No Sea of Difference When Shipping Your Auto By Sea
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.
If you are afraid that getting your car across a sea is not worth the trouble, make sure you compare free quotes offered by companies online. You may be surprised how much a shipping organization speeds things up and makes them easier and stress free. All car brands ship: anything from modern to vintage. Your classic and your sports, your veteran and your prestige car are guaranteed safe transport across any of the seven seas by a number of long-established large carrier companies and by a growing number of smaller but reliable modern businesses.
Shipping by sea is really not that different from land shipping. You will need maritime insurance, though, as your regular car insurance won’t cover overseas travel. Any of the three standard shipping methods will require you to prepare your vehicle for shipping just 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 least expensive way is by a RoRo ship: a great vehicle ferry. Your car will be driven onto the ship and into a slot along other cars. Though secured in place, the car will still be left open alongside other cars, remaining more vulnerable to damage or accident. RoRo is the standard method to ship over short distances.
Containers are the safer way. With the 20 footer, the car is snuggly fitted into the container so that it does not move. A safety lock will be placed over the container door so that no one will have access to the car until either arrival or, at most, until customs, in case they want to inspect your container. The car will thus remain securely secluded and shielded form any natural elements or accidents.
The two aforementioned means of shipment will not normally allow any personal belongings to accompany your vehicle, unless your car is really small, and then the 20-footer may allow for some stuff. The 40-foot container, however, does allow you to transport personal belongings with it. The belongings are packed in first, separated and secured from the vehicle, which is then pushed or driven into its own space within the container.
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.
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