While moving to another location within the U.S. can be complex, moving overseas can be even more confusing and stressful. Along with making sure all of your furniture and other possessions get to your new destination, you will also need to make arrangements to have your automobile shipped there as well. Since there are many details involved with this process, here are the benefits of choosing SGT to handle your car’s international relocation.
Table Of Contents
An Experienced Transporter
The last thing you want to do when shipping your car overseas is to choose an auto transporter who has little or no experience doing this on a regular basis. By choosing SGT for this task, you will be working with a company that has decades of experience shipping vehicles of all types to nations around the world. Whether you are a military member stationed at a new location or a civilian taking a new job in a foreign country, SGTs can use their experience to ensure even the smallest details are taken care of beforehand.
The Customs Process
Even though you know your car contains nothing illegal and is in great condition, customs agents will not simply take your word for it and let your car enter their country. Instead, they will go over your car with a fine-tooth comb before finalizing it. Because of this, always prepare your vehicle for its international trip. This includes servicing it mechanically, washing it, and thoroughly cleaning the interior. Should customs agents look over your car and discover a problem, such as rodents or other pests residing within your car, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to get your car through a customs checkpoint.
Gather Important Documents
One of the most important steps you should always take when sending your car to an international destination is to make sure you have all important documents related to your car at your fingertips. If you’ve never shipped a car overseas before, SGT Auto Transport can greatly assist with this task.
Along with your photo ID, car title, and vehicle registration, SGT will also recommend you have such items as a notarized Export Power of Attorney, a completed Vehicle Export Cover Sheet that is required by Customs and Border Protection agents, and completed EPA and DOT forms showing your vehicle meets your new nation’s safety and environmental standards. Also, if a lien is attached to your car, SGT knows you will need an official letter, usually notarized, stating that you have the lien holder’s permission to take your car out of the United States.
Understand the Cost of Shipping a Car Overseas
Shipping your car overseas can cost anywhere from less than $1000 to perhaps around $5000. Of course, this will depend on a number of factors. For example, shipping your vehicle by airplane and boat will cost you more. Shipping distance will also be a factor since shorter trips usually cost less. The time of year you ship your car can also impact your shipping price. If you are trying to ship during bad weather in the U.S. or abroad, this can make the trip more difficult and thus increase the price.
Finally, you may also need specialized types of insurance on your vehicle, such as marine insurance, and must factor in destination charges and customs duty, taxes, and other fees associated with international auto shipping. To ensure you don’t get surprised when you get the final bill placed in your hands, work closely with experienced SGT personnel to ensure you fully understand all shipping costs related to your car’s international trip.
Since it can sometimes take as long as 12 weeks to ship a vehicle overseas if doing so by boat, don’t wait until the last possible minute to start finding out all you need to know about international auto relocations. By working with SGT from the outset, you can learn about their price match, guaranteed pick-up, express shipping, and other services that make relocating your automobile much easier and more affordable.