How to ship a car internationally - Expat relocation

[@dollydots17]

Thank you

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

@@dollydots17 you are welcome

[@k.musitano4754]

Very helpful infos thanks

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

You are welcome.

[@lawrence.centinales]

thank you for explaining this im thinking of transferring some of my cars in the us to the philippines its still kind of confusing but this helped a lot

[@solijay15]

Great video. You mentioned the container must be locked with a seal all the way to destination. Are there chances the container must be inspected before it arrives at destination?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

No, that's the purpose of the containers, they are closed at origin and only opened at the destination. After 9 moves I never had the container open when I wasn't there.

[@georginovakov3281]

Thank you, Mario! It would be interesting to see what they reply to you.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

You are most welcome Georgi.

[@chriskrugel2035]

How did you disconnect the battery on the BMW x3? Then how do you enter the rear door to connect the battery again?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

The battery in the BMW X3 is in the back. So, you just need to open the hatch and the cover is right there.

[@zhen-yuanli1097]

That’s super helpful, thanks! Have you ran into any rusting and molding issues through all these shippings?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

No, but ny cars are new and container are dry.

[@samuelmunoz3422]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller Can you do a video on International car shipping insurance?

[@Robert-mz9hi]

I would like to ship my 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck to Italy from North Carolina. Do you know how much will it cost?!

[@Eckooo2012]

Any recommendations to ship a car from Seattle wa to mexico? Thanks.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Depends where in Mexico; if you are close to the ocean, I would use a 20-footer container or if it is on the west coast, I would hire a driver. It is becoming a standard service in Canada for Snow Birds to have their car or RV driven to Florida and back while the people just fly.

[@jaylawrence6904]

What if I'm moving from west coast to the east coast and I don't fully own the car can I export onside the united states to move with my furniture?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Yes. That’s not a problem as you are not exporting the car out of the country and the federal laws are the same

[@WellRigged]

Mario, thanks for the excellent information. I'm a returning resident and I want to ship my classic Land Cruiser back to Canada from Benin, West Africa . Two questions: 1. What customs broker do you recommend to receive your vehicle in Canada? 2. Can brokers arange a warehouse facility where I can unload my car and personal effects an personally drive it home?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello, I left Canada almost 12 years ago, so I don't know any brokers personally anymore. But, the major ones like Team Allied would be able to store your goods and car at their warehouse until you can take possession. But, know that it will cost you storage and double manipulation. Move from the container to the warehouse and then from the warehouse to your residence. I just had to do it in New York in October, and it was 1,065 USD per month and 1,500 USD for the additional move. You are better off being there when the container arrive and offloading at your house directly. IF you can.

[@WellRigged]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller I see, so is it possible for me to go and unload the vehicle and my belongings directly a the port? I was not sure if ports allowed people to unload on their premises.

[@LionMR107]

Hello How to do my turkish car Through to USA want to there go?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean. But, if you want to take your Turkish made car to the US. Make sure it is legal to do it and that you can plate it and get parts. Unless it is alright popular in the US.

[@MrBojo-jv4qq]

This is good information. I tried calling some big container companies who said they don't deal with ship transport of personal nature, only commercial. Is using a freight forwarding company a must, or a private person can call the container company directly such as Hayypag LLoyd or someone like that, and order a container, load it themselves and pay a truck driver to take it to a rail terminal. From Toronto they send it to Montreal to be loaded to the ship. Or is freight forwarding company the only way, maybe because they have some license from government to load and deal with ship transport companies?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Most ship will not take private customers because of the logistic implications. Freight forwading will have software to track goods, deal with truckers etc... And more importantly, procedures and insurance.

[@georginovakov3281]

Mario, thanks so much again for sharing this first person view invaluable insight! I am not planning to share a container as I believe, and this is what they told me, the 40 footer would fit well our two not big vehicles plus not a big amount of household personals, likely about 500 kg, no furniture. I am at the start of this dril and trying to "learn the ropes" and do the homework first. So far, I have seen two issues and am still unsure how I will overcome them. 1. Practically I have not found yet a trustworthy shipper/company with good reviews. Would you have suggestions? 2. I have spoken on the phone with "Schumacher Logistics" and with "Shipoverseas", both with very mediocre reputations. The first ones are telling me that there is no other way but leaving the vehicles at their warehouse and they will load them when they can (after indefinite amount of time) and that I am not allowed during the loading "for safety reasons". The second ones are telling me almost the same thing - I must leave the vehicles at their warehouse in Houston (we live in Dallas) but if I want to participate and oversee the loading into the container, I need to make a second trip to Houston, when they tell me they are ready. Which and what shippers would allow you to be there and oversee the process, and coordinate with you how to bring the vehicles on a day when they will be loaded and moreover lock the container yourself? Is this container dependent? I don't have a container. P.S. Thank you for the insurance reminder! Yes, that is extremely important and I am aware.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

