In 2023, New Zealand exported vehicles (except rolling stock), parts, and accessories worth NZD 496,687 thousand. The country has shipped huge volumes of vehicles globally.
However, shipping your car internationally is still overwhelming, whether it’s brand new or a used car. After all, you don’t want your investment to get damaged during the transport. From scratches to rough handling, the process involves various risks.
If you’re also concerned about international car shipping, here are the top tips to ensure complete vehicle safety!
1. Research and pick a reliable shipping company
Let’s be clear: not all shipping companies are as committed to safely shipping cars to owners. So, make sure you research and partner with a reliable, global company that has great experience in shipping car from New Zealand to Australia.
They must take care of most of the processes and offer door-to-door shipping with a fixed price. They must offer you complete security for smooth shipping.
Look them up online and ensure they have positive reviews and meet all global vehicle shipping standards. This ensures that they are updated with all rules and regulations of car shipping and will take necessary care to avoid damages.
They must also practice complete transparency about expenses and offer insurance for the shipping process.
2. Ensure a safe shipping method
There are different vehicle shipping methods. Speak to your chosen vehicle shipping company and discuss the best method according to your budget, time constraints, and other needs. Let’s know about the options here!
Container Shipping
In this, your car is placed inside a sealed shipping container and then loaded on a cargo ship. This protects your car from weather elements and damage and offers great security.
However, this is far more expensive than the alternative, especially due to additional container handling, extra protection, and loading and unloading processes. The processing time is far longer, and not all ports are equipped to deal with huge containers.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
In this shipping method, your car is loaded and secured on a special vessel for vehicle transportation. This is cost-effective and straightforward. As there’s no additional container arrangement, the loading and unloading process is much faster.
Every port has the option for RoRo shipping, which ensures quicker delivery, making it a popular choice among many.
3. Take out all accessories and belongings
Don’t ship your car with personal belongings or accessories in them. Take out all loose items from within. Otherwise, when the car shifts during shipping, there might be internal damage to your car.
Especially remove valuables, including stereo systems, GPS devices, and custom accessories like roof racks.
You don’t know what kind of people will be around your car throughout the shipping process. If suspicious people notice these items, they might try to break into the car to steal them. Thus, you’ll not only lose your belongings but also get your car damaged.
Emptying your car also reduces its weight and the stress on its suspension system.
4. Prepare the car for shipping
Before shipping your car, you must properly prepare it to prevent any accidents. Some important steps are:
Clean the car
Thoroughly clean your car – both the interior and exterior. This will help you identify damages early on, and shippers will even be careful if they see a well-managed car.
Check all fluid levels
Ensure your engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant are at the proper levels. If you’re uncertain at what levels they must be in, speak to the shipping company. In addition, ensure there are no leaks, as it might damage your car or other vehicles nearby.
Shipping companies also recommend lowering the fuel to up to only a quarter. This reduces the risk of fire hazards and also the car’s overall weight.
Disable alarms
If the car has security alarms, disable them. If they are detachable, get them off. Otherwise, the alarm might accidentally go off during shipping. The constant noise of security alarms can make the staff unmindful, leading to increased damage risks.
5. Document the car’s condition
The last step before handing over your car to the shipping partner is to document it thoroughly. This will help identify damages and claim insurance coverage.
Take high-resolution pictures and videos of your car from several angles, including close-ups of existing damages and all delicate areas. A reputable company will also document the car’s condition when received.
Conclusion
Shipping your car internationally is a daunting task. However, if you embrace these tips, you can rest assured about your vehicle’s safety. So, connect with the right shipping company and get yours delivered now!