Car shipping can vary in logistics or ways of organization and planning according to whether you are doing it domestically or internationally. Either way, there are principles that guide the process of transportation, but in one way or another, international and domestic car shipping differ significantly. Knowing these differences aids in making a good decision whether you are relocating within the country, or sending the car abroad.
Car Transport 24 has your back when it comes to maintaining high standards of efficiency while shipping your car, whether domestically or internationally. This article will cover the most important differences between international and domestic car shipping, so you know what to prepare yourself for.
Distance and Routes: The Key Difference
What stands out the most in the comparison of international and domestic car shipping is the distance. Domestic car shipping typically refers to moving the car within the boundaries of the given country, say U.S.A. Whether you’re shipping from New York to California or Texas to Florida, the process is relatively straightforward. There’s a lot of land routes, and the car transport companies use truck trailers to carry cars.
In contrast, international car shipping is more involved since they need to cross borders. For example, cars are shipped internationally via ocean freight which requires coordination at ports, customs clearance, and adherence to international shipping regulations. Coordinating at customs and shipping ports makes this more time consuming in comparison to domestic shipping due to the longer distances.
Shipping Methods: Ocean vs. Land Transport
There is also a distinction within the borders of a country in how a vehicle is shipped internationally and domestically. To domestically ship a vehicle, the most frequent method is open transport whereby vehicles are placed on an open trailer. If you wish to have extra shields from the elements, you may select enclosed transport whereby your vehicle is placed in a fully enclosed trailer. Depending on client preferences, both methods are dominant for domestic transport as well as in shipping.
Unlike domestic car shipping, which can use different methods of transportation, international car shipping is solely dependent on ocean freight. After cross-border car shipping obtains the necessary documents, the vehicle is transported to a port where it is either placed in a shipping container or put on a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ship. In a roll-on car shipping service the vehicle is driven directly on the ship which will then take the vehicle across the seas. Using shipping containers is more beneficial as the car is better protected because the vehicle is packed inside and therefore not exposed to potential damage outside.
Customs Clearance: International shipping vs Cross-border vehicle shipping
International shipping is more complicated as it requires Roro customs clearance as well as adherence to various international agreements and regulations.
Another distinction between international and domestic shipping revolves around customs clearance as well as international border regulations. Domestic shipping does not have any custom regulations. In domestic car transport, as long as the vehicle is functioning and insured, it can be shipped from one place to another without any issues as far as the customs are concerned. The major concern with domestic shipping is usually related to the shipping distance and the method of transport.
Cross-border vehicle shipping, on the other hand, adds layers of legitimacy that need to be followed. Dealing with international border custom regulations, you will have restrictions of what can be imported or exported, filed taxes, and additional legal cross region fees called duties. Since these rules differ by destination country, it would be wise to consult a shipping provider such as Car Transport 24 to cross check the destination requirements for border custom shipping documents.
Compliance with regulations is essential: International shipping
In regards to international shipping, it is paramount that the vehicle is accompanied by a bill of lading, a vehicle title, proof of ownership, and meta documents required by customs. Moreover, if any inspections are to be conducted on the vehicle for emissions or safety standards prerequisites, one must ensure compliance regulations before shipping.
International transport is generally more expensive due to logistical considerations. For intrastate transport, international transportation typically relies upon vehicle measurements, preferred method of shipping (i.e. enclosed or open), distance of the shipping destination, door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service selection. However, compared to international transport, domestic rates usually tend to be affordable particularly for shorter distances.
In relation to international shipping, prices are set for container shipping, RoRo, and pocketed additionally due to port fees and customs duties, increasing the operational cost. Consequently, international port fees must also be regarded alongside the selected business location, transport method, and destination port when calculating estimated transport fee ranges for international vehicle transport shipping.
Arrival Duration: Domestic and Global Boundaries
The most important factor with international and domestic is car shipping is the difference in the arrival durations. Move car to another state as opposed to another country will likely take from 1-10 days. For instance, moving vehicles from state to state Texan to Australian, shipping will take 5-7 days while moving vehicles on a domestic level curt from Texas to Florida would only take 2-3 days.
Internationally though, car shipping takes longer, it can take anywhere from 10 days to a number of weeks for late vehicles to be in transit. where the transfer ports, transport type and the country’s rules determine the duration. Water freight is base ports. transport type and country rules can also greatly change the duration. Water freight is the slowest as it has to go over oceans and often have to wait for scheduled services use slowest transport as it has to go over Oceans, and often
This time needs to also factor in waiting time when customs checks like region specific customs laws that tend to set release dates or when release signs for vehicle that upon arrival can take additional weeks or days from estimate durations.
Conclusion: Which Choice Best Suits Your Needs?
Every option of international and domestic car shipping comes with certain advantages and challenges. For instance, domestic shipping is fast, economical and uncomplicated with regards to time and rules. On the other hand, if you need to ship a car out of the country, only international shipping will do. Although it involves customs, more documentation, and is costlier, international car shipping guarantees your vehicle can be shipped anywhere in the world.
At Car Transport 24, we specialize in domestic and international car shipments, guaranteeing dependable and effective shipping solutions.
Shipping a vehicle inside the U.S. or outside, we direct you through every step of the way so the vehicle is delivered securely and timely to the required location.
For any inquiries and quotations related to international and domestic car transport, get in touch with us today!
