International Vehicle Shipping Tips

Prepping your vehicle

When preparing to ship your vehicle overseas, it is a good idea to remove any loose parts or specialty items. This includes such things as spoilers, fog lights, or mirrors. These items should be removed or secured properly in order to prepare for transport. Antennas should be removed if they are stationary, or lowered if they are power. You should have the radiator full of a good quality antifreeze mixture. This will prevent the problems caused by freezing water. Your gas tank should be only a quarter full, the more gas you have in your vehicle, the more weight you add for transport. Be sure your battery is completely secure and it is in good shape. The battery should be free of leaks and have ample space for fluid expansion during transit. If your vehicle has a convertible top that is damaged, the damage should be sealed or repaired before transport, this is in order to prevent any further damage by the air during the transit process. All alarm devices should be deactivated and the vehicle should be clean enough to allow an accurate inspection at pick up.

Protect your property

You absolutely need to list any damage that the vehicle already has and take pictures of it. Take good, clear pictures of the entire vehicle, inside and out. If possible, take it to an understanding mechanic and hoist it up and get some good pictures of the underside. You want to make sure you document everything. This way, if there is any damage done to the vehicle, you can prove it happened during the transit. Make sure the pictures you take are with a camera that adds a date to each picture. Without it, you won?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t have any usable evidence. Remember that auto shipping companies are not insured for transport of anything except for your vehicle. This means that you cannot pack your vehicle with your personal belongings, hoping to transport everything together. Your vehicle must be free and clear of personal belongings when it is inspected.