Jun 10 2011

Economy Of How Much?

boston-international-shipping

How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much?

Consumers and businesses are flocking to the internet to shop around for the lowest prices, international shipping service is no exception!

Economy Impacting Shipping Industry:

Consumers are being squeezed hard these days, spending is being cut, inflation is up and cost of everything is going up! Fuel cost increases are affecting the transportation industry and forcing airliners and carriers to raise their rates to offset the rate hikes and drop in volume! Consumers are reacting to this phenomenon by limiting their International shipping to bare minimum and utilizing Ground transportation. Air Express Shipments have been reduced dramatically. Consumers are using email and PDF files to share documents almost instantly and they have almost no need for the Post Office or Overnight shipping.

Shipping Quote: How Much?

Consumers and businesses are using the internet to shop around! Don’t count on customer loyalty factor here. It is all about How much? Cost concerns are driving Shipping Quote request volume to historic levels. Everyone is looking for the same thing: Low prices! Shipping companies are realizing that answering these quote requests is big time-wasting exercise. Often, shipping companies will spend time and resources to get the customer a quote but 90% of the time, customers are just shopping around for lowest price or trying to get a written quote to force other vendors to lower their shipping quote. Customers often play shipping companies against its other.

Shipping companies cannot afford to pursue these leads anymore, they are time-consuming and they often do not generate revenue for them. When they do, the margins are so low that the shipping companies lose money in long run. Often consumers won’t bother giving accurate dimensions or weight to calculate the shipping rate, “Just tell me how much will it cost to ship a medium box to Africa?” Shipping companies can not just pick a number and hope for the best, shipping quotes MUST be accurate or close to it if you want to end up with a happy customer.

To compute a shipping quote, customers need to provide:

  • Destination Information: City, State, Country
  • Size of shipment Length, Height, Width
  • Weight of shipment.
  • Content of shipment: Make sure it is allowed by international standards.
  • Value: Insurance and Tax values.
  • Preferred method of shipping: Ground, freight or Express
  • Packaging.

At Neighborhood Parcel, we take quote requests seriously and we do our part in providing accurate quotes within 48 Hrs whenever possible. However there are occasions where we do not answer quotes, here are few examples:

  • Incomplete Requests.
  • Prohibited commodities.
  • Shipping to restricted areas.
  • Inaccurate Data.
  • Bogus requests.
  • Complex logistics.
  • Low Margin projects.
May 12 2011

College Move Out Service

college Move out

College Move Out

Remember that day you moved into your college dorm at the beginning of the school year and everything looked so…clean? Well the time has come to an end. Time to dismantle your tower of empty energy drink cans. Yes, college move out day is just around the corner and summer vacation can’t come soon enough. We know, because we were college students too one day.

College Move out day is one of the biggest sources of college roommate angst. Our Moving service makes it easy to move out to college or move back home. From our on time pick and delivery of your packages to state of the art tracking system of your valuables; we do college moving like no other while saving you time and money.

Here are a few ways to get through the process College Moving pain-free:

Start packing early.

Bit by bit you should be starting to pack up stuff you won’t be needing over the next couple weeks. Not only does this make for less work on move out day, but if you share the same room it makes it less crazy if everyone isn’t scrambling to pack and move things at the last minute. We can provide you with college moving kit that contains all needed supplies to pack your dorm room. The contain will include boxes, tape and address labels.

Determine a time when everyone is still there to clean.

Website QR CodeSome schools will charge students an extra cleaning fee to all students who share a room if they leave it behind in bad condition. Even if they don’t charge you a cleaning fee, it’s still the respectful thing to do to leave the place spotless. Determine a time after papers and finals are over for all your roommates to chip in on cleaning your place.

When you make it a group effort it can get done quickly and you aren’t the only one burdened with the cost of cleaning supplies. Nothing is worst than having to be the last one to move out and be stuck with a gigantic mess to clean up.