I just fired an email to a shipper I know in New York. They have offices all over the US. Let me see what the rules are in the US when you export a car from your house. I sold my 2011 BMW X3 in NY before I moved out, so I didn't export a car from the US, yet. When I bought my BMW X3 M40i in Montreal, I drove it in the container myself and drove it out in Jamaica. So, it should be the same in the US. I'll revert when I have the reply.

[@starlightinternationaltv4435]

Can you import to Africa

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Of course, but Africa has 55 countries, so the laws and rules will change from one country to another.

[@r.p.4683]

I may be too late but regarding your battery problem, some BMW you have to log into the car computer when you change battery or else it will kill it (overcharging) within a year or 2

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Oh, so, I should have the battery disconnected before closing the container?

[@r.p.4683]

keep the battery connected but look into your computer setting if your model has a battery replacement setting, you can find many videos explaining how to do it. cheers@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller

[@mp247d]

Salut, as-tu des recommandations de companies dans la région de Montréal et réception à Amsterdam?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Salut, laisse-moi regarder pour Amsterdam. Je te reviens. J'ai ete a la Hagues, mais il y a 8 ans.

[@strictlyfilms7714]

Helpful, is it ok to ship my Truck to Japan to drive around ?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

You would have to check the law for temporary import, and I'm assuming your truck is left-hand drive? Jamaica and UK allows it. Not sure about Japan.

[@s0ushi.]

Can you ship from Trinidad to France or America?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Unless you have a left hand drive, you will not be allowed unless you have an exception and I know in the US that is onlyf for antique. In France, more likely, because you can have cars from the UK. But, you would have check the type of car and what is allowed.

[@s0ushi.]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller thank you

[@duhakalaagan130]

HI Mario how much did you spent shipping your BMW from Canada to Philippines? and taxes too.!

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello, sadly, that's not relevant anymore. The container with my car and household goods was 3,700 USD at the time. I just moved from Amman, Jordan to New York last month. It costed me 26,100 USD. The cost of traverse with container is off the chart at the moment. Insane is not even describing it.

[@duhakalaagan130]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller thnak you for the info.

[@tammylovable]

Hi Mario, Thanks for sharing this very valuable information. Do you know the steps to move a car from Jamaica to the U.S? The car was originally bought in the U.S and shipped to Jamaica but now I am moving to the U.S. and would like to take my car with me.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello Tammy. I moved my car from Jamaica to Jordan to the US and then to Canada. So, you can do it easier. You will need a lot of stamps, though. I think it was 5 of them from the DFA, to Customs, Bureau of Finance etc... You will need a customs broker for that as it is a lot of legwork. I think now they are all in the same building, but with Soon Come... Maybe not. For the US, that's not a problem as the car will be US spec and you bought it there.

[@tammylovable]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller Thank you so much for this information and for your prompt response.

[@ryana.d2710]

Mario, From USA to Honduras as a US citizen visiting honduras for vacation less than 90 days. My shipper is advising I can ship with authorization letter via my financial institution and certified/notarized copy of title (physical). Are you familiar with this? Also, the shipper said “We need as much information/reasoning for shipping” What is the best reason to provide to customs? (to prevent denial)

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello Ryan, here I see three potential problems that you might want to think about and a solution you might not like. 1. Customs in Honduras is your key here. This is where you need to make 100 % sure that you can release your car from the port of entry. Likely, engine #, serial number and likely proof that you will re-export the car. And most important, you had the right to export it from the US. And that's your titles. 2. If you have to get something from your bank, that is likely because your car is not paid in full? If that is the case and they agree for you to export it. You need to make sure that the paperwork will be accepted by customs at the destination. Personally, I always pay my cars "cash", so I never had to do that. But, if you have a house or other assets in the US and they are okay with it. It should be okay. 3. Check the price to export and re-import that car. It might not be worth it unless you really need THAT car in Honduras. 4. Do what I did in France while I was waiting for BMW to deliver my new SUV. Buy a used car and resell it or go play in the sand pit with it when you don't need it anymore. I hope that helps.

