Make sure you do your research before shipping a car abroad

If you are facing the possibility of having to move to another country outside of the UK for work, are planning on relocating for business or family reasons, or just intend to spend a few years soaking up another culture and perhaps escaping from the British weather, then you’ll have a lot to organise. Relocating to another country can involve finding a new home, a new business venture, a new job, new friends, adapting to a new culture and often, getting used to new foods.

One of the first things you will want to start considering, however, is which possessions you are going to take with you. If you’re planning a permanent move, then you might well be considering taking your vehicle with you, and if this is the case then one of the first things you’ll want to do is find a professional shipping company that has plenty of experience of moving vehicles around the world. It’s a specialist job and you will want to ensure that the team you hand your vehicle over to will be capable of delivering it to your new home safely.

One of the first things that will need to happen as part of the shipping process is that the vehicle will need to be thoroughly cleaned and prepared for transportation. Regardless of whether it is going to be shipped using a shared or sole use container, or is to be transported within the enclosed car deck of an ocean-going ferry, the car will be inspected by customs and having a clean and tidy vehicle will make the inspector’s job much easier.

When it comes to the actual process of shipping the vehicle, it will be driven into its container and once inside, secured using a variety of methods. Straps will keep the car pinned to the floor, while blocks by the wheels will also be used to prevent it rolling anywhere.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, having the right paperwork is critical when you are looking to ship a car to another country, and once again, this is where hiring the services of a professional shipping company will prove to be invaluable. The actual shipping process for your car will depend on the size of the vehicle, your individual needs and of course, the destination that you’re heading to. The leading firms within the international relocation sector will be able to talk you through all of the different options available and help you decide which one suits your needs best.

And remember, when you’re looking for a company to help with your relocation, make sure you look for one that has been accredited by the industry’s main trade associations such as the British Association of Removers and FIDI, the International Furniture Movers Association.

About the Author: Charlotte is a freelance writer currently working with Excess International to help them reach new audiences online.

Image: Port of San Diego / Flickr