When packing for your college move, it is best to create a list of all of the items that you will need.  This list may include clothes, books, pictures, posters, dishes, room décor and electronics.  Leave expensive valuables or family heirlooms behind.  Try to pick items that will help you to feel at home while also serving as necessities for everyday living.  Refer to the following list for examples:

  • Pack the books that will help in studying only for the classes for which you are registered.
  • Bring only a portion of your room decor (posters, pictures, pillows or other accessories), as your space is typically cut in half.
  • Opt for portable music players with a docking station instead of a stereo, or playing music through your computer.
  • Purchase a television that is cable ready with built in players.
  • Rent a refrigerator from campus or purchase one once you arrive on campus.
  • Leave behind any furniture, unless it is small and compact.
  • Purchase lightweight plastic dishes as opposed to glass or ceramics.

College students are moving from a house to a dorm or one bedroom of an apartment.  Your room will be multi-functional serving as a sleeping area, living area, study area and even dining area.  Choose to bring the items that will help with this ease of transition between uses.

Moving QuoteIt is not as common for families to hire movers to relocate their child’s belongings to a college campus.  In all likelihood you, your parents, or your friends, will be helping to move you out of your parents’ home and into your college home.  Pack sparingly to adjust for this factor.  You may conserve space in the moving vehicle by only bringing seasonal clothes, cutting your shoe collection in half or opting to buy a laptop instead of packing your desktop.  Remember it is always possible to ship forgotten items or to pick something up the next time you are visiting home.

For more information about our college move out or moving services, call us at (978) 851.0199 or book online here

Dec 3 2010

International Household Moving

International Moving Service

moving

Moving service

When planning an international move there are many things to take under consideration. Customers want to make sure they are dealing with FMC licensed shipping companies. All shipping companies must be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission in order to handle your cargo or issue a BOL (Bill of Lading). Our international shipping service can meet and exceed all your expectations. We can help you package and ship your Household goods safely in containers, crates or Corrugated cardboard boxes.

Packaging & Loading:

If you are interested in an all inclusive door to door service or even a door to port service we can provide you with full packing and loading service of your household goods. We are an International shipping service provider with a wide network of agents who handle packing, loading and provide professional packing material for any case. From Crates for your artwork to strong boxes for your clothes and furniture. Neighborhood Parcel provides all sorts professional packing, pallets, lift vans or crates for fragile or heavy items. All shipment will be safely placed into your own or consolidated container for international and domestic shipping.

Less than Container Loads:

LCL or “Less than Container Load”. This term is commonly used to describe a Ocean freight service that designed for shipping boxed, crated or pallet’s cargo from or to the USA that cannot fill an entire 20 or 40 foot Ocean freight container. In this case your Household good will be loaded into a container with other LTL shipments. Don’t worry, it will be clearly marked so your household items won’t be lost or mixed with other.There are many advantages of  LCL Ocean freight service vs. using FCL (full container load):

Low Shipping Cost:

  • When you share a 40 OR 20 foot  freight container with one or more Customers that import or export goods to or from the USA. You pay only for the space used but not for a whole sea freight container.
  • As a rule the transit time will be the same as if you would ship a full container and most likely it will be faster if you use a service from an International moving company.
  • Typically the LCL ocean freight rates are calculated is by cubic space volume (per cubic meter/cubic foot) and not by weight.

For a Free Shipping Quote Or Call (978) 851-0199

international car shipping

Dec 3 2010

International Shipping Containers

Freight Containers Specification

container shipping

Besides commonly used 20′STD, 40′STD and 40′HC ocean freight containers, there are numerous of other types of sea containers including 45′ High Cube, Open Tops and Flat Racks sizes of 20′ and 40′ etc. However, as a rule these types of sea freight containers are subject to equipment availability from Steam Ship Lines (or direct carriers or International Transportation Companies). In certain circumstances it can be limited. Then, if you ship a regular cargo by sea, we suggest planning your sea freight shipment by using one of these three types of Ocean freight containers below.

