Thousands of vehicles are shipped across the country or across the world every year, and it can be a very cost-effective way to get a vehicle from point to point without the liability, wear, and cost that driving it to the destination would entail. Whether you operate an automotive business that is transporting its inventory, or you are an individual who is traveling and needs a vehicle relocated, the vehicle shipping logistics are similar.
Vehicle Shipping Logistics for Domestic Travel
In most cases, vehicles that are shipped from state to state or across the country are typically shipped by truck using open carriers. Each carrier can transport multiple vehicles, and because there are far more open carriers than closed carriers, it tends to be the most cost-effective method for long-distance vehicle shipping.
Closed carriers offer more protection for the vehicle, shielding it from the elements and road debris, but they carry fewer cars and the costs are significantly higher. Often only high-end or luxury vehicles are transported in closed carriers. Trains are another shipping option, though they are used less often.
How Long Will Domestic Shipping Take?
Scheduling a pickup will typically take about five days, and transit time is usually about one day for every 150 miles that the vehicle is transported. So, for a 600-mile trip, you can expect the process to take a total of about nine days, while a 1500-mile trip can take up to 15 days. Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible, or at least two weeks.
What Documents are Needed?
A bill of lading will be required for domestic vehicle shipments, as well as shipping insurance, and the carrier may require copies of paperwork like the title, registration, and vehicle insurance.
Vehicle Shipping Logistics for International Destinations
Shipping a vehicle internationally can be done in one of several ways. For nearby countries like Canada or those in Central and South America, truck shipping may be used with open or closed carriers. This is the most cost-effective international shipping method, and it is often used by vehicle manufacturers.
For overseas destinations, there are three options. Roll-on, roll-off shipping allows the vehicle to be driven onto an ocean-going vessel and driven off at the destination. There is more risk of damage with this option, as the vehicle must be moved several times.
For a safer transport option, a vehicle can be shipped by sea in a container. The vehicle is secured inside the container and loaded like any other freight onto a container ship. This method is more expensive, but it offers greater protection for the vehicle, and multiple vehicles can be shipped in a single container.
When the vehicle must reach its destination as quickly as possible, air freight is an option. It is extremely cost-prohibitive, but transit times can be reduced from several weeks to several days.
How Long Does International Shipping Take?
It can take up to a week to arrange a pickup or drop-off for the vehicle, and once it is loaded, transit times can take anywhere from a week to 60 days, depending on the destination and shipping conditions. Then, the vehicle must be processed through customs, which can add a few days to several weeks to the total transit time.
What Documents are Needed?
In addition to documents like the bill of lading and ownership documents, there may be customs forms to fill out, tax forms, fees, and more. It depends on the nature of the shipment. A car for personal use may not need as many forms, while a vehicle that has been purchased elsewhere and imported may require extensive documentation.
Vehicle Shipping Logistics for Customers in the Las Vegas Area
When you need an expert to help with shipping a vehicle across the country or across the world, turn to our team at AMR Group. We offer both domestic and international shipping, and we feature an international network of freight forwarders for convenient, zero-fail shipping to over 60 countries worldwide. We are one of the leading shipping and logistics companies in Las Vegas, and we offer complete shipping services, from air freight and ground freight to FTL and LTL shipping, sea freight, container shipping, and more.
Call AMR Group today at 702-800-6385 or contact us online to request your custom shipping rate in the Las Vegas area.