Importing a Car or Boat? How to compare quotes’

Comparing quotes

By INL . 30-08-11

Because there are so many facets involved in importing a boat or car you need to ensure that your quote covers everything, or put simply, covers door-to-door. Don't let shipping companies confuse you by referring to terms like FOB & CIF. Ask them to clearly specify door-to-door (other options are: port to port and door to port) delivery on their quotes.

Quotes should comprise of:

(Country of) Origin Charges
Export documents
Transport from door to port
Port charges
Packing & loading

Shipping Charges:

Shipping cost
Bunker and currency adjustment factors (BAF & CAF)

Destination Charges:

Customs charges
Port charges
Quarantine charges
Unloading & unpacking

Transit time

Ensure you get an accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA). Shipping company schedules state the exact day the ship is expected to arrive into port (updated frequently) so you should expect the shipping company to provide the same level of detail. Unless you are not in a hurry for your goods ensure they are being shipped the quickest possible route. Slower routes often mean reduced cost but also more handling (goods will often travel on several ships) therefore more likelihood of damage or theft.

Importing a car

You have two options when importing a car Roll on, roll-off (RORO) or containment. RORO is where the vehicle is driven onto the ship and containment is where the car is loaded into a container.

Don't let companies confuse you by referring to terms like FOB & CIF. Ask for a clearly laid out, door-to-door or door-to-depot (delivered to a local freight forwarding company) quote.

Here are some tips if you are considering shipping a car:
1. If choosing RORO ensure you have no valuables in the vehicle
2. Ensure you have proof of the purchase price as customs will likely request this
3. Get the vehicle steam cleaned prior to shipping. This will reduce the likelihood of an inspection being required by the local agriculture department
4. Take out marine insurance and get a pre-inspection report from an independent assessor prior to shipping

Shipping a boat

Don't let companies confuse you by referring to terms like FOB & CIF. Ask for a cleraly laid out, marina to marina quote.

Unlike car and goods shipping boat shipping requires experience because they come in so many dimensions.

Here are some tips if you are considering shipping a boat:

1. Pick a company that's had experience in shipping all types of boats from trailer sailers to luxury 75 foot cruisers
2. Try to reduce the dimensions of your boat (save costs) by removing things like: bowsprits, keels and masts
3. Unless you have a trailer boat you will need a cradle. Ensure cradle hire is covered in your quote.
4. It is often cheaper to get a water lift at the marina then truck to port rather than a water lift at the port

How can you find out more :
DVD CD Replication vs DVD CD Duplication on YouTube
Here is a leading supplier for DVD Duplication http://www.dvdreplication.co.nz/dvdreplication.htm

Replication or Duplication what's the gig ?

Comparing quotes