Your car was designed to give you an enjoyable ride on the road, but sometimes there’s good reason to take it overseas. Whether you are moving, selling your vehicle, or sending your lovingly restored collectible to be displayed at an international automobile show, you’ll need a car shipping company that can deliver it safely and hassle-free. World Cargo has the resources and experience to ship your car from Vancouver to global destinations including Australia, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia.
Safe and Secure Shipping for Your Vehicle
World Cargo will help you take care of all necessary documentation and adhere to international shipping rules and regulations, no matter how your vehicle is shipped. In most cases, your car is shipped via a 20’ closed cargo container, offering superior protection throughout the shipping process. Larger or multiple vehicles may be shipped in a 40’ closed cargo container or, in some cases, using a Roll On/Roll Off service. We’ll help you to determine the shipping method that is most secure and economical for you and your vehicles. Furthermore, we’ll take good care of your car from pick-up all the way to drop-off at the final destination of your choosing.
Preparing Your Vehicle for International Car Shipping
Wash Your Car Thoroughly
Washing your car clearly reveals the condition of the car, allowing both you and the freight forwarder to take an accurate accounting of any damage.
Document the Vehicle’s Condition
Note any dings, dents, scratches, and other cosmetic issues already existing on the vehicle. Take photographs of all areas of the car, with close-up images of damaged areas.
Remove Loose and Custom Items
Remove loose and custom items on the inside and the outside of the vehicle, such as luggage or bicycle racks, spoilers, removable stereos and GPS systems, and other valuable aftermarket additions that are not associated with the mechanical operation of the car.
Pack Personal Items Appropriately
If you are sending your vehicle in a shipping container, you can pack it with personal items. However, it will need to be driven in and out, so please ensure all windows and mirrors are accessible. We also require braking systems and/or manual shifters to be clear of obstructions.
Remove Toll Tags and Passes
You may incur charges during the transport of your vehicle if toll devices are kept inside, so it is best to deactivate and/or remove this equipment.
Ensure the Battery is Fully Charged
Ensure that the battery is fully charged, especially for electric cars, as it may drain during travel. A fully charged battery is crucial because it allows for easy movement of the vehicle upon arrival. Charging the battery at the destination might be difficult due to the lack of immediate charging facilities.
Disable Alarm/Security Systems
Disable any alarm or security systems in your vehicle. This is important for practical reasons, as an active alarm could go off during transport, causing unnecessary complications and potentially draining the battery.
Make Sure Tires are Fully Inflated
Make sure that all tires are fully inflated. Tires can deflate over the course of the journey, making the vehicle undrivable upon arrival. Properly inflated tires ensure that your vehicle can be easily moved when it reaches its destination.
Reduce Fuel Level to 1/8 of a Tank
Carriers limit the amount of fuel permitted in the vehicle for safety reasons.
Document Mechanical Problems
If there are any special instructions required to operate the vehicle, be sure to provide them to the shipping company.
Resolve or Report Leaks
Leaks can cause damage to your car or to other vehicles if it is in a shared container, so be sure to fix any leaks or advise the shipping company so the automobile can be stored properly.
Secure Convertible Tops
Make sure convertible tops are in good repair and secure them as tightly as possible to avoid issues if there are climate changes or other extreme environmental conditions during shipping.
Prepare Vehicle for the Climate at the Destination
To ensure your vehicle remains in its best operating condition, your car should be prepared with engine oil, coolant, and other fluids appropriate for its destination.
Conclusion
By following these tips and talking to the experts in car shipping at World Cargo, you will be assured a safer and smoother experience from door-to-door. You should also speak to your automobile insurance agency as well as a World Cargo representative to make sure that you have the right coverage to protect this valuable investment.
