5 best international car shipping companies
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While an international move may be a dream come true, the logistics of actually making it happen can turn it into a seemingly impossible task. Packing up your life is one thing, but moving something as large as a car can seem like more trouble than it’s worth. Between having the proper documentation, understanding the different shipment methods and finding the best quote, it’s no small feat.
We extensively researched the best international car shipping companies to help take the stress off you.
Easy Auto Ship: Best for pricing and discounts
Star rating: 5.0 out of 5
Vehicle types: Standard vehicles, classic/antique/luxury vehicles, vans/trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, golf carts, heavy equipment
Availability: 50 states, 14 countries (Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom)
Price range: $1,700 - $2,500
Compare Rates at Easy Auto Ship
Why we picked Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship offers a $50 military service discount, a multi-car discount for vehicles on the same truck with the same origin and destination, and price-matching with other 5-star Better Business Bureau (BBB) rated companies. It also offers free refunds for orders that have not been dispatched yet. It will still provide a refund for dispatched orders minus the $195 service fee or the deposit cost (whichever is less).
While Easy Auto Ship offers guaranteed times and deliveries to lock you in for a specific delivery day and time, it will cost, on average, $300 - $500 more.
Who should use Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship is ideal for international movers looking to save money when shipping more than one car or for anyone who is active military or a veteran.
Pros
Price matching is available with 5-star BBB competitors.
Save about $100 per car with multi-car shipping and about $50 for military discounts.
Full refunds are available for non-dispatched orders.
Cons
Guaranteed times and deliveries will incur higher fees.
It only services 14 non-U.S. countries.
Prepare for up to five days of delays.
We Will Transport It: Best for vehicle variety
Star rating: 4.8 out of 5
Vehicle types: Standard vehicles, classic/antique/luxury vehicles, vans/trucks, motorcycles, boats, yachts, heavy equipment
Availability: 50 states, all countries
Price range: $1200+
Why we picked We Will Transport It
We Will Transport It ships everything from standard cars to yachts, heavy equipment and anything in between. This international car shipping company also offers door-to-door transport, alleviating the stress of transporting difficult items like a yacht. Depending on your preference, We Will Transport It offers enclosed, freight and open transport so you can protect your vehicle however you see fit.
Despite the positives, like an A+ rating with the BBB, it’s worth noting that We Will Transport doesn’t offer a service guarantee. And although I submitted a quote through their online system, I could only get a customized quote through email. I never actually got my quote, despite sending a follow-up email three days after I submitted my request.
Who should use We Will Transport It
We recommend We Will Transport It for long-distance movers with tougher-to-move vehicles. No vehicle is too daunting for it, and GPS tracking provides added peace of mind.
Pros
GPS tracking can offer peace of mind for valuable vehicles.
Seemingly nothing, including construction machinery, is too hard to ship for We Will Ship It.
Enclosed, freight and open transport are all available.
Cons
No service guarantee.
Getting a quote took several days.
A-1 Auto Transport: Best for customer support
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Vehicle types: Standard vehicles, classic/antique/luxury vehicles, ships, vans, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, heavy equipment
Availability: 50 states, 190+ countries served
Price range: $900 - $3,000
Why we picked A-1 Auto Transport
With more than 30 years of experience, a blog, an FAQ page, phone service and an instant online quote, A-1 Auto Transport impressed us with its customer support. Your items are fully insured when in its care. GPS tracking is a stress reliever, and door-to-door delivery adds convenience. Depending on preference, customers are also offered the choice of open, enclosed and freight transportation.
It is worth noting that A-1 Auto Transport doesn’t offer a guaranteed delivery date; estimated arrivals will be provided so you can plan accordingly.
Who should use A-1 Auto Transport
Movers looking for superior customer service who want easy access to their moving company and updates on the status of their shipment should consider A-1 Auto Transport.
Pros
GPS tracking available
Robust online resources and customer support availability.
Immediate quote provided.
Cons
Guaranteed delivery is not offered.
Does not offer price matching.
eShip: Best for no upfront charges
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Vehicle types: Standard vehicles, classic/antique/luxury vehicles, vans, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs
Availability: 50 states, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada
Price range: $930 - $1,245
Why we picked eShip
With no upfront deposit, a price-lock guarantee and a rental reimbursement of $300 for anything delayed more than 48 hours, eShip is an excellent choice for getting bang for your buck. Additionally, the international shipper provides a full refund if you cancel the order before a carrier is assigned. Unlike competitors, eShip will only ask for a deposit once a vehicle carrier that can match the quote provided is found.
A drawback to be aware of is that the deposit is nonrefundable once a driver has been assigned. eShip also doesn’t offer freight shipping.
Who should use eShip
International movers looking for fair treatment, reasonable pricing and a guarantee if the company doesn’t meet expectations would do well with eShip.
