Traversing a continent by private vehicle and driving around the world has become increasingly popular. To arrange shipping a car from one continent to another is probably one of the nightmarish elements of such a trip. Before starting out on a transcontinental journey, be sure that there are affordable shipping routes available at the other end of the continent.
Finding a Shipping Schedule That Fits the Overland Itinerary
Two elements play a significant role in planning an around-the-world-trip by car. What shipping routes are there between continents and when are they available, the latter in connection with seasonal demand.
Before driving to the other end of a continent, check if the desired shipping route to another continent is available on the other side – and fits the budget. For example, there are many container shipments between Asia and Europe but it is practically impossible to find an affordable shipping company to take a vehicle by container shipment from South America to Australia.
Next, check seasonal demand. For example, in the months before Christmas it will be expensive to ship from Asia to Europe and the U.S. – all containers are fully loaded with Asian merchandise for the December holidays. Simultaneously, this period will be relatively cheap for shipping a car from Europe / U.S. to Asia, as most containers return empty.
Finding Shipping Schedules on the Internet
The websites of the main shipping lines have timetables online, including dates and estimates. Furthermore, learn from experiences of overlanders by checking their websites or travel forums.
It is advisable to be flexible with the dates of shipping. As online searches will show, shipping a month earlier or later may not only make a large difference in the availability of container shipments, but can also save hundreds of dollars.
Finding Shipping Schedules by Visiting Shipping Companies
Shipping a car can be organised in two ways: through a shipping agent or independently. Whatever the ultimate choice, in the preparatory phase it is always good to visit both shipping agents and shipping lines. As much as may be available on the Internet in the way of timetables, it is surprising how much additional information is found by talking first-hand with shipping agents and lines.
Check newspapers or relevant magazines on shipping schedules. Many countries have some sort of newspaper like a Financial Times or other economic newspaper that gives an overview of all container shipments of that particular week or month. From this one may determine which agencies it may be relevant to visit. In Malaysia for example, this weekly magazine is called Asian Shipper.
Tips to Determine an Overseas Shipping Route
Before deciding on a shipping route one may consider the following aspects:
- Security. Some ports are safer, cheaper or easier to ship to than others.
- Length of journey. Some container shipments ply between two or three ports and therefore reach the desired destination fast. Others sail half around the world, stopping at many different ports, therefore taking much more time to reach the desired port of destination.
- Costs at the port of arrival. Some ports are much more expensive than others, or procedures are much more arduous. Try to find out what handling fees and duties are charged at the port of arrival. It may make the difference in starting an overland journey in Australia on the west coast rather than on the east coast. Many ports have an Internet site giving an overview of their port fees.
- Reliability of the shipping line. Are quality and reliability the criteria, or is budget the determining factor? Some shipping lines are internationally renowned for their service and quality, but often this comes at a price. If budget is the determining factor, remember that this may also have its price, whether in damages or stress.
Planning a Shipping Schedule to Ship a Car
If a long-term journey by private vehicle means crossing continents, car shipments can't be avoided. Check the availability of shipping possibilities before setting off, in order to avoid an unpleasant surprise on the other side of the continent.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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