The Fastest Way to Ship A Vehicle Internationally

Even though the destination may seem far, it doesn't have to take such a long time to ship your vehicle internationally. The important thing to do is to plan it out right and to try and be aware of all of the rules and regulations of the destination country so as to avoid any unnecessary delays that can extend the shipping time considerably. With that being said, to understand how to ship a vehicle internationally fast, it's important to understand the shipping methods that you have at your disposal.

Shipping Methods.

There are a few different shipping methods available, but if you're shipping your vehicle from the United States to a country that isn't Mexico or Canada, you will have to do so through ocean freight. Here are the options that are available:

• Roll-On, Roll-Off

This is the most popular shipping method available and is also the cheapest. Your vehicle will literally be "rolled" onto the ship at the port of departure and then rolled off at the port of arrival.

Your car will be driven onto the ship and eventually off the ship on the special loading platforms and ramps that are lowered down.

Also known as the Ro Ro method, the ships are specifically designed for this and often feature multiple car decks that can carry thousands of vehicles of all types. Vehicles are loaded in decks according to their type, which creates a great deal of efficiency and organization. The cars are quite secure because of the strong straps that are placed around them that help to ensure that they don't move at all.

This is the fastest method available because of the fast loading process involved, but the downside is that oftentimes, you will have to wait until the ship has enough cars on it to justify the journey.

• Container

There are benefits of choosing a shipping container that the roll-on, roll-off method doesn't offer. First, it's optimal if your car doesn't run, as it's faster and cheaper to put it in a container, rather than to roll it onto the ship. The second benefit is that you'll be able to put personal items in the container as well. Not only will this save you money on not having to send these items separately, but it can also ensure that you get everything at the same time.

The shipping containers themselves come in two main sizes, which are either 20 feet or 40 feet in length. This is enough space to hold either four cars or two cars, respectively. Though the loading process means that this method may take longer, it actually can be faster than the Roll-On, Roll-Off service. That's because you will not have to wait for a ship to get full enough to set sail, as the shipping containers can be placed on regular cargo ships that have more departures.

The Factors That Affect the Shipping Time.

There are a multitude of factors that can have an impact on the shipping time of transporting your vehicle internationally. Being aware of them and taking the steps necessary to address them will help expedite the process.

• Location.

Your destination will affect how long it takes because you still have to transport your vehicle to the port of departure. If you live in the middle of the United States or in an obscure area that's not close to a city, it'll take longer, because your car will most likely have to be physically driven to the port.

• Customs.

Each country abroad has their own rules and regulations. Not having the proper documents in place or not following some of their rules (i.e. physically having to pick up the car at the port of arrival in some instances) means that your delivery will be delayed. A-1 Auto Transport is extremely knowledgable about all of the import / export policies of each country abroad.

• Shipping Method.

The shipping method that you choose, as already has been discussed, will have an impact on the shipping time.

• Destination Country / City.

If you're shipping to a country that has a port, this will make it easier. However, if the country is landlocked, it will have to be transported from the port of arrival to that country.

Of course, regardless of the method that you choose, you should visit the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to make sure that the shipping company is credible.

A-1 Auto Transport can transport your vehicle internationally in the fastest way possible! Contact us today.