Pros
Rental reimbursements for any shipment delayed more than 48 hours.
No upfront deposit.
Price-lock guarantee.
Cons
No freight shipping.
Deposit is nonrefundable once a driver has been assigned.
Limited international availability.
TransGlobal Auto Logistics: Best for customizable pricing
Star rating: 3.9 out of 5
Vehicle Types: Standard vehicles, classic/antique/luxury vehicles, vans, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs
Availability: 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, 14 countries (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom)
Price range: Not available
Why we picked TransGlobal Auto Logistics
By offering a range of shipment styles, including open, enclosed and air or container freight shipping, TransGlobal Auto Logistics is suited to customizability. It has an infrastructure capable of moving everything from classic cars to RVs and heavy equipment, and it also owns all of its warehouses, enabling it to provide even more competitive rates. Additionally, TransGlobal Auto Logistics offers towing services to move shipments from the port and airport where they arrive.
With more than 30 years of service, TransGlobal has a lot going for it, including an A+ rating on the BBB. Just be mindful that it doesn’t directly offer GPS tracking, though you can still track through different channels, and if you should cancel after payment has been received, a $125 fee will be incurred. To get your free quote, you have to wait until a customer service agent contacts you through email. Even though I had sent my online request, no one ever contacted me. So, if you want a free quote, we recommend you call.
Who should use TransGlobal Auto Logistics
TransGlobal Auto Logistics is suited to anyone who wants more input and control over their total auto-moving experience.
Pros
By owning its own warehouses, TransAuto can offer competitive rates.
Towing available from ports and airports.
Open, enclosed, air freight and sea freight are available.
Cons
Doesn’t offer its own GPS tracking.
Price matching is not available.
No instant quotes
Our picks at a glance
What didn’t make the cut
While our list features the top picks for international car shipping, we left out some popular choices that people may have expected to have been on the list. Here are a few that we didn’t include, as well as our reasons why:
RoadRunner Auto Transport: Ships almost any vehicle you could need shipped, but it doesn’t have features like a multi-car discount.
Nationwide United Auto Transport: Offers price matching and door-to-door delivery but is pricier than many of our other choices.
Ship A Car Inc.: Has an A+ BBB rating and offers a military discount, but does not offer free cancellation or price matching.
Types of international shipping methods
If you’re shipping your car overseas, there are two main shipment options, ocean freight (commonly known as RoRo) and air freight.
Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo)
The most common choice, RoRo shipping, relies on a boat to send your car internationally. Generally using larger cargo ships, RoRo shipping will move many cars at once, which can reduce the price. It can be used for almost any car and van but can take several weeks to deliver.
Within RoRo shipping, there are other options:
• Enclosed shipping offers protection from the elements and is ideal for brand-new, vintage or collectible cars. However, it usually costs more.
• Open transport is typically less expensive and is suitable for standard models or used cars.
Air freight
Using a plane to ship a car is usually reserved for more expensive and rare vehicles or when people want to expedite the shipping. It typically takes between four and 13 days.
What’s required for international vehicle shipping
Get the proper documentation: Have two copies of government-issued ID ready (passport or driver’s license).
Have your vehicle info handy: This means the year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN) and the car’s estimated value.
Have the car’s ownership information: This means your vehicle’s Certificate of Title (or a certified copy of the original) if you own the car and the bill of sale if you bought it recently. If your vehicle is financed, you’ll need to have both a notarized copy of the title and a notarized lien authorization.
Shipper and consignee information: For both the sender and the receiver, you’ll need the name, address, phone number and email.
For new vehicles without a title: Have an original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) and two complete copies of the MSO.
Look into the destination’s requirements: Each country may have differing rules and require additional documentation, so be sure to look into the specific customs demands of the destination.
For importing cars: You’ll need to fill out EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 to declare emissions and safety provisions.
How to prepare your car for international shipping
Clear out personal belongings: Per the Department of Transportation (DOT) code, no household goods can be moved during car transit.
Remove aftermarket parts: Remove items like GPS, DVD players and other valuable items that are removable.
Wash your car: This allows you to notice any damage to the vehicle and determine if anything went wrong during shipping. Note the car’s state and any existing damage.
Bring it to the mechanic: A well-maintained vehicle will make for a smoother experience for your shipper and yourself after your move.
Make an extra key: It’s a good idea to be prepared with an extra key if the original goes missing during transit.
Leave a quarter tank of gas: Too much gas will make your car heavier, leading to higher transit costs. Not having enough gas could also cause problems for the shipping company when moving the vehicle.
Disarm the alarm: Otherwise, it may go off during the shipping; some companies — like A1 Auto Transport — will mandate this.
Methodology
The CNN Underscored editorial staff evaluated each vehicle shipping company based on weighted criteria, including:
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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