20′ Standard Sea Freight Container

  • Interior Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.919 m x 2.340 m x 2.380 m (19′-5” x 7′-8” x 7′-9′ 1/2”)
  • Door Opening (W x H): 2.286 m x 2.278 m (7′-6″ x 7′-5 1/2″)
  • Tare Weight: 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)
  • Cubic Capacity: 33.0 cbm (1,165 cubic ft)
  • Payload* :22,100 kg (48,721 lbs)

40′ Standard Sea Freight Container

  • Interior Dimensions (L x W x H): 12.051 m x 2.340 m x 2.380 m (39′-6 1/2”x 7′-8” x 7′-9 1/2”)
  • Door Opening (W x H): 2.286 m x 2.278 m (7′-6″ x 7’-5 1/2″)
  • Tare Weight: 3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
  • Cubic Capacity: 67.3 cbm (2,377 cubic ft)
  • Payload*: 27,397 kg (60,401 lbs)

40′ High Cube Ocean Freight Container

  • Interior Dimensions (L x W x H): 12.056 m x 2.347 m x 2.684 m (39′-6 1/2” x 7′-8 1/4”x 8′-9 1/2”
  • Door Opening (W x H): 2.340 m x 2.585 m (7′-8″ x 8′-5 3/4″)
  • Tare Weight: 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs)
  • Cubic Capacity: 76.0 cbm (2,684 cubic ft)
  • Payload*: 29,600 kg (65,256 lbs)

FCL is an abbreviation for “Full Container Load” for Import and Export cargo to and from the USA. This term is commonly used to describe a Ocean freight service that is designed for ocean freight shipments of cargo where shipper has exclusive use of sea freight container. Usually the containers are loaded by propositional international movers and sealed at the shipper’s facility. Then it transported by ocean, rail and/or truck directly to the point of final destination.

Shipping Terms:

Port to Port:

The economical solutions for International shippers looking to save money on their international move. If you are a college student or just someone who looking to save money this may be the best solution for you, with receiving terminals in all major cities you can drop your shipment off at the nearest warehouse or port facility and pick it up from the port or terminal of your destination. This is the most economical way to ship your goods overseas. Customer is responsible for any duty taxes, broker & storage fees.

Door to Port or Terminal:

This service is for the customers that are not near a local terminal or does not have means of transportation to deliver their shipment to the nearest warehouse. We will arrange pickup of your household goods at your residents and transport them to our consolidation warehouse in Tewksbury MA ,Boston Warehouse or port of exit. We offer a basic freight pick up for self pack customers as well as full packing and loading services if needed. The shipment will go to the nearest port of destination where the shipper would arrange for their own pick up and customs clearance of their cargo. Please make sure to give us enough advance notice to arrange for a door pick up.  For free quote, visit us here

Warehouse to Door:

This service if for the customer that is near a local terminal that would like to save money on the moving or trucking charges but would like to have the shipment delivered to their door at destination. The shipper would need to drop off the boxes at the warehouse and we will handle the door delivery, off loading, customs clearance and removal of debris. Customer will be contacted by broker to clear shipment and pay any taxes or fees prior to delivery to their destination.

Door to Door:

International Door to Door service  is designed for busy people that what to leave the shipping to the professionals. We specialize in the export packing and shipping of household goods and personal effects, automobiles, boats and general cargo. We handle customs clearance of all cargo as well as door delivery and off loading worldwide.

Aug 18 2010

Ship Care Packages

Great ideas on how to ship and what to ship in Care packages to students.

Ship Care Packages to your College Bound Kids! Ship Care Packages: Express your love and ship your care packages with us today, we have the right packaging material to ensure that your care package arrives safely and on time. Your loved ones would appreciate it. After the excitement of being on their own wears off, students typically find themselves longing for home. And while the last thing some stud … Read More

via International Shipping Services

Aug 18 2010

Ship Care Packages to your College Bound Kids!

Ship Care Packages:

care package

Care Package

Express your love and ship your care packages with us today, we have the right packaging material to ensure that your care package arrives safely and on time. Your loved ones would appreciate it. After the excitement of being on their own wears off, students typically find themselves longing for home.

And while the last thing some students may want is to have their parents visiting every weekend, care packages and letters from home are almost always appreciated. It’s a constant reminder that you’re not going through (the transition to college life) alone, It takes you away from the textbooks for a minute. It really puts a smile on their faces.

