Easy, Hassle-free International Auto Transport
Exporting vehicles to international ports around the world has never been easier
. Because the United States has the worlds largest supply of used vehicles, wholesalers and dealers who buy used cars at auction have a significant opportunity to grow their sales and profits by exporting late-model cars and trucks to emerging, auto-hungry markets around the world. One of the keys to success, however, is choosing the right auto transport and logistics partner. Here are a few questions to ask to ensure easy, hassle-free international auto transport that meets your specific needs.1. What Destination Ports Are Available for Auto Transport?
There are over 200 nations around the globe, with 192 officially recognized as members of the United Nations. Does your auto transport and logistics provider ship to numerous popular ports or only selectively to a few? Who is responsible for processing the U.S. customs documents and is that included in the shipping cost? Is the party receiving the vehicle(s) knowledgeable about import regulations and costs? Asking a few strategic questions up front will go a long way in saving you valuable time and money later on.
2. Is Customer Service a Primary Concern?
The international auto transport and logistics partner you select should make international shipping trouble-free. While their primary responsibility is transporting your vehicles from the U.S. to a final faraway destination, many make an extra effort to be your one-stop domestic and international shipping resource. The best auto transport companies offer affordable inland truck transportation and, depending on location, an even more economical combination of truck and rail to transport vehicles to the nearest domestic port that services the international destination.
They also have knowledgeable representatives available to help inform you how to prepare vehicles for international shipment as well as keep you informed of important Homeland Security and Customs regulations at U.S. ports. If youre dealing with two or three different suppliers, it might be time to search for a one-stop partner.
3. On-Line Convenience Counts!
Does your international auto transport and logistics source offer instant, full-service quotes online? Do they make it convenient to book both domestic and international shipments? Do they also offer online payment options including credit card, ACH debit, business credit and third party billing to an auction or payment service? Time is money and if youre always anxiously waiting for phone calls or emails to arrive, its time to switch to a partner who has the convenient online resources.
4. Timing Is Everything!
Does your international auto transport and logistics source quote accurate shipping dates? Most auto shipping vessels have predetermined departure dates. Depending on factors such as (a) when vehicles are available for pick up; (b) their current location; (c) customs processing requirements; and (d) space available on the ship, it can be complicated process. Your auto transport company should work with you to provide the best options to meet your needs and provide accurate sailing dates.
5. Is Online Tracking Available?
Customer-focused auto transport and logistics partners offer convenient, easy-to-use online tracking tools. Most allow you to track your shipment by VIN, shipment, and order number. If your current resource doesnt offer 24/7 on-line tracking, it might be a sign theyre also out-of-step with the latest advancements in logistics and scheduling technology.
6. How You Get There Is Important!
Make sure your resource offers roll on, roll off (RoRo) shipping.Shipping vehicles on a RoRo vessel is the safest and easiest way to ship vehicles overseas. Vehicles are less prone to damage compared to vehicles stuffed inside cargo containers. Vehicles are carefully driven onto the RoRo vessel and secured with wheel straps and chocks. They are stored under deck where they stay clean and dry without exposure to salt water or extreme weather conditions. Rolling a vehicle on-board and then off at its destination also reduces the number of times the vehicle is handled, and further reduces the chance for damage.
7. Insure to Ensure!
By Maritime Law, steamship companies are limited to a liability of no more than $500 per vehicle. Ask your international auto transport company if they offer cargo insurance options. A full coverage policy replaces the cost of the car, dents, scratches and shipping costs. A total loss policy, while less expensive, replaces only the value of the car. Cargo insurance of up to 150 percent of Kelley Blue Book value is very affordable. Ask your current international auto transport resource if they offer a variety of insurance options to ensure the peace-of-mind protection you want and need.
If you are a wholesaler or dealer who already buys used cars at auction, do the math. How much can you increase your sales and profits by exporting late-model cars and trucks to emerging, auto-hungry markets around the world? Its never been easier, as long as you choose the right international auto transport and logistics partner.
by: Wally Koster