Whether you are relocating to another country, would like to utilize your own car during your vacation abroad, or discovered a vehicle online for sale outside your country that you’d like to purchase, you’re probably wondering how you can get your car to your country’s location.
Using an auto transport company is the answer to getting your car across the country; however, having no understanding of how such a service works can be overwhelming.
Hence, we provide you with the following ins and outs of working with an auto transport company to have your car shipped to another country to help make it easier.
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Locate a Reputable Auto Transport Company That You Feel Comfortable Working With
Various auto transport companies offer shipping car across country service. However, they are not all the same.
So begin by first doing your research to locate a reputable company that you feel comfortable trusting with your car.
Some things to look for in a trustworthy company include an A+ BBB rating, numerous good customer reviews, and many years of experience in the field.
Receive a Quote
Once you have settled on a company to transport your car, the next step is to get a quote from them to ensure their cost is reasonable.
You can typically receive an instant quote using the free estimator calculator on the company’s website. Or, you can contact a member of their team for an approximate transport price.
Some factors that will affect your shipping quote include the car’s pickup and drop-off location, its make and model, and whether or not it is drivable.
They also allow you to choose between open or enclosed motor carriers as your preferred shipping method, which will also impact your total estimated cost. Your car is also fully insured en route to its final destination for added confidence.
Many auto transport companies also utilize freight liners for vehicle drop-offs overseas.
Schedule Your Car’s Shipping Pickup and Drop-Off Dates
If you are satisfied with the shipping quote provided by the auto transport company, proceed with scheduling your car’s pickup and drop-off dates so they are locked in.
Some companies also allow you to schedule your service just days before you need your car shipped. However, it is best to book your vehicle’s pickup for cross-country shipping no later than about one week in advance for the best results.
It is also possible to ship more than one car across the country if you need to. But different rates will apply for each vehicle based on its various factors. For this reason, many companies offer a deal when shipping more than one vehicle between countries to help keep your shipping costs low.
Prepare Your Car for Pickup
On the day of your car’s pickup, be sure you have washed it inside and out to prevent foreign dirt, bugs, and other contaminants from being transported to the new country’s location.
The inside of the car should also be free of any personal belongings. However, they may be stored in the car’s trunk, provided their total weight is less than 100 pounds. They must also not be stored freely inside the area.
However, there are exceptions to these rules. Therefore, speak with your shipping advisor to see if your case qualifies for an exemption.
Await the Arrival of Your Car to the Country
You can usually expect to be united with your car in one to nine days, depending on the country’s distance, traffic conditions, and more. However, some companies also offer express shipping so you can receive your shipment sooner.
The shipping company will also usually alert you when your car is close to its drop-off location. Before the car can be dropped off, the company requires that someone at least 18 years old or older is present at the location to receive the shipment.
These are just some of the benefits and the ins and outs of having your car shipped to another country rather than simply driving it yourself, which can expose it to excessive wear and tear and shorten its lifespan. However, each auto transport company differs in its quality and services, so be sure to research different companies and ask lots of questions to help determine the best one for your needs.