded as a safe and secure means of transportation. There are some possible risks associated with this method of transportation.

The most crucial thing to do is to check with your shipping company that adequate protection will be available to your vehicles in case of choppy seas or inclement weather.

Another risk associated with shipping a car by sea is theft or tampering with the vehicle during transit.

The chance of your car getting stolen is meager, especially if you work with a trustworthy car moving company, but the risk remains. Therefore, covering your vehicle with insurance is prudent to avoid that risk.

It becomes imperative that you double-check the credentials of the shipping company you use for transporting your car by sea. While most are dependable, some may not have enough experience to follow all government regulations when shipping to international destinations.

Unless you're transporting radioactive material or hazardous substances in your car, shipping it by sea won't pose too many problems.

Undoubtedly, ocean freight shipping won't strain your budget, but be cautious of its risks before proceeding.

Types of Ships Used to Transport Cars

Let's look at the different types of vessels used to deliver a car by water. From small barges and cargo ships to specialized car carriers, all have unique advantages when transporting vehicles across the ocean.

Smaller barges are typically used for shorter journeys and can easily fit one or two cars at a time. They're also ideal for areas that don't have deep-water ports, as they can easily navigate shallow waters.

Conversely, container ships can carry significantly greater loads. They also frequently cost less for longer voyages.

If you're looking for something even more specialized, car carriers or RoRo ships are perfect for those who want to ensure maximum protection for their vehicle during transit.

These vessels have been designed specifically for the transportation of cars, with ramps allowing easy loading and unloading of vehicles.

They also provide extra space and stability, so your car is safe from any rough seas or inclement weather during its journey.

Let's review these vessels in more detail.

Vessels and barges

Vessels and barges are useful too. They usually have a low cost for transporting huge amounts of cargo across most bodies of water.

These vessels range in size and design from small ships carrying a few dozen passengers to gigantic tankers transporting hundreds of cars.

Thanks to their size and capacity, many companies rely on vessels and barges to transport cars quickly and efficiently—not just overseas but also along internal waterways, such as rivers or lakes.

These vessels can carry far more cargo, such as cars, than other transportation methods—meaning you won't have to make multiple trips with smaller loads.

It's essential to understand that using a vessel or barge isn't always practical if your car needs to be delivered fast - but if you have the time, it can be the ideal solution for moving vehicles across bodies of water.

Container ships

This particular sea transport is popular thanks to its reliability: container ships. These ships can transport vast quantities of cargo, cars included, in containers, which are loaded onto and unloaded from the ships' surface.

Offering greater stability and versatility than other ships, the variety of container ship sizes will meet your transportation needs. Whether you're moving a fleet of vehicles or just one single car overseas, these ships are available to ensure a safe journey.

Thanks to their enormous size and increased power, container ships are also capable of reaching their destinations faster than other ships.

RoRo ships

RoRo ships are an economical way to transport cars across the ocean. These ships, also known as roll-on/roll-off ships, are designed to transport vehicles of all different sizes and types by efficiently rolling them onto the deck and fastening them with straps or chains as a standardized system.

The advantage of RoRo ships is that they provide a fast, reliable method of transporting large fleets or single vehicles overseas. Furthermore, due to their size and power, these vessels can often reach their destinations faster than container ships.

Loading and unloading your car from a RoRo ship is relatively easy. You just drive it on and off the vessel. There's no need to worry about handling your car with special machinery or cranes like you would with a container ship.

However, keep in mind that RoRo ships may not always be able to provide the same level of security as other types of vessels, so take extra care if moving expensive commodities like vehicles by sea.

Overall, RoRo ships still offer a convenient and cost-effective way to move cars overseas.

Car Shipping Preparations

Putting forth the effort to properly prepare your car for shipping can ensure it arrives safely and on time.

Here are some key preparations you should do before sending your car off on its voyage:

Thoroughly clean your car inside and out to reduce the risk of corrosion during its journey.
Loose items like spare tires, tools, and personal belongings should be cleared or secured to avoid getting damaged during transit.
Apply bubble wrap to the car or a protective cover cushioning material to shield it from any damage during loading and unloading.
Fill the gas tank only a quarter full to reduce fire risk or an explosion. It also serves to avoid adding unnecessary weight to the car.
Check all fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.) and top them up as needed.
Disable or unplug your car alarm system, and ensure to lock all the doors and check that the windows are closed.

All these necessary precautions seem like a nuisance, but it's the proper preparation for a journey by sea. Cleaning and securing your car before sending it off will guarantee its safe arrival at the destination.

Pre- and Post-Inspections

As with any shipping method, it is always recommended to go through inspections before and after the journey.

Pre-inspection before loading must come with photos; likewise, the post-inspection reports.

Do the pre-inspection report only after you've cleaned the car from top to bottom to show any existing bumps and scratches.

Consider sending a copy to the auto transporter via email to ensure they are aware of the current condition before transport.

This report proves that your car was in good physical condition prior to shipping and should arrive in the same condition at the destination.

It's safe and affordable to ship a car by sea, but it's vital to remember that there are hazards associated if it meets inclement weather while traveling.

Before accepting the car at its final destination, show proof of how it was before it was shipped. This evidence will give you leverage to rectify any problems and have the shipper pay for any damages to your satisfaction.

Choosing a Shipping Service

When choosing a shipping company, ensure that it includes all-risk insurance to cover the car in the event of any damages or losses. This insurance gives you peace of mind in case of mechanical failure and other troubles on the transport ship.

Review their training requirements for employees and ensure they meet all governmental requirements and certifications.

Before signing with any company, perform a complete research. Finding a reliable and courteous company that can offer you excellent service is ideal. So look for online testimonials of their past performance to check if a company has a proven record of high-quality service.

Compare one company to others. Examine their price quotes (including any discounts and additional charges), estimated shipping schedules, and their complete range of services.

Ocean Freight Experts

Shipping your car by sea is a safe and money-saving way to transport your car; just ensure you take the proper precautions.

Take time to research your options and consult an expert if you need sound advice about car shipping by sea.

A-1 Auto Transport is an auto transporter with ocean freight expertise. Our vast knowledge of international regulations and outstanding track record of impeccable service will deliver your car safely across the ocean.