In 2022, Australia was considered the 9th largest car importer in the world, with a value of $20.8 billion in imported cars.
If you’re also considering importing a car from another country, you must consider all the challenges and prepare appropriately to face them all.
So, let’s know it all here!
Challenges
1. Customs & Import Regulations
Each country has its own rules and regulations while shipping vehicles internationally. They all have different processes and paperwork. If you don’t pay attention to the details of these procedures, hefty fines might be awaiting.
It’s similar to crossing borders with passports. You have to ensure you have all the necessary stamps to avoid complications later.
2. Cost & Budgeting Concerns
International vehicle shipping involves global logistics. You need to consider shipping rates, import duties, insurance, and taxes. You must also enquire about potential charges on the way.
3. Transit Times & Scheduling
Overseas vehicle shipping schedules can be unpredictable. Issues may arise due to political factors, congestion in ports, accidents, and bad weather. Delays can further lead to additional expenses.
Even if your shipping partner promises to ship your vehicle by a set time, it can often take longer.
4. Vehicle Safety & Compliance
You also need to have a guarantee that your vehicle follows all international regulations. It must also meet all standards and safety requirements to make it eligible to drive in the destination locality.
5. Damage
Vehicles are prone to theft and damage during transport, especially if the route includes high-risk zones.
Tips to Mitigate Challenges
1. Connect with a reliable shipping company
Select a highly reputable company that offers door-to-door worldwide vehicle shipping. They must be able to import car from New Zealand to Australia and other routes.
They must be able to not only offer quality and safe shipping but also guide you through the shipping process. A trustworthy company will also notify you of any necessary permits that you need to gather before the actual shipping.
2. Select a shipping method
You can ship your vehicles through two methods:
Roll-on-Roll-off (RoRo)
It’s budget-friendly, and the loading-unloading process is quick. However, it exposes your vehicle to weather and is restricted to drivable vehicles.
Container Shipping
It’s suitable for all vehicles and offers extra protection from weather, theft, and damage. However, it’s much more expensive, and loading-unloading is time-consuming.
Seek a quote for each and decide based on your budget and needs.
3. Get the right insurance
While moving your vehicle overseas, it’s best to get a full-coverage insurance. Ask the chosen shipping company about their insurance plans.
You can even ask them for recommended insurance options to protect your vehicle better. It’ll help you out financially if anything happens to your car while shipping.
However, don’t blindly follow everything suggested. Instead, study all the details and specifics, like the coverage extent, before you choose coverage and compare it with other options.
This ensures you’re aware of all the measures and benefits of coverage and have peace of mind.
4. Undertake all documentation
A reliable shipping partner will provide you with most of the documentation details. However, you must also ensure you’re prepared with the following:
- Original vehicle title and registration documents
- All completed customs forms are ready to be submitted immediately
- A valid photo identification form like a driver’s license or passport
- A bill of lading that mentions the shipment details and is required for international shipping
- Copies of the insurance policy
- A notarized letter of authorization if you let anyone else handle the shipping methods on your behalf.
5. Double-check all vehicle details
One of the most common mistakes by vehicle owners is not providing the right details about the vehicle. This often leads to mistakes and damages during transportation. So, cross-check whether all the forms you’ve filled out have the correct vehicle details.
6. Prepare the vehicle before shipping
To ensure the shipping process works smoothly, you must undertake these steps.
- If this is a used car, remove all personal belongings from it. Otherwise, you risk losing or damaging your belongings.
- Take a good look at the car and shoot a video to document the existing vehicle’s condition. If there’s any damage during shipping, you can refer to this video.
- Check whether there are any loose parts and secure or remove them.
- Ensure the battery is properly charged and fluid levels are in the recommended range before the journey.
Conclusion
International vehicle shipping is full of challenges. However, if you follow all the mentioned tips meticulously, you’ll drastically reduce the challenges and ensure safe shipping of your imported car!
