November 1st, 2011 | 
Author: There are many steps and procedures you must follow when you are hiring an auto transport company to move your car. By concentrating on what needs to be done, you will have a stress free experience.
Verify from the mover the type of insurance coverage the company has, and if there is uninsured amount. Carefully read the insurance policy and ask for a copy.
The mover ought to fill out a bill of lading. Sign the form only when you agree with the terms and conditions.
Have a cashier’s prepayment or deposit check which you will give to the mover on the pickup date. This is essential because some companies prefer to be paid at the office. So make sure you are aware of how payment will be made in advance.
Request a pickup and delivery time estimate. Try to put every agreement, including the benefits you will get if the agreements are broken, in writing. Because once your car reaches its destination, you will need them to pick up your car.
If you are shipping your vehicle to another country, in order to pick up the vehicle you will be required to pay duties and fees at the customs. The amount is not static, it varies from country to country, but your shipping company will assist you by updating you on the expected amount to pay.
Also in respect of customs duty, contact the embassy or local consulate of the country where the car will be sent. Inquire from them about special rules (duty and taxes), restrictions or charges which may be incurred when the car reaches their destination. It is a good idea to check on this because certain countries do not allow the importation of some cars. You might be required to pay some fees for this service. You are required to check if door-to-door delivery is permitted and if not, how much they are going to charge you every day your car parks at the port. You may also need to present some personal documents such as international passport or international driver’s license so as to be allowed to drive your car out of the customs.
International car shipping or moving your car across the ocean could be very tiresome and complicated especially if you are a starter. You require a lot of paperwork. Apart from the shipping cost, you will be expected to make additional expenses. In some countries you will be required to pay VAT and custom import duties. If your car is over 20 years old, in some countries, you may not pay VAT. In some places, certain luxury and newer cars may be charged up to 40 percent of the cost price of the vehicle in import taxes.
Furthermore, depending on the shippers, some may like to transport cars that are not in good conditions and while some don’t. But it is necessary the owner to informs the shippers about the status of the car before handing it over to them. Some transport companies requires the presence of the authorized person at the pickup and delivery location, and they require that the owner should go for a thorough inspection and then sign off that he\she has received the car in good conditions. Keep in mind that you will save some money, and time if your car is delivered to you at the terminals.
These are the essential tips that will be useful to you when you are moving your car across an ocean.
Posted in San Bernardino