A guide to ship your car to the USA from overseas

So, you're thinking of shipping your old car to the USA? That's pretty cool! But let's be real: shipping a car across an ocean isn't as simple as tossing it in the back of a pickup truck. It's complicated and chaotic.

That's where international freight forwarders come in.

In this blog let's take a look at the process involved in shipping your car across the globe with help of a freight forwarder.

Break down for shipping your car overseas

A few of the vital criteria to be followed for a smooth move includes:

Preparing the Car for Shipment

First, prep your car:

Modifications:Depending on the country's regulations, you might need to make some modifications to your car before it can be shipped. This could include things like changing the headlights or the steering wheel.

Repairs: It's a good idea to give your car a thorough inspection before shipping. This will help prevent any unexpected problems during transportation.

Once you've got all that sorted, it's time to hand your car over to the reliable international freight forwarder. They'll take care of the rest, including arranging transportation, customs clearance, cargo insurance( read), and a lot more.

Finding the right freight forwarder

Choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial for a smooth shipping experience.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Experience: Look for a freight forwarder(click) with experience in shipping cars(for best rates click) from India to the U.S. This will ensure that they understand the specific requirements and challenges involved.
• Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who have used freight forwarders in the past.
• Insurance: Make sure your freight forwarder offers insurance coverage for your car during transit. This will protect you in case of any damage or loss.
• Communication: A good freight forwarder will keep you informed throughout the shipping process. They should be easy to reach and responsive to your questions.

Once you've narrowed down your options, it's time to get quotes:

• Contact multiple forwarders: Get quotes from at least three different companies. This will help you compare prices and services.
• Ask for details: Be sure to ask about all the fees and charges involved, including shipping costs, customs clearance fees, and insurance premiums.
• Compare services: Consider factors like the estimated shipping time, the type of transportation (e.g., sea, air), and any additional services offered by the freight forwarder.

With a little research, you can find a reputable freight forwarder that will help you ship your car safely and efficiently. (To know the benefits of using a freight forwarder read)

Shipping your car across the globe

So, you've found a great freight forwarder and your car is ready to go. Now it's time to choose the shipping method.

• Sea Freight:This is the most common and affordable option for shipping cars internationally. Your car will be loaded into a shipping container and transported by sea.
• Air Freight: This is the fastest option, but it's also the most expensive. It's usually only used for urgent shipments or high-value vehicles.
• Land Freight: This option is generally not used for shipping cars to the U.S. from India due to the distance involved. But it can be used to ship cars within the USA(Domestic shipping read)

When choosing a shipping method, consider the following:

• Cost: Sea shipping is typically the most affordable option, while air shipping is the most expensive.
• Time: Sea shipping can take several weeks, while air shipping can be completed in a matter of days.(Air freight vs Ocean freight)
• Risk: All shipping methods involve some risk of damage or loss. Make sure your freight forwarder offers cargo insurance coverage to protect your car.

Remember, your freight forwarder can help you choose the best shipping method for your needs. They'll be able to provide you with quotes and information on different options.

Understanding the import process

So, you've got your car ready to go and your freight forwarder hunting is also sorted out. Now it's time to tackle the import process. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds.

Here's a quick breakdown of what to expect:

• Shipping: Your freight forwarder will arrange for your car to be shipped from India to the U.S. This usually involves loading it into a shipping container and sending it by sea or air.
• Customs clearance: Once your car arrives in the U.S., it will need to go through customs clearance. This is where the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will inspect your car and make sure it complies with all import regulations.
• Documentation: Your freight forwarder will handle most of the documentation, but you might need to provide some additional information to the CBP.
• Delivery: After your car clears customs, your freight forwarder will be delivered to your chosen location in the U.S.

Your international freight forwarder will be your guide through this process. They'll handle all the paperwork, coordinate with the shipping company, and help you navigate any challenges that may arise.

Getting your car road-ready

Your car has finally arrived in the U.S.! Now it's time to get it ready for the open road.

First, the inspection:

• Pre-delivery inspection: Before you take possession of your car, you might want to have it inspected by a mechanic. This will help you identify any potential issues that might need to be addressed.
• Safety inspection: In most states, you'll need to have your car inspected for safety before you can register it. This inspection will ensure that your car meets all the necessary safety standards.

Next, the registration:

• Title transfer: You'll need to transfer the title of your car to the USA registration. This can be done through a title transfer service.
• Registration: Once you have the title, you can register your car with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You'll need to provide proof of ownership, insurance, and identification.
• Fees: Be prepared to pay some fees when you register your car. These fees will vary depending on your state.

Why choose Air7Seas?

Air7Seas is a great choice for shipping your car to the U.S. Here's why:

• Experience: They have 37+ years of experience in international shipping, including car transportation. They've successfully shipped over 20,000 cars by sea and 12,000 cars by air. That's a lot of happy customers!
• Network: Air7Seas has a strong network of partners around the world, ensuring that your car is handled with care.
• Services: They offer a wide range of services, including customs clearance, cargo insurance, and door-to-door delivery. They also offer RORO (Roll-on Roll-off) shipping, a popular method for transporting cars across the globe.
• Customer service: Air7Seas is known for its excellent customer service and competitive rates. They'll be there to answer your questions and address any concerns.

Plus, Air7Seas is also licensed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). They are also members of the JCTRAN, the Worldwide Customs Alliance (WCA), and thThe International Association of Movers(IAM), which adds more trust to their business.

By choosing Air7Seas as your freight forwarder, you can rest assured that your car will be in good hands. They'll take care of all the details, so you can focus on the more important things, like exploring the U.S. in your new ride. (Air7seas testimonial)

The verdict

Shipping your car to the U.S. from overseas can be a complex process, but it's definitely doable. With the help of a reputable freight forwarder, you can navigate the challenges and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Remember to prepare your car for shipment, find a reliable freight forwarder, and understand the import process. By following these steps, you'll be cruising down American roads in no time.