How We Shipped Our Vehicle Internationally

This is a big read, so grab yourself a coffee or beer and let's get into it!

Shipping your vehicle internationally might feel daunting, especially when transitioning from somewhere like Australia to the breathtaking landscapes of Canada. However, having your own overland vehicle on the rugged terrains and scenic routes is an unmatched feeling. This post will hopefully help you with the essential steps and considerations to ensure your vehicle arrives safe and sound.

Why Would You Want Ship your Vehicle Internationally?

This is a question we get asked A LOT, so here goes nothing. There are several strong reasons why you might choose to ship your own overland vehicle internationally rather than buying or renting a vehicle in a new country.

1. Familiarity and Reliability

• You know your own vehicle inside and out, its quirks, maintenance history, and capabilities.

• This reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns or mechanical issues compared to an unknown rental or purchase.

• Knowing how your vehicle has been maintained gives peace of mind, especially when traveling in remote or rugged areas where help is limited.

2. Customisation and Setup

• Overland vehicles are often heavily customised. Gear like rooftop tents, water systems, storage solutions, solar setups, and recovery/repair tools.

• Replicating that setup in a rented or newly purchased vehicle can be expensive and time-consuming.

3. Cost Efficiency Over Time

• While shipping can be expensive upfront, long-term rentals or repeated purchases/sales in different countries can end up costing even more.

4. Documentation and Legal Simplicity (Not in our case)

• If you've already set up your vehicle legally for international travel (e.g., Carnet de Passages), it may be easier than dealing with local registration laws and import restrictions for a new vehicle.

5. Sentimental and Practical Value

• For many overlanders, our vehicles are more than just transportation, it’s a home, a tool, and a travel companion.

• Replacing that can feel like losing part of the adventure’s essence.

6. Availability and Type of Vehicle

• The kind of overland vehicle you use (e.g., a 4x4 truck with specific off-road capability) may not be widely available or legal to rent/buy in your destination country.

Understanding the Process of Vehicle Shipping

Before embarking on your journey, it’s crucial to grasp the full picture of shipping your vehicle internationally. The process generally involves several stages: selecting a shipping company, preparing your vehicle, understanding the costs involved, and what to expect upon arrival in the destination country.

Shipping companies that specialise in international vehicle transportation will usually providing either roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) services or container shipping options.

RoRo: This involves driving your vehicle onto a ship, parking it up and handing over the keys. Its usually more cost effective, however, not all shipping routs offer RoRo services. One big factor to consider is that there is always a risk that your belongings will go missing during RoRo transit. 5 minutes searching the web and you will find many reports of this happening to other travellers.

Container Shipping: This method involves driving your vehical into a shipping container. Once loaded, your container will be closed in front of you and a seal will be placed in the door. This ensures your vehicle and belongings are protected within the container. This method is more expensive and involves more steps at either end of the journey, however, container shipping is usually available at most ports.

Ultimately each method has its pros and cons regarding cost, safety, and convenience.

We chose a container for a few specific reasons:

• There was no RoRo option from Sydney to Vancouver.

• We had belongings we wanted to bring to Canada that were easier to put into a container (bikes, boards, dive gear etc).

• Our vehicle was fully kitted and had a lot of items that were definitely desirable and likely would have gone missing (stolen) with a RoRo shipment.

Choosing the Right Shipping Company

Investigating and selecting a reliable shipping company is pivotal to ensuring a smooth transition for your vehicle. Look for companies with positive reviews and a solid track record. After lots of research we entrusted Derry to CarGo Online:https://cargoonline.com.au for our rout from Australia to Canada.

Here are some aspects to consider while evaluating a shipping company:

• Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is licensed and offers adequate insurance to cover potential damages.

  
  

• Experience and Specialisation: Choosing a company that specialises in international vehicle shipping can really improve your overall experience at either end.

  
  

• Customer Support: A responsive and helpful customer service team or agent can provide welcome reassurance during the shipping process.

  
  

• Cost Transparency: Request quotes from multiple providers and examine the details included in the price to avoid any hidden fees along the way.

  
  

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping

Once you've selected a shipping company, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the journey.

Clean Your Vehicle

Before shipping, give your vehicle a thorough wash, both inside and out. This will not only enhance its appearance but also help inspectors identify any pre-existing damage during customs checks. It's extremely important to focus on removing any and all soil, organic matter and general contaminants etc. Lots of countries have strict policies on biological contaminants, if your vehicle arrives and a boarder service agent deems it "NOT clean" it will have to undergo decontamination and that will be more money out of your pocket!

