If you’re planning to ship a vehicle internationally, whether across borders to a neighbouring country or to another continent, you’ve come to the right place. The process of international car shipping can seem complex, but with the right guidance, it’s easier than you think. Many resources online cater to businesses, leaving individuals struggling to find relevant details. Having shipped our 4×4 camper to four different continents over the past three years, we’ve learned a lot along the way. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the best vehicle shipping methods, costs, required paperwork, and helpful tips for international car transport.
Shipping Methods for Vehicles: RoRo vs. Container Shipping
When shipping a vehicle internationally, there are two main methods: Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. Each comes with its own advantages and drawbacks, depending on your needs.
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping:
In RoRo shipping, you drive your vehicle onto the ship and leave the keys inside. Port staff will drive your vehicle onto the vessel, where it stays secured until it reaches the destination port. Once it arrives, the vehicle is driven off and ready for you to pick up. RoRo shipping is often the cheaper vehicle shipping option and is sometimes the only method for larger vehicles (such as expedition trucks), but it’s less secure for vehicles with valuable equipment or gear since multiple people handle your vehicle during transit. We shipped our vehicle RoRo from Germany to Canada.
Container Shipping:
Container shipping offers more security. Your vehicle is dropped off at a shipping agent’s warehouse, loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container, and then transported to the port. Once at the destination, the container is unsealed in your presence or that of your representative. While container shipping is more expensive, it provides better protection for your vehicle and its contents. For those shipping multiple vehicles, shared double containers can be a cost-effective option.
The Role of the Shipping Agent in International Car Shipping
Shipping a vehicle overseas requires coordination with a reliable shipping agent. Individuals typically cannot book directly with the shipping lines, so finding an experienced agent is crucial to ensure a smooth process.
A trusted shipping agent will assist with the entire process: from booking your spot, providing quotes for different routes and shipping methods (RoRo or container), handling paperwork and customs declarations, coordinating the loading and unloading of your vehicle, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
We suggest reaching out to at least two or three agents to compare quotes and gauge their communication responsiveness. Poor communication can cause unnecessary stress in an already complicated process. Always work with recommended agents to avoid potential scams. You can find trusted agents through overlanding communities, and we’ve shared our own contacts on our Patreon for your convenience.
Required Paperwork for International Car Shipping
The paperwork for international vehicle shipping is typically straightforward, but it’s essential to ensure that everything is in order:
- Passport
- Vehicle registration (must match the name on your passport)
- Driver’s license (sometimes required)
- Carnet de Passage (not required in every country)
A Carnet de Passage (CPD) is an international customs document that acts as a “passport” for your vehicle. It allows you to temporarily import a vehicle into specific countries without paying import duties or taxes. Many countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, require a Carnet de Passage for overland travel and long-term expeditions. Obtaining one often involves leaving a refundable security deposit with the issuing organization in your home country.
To check if your destination country requires a Carnet de Passage, refer to our travel matrix.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment
Before shipping your vehicle internationally, there are several preparations to consider:
- Clean your vehicle: Most countries require vehicles to be clean, inside and out, to prevent the spread of foreign soil and pests. Countries like Australia and New Zealand have strict biosecurity laws and may require a more thorough cleaning process, which can take several days. Trust us, it took us 8 days cleaning our 4×4 with toothbrushes to get it ready for Australia.
- Prohibited items: Be aware that some items, such as fresh food, large amounts of alcohol, and certain goods, may be prohibited. Additionally, ensure that there are no items in your vehicle that could be considered commercial merchandise, as they may be taxed by customs.
- Customs inspections: Your vehicle may be subject to inspection at the destination country’s customs office. To streamline the process, we’ve put together a comprehensive equipment list of all our gear for customs.
Delivering and Picking Up Your Vehicle at the Port
Once your shipping agent gives you a delivery date (often much earlier than the actual shipping date), you’ll need to bring your vehicle to the port. Ensure that the vehicle is secured in the container, the battery is disconnected, and the connectors are protected.
When your vehicle arrives at the destination port, the arrival agent will guide you through the process, which may include obtaining insurance and completing paperwork. Be prepared to wear long pants and closed shoes when accessing the port, as this is often a requirement (learned the hard way in East Timor!).
And that’s it! Shipping a vehicle internationally is an exciting yet detailed process, but with the right information and a trusted shipping agent, it’s entirely manageable. We hope this guide helps you navigate the complexities of vehicle shipping and sets you on the path for a smooth and successful international journey. Ready to ship your car worldwide? We’ve got you covered!
Happy travels!
Nick & Mathilde