Should You Ship Your Car on Your Study Abroad?
If you're studying abroad soon, the question of whether to ship your car to your destination has probably come up. After all, transporting your vehicle overseas is a significant expense. But is it worth it?
There are certainly pros and cons to consider when shipping your car on your study adventure abroad. The benefits listed down below should help you determine if shipping your car overseas is best for you.
What are the Benefits of Shipping Your Car Abroad?
1. You can save money
Shipping your car to an international location is a considerable expense. However, it can save you money in the long run. If you're overseas for an extended amount of time, this option could work out as a cheaper alternative than constantly taking taxis or buses to get around.
2. You can save time
Another benefit of shipping your car and having it with you is that it saves time. Trying to get a bus, train, or cab from one location to another can be time-consuming. However, if you have a car with you, you save yourself the hassle of finding a ride whenever you need to go somewhere.
3. Having a car gives you freedom
Lastly, there's the freedom that comes with having your car. You won't have to worry about foreign public transportation options or getting a ride from others whenever you need to go somewhere. Thus, you'll have greater flexibility with daily transportation and traveling.
What are the Disadvantages of Shipping Your Car Abroad?
- It can get expensive
Shipping your car isn't cheap. You'll need to pay for the services of a car shipping company, insurance, and possibly taxes in your new location. All these fees may add up to more than you bargained for.
- It can prove to be a hassle
Another downside of shipping your car is that arranging a shipment takes a considerable amount of time and effort. You must search for reputable, affordable car shipping companies. There's also the matter of completing all the necessary paperwork. And lastly, if you're indisposed because of classes, you need to arrange for someone to pick up your vehicle from the drop-off point and drive it to where you're living.
- Shipping time can take months
Lastly, keep in mind that it can take months for your car to arrive at your new home abroad. Thus, if you're studying abroad for a short amount of time and need to be mobile, shipping your car may not be the best option for you.
What are the Shipping Methods for Transporting a Car Overseas?
If you're keen on shipping your car abroad, you have two options. These are:
Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO)
The RORO method is the most cost-effective way to transport a vehicle from one country to another. Your automobile is driven onto the deck of a ship and fastened with straps, clamps, and other specialized gear. However, keep in mind that your car will be exposed to the weather elements with this method.
Shipping Container
The preferred method of transporting automobiles is to ship them in a shipping container. It's more expensive than RORO, but it's considerably safer. Your car will travel safely and securely inside a metal container to its destination.
Depending on the shipping method you pick, your four-wheeler will be placed in a container with other automobiles bound for the same destination port. On the other hand, sole container transportation implies that your machine will be transported in a single box, resulting in an accelerated arrival time. However, this kind of convenience comes with a hefty price tag.
How to Find a Suitable International Car Shipping Company
When you're shipping your car overseas, you'll need a dependable auto shipping firm that can arrange port-to-port transport. If you are moving overseas, you'll need the assistance of a professional automobile transport firm. Here are some tips on how to find the best car shipping companies:
- Request a quote for car shipping services.
- Ask about the company's customs clearance experience.
- Check out the company's reviews online.
- Get ready to complete a lot of paperwork.
- Prepare your car for its international relocation by following the vehicle shipping company's instructions.
Often, such instructions will involve cleaning out your car and making sure it's in good running condition.
The Bottom Line: Should You Ship Your Car When You Study Abroad?
If you are studying abroad for a short time, and you don't have family or friends who can help drive you around from one place to another, shipping your car is an option worth considering. You will save both time and money and experience more freedom going from one place to another.
However, it's essential to carefully evaluate your circumstances to determine if overseas car shipping is the best choice for you.
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