Personal Items

For RoRo its recommended to take out all personal belongings from your vehicle, as most shipping companies prohibit them inside. This is crucial for both insurance and customs checks.

If you are container shipping like us then your able to leave personal items in the vehical as it will be securly locked for the deuration of its trip. Just make sure to note down exactly what you

have within the vehicle as you will have to declare it to the boarder services at the destination of arrival.

Inspect and Document

Conduct a detailed inspection of your vehicle, documenting any existing dents or scratches with photos. Having this documentation will safeguard you in case of claims.

Check Fluids and Batterys

Ensure your vehicle’s fluid levels are adequate. Additionally, disconnect both the main and leisure battery to prevent any potential electrical issues during the shipping process.

For our shipment we were also required to drain all fuel and have the fuel light showing on the dash.

Understanding the Costs Involved

Shipping a vehicle internationally comes with its expenses. Familiarizing yourself with the costs can help you budget appropriately.

• Shipping Costs: RoRo is often more affordable than container shipping at around $3,000 - $5,000 CAD on average. Container services provide more protection but at a premium, roughly $6,500 - $12,000 CAD. (Prices around 2023)

  
  

• Customs Duties and Taxes: Research the customs regulations and potential fees you might encounter when your vehicle arrives in Canada. Depending on the country and port these can vary widely and will impact your overall costs. We were very unfortunate and got selected randomly for a physical container inspection pre unloading. This came with a fee of around $600 CAD that we had to front!

  
  

• Insurance Costs: It is highly advisable to take out insurance coverage for your vehicle while in transit. Check if your shipping company provides such coverage or if you need to procure an independent policy. Usualy its based off a percentage of the goods value or of the overall cost of the service.

  
  

Custom Regulations and Necessary Documentation

It’s essential to educate yourself on the customs regulations in the country your heading to. Having all necessary documentation ready will aid in a seamless transition:

1. Bill of Lading: This is a crucial document provided by the shipping company you chose to go with.

   
   

2. Proof of Ownership: Original vehicle title or registration papers to show ownership.

   
   

3. Export Declaration: This was required by Australian customs to prove that we were legally exporting the vehicle.

   
   

4. Import Authorisation: Obtain an import permit, especially concerning vehicles that meet Canadian standards. ?????

   
   

What to Expect Upon Arrival in Canada

Once your vehicle arrives in Canada, there are several steps to follow before you can hit the open roads.

Customs Clearance

Your first order of business is to clear your vehicle through customs. Be prepared with all necessary documentation and be aware that additional customs inspections may occur prior to the container leaving the port.

We should mention that countrys have vering laws on what vehicals can and connot be imported into them. We were able to import Derry into canada due to his age, being a 1997 model he was 25. In Canada Vehicles manufactured more than 15 years ago are not regulated for importation by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. They are considered age-exempt.

Vehicle Registration

You will need to register your vehicle in Canada after passing through customs. Each province has its own requirements; therefore, it's best to familiarize yourself with your destination’s regulations.

In BC we were able to obtain a temporary permit from an ICBC insurance broker whilst waiting for the container to clear customs. This allowed us to drive the vehicle for 1 single day in order to move it from the container unloading warehouse. We then drove to the federal roadworthy compliance inspection and then subsequently back to an ICBC insurance broker to obtain road licence plates and finally insurance.

Adjustments for Compliance

Depending on your vehicle's specifications, you might need to make certain adjustments to comply with Canadian DOT (Department of Transport) regulations. Things like headlights, emissions, etc.

Congratulations, you have now legally imported your overlanding vehicle internationaly! Go hot a trail and burn some of the stress off around a camp fire in the middle of nowhere ya legend.

Conclusion

Shipping your vehicle from Australia to Canada might seem intricate, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure a smooth and successful journey. Having your own 4x4 vehicle opens up a world of adventure as you traverse the stunning landscapes of Canada, making your travel experience both flexible and unforgettable. Start planning the journey of a lifetime today, and enjoy the journey waiting ahead.

Derry as he was being packed into the shipping container "Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺"

Collecting our boy from his 54 day journey at sea "Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦"

Derrys first ever taste of Canadian snow (There was a lot more to come!)