Top 10 International Car Shipping Tips & How To Avoid Car Shipping Scams

Are you shipping a car internationally and are worried if your car transporter is a legit vehicle shipping company, or just a car transporting broker trying to make a quick buck? Take a look at this short guide before you go about shipping your vehicle overseas!

There are so many things that can go wrong when moving a car internationally. The vehicle can get stranded at the port due to incorrectly filed paperwork, seized by customs on either end, damaged or even taken into possession by a car transporting company via line sale. Companies holding vehicles hostage, outrageous storage charges and plain negligence are just some of the bad experiences that can occur with international car shipping.

You do not want this happening to you. Do not become another example of a car shipping scam that has unfortunately stung a lot of the innocent public in the past! The ten tips outlined below will go a long way to ensuring you are not conned out of your hard earned money.

10 Things to do before moving a car internationally:

1. Make sure the autotransport company responsible for shipping your car is registered with Domestic Auto Transport (DOT).

2. Confirm the car transporter has current cargo insurance, with minimum liability exceeding the value of your car.

3. If transporting a car internationally, check with Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) if your car shipper is registered with FMC as a freight forwarder or non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC). Also verify if this particular car transporting company has a current bond and moving license. If the company is not listed there, it means they cannot legally provide shipping services whatsoever and you should avoid using such companies.

4. As a general rule stay away from local car transport companies hoping to make extra money by carrying out a large international shipping job. Many truckers will offer their customers a “package deal” that includes car transport and overseas car shipping as well. Frequently they would offer “savings” and “discount” through their preferred car shippers. These sorts of companies can often be accompanied by extra fees after all is said and done.

5. Before committing to moving your car internationally with the car transporter of your choice, make sure to get the moving quote in writing. Always make sure you look over the small print - hidden charges are not entirely uncommon. Make sure the quote includes the following: origin (shipper’s door or port), destination (consignee’s door, port or unloading warehouse). Typically a car transporting quote will breakdown what is being paid for such as marine insurance, shrink-wrapping, paperwork, tolls etc.

6. It is always best practice to get a shipping contract drawn up between yourself and the company you are using and it should use the companies letterhead, signed and dated by an authorised employee of the company.

7. Ask if there will be someone (an agent, or customs broker) who could assist with customs clearance and unloading at the country of destination. Also, do your homework on customs duties and taxes that may be due at the country you are shipping the vehicle to.

8. It doesn't take too much trouble to search on the internet for customer reviews on any one particular company. There are specific websites that may be worth checking. If you are looking for foreign car transporters remeber you might need to search using the appropriate language whether its transporte de coches for Spain or trasporto auto con bisarca for Italy

9. Make sure to dial the auto transporter’s telephone number found on the company’s website and talk to your customer service rep in person. If your calls are left unanswered, or you cannot get straight answers on moving and arrival dates, transit times, specific requirements for transporting a vehicle overseas, you should probably look for another car shipping company.

10. Always use your common sense (ie, beware of making payments in advance via Western Union or cash, sending important paperwork (titles, payment) via regular mail, etc).

By: Antonino Bruzzsa

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Antonino Bruzzsa is a freelance writer creating quality content for websites. His work includes articles about how to shop for motor and transport vehicles and safe new car collection he also specialises in finding online companies or courier services to help you move your vehicles safely and quickly.