There are a few things to know when shipping your vehicle internationally.  In the US, most companies will request a deposit prior to shipping via credit card, bank check or cash and the remainder upon deliver.  With international shipping, things work slightly different when it comes to payments.  

The majority of international car shipping companies require payment in full prior to shipping. So, it is important that you know the exact amount it will cost you to ship your car overseas.  Although many international car shipping companies have competitive rates, it is usually at a much higher rate.  

Tip: To get the best rate for international shipping, contact at least 3 to 4 international car shipping companies.

When it comes to shipping your car, some things apply to everybody: inspections, contracts and paperwork. If you’re shipping your car internationally, however, there are some special considerations that need special attention to make sure the trip is as uneventful as possible (and that’s definitively what you want when it comes to shipping your car!).

Do you speak the local language at the arrival port? If not, it probably makes sense to spend some extra money and have an agent meet you at your destination to help with the pick up of the car. This is especially important because there will be documents to sign, which you should only do after close inspection.

Make sure you know what you’re getting. International shipping is usually not door-to-door. Instead, you will be expected to show up at the port and process the receipt of the car on your own. Sending somebody else on your place usually not acceptable, so make sure you will be there in time to take the car.

Find out what taxes you will be responsible for at the destination port. Ask the shipping company first, but don’t count with them knowing the exact details or amount. If you get conflicting information, contact the port yourself or talk to your local embassy to see if they have a direct number you can use.

Will you be there to pick up the car? Rules may be different in other countries, and while you might be able to choose somebody to accept the delivery within the US, this option may not be available elsewhere.  

Most payments related to car shipping are handled on a partial basis: a percentage when you turn the car in and the rest upon delivery. How much the initial deposit is depends on a lot of factors, including the total cost, the destination and the insurance or taxes to be paid. As an average, you will be expected to pay around 20 percent of the total cost when you drop off the car. If there are any additional costs, such as taxes or pick-up charges (especially during international shipping), these are usually not included in the bill and will be your responsibility at the time of delivery. Terminal pick-up usually means you will be able to pay with a credit card, which is not the case if your car is delivered right to your door. In that case, drivers will most likely only take cash or a cashier’s check. Money orders may be ok depending on the situation, but you need to check this in advance.

One of the most important things to keep in mind regarding payments is whether the price you are given is an estimate or a final bill. In the first case, it makes sense to keep additional money handy in case of extra charges, or make sure you are given a firm invoice at the time you sign the contract.

Small details make all the difference when preparing your car for shipping. While you may be well aware of what to do when it comes to the contract, the delivery and the insurance, here are other things to keep in mind:

Taking photos of your car is a great way to protect yourself. It will ensure that there are no new scratches or paint chips on your vehicle at the time of arrival. Make sure the photos are clear, taken in good light.

While some companies will remind you to disconnect the car alarm, others will make nothing of it. If you think leaving it on is a good idea, consider the possibility of the alarm going off during transport and wearing your battery out. Or causing delays because the driver needs to stop and contact somebody in order to disable the alarm (driving with a blasting alarm behind your ears is not a comfortable experience).

Companies may not know exactly what kind of taxes you’re expected to pay at the destination port. If you’re shipping your car internationally, it’s important that you take it upon yourself to contact the embassy or destination custom office to find out what charges to expect. Taxes can be higher if you don’t have all the right paperwork with you at the time of pick-up.

When it comes to extending the life of your car, there are some things that can help both during shipping but also during day-to-day use of your vehicle. Put these into practice and you’ll sure to keep your car in top shape for a lot longer.

1. Remove accessories. During shipping, you’re better off taking extras, such as roof racks or special antennas, off your vehicle to prevent breaks and scratches. During everyday life, loading your vehicle with these things will increase the total weight, which in turn will increase the amount of gas you spend and the pressure on your tires.
2. Check tire pressure. Too little air can result in extra load on the motor and can eventually damage the car. During shipping, tires that are not properly inflated can result in difficulties loading the car into the shipping container.
3. Make sure the battery works properly. If the shipping company has trouble starting your car, they may choose to tow it onboard the container, which will result in additional charges. During everyday life, a battery that is not working properly can increase the chances of engine burnout.
4. Don’t overload the car. Some shipping companies allow you to leave items on the trunk of your car, but the insurance will not cover theft or damage. Excess weight takes a toll on the life of your car, so get rid of anything in the trunk or the back seat that you don’t really need or use.
5. Wash your car regularly. It will prevent debris and dirt from scratching the surface. Before a shipping inspection, a good wash will uncover any imperfections so they can be noted on the insurance bill.