International Car Shipping | A Comprehensive guide

International cargo today is a good choice for individuals and companies who want to move their cars across borders, in this article we will clarify the most important information you should know about international cargo.

International Auto Shipping Means

Sea freight

• It is the best and most widespread way to transport cars between countries because of its economic cost and its ability to transport large quantities, long distances.
• It is suitable for long distances and low cost compared to other modes of transportation, where cars are transported inside containers or on appropriate platforms.
• Its defects are slower than air cargo and cars may be exposed to some different weather factors during transport such as rain, sunlight, and humidity.

Air cargo

It is usually used to transport luxury or rare cars, if you need to move your car quickly and with a higher level of protection for the car, air freight is the perfect option. But it is more expensive especially heavy cars.

Ground shipping

Used among neighboring countries such as those of the European Union. It is characterized by lower cost and easy delivery, from flaws not shipped long distance, rail is also used.

Get to know.. Customs clearance office

Difficulties in international cargo

Faces many customs procedures and delays in release.
High cost such as additional charge for shipping and taxes.

Why do you need to secure cars during shipping?

• Protection against accidental damage during transport.
• Cover losses resulting from theft or damage.

Car Insurance Types During Shipping:

Basic insurance: Covers damage caused by accidents during transportation.

Comprehensive Insurance: Includes damage resulting from natural disasters, theft, and any other losses.

Cost of charging cars internationally

Costs vary based on factors such as:

• Car type and size.
• Distance between the two countries.
• Selected shipping method.
• Taxes and customs duties.

Types of International Car Shipping

• Sea freight.
• Ground shipping.
• Air cargo.

How long does it take to charge the car abroad?

• Air and road freight: 2-10 days.
• Sea shipping: 10-35 days.
• Sometimes it can take 3 to 5 weeks to ship.

Steps to charge a car internationally

Ensure that your vehicle is insured against any damage during the charging process.

Choose the shipping method whether inside containers or open shipping and also choose between normal or fast shipping as you wish.

Ascertain the required documents from the car’s paperwork.

What documents are required to ship a car abroad?

In addition to basic shipping documents such as invoices and bill of lading, you will need to provide the following documents to ensure the successful clearance of your customs vehicle:

Vehicle Ownership Certificate (Original or Certified)

The original vehicle title, also known as the “pink receipt”, is required to prove that you are the legal owner of the vehicle.

Proof of vehicle registration

Official document issued by a government authority confirming that the vehicle is legally registered for operation on public roads.

Sale invoice and certificate of origin

If the vehicle is new, you must obtain these two documents from the agency until the vehicle’s origin is clarified.

Mortgage holder’s authorization (if existing)

If the car is in a mortgage right, you may need a consent document from the mortgage holder before you take the car out of the country.

Power of Attorney

If you are unable to take charge of the vehicle in person, you can issue a power of attorney to a person or shipping company to carry out the actions on your behalf.

DOT sticker confirmation

It is used to prove that the vehicle complies with US safety standards. These labels contain basic information about the vehicle and any potential risks.

Additional advice

Because laws and regulations vary from country to country, there may be additional documents required, so you can reach out to our logistics experts for a comprehensive guide dedicated to preparing all the necessary documents before shipping your vehicle internationally.

How to equip your car for international charging?

Fully Cleaning the Car
Thoroughly clean the car inside and out before shipping, and make sure to remove all personal belongings, such as decorations and clothing, to keep it safe during the transport process.

Secure or remove dismantled parts
Remove detachable accessories, such as antennas, or secure them well as well, fold side mirrors and secure other prominent parts to avoid any damage during loading or unloading.

Battery inspection
Make sure the battery is fully charged to ensure it can operate during the customs inspection or when arriving at the destination.

Disable alarm system
Deactivate the vehicle’s alarm system to avoid any unnecessary alarms during transportation.

Inspect the vehicle and document its condition
Thoroughly check the vehicle to make sure there is no prior damage, such as scratches or mechanical failures, and take photos of the car as a reference to ascertain its condition before and after the transfer.

