Performance Car Reviews, News and Parts for the Car Enthusiast

Have you ever wondered at those freight ships with their checkered load of red and blue containers which, slowly passing bridges like the Golden Gate Bridge, may look almost toy-like form that windy observation point, and which you have never seen docked, but which in reality must be titanic? Don’t be alarmed at that ominous last word: shipping your car by sea is as easy and safe as domestic shipping.

Transporting you car across the sea is worth the trouble as you will discover when you contact the shipping companies. They will offer you free quotes and take most of the burden of arrangements off your hands making it a stress free operation for you. All the carrier companies will ship any type of vehicle, whether classic, sport, vintage or this year’s model. All are guaranteed safe transport across one or all of the seven seas. You can choose from a well-established large carrier company or one of the smaller, newer companies and get safe, reliable results.

It is not a process that differs very much from shipping over land. You will need maritime insurance, however. Chances are good that your usual auto insurance does not cover overseas transport. So make the same preparations to ship your car by sea as you would over land.

To get your car into port it must be in a drivable condition. Otherwise, company trucks will be available to take it to the docks. A full tank of gas is usually unnecessary and undesirable, since it adds weight. Have enough gas to get the car into port and onto and off the ship.

You have a choice between three shipping methods: Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) and either a 20-foot or a 40-foot container.

The cheapest method is via RoRo ship, which is basically a ferry. An employee of the company will drive your car onto the ship and park it in a slot among the others. The car will then be secured in place. However, it is in just a slot, not its own garage, so it is somewhat vulnerable to damage by other cars possibly shifting a bit. RoRo remains the standard for shipping over short distances.

Obviously being closed, the containers whether 20 or 40-foot offer more protection. The 20-foot container harbors your car in its own snug space, keeping it secure and away from other vehicles and the elements which may cause it harm. It is also locked up so no one has access to it but the keeper of the keys until it reaches its destination or customs, whichever comes first.

The RoRo and 20-foot container method will normally take the car only and not any personal belongings accompanying it. Depending on the size of your car, a 20-footer may be able to accommodate some extra personal goods. The 40-foot version will allow personal belongings to be loaded first. The vehicle is then driven or pushed into the container after the belongings are separated and secured. in their own area.

The company will inform you of any of the various port fees that will be charged at its destination. Also, there will be documentation that is sure to differ from that of domestic ground shipping. Your chosen transport carrier will be knowledgeable of all of this and most willing to help you through it. They are as eager as you to get your car safely to its home port.

For more information on Car Transport please visit JMN Auto Shipping.