[@kolehollis5852]

What if you don't have a license plate yet because it's a car that you just bought? Do you just wait to get your license plate in that country and then ship it and replace it with a license plate you get in the new country that you shipped it to?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello, you have 2 options in that case at origin, and I have used both. You can tow the car to the port or where it will be loading in the container or what I normally do, get a "transit sticker" that allow you to drive from the dealer for 10 days until you ship the car. I did it in the US and Canada. So, at destination until you get your plate (if they have that option)

[@bangster1869]

i know this is a video that was made one year ago but how do i start the process of exporting the vehicle to another country is their a website that i can use to get in contact with the port.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

No, you will have to check with the country to want to export from and the country you need to import to. That is why I recommend using a broker as it is really complex.

[@AntoineGrondin]

As I'm doing more research on this (US to S. Korea for us), I'm getting quotes all over the place. It seems like some quotes have multiple services bundled with the transport while others are more a "we just ship". When asking for a quote, I had a shipper ask me if I had obtained permission to import from the Korean customs as a prerequisite step - I hadn't and didn't know it was a thing. Some transporters provide insurance, some don't: can this be purchased separately? Some transporters help with the custom export/import, some don't: do you hire someone else to handle this part? I'm utterly confused about the bureaucracy involved.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello Antoine. I understand that it can be confusing and to make it worse the rules might change from one country to the next and a broker in the US might not have contacts or know the rules in South Korea. First, I suggest that you contact a custom broker in South Korea and since if a US spec car with the specs you have (gas, diesel, electric etc.. year and model) are allowed for import. If yes, then, you can look for a quote excluding custom clearance. Also, quotes can vary a LOT depending on the service provided and the risk for them. If the company has agents at the destination and are use to do business in S. Korea, it would be cheaper. I have seen household goods + car quotes from 7,000$ to 26,000$ for the same move. With agent estimating 30 days to 90 days for the move and 33 to 50 CBM. That’s why you need a lot of quotes and to be careful.

[@Birkullanci]

I would like to ship my mercedes maybach to turkey, any information regarding turkish laws ?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Sorry, I don't know that much about Turkish importation law and considering the price of a Maybach, you should check with a law importer.

[@mattpackwood6737]

My electric car doesn't have an engine. The only number I am aware of is the VIN number. Will that do ?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

I'm sure they have a plan for that. As I have never done it. All I can say is, ask at least 2 brokers and customs if you can.

[@DeanDecoursey]

I have a house in Thailand, lived there for 5 years (2003-2008) and intend to take my car with me when I retire to there in 2 years. Until I learned that in 2019, Thailand banned the import of all used cars. I will sell my meticulously maintained car when I move unless anyone knows how to get around this law.

[@georginovakov3281]

Mario, thanks very much! Very informative and details oriented presentation! I am to prepare the move of two vehicles and some boxes with personal items from the port of Houston in Texas, across the Atlantic. First, I am having a very hard time to find a company with acceptable reviews. 99% of them can't pass the 4.00 mark. Secondly - there is one thing which is very important probably and which I can't understand so far. These big and low rating companies are telling me that either they will transport my vehicles to their warehouse or I can bring them and then the vehicles will be waiting there for days before being loaded into a container. They will load them after days of sitting there and I am not allowed to be there at the time of loading. There are certain things that I am unwilling to entrust to people who are likely not mechanics - such as disconnecting properly the batteries, insulating the terminals, etc. And you are talking about yourself locking and sealing the container. Could you explain how that works? Thank you!

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

It was my pleasure. I see two concerns you have, if there are more, let me know. First, having to leave your vehicles with the shipper. Are you sharing the container? If you don't, you can tell them that you will bring the vehicles when they have secured and taken the container to their warehouse and that you will personally drive them in. 90 % of the time, I'm the one loading (driving) and overseeing the securing of my car. Only once that the customs needed the car for "export inspection" BS, and I had to leave it at the port and they loaded it. Not likely in the US. The problem is that your insurance will stop covering you the minute the car is exported, so you need to have Class A insurance for your container if you want everything covered. Now, for the sealing. They are likely metal tie-wraps. If you are there to load your stuff, you will be there to close the door, place the seal on the doors like you would a padlock and take a photo of the seal and the number. PS: Normally, the "preparation" of the car is nothing. I don't even cover it, I will just watch it at arrival. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@1Superbandit]

Hello, this is very informative. I’m looking at moving lots of furniture and two cars to australia from the UK. I’m from the UK but my wife is from Australia. The cars are registered in my name, but we both drive them, do you think this would therefore be classified as taxable as I’m the registered owner and not my wife who is technically returning back to her home country?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Sorry for the late reply. Well, it would depend on your status (retired, expat returning etc..) the year of the cars etc... Just contact an international mover in the UK and they will tell you. I don't know all the rules and excepts.