Reduce fuel level
Make sure the fuel level in the car tank is between quarter and half, this helps reduce weight and reduces the risk of fuel leakage during the charging process.

How much does international shipping cost for the car?

The cost of charging cars varies internationally based on several key factors, namely:

Vehicle size and gross weight:
Larger and heavier vehicles tend to have a higher charge cost. In addition, luxury or high-quality cars require additional security measures, resulting in increased cost.

Shipping Method:
Air freight is the most expensive but fastest option, while sea freight provides more economical options. Within maritime shipping

Container shipping is usually more expensive than shipping via RORO, due to the use of customized containers to secure vehicles.

Distance between ports:
The cost is affected by the charging distance between the starting points and the destination usually, depending on the location and type of vehicle, if you choose door-to-door charging service, the cost will increase significantly.

What is Roll/Roll Charging (RORO)?

RORO is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of transporting wheeled vehicles such as cars, trucks, and heavy construction machinery.

RORO ships are characterized by their design which allows vehicles to be loaded directly across customized slopes, making the operation convenient and fast.

If you want to charge only one vehicle, RORO charging is the perfect option.

Your vehicle is required to be able to move autonomously to board and disembark the ship without the need for additional equipment.

Once loaded, the vehicle is safely installed at its location to ensure its protection throughout the transport journey.

This method is ideal for standard vehicles that do not require special packaging, making it an economical and effective option for transporting vehicles over long distances.

How to ship cars outside Egypt

Shipping cars outside Egypt requires administrative laws to ensure that international and domestic laws are followed. The following are the most important stages to go through:

Choose a reliable shipping company

Find a company with experience in international cargo, these companies offer integrated services including:

• Fill and secure the car.
• Processing of customs papers.
• Track the shipment until it reaches the final destination.

Processing of required documents

• Car License: Must be valid.
• Export authorization: In case of shipping via agent or shipping company.
• Purchase invoice: to prove car ownership.
• National number card or passport: exporter.
• Certificate of Origin: If the car is new.
• Customs export declaration: It is prepared through customs.

Car Insurance

It is preferable to have insurance covering any damage that may occur during transport.

Read too. Import Auto Parts

Implementation of customs procedures in Egypt

• Customs clearance: is done through the customs office of the appropriate port (sea, air, or land).
• Vehicle inspection: To ensure data conformity and to determine customs fees if any.
• Payment of fees: If there are taxes or export fees.

Choose the right shipping method

• Sea freight: The vehicle is transported inside a container or on deck (Ro-Ro). This option is economical and suitable for most shipments.
• Air freight: Faster but expensive, usually used for luxury cars.
• Land shipping: suitable for nearby countries, especially neighboring Arab countries.

Pick up the car in the destination country

When the car arrives, you will need:

• Complete local customs clearance procedures.
• Pay customs duties and taxes (e.g. VAT) if required.
• Vehicle registration in accordance with the laws of the importing country.

Additional tips

• Check customs laws and importing country requirements, conditions may vary from State to State.
• Make sure the vehicle has environmental and local standards at the charging destination.
• Keep copies of all documents related to the shipment.

If you need to facilitate the process, you can rely on a professional shipping company to take all actions on your behalf, as our company is one of the best companies you can use.

How can importegypt help you ship cars abroad?

At importegypt we attach the utmost importance to the safety of your vehicle, through our global network and logistics expertise, we strive to make the charging process of your international vehicle easy and safe, offering you competitive prices and flexible charging options to meet your needs.

We work hard to identify trusted shipping companies that fit your requirements without charging any additional fees so we can guarantee the best options.

In addition, our team of experts use specialized packaging equipment to ensure your vehicle arrives in its original condition, without any damage.

Enjoy a hassle-free shipping experience with us.

In conclusion, international car charging may seem like a complicated process, but it becomes simple and easy with advance planning and collaboration with reliable shipping companies. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure a smooth and secure charging experience, and if you plan to charge your car abroad, the first steps to success start with good research and choice of service that meets your needs.