Relocating Overseas: Getting You and Your Car There

A great deal of preparation needs to be considered when it comes time to relocate overseas. When it comes to shipping your valuables, you only have two options available – by sea or by plane. While some items can be easily accommodated by air, others may require passage on a boat. However, is the cost to ship items like your car worth the expense? That depends on the value of your car and the freight company you are dealing with.

RORO Shipping
A roll on/roll off method of shipping, usually referred to as RORO, is a common way people get their cars where they need to be without too much expense. In this process, the cars are literally driven onto the ship as it were a floating parking garage. After being safely secured within the hull, the ramp doors close and seal the vehicles keeping them protecting from the ravages of the sea – if it should occur. Once the ship as docked at its location, the ramp doors open and the vehicles are driven off of the ship.

Container Shipping
Container shipping is another common method in which automobiles are transported by sea. Vehicles are loaded into shipping containers and hoisted onto the deck or into the cargo hold of a ship by crane. The processes of loading vehicles in this manner usually takes much longer than RORO. As containers can be safely stacked on top of one another, a single freight ship could hold a great number of vehicles. The containers themselves are weather resistant and can withstand a great deal of punishment to protect the items within.

Shipping vehicles by air can be much faster and safer for the automobile, but could cost a great deal more than if you were to ship it by sea. Large cargo plans are loaded with vehicles and are usually passenger-less. Most of the time, shipping vehicles by air consists of shorter distances than say from the US to Spain.

What about areas that are connected by land? If you are relocating to Argentina from the United States, it is far cheaper and safer to ship your vehicle overseas than it would be to drive it all the way. The sheer distance from the US to Argentina is twice the length of the United States with weaving and confusing interconnecting highways and roads. This isn’t to mention the risk to property and personal safety from thugs within various countries looking for an easy mark.

 

What are some aspects to look out for when shipping your car overseas?
1. Cost Efficient – If the cost to ship your car is more than what the auto is worth, it may be easier and cheaper to sell it and buy another when you arrive at your destination.

2. Customs – The customs of different countries could prevent you from collecting your automobile. Make sure you follow all rules and regulations before loading the vehicle.

3. Legalities – Before shipping your vehicle, make sure that it abides by your new location’s laws. Some areas have bans on specific vehicles and others may have more strict regulations for vehicles on the road.

When it comes to shipping your vehicle overseas, it can save you thousands of dollars to shop around. Many companies may charge an excessive rate when it comes to transportation while others could be half of the price. It’s a delicate process to get your car overseas – make sure it’s worth the investment of time and money.

 

This article is contributed by Madoline Hatter. Madoline is a freelance writer and blog junkie from ChangeOfAddressForm.com. You can reach her at: m.hatter12 @ gmail. com.