[@mattpackwood6737]

Which brokers do you recommend at Los Angeles/ Long Beach California port who can handle everything. I will provide my own transportation directly to the port of departure.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

I don't know anyone in Vegas. If you take your own stuff at the port, make sure you have the proper authorizations. A lot of ports don't even allow regular truckers to pick up containers.

[@naturegirlbb100]

Any recommendation to ship a car from Montreal, QC to Ghana, West Africa?. Thank you very much.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

I’m in Montréal at the moment, I’ll check on Monday and revert

[@josmary1359]

Any recommendations on shipping a 2006 toyota corrolla and a 2011 4 wheel drive to Missouri?

[@michaelhildebrand415]

Great video I’m trying to export my car from the Philippines to Mexico or Canada do you know any company that does this

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello, yes I do. When I moved out of Manila I used CarePAC. They were really good.

[@samirakhanfar4465]

Hi how can I export a car to Chile can you give me information and what is the roles

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Normally, I use IAM, they are up-to-date with the information. Here is the link for Chile. www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3487

[@AntoineGrondin]

Can you export a car with a lien on the title if the lien holder agrees in writing with the export? E.g. if my car loan bank gives me authorization to export my car and ship it.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

I have never done it. But, it would stay to reason that you can if you have the authorization of the financial institution. I know that many banks have branches worldwide and are likely to exercise their rights abroad. I'm assuming that they might be careful as to where you are exporting the car. But, you can ask.

[@AntoineGrondin]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller I asked yesterday and the bank seemed willing (the loan is with US Bank), from California to South Korea. But I'm just in the research phase so it remains to be seem if everyone along the road will cooperate with this plan.

[@janie4705]

🇨🇦 J'aimerais envoyer mon auto du Québec en Israël. As-tu une compagnie à recommander? L'as-tu déjà fait? Merci!

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Je l'ai fait de Montréal à Amman, Jordanie, avec Jordanian Coast. Tu peux envoyer un courriel à Kristine Alvar à [e-mail]. Je sais qu'ils ont un bureau à Tel-Aviv et ils sont bons.

[@tanertuan1015]

Hi, im going back to the philippines from vancouver canada to retire and im bringing my car and motorcycle with me, any tips and any recommendation for the shipping company that i should use? Thanks

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello, first, unless the laws have changed you can't bring your used motorcycle with you. I lost my wife's scooter there. The car, we had no problem taking it in. But, after a year and 4,000$ in storage fees, we abandoned the scooter instead of paying them. The law said that you couldn't bring a used motorcycle. It had 260 km on it and that was considered used for them. I used Carepak in Manila, they were great in and out of the country. My other advance is; go with them to the port, DFA and Finance Department to get your paperwork. It will be faster, it will save you fees and if there are any problems, you will be able to fix it there. They like foreigners, especially Canadians. Good luck my friend.

[@mattpackwood6737]

Great video. They will only ship electric cars in a container. Ro-Ro is not allowed. Also, I was planning on shipping my electric car with an 8ft covered container in tow inside a 40 ft container. Since I won't be shipping many household goods I figured a small trailer would work fine and would not involve unpacking and repacking at the arrival port. After the required customs and other formalities, I could just drive it away. Are there any problems with a trailer ?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Trailer depending the country can be easy or impossible. In Jordan, it was not allow. Actually, you needed a premit as a "professional" driver to even have a hatch. You really need to check with customs. Where are you shipping it?

[@mattpackwood6737]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller Final destination Odesa, Ukraine via the port of Constanta Romania.

[@Top_g80comp]

$1400 for battery replacement 😂😂😂😂……. You got clubbed 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

That's the price to pay when you have a new BMW M series in a country with huge import taxes.

[@Top_g80comp]

⁠you have m40 not a real M car nothing special about it 😂…. Nowhere in the world a car battery costs $1400 . On my old f10 m5 my battery replacement cost is $250 for AGM from the dealer . I will call today and check how much is the battery for my g80 and will let you know. 😄

[@samuelsmith5773]

?? CLASS A? Your other video said you always use Class C.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

If you only have a car, I would use Class A, because any accident is likely to cost a lot. If you have your household goods only, Class C and both, normally, I will go with Class C because the different is still huge because I have to pay extra to have my stuff packed.