Port to Port Car Transport
If you are going from one place to another via ship, there's no way for you to drive your car to its destination – so port to port car transport is the only option to get your car there.
Port to port car transport differs from other methods of car transportation because it involves traveling over water. This type of transport most often occurs when people in the United States are moving from the mainland to Hawaii, or vice versa, but there are also instances of people purchasing expensive sports cars from Europe and having them shipped across the ocean. In these cases, it's especially important to make sure that you get reliable transportation.
If you are having your own car shipped, it will be your responsibility to get your car to the port and from the port – which can mean contracting with a covered car transport or car carrier company to ship your car across land as well. In all, port to port car transport can be a very expensive proposition, as once you've gotten your car over water the trip is not finished. You will need to weigh the cost of this type of transport against the worth (and sentimental value) of your car. If you decide that it's the right move, there's a few things you should do.
Make sure to inspect your car thoroughly before you hand it over to any port to port car transport company. Take pictures – they are your best evidence of the car's condition, and make sure to date the pictures so that you have proof of when the car looked like that. Note down any flaws that are already on your car – scratches, small dings and dents, fading paint. While you probably won't have much of this sort of damage on your car, it is an important step in your contract with the company – to prove your truthfulness.
You also should know that port to port car transport, in fact, any car transport, is not the same as shipping something in a box from place to place. While a company can try to get your car to its destination at a predetermined time, there are several different things that can slow down your car's arrival. If you are shipping between countries, you need to know that your car will have to go through customs, which can take weeks to process. Be prepared to wait for your car to be cleared by the destination country before you can take possession of it.
Port to port car transport is not for everyone, and if you just have a used car that you want to bring with you, it may be better to sell it and purchase a new one at your destination. However, if you have a showpiece or expensive vehicle, it can be a great investment.