Vehicle FAQ's

Can any company offer the public Ocean and Air Shipping Services? 

No.  Ocean exports are regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and every company offering ocean shipping must be licensed by the FMC and have a bond in place.
Air Cargo is regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.), The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) among others.

We are a NVOCC and Ocean Freight Forwarder and we are licensed and bonded as required by the FMC.   Our airfreight partner’s and associates are an Indirect Air Carrier  (I.A.C.) and are regulated and licensed as required by law.
For our moves within the U.S., Trans Global utilizes domestic brokers and owner operators to perform haulage of ocean containers, vehicles, high & heavy cargo and smaller shipments to and from our warehouses, ocean ports or air ports.  

How many days in advance do I need to book my shipment?

In reality, no notice is required, however, we recommend making arrangements approximately two to three weeks in advance, prior to you needing to leave your vehicle for shipment.  If you have time constraints that require a quick shipment, not a problem, please contact us for an expedited booking at 972 602 1670 or 1 800 264 8167.

What choices do I have when shipping a vehicle overseas?

There are 2 shipping options: using Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) service or Container service.

What are the differences between Ro-Ro and Container shipping service?

A Ro-Ro service ship is specifically designed to carry wheeled and tracked vehicles.   Vehicles are driven on and off the ship by means of the ship’s own ramps and are safely stowed and secured under deck. 

Ro/Ro ships are commercially viable and the new car Manufacturer’s prefer Ro-Ro shipping for new automobiles that are transported by ship around the world.

By rolling cargo on board these vessels and rolling it off at its destination, shippers can reduce the number of times their cargo is handled, thus reducing the risk of damages.

Container service involves packing the vehicle inside the ocean container or on top of the FLAT RACK container and then placing the container on board of the container vessel.

Which option is cheaper and safer: Roll-on Roll-off or Container?

Both services are safe.  In most cases Roll-on Roll-off shipping service (Ro-Ro) is cheaper overall, especially when you take into consideration that there are costs involved in not only loading the container but also in unloading the container at the destination. 

However, this will also depend on the required destination point.  Ro/Ro carrier’s offer service to many world wide ports, however container services has a much wider coverage. Trans Global will provide you with your options and also provide you with the most cost effective means of shipment.

What is the cost of shipping?

Prices are determined by the type of commodity, size, weight, origin and destination. Please complete the quote request for overseas vehicle shipping and we can then provide you with a correct rate. Or contact us at 1 800 264 8167 or 972 602 1670.

What documents are required to export my vehicle from the U.S.?

U.S. Customs officials require, either the Original Title or Certified copy of the title. If a certified copy is provided, the Certification of the title can only be made by the Department of Motor Vehicles. (For Military Member's and DOD Civilians PCSing overseas, please contact us at 1 800 264 8167 or 972 602 1670 for further details and information) If there is a lien holder on your vehicle, a letter from your lien holder must be provided. The letter must make reference to the year, make, model, VIN of your car, and must specifically give you authorization to ship your car to the destination country. The letter must be on the lien holders original letterhead, must be dated, signed and provide a point of contact with telephone number. These documents are required for the U.S. Export Customs clearance. Please note all original titles are returned to you upon customs clearance and vessel sailing.
 
What can I leave in my vehicle during shipment?

Only items that pertain to the vehicle, such as factory issue items including the spare tire, factory issued hand tools, first aide kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher and permanently installed accessories can be left in your vehicle during shipment. Spare parts, personal effects, cleaning fluids, aerosol products, gas cans, etc., cannot remain in the vehicle. You can arrange shipment of any spare parts or personal effects, separately. For information on shipping spare parts and personal effects, please contact us at 1 800 264 8167 or 972 602 1670.
 
What do I need to do in order to prepare my vehicle for shipment?

Full details will be provided at time of booking, however, please make sure that your vehicle does not contain more than 1/4 tank of fuel (for Ro/Ro) or 1/8 tank of fuel (for containerized) at time of shipment.  Assure that the vehicle is clean inside and outside and the undercarriage is free from any soil and agriculture pests. All personal items must be removed. Only items which pertain to the vehicle, such as factory issue items and permanently installed accessories can be shipped with your vehicle.   

We also recommend that you remove your car manual and license plates and hand carry these items with you at time of shipment.
   
How long will the shipment take?

The transit time of an ocean shipment, depends on what port of departure and arrival are being utilized. At time of booking, we will be able to provide you with the approximate time frame as well as provide you with estimated vessel sailing and arrival dates, based on the vessel that we will intend to book your vehicle for shipment on.

Do I need Marine Insurance?

Marine insurance is the type of insurance you should have during the actual ocean transit time.  An ocean carrier's liability is minimal and per the COGSA, the carrier’s maximum liability is $500.  Some insurance companies (such as USAA) cover marine insurance within your current policy. You should check with your insurance company to see if marine coverage is included within your policy or if you can purchase it through them. For our customers that do not have marine coverage, we do offer marine insurance and can provide you with a premium rate, upon request.

Will Customs Duty and Sales taxes apply upon entering my vehicle into a Foreign country?
 
This totally depends on the rules and regulation of the destination country, your working status, residence status and often how long you have owned the vehicle. If we do not have this information available for you, at the time of your inquiry, we will provide you with a point of contact in the destination country that can provide you with the information or recommend a customs broker who can assist you with the importation of your vehicle. We also suggest that you contact the Consulate of the country of your destination, who can provide you with their importation requirements of vehicles.

Will there be other charges due at the destination port?

Yes, there will be port handling charges, which are applicable at the destination port of arrival. These charges are for terminal handling / vessel off-loading and their documentation fees. Every port varies in cost and we will be able to give you an estimation of this cost at the time of your inquiry.

Will there be anyone to assist me with the customs clearance of my vehicle?

Yes, we will provide you with full details of the destination agent at time of booking. The destination agent will provide you with information on the exact destination port charges and if necessary can also refer you to a customs broker that can assist you with the import of your vehicle.

Can you help me in obtaining driving insurance while I am overseas?

In some instances, we can forward your request to our overseas Agent and they can offer driving insurance in that country. For example, in Germany we have many Agents that offer auto insurance, during your stay in Germany. We have included a form on our website that once completed, we will forward it to the Agent nearest to your new duty station and they will provide you with a free auto insurance quote.