Transporting an Auto Overseas: Shipping Options
When you are shipping an auto overseas, the transport services company will offer a few different shipping options. The three main options are container service, RORO (Roll on/roll off), and shared container service. Read on to learn more about these transport services options so you can decide which is going to be best for your particular needs:
Container Service
If your vehicle is an expensive model, or if you are also planning on shipping other personal belongings with your auto, container service is a good option. It is also the option you will need to choose if your auto is not in running condition. This is the safest option, because everything is inside a shipping container, and tied down/restrained to keep things from moving around inside the container.
Keep in mind that if you are shipping personal items along with your auto, you will need to make sure that they fit into a two cubic meter space. If you need more space, you will have to pay an additional fee for restraining the additional items. You may also not have any personal items on the driver's seat of the auto, as it needs to be empty for loading and unloading from the container.
Shared Container Service
If you choose shared container service, your auto will be shipped in a large container with other vehicles. Autos are stacked inside the container, and this is less expensive than using a regular container service. The only drawback is that if you want to ship personal items, they must all be inside the vehicle. You can't have any personal items outside the vehicle when you are using a shared container transport service. Just like with a container service, your vehicle does not have to be in running condition for shipping.
RORO
Roll on/roll off service doesn't involve the use of a container at all, and your vehicle must be in running condition for this transport services option. The auto is driven directly onto the vessel it is to be shipped on, and then secured inside the vessel so it doesn't come in contact with the elements. The auto must be drivable, but you don't necessarily need to have an up-to-date registration for this method of shipping. This is a riskier way to ship an auto, but it is also less expensive than using a container service. It is also the only option for vehicles that are too large to fit inside a container.
To learn more, contact a company such as Williams Crane Hire with any questions or concerns you have.