Pricing and Costs of International Auto Transport

Understanding pricing options for international auto shipping

There are many different types of international car shipping services to choose from. The one you choose will depend on your delivery time frame and your budget. The distance of shipping will also impact costs of international vehicle shipping.

There are so many variables associated with pricing and costs of international auto transport that it is virtually impossible to get rough estimates without completing detailed price quote information. This article will provide education around how pricing is structured with regard to the three methods below for arranging international automotive shipping:

1. Transporting your car via a shipping container;

2. Hiring an international auto shipping agent;

3. Shipping your car via a roll-on roll-off service vessel.

Arrange for international auto transport via shipping container

With container shipping, your car is sealed inside a 20- or 40-TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) metal container that is only opened once it has reached its destination. Depending on your car's ultimate destination you should expect waits -- some as long as six months. The price of the shipment will depend on the distance traveled, the size of the container used and how full the container is. An online quote request form must be filled out to obtain an approximate cost estimate.

Hire an international auto shipping agent to arrange the shipment on your behalf

Similar to employment headhunters, international car transport agents are often paid by the company hired to transport the car. These agents require non-refundable deposits to arrange for international car transport. As with other international auto shippers, an online request form must be filled out to get an idea of cost.

Ship your car via a roll-on roll-off service vessel

With roll-on roll-off (RoRo) vessels, vehicles are stored below deck to minimize exposure to the elements. RoRo offloading fees are generally about half that of containers. While RoRo shipping service is cheaper and more cost effective if you have only one car to transport, it is not as widely available as container shipping. In most cases, the price range will depend on your car size, but similar to container pricing, you will need to complete an online price request to get an estimate.

• Most methods of international auto shipping do not guarantee air-tight transportation, making them subject to whatever the weather may bring -- including moss growth on your upholstery. It is suggested that you cover your car seats and rugs with a cloth or a sheet to protect them.

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