Your Guide to Auto Importing Services
Have you bought a car overseas and need to ship it to New Zealand? You’re not alone. Many car enthusiasts and collectors purchase their dream cars from overseas dealers or private sellers and tap the services of auto importers to bring their vehicles home.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss car-importing services available in New Zealand and how they can help you bring your car safely to your doorstep.
Why you might need a car importing service
You may have found the perfect car overseas, unavailable in New Zealand or want to save money by purchasing from a country with lower prices. Whatever your reason, importing a car can be complex and time-consuming.
That’s where auto importers or car-importing services come in.
These services specialise in handling the logistics of shipping your car from its current location to your destination. Their services include dealing with customs, shipping companies, and the documentation involved. Essentially, they make the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Types of auto importing services
There are many different auto-importing options available in New Zealand. Some services provide door-to-door delivery, while others require picking up your vehicle at a designated port. Here are a few common types of car-importing services:
Container shipping
This service involves loading your vehicle into a shipping container and onto a cargo ship for transport. Container shipping is a secure and safe option for transporting your car to New Zealand, offering protection against weather and theft.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
RoRo shipping involves driving your vehicle onto a specially designed ship. This option is popular for those looking for an affordable shipping method and is suitable for most cars small enough to drive on and off the ship.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest option if you need your car in New Zealand as quickly as possible. However, it can be expensive and impractical for larger vehicles.
Choosing an importing service
When selecting a car importing service, it’s essential to do your research and choose a reliable provider. Consider the following factors:
• Experience: Look for a company with a proven track record of successfully importing cars to New Zealand.
• Services Offered: Ensure the company offers the specific services you need, including shipping, customs clearance, and transport within New Zealand.
• Cost: Shop around for the best price, but remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best.
• Insurance: Look for a provider that offers comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle during shipping.
• Communication: Choose a responsive and communicative company that keeps you informed about your car’s status throughout the process.
Shipping your car to New Zealand
Before shipping your car, you’ll need to prepare it for transport. To prepare, you must:
• Thoroughly clean it inside and out.
• Remove any personal belongings.
• Ensure that the fuel tank is less than a quarter full.
You’ll also need to provide the service provider with all the necessary documents, such as the bill of sale, registration, and proof of insurance.
Once your car has been shipped and arrives in New Zealand, it will go through customs clearance. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the volume of traffic at the port. You’ll need to pay any applicable import duties and taxes during this time. Once cleared, you can pick up your car and enjoy your new ride!
Take your time to research your auto importer options, choose a reputable provider, and prepare your vehicle for shipment, and soon your dream car will be sitting in your driveway. Happy importing, and safe travels!