How to Ship Your Car When Moving Internationally

International vehicle shipping requires more than just placing your car inside a shipping container before departure. The process of international relocation becomes more complicated when you decide to transport your car but Asian Tigers Group provides complete assistance to help you succeed.

Asian Tigers Group has assisted numerous families and individuals through international relocation services which include car transport for their belongings. The following guide provides essential information needed for international vehicle shipping during relocation.

Why Ship Your Car Internationally?

People choose to transport their vehicles when moving abroad because of several important factors.

• The familiarity of your car along with its comfortable handling characteristics make it an attractive option for international transport.
• The purchase of a new car abroad proves to be more affordable compared to other alternatives.
• Specialty vehicles exist which cannot be found in the markets of your destination country.
• The cost of shipping your vehicle becomes more economical than renting it for an extended period when you plan to stay abroad for multiple years.

Step 1: Determine the Worth of International Car Transport

The first step requires you to evaluate the financial advantages against the expenses of shipping your car. The evaluation process should include:

• The destination country imposes customs duties and taxes on imported vehicles.
• The import regulations of certain countries restrict the entry of vehicles based on their age and emission standards.
• The regulations of your destination country include rules about driving direction (right-hand vs. left-hand).
• The total cost of shipping includes transportation fees from inland areas to ports, insurance premiums, and port expenses.
• The availability of spare parts and maintenance services for your specific vehicle model throughout the destination region.

The import regulations for vehicles in Japan and Australia are strict because only particular car models meet their standards. Research about import regulations for your destination should start immediately because some countries have strict rules.

Step 2: Understand the Main Shipping Methods

Three primary methods exist for transporting vehicles across international borders.

1. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)

• The car is driven onto a vessel and secured.
• Least expensive, but offers less protection.
• Ideal for standard vehicles being sent to major ports.

2. Container Shipping

• Your car is loaded into a 20- or 40-foot container.
• Offers maximum protection from the elements.
• Allows personal items to be shipped alongside the vehicle (subject to customs clearance in some countries).

3. Air Freight

• Fastest, but most expensive.
• Typically used for luxury vehicles or urgent relocations.

Asian Tigers recommends container shipping for private vehicles because it provides maximum security protection when customers transport household items.

Step 3: Know the Documentation You’ll Need

The process of shipping cars between countries requires extensive documentation. The necessary documents for international car shipping consist of:

• Passport copy
• Vehicle registration and title
• Purchase invoice or bill of sale
• The export certificate serves as a mandatory document for countries that need it.
• The import permit serves as a mandatory requirement for numerous countries that import goods.
• A valid driver’s license or international driving permit serves as identification.
• The documentation includes insurance records.
• The shipping process requires completion of customs forms which include the B534e for Australian imports.

The documentation process for international shipping requires translation and notarization of certain documents based on the destination country. Asian Tigers maintains close ties with local authorities to help gather and submit all necessary paperwork.

Step 4: Prepare the Car for Transport

Your vehicle needs proper preparation before shipping to prevent delays and damage to the vehicle.

• A complete cleaning of both interior and exterior parts of the vehicle must be performed. The import regulations of Australia and New Zealand enforce strict rules about bringing soil and plant matter into their countries.
• All personal belongings need to be taken out of the vehicle unless your shipping container supports combined shipments (check with your move consultant first).
• The vehicle needs alarm system deactivation and toll tag removal.
• A maintenance check should be performed before shipping which includes fluid checks, tire pressure verification, and battery security confirmation.
• The fuel level in your vehicle should be reduced to one-quarter of a tank because full tanks create fire hazards.
• Take complete photographs of your vehicle from every side to show its pre-shipment state.

Step 5: Comply with Destination Country Regulations

Every country has its own rules. Some highlights:

• Japan: The process of importing personal vehicles to Japan remains infrequent because of expensive taxes and mandatory safety inspections.
• Australia: The Vehicle Import Approval process must be completed by all imported cars. Special rules exist for vehicles with modifications and those built before particular time periods.
• Thailand: The Thai government strictly controls personal used car imports for private ownership while imposing substantial excise taxes on these vehicles.
• Singapore: The customs duties for Singaporean car imports reach high levels while only vehicles under three years old qualify for importation.

The process requires a trusted moving partner to succeed. Asian Tigers uses its worldwide network together with local connections to assist clients through complicated import regulations.

Step 6: Choose a Trusted Shipping Partner

The combination of complicated regulations and high vehicle value makes it unsafe for individuals to handle international car shipping independently. Select a moving company that demonstrates the following qualities:

• The company needs to demonstrate expertise in shipping vehicles across international borders.
• The company should provide clear pricing details to customers.
• The company needs to demonstrate knowledge about customs procedures.
• The company needs to provide insurance options to its customers.
• The company needs to offer storage facilities because some customers might need to store their belongings until their new home becomes available.

Asian Tigers works with authorized vehicle specialists who provide direct vehicle shipping services although the company does not operate this service in all markets. The relocation process will connect you with local experts who possess complete knowledge of both your starting, ending locations’ laws, and operational procedures.

Bonus: Consider Storage and Timing

Short-term storage facilities exist at both the origin and destination points for people who need to store their vehicles until their new home becomes available. The practice of storing goods in transit (SIT) applies to both household items and vehicles during relocation.

The timing of your move plays a significant role in the process:

• The peak relocation season from June through August brings excessive port traffic which delays delivery times.
• The customs office operates with scheduled public holidays and official closures which affect the processing time.
• The duration of international shipping depends on the starting and ending ports because Asia to Europe takes 6-10 weeks but Asia to Australia takes 3-5 weeks.

Common Challenges to Be Aware Of

• The delivery process faces delays because of port congestion.
• The lack of proper documentation or incorrect item declarations will trigger customs delays.
• The insurance policy must include complete protection for both complete loss and repair costs during transportation.
• The destination may charge additional fees to customers who fail to retrieve their shipments on time.

Our advice? The process requires proper organization and advanced planning together with experienced movers who possess relocation expertise.

The Role of Asian Tigers Group

The specialist partners handle direct vehicle shipping but Asian Tigers Group manages all aspects of relocation services. Our team assists you in creating a unified relocation plan by coordinating customs documentation with your vehicle delivery and household goods transportation.

Our relocation podcast The Global Move provides expert resources for pet relocation and fine art transportation and e-bike shipping with lithium battery items.

Final Thoughts: It’s a Journey, Not Just a Shipment

The correct guidance enables international car shipping to become an essential part of your complete relocation process of relocation. Moving your life requires more than transporting a vehicle because it involves relocating your entire existence.

Asian Tigers Group exists to make your relocation process easier.

Contact our relocation specialist to start planning your international relocation.