If you intend to ship your car overseas, it's not very difficult, but you should be aware that there are pros and cons to overseas vehicle transport. Depending on

• how long you're staying
• if you're returning
• where you're going

you may find that if you need to sell your car while overseas or even have it fixed, the process might not be as easy or as economical as using public transportation or renting a car or scooter in the foreign country. You should find out the regulations about vehicle handling in your destination country before you transport your car.

Shipping your car overseas when you make a permanent move or are embarking on a long-term stay may very well be worth the expense and effort.  Here are the steps you need to do insofar as preparing your vehicle and making sure you have the documents required by the car transporter as well as Customs when you ship your car to a foreign country.

Documentation you may need, in brief, includes:

• The original title of the vehicle, or a certified copy of the title, and two extra copies
• If there is a lien on your car, a letter of permission by the holder of the lien
• Bill of lading
• Miscellaneous documentation, which varies according to country and circumstance

Different vehicular transport companies may handle different kinds of vehicles besides cars and automobiles. Make sure if you have a special type of car, motorcycle, SUV, pick-up truck, sailing vessel, yacht or boat you want moved, that the company you choose has experience moving your vehicle type as well as all the appropriate insurance coverage and transport facilities to safely ship it.

Compile a list of at least 3 car movers and get price quotes from each. Check out each car transport company's record with the Better Business Bureau or similar agency in your country.

The price quote from each shipping company for moving your car will depend on:

• your country of origin
• your destination country
• the make and model of the car you're moving--especially its dimensions and weight
  
• what kind of insurance or other coverage is included in the standard auto transport service contract (usually shipping insurance coverage, if included, is nominal.)
  
• whether or not the car can drive on its own
  

Make sure that you compare each quote based on what's included. Consider supplementing the insurance coverage, if any, with supplemental marine insurance in the event something happens to your car in transit.

In selecting the company to use, also pay attention to the way the car shipper will physically transport the vehicle to the ship and onto the ship, where the car will be stored on the ship, and how the car will be delivered--port to port, or actually door-to-door. Pay special attention to at what points the car will be driven or hauled atop a vehicle transport, and if moved on a vehicle transport, whether the transport is open or covered. Ask when delivery is estimated to take place.

Once you make a choice, get thoroughly versed on the regulations of the car transport company.  Most often, the regulations are there to comply with federal and international regulations, so to assure the safety of your car, do everything by the book.

As you prepare your vehicle for shipping, take the chance to learn about the specific duties, taxes, customs regulations, and restrictions of the foreign country you're destined for. You can sometimes find out this information from an experienced car shipper or by calling the consulate of the country to which you're moving.

Assemble your documentation for Customs.  Among other paperwork, you'll need multiple copies of the car's title--either a certified copy that can be gotten from the DMV or the original.  If the car is too new to have a title, the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin will serve.   If there's a lien on the car, you'll need to bring a letter of permission to ship the car to a foreign country from the lien holder.

Now it's time to clean your car. There are usually restrictions about what you can leave in the car, and the car transport company can let you know the specific regulations that apply to you. Clean the vehicle thoroughly. Empty the trunk, passenger area and glove compartment of personal items, trash, tools, and other loose objects. You may be allowed to leave floor mats, spare tires, seat covers and other fixtures inside

When the car shipper representative arrives to pick up the car, or meets you at the designated point, make sure to check your car thoroughly.  Before you sign it, make sure the shipper includes all details about your car's condition on the bill of lading, which documents the state of your vehicle before transport and after arrival.

You'll pay the car shipper before releasing the car to the mover.  Once the car is in transit, you may call the vehicle shipping company to check on where your vehicle is at any point during transit.  The delivery date for your car is an estimate; there may be a few days variance.

Either have your car met or be there on the other end to meet it when it arrives at the destination country.  Once again, inspect it well before you sign off on it.