Care Packages for Students:

Find Correct College Address:

First and foremost, find out where it needs to be sent. Call the college and see if packages can be delivered to the student’s dorm or should they be sent through the college’s student post office. It is also a good idea to get a return receipt, or get tracking for your care packages. This way it is easily tracked if the package should get lost.Take your package to Neighborhood Parcel and they will help you package and ship it to anywhere in the world at some of the lowest rates.

Perishable Items

Anything that may perish within three days is not a good idea to send. This is especially true if the package cannot be delivered directly to your college student’s dorm room.

Send Items They Can Use

Towels, toiletries and laundry detergent are just a few items that any college student would appreciate. Keep them stocked up with these items instead of sending the money for them. This saves them time.

Send Extra

Dorm friends abound, especially when a package arrives. Send a little extra for your college student to share.

Get Personal

Personal items such as pictures of the family dog can uplift any college student out of the studying and too busy funk. Try a humorous card with a personal note, it will make a great memory for them.

Care Packages Ideas:

Food Items for Care Packages

  • Potato chips
  • Corn Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Hot cocoa
  • Ramen noodles
  • Canned pasta meals
  • Cookies
  • Mints
  • Gum
  • Candy bars or other chocolate
  • Microwave popcorn
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Instant oatmealPersonal Items for Care Packages
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Feminine napkins
  • Tampons
  • Shower shoes
  • Lotion
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Towel
  • Wash cloth
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Makeup
  • Deodorant
  • Contact lens solution
  • HairspraySchool Supplies
  • Pen
  • Pencil
  • Paper – lined or plain
  • Notebooks
  • Sticky notes
  • Highlighters
    Other Items for Care Packages
  • Roll of quarters, dimes, nickels for laundry room.
  • Laundry detergent
  • Fabric softener
  • Recent magazine
  • Recent hometown newspaper
  • Motivational book
  • Devotional book
  • Air freshener
  • Paper towels
  • Napkins
  • Dish soap
  • Dish cloth
  • Phone card
  • Envelopes
  • Stamps
  • Pictures of recent event
  • Photo album
  • Letters and drawings from younger siblings
  • Video of family sending their love
  • Blank CDs
  • Holiday decorations
  • All purpose spray cleaner
  • Trash can liners

    • Jun 30 2010

    International Car Shipping and Moving to Australia

    Shipping Cars to Australia

    container shippingNeed to ship your car to Australia? We will make the job much easier for you. In addition to providing you with detailed information, we will get you personalized quotes from the top car shipping companies. We offer Car and International Moving service to Australia. For FREE Quote.

    Before the shipping
    Prior to actually shipping car , it would be advisable to delve into matters concerning the problems that could arise when the vehicle reaches Australia. Being thoroughly prepared for the formalities involved would reduce the stress. Does the car need any physical changes to conform to the local standards? What taxes have to be paid? Is it worthwhile taking a car to Australia? The total expenditure includes the following:

    • Freight and insurance
    • Customs duties
    • Entry processing charges
    • Steam cleaning for quarantine purposes
    • Other wharf and transport charges
    • Costs involved in having the vehicle meet state or territory registration requirements

    Shipping your car to Australia:
    Your car will require a Vehicle Import Approval, be cleared through Customs, quarantined and registered before you can safely drive in Australia. Proper valid insurance must be available for the car. The car has also to meet the Safety requirements.

    A copy of the publication called the “Guide to the Importation of Privately Owned Motor Vehicles or Motor Cycle” would give you apt information. It tells you the valuation regime into which your car falls.

    The first step
    A Vehicle Import Approval has to be secured first from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Transport and Regional Services. The permit may take 21 days for processing so the procedure must be started fairly early, long before the car is shipped. There is exemption from this rule only for a car brought back to Australia and the owner was the same at the times of export and import. You can get a form from this address:
    The Administrator of Vehicle Standards
    ACT Federal Office of Road Safety
    GPO Box 1553
    Canberra Australia 2601
    For the approval, you need a visitor visa and the original overseas registration.

    Customs Clearance
    Customs duty varies with the type of vehicle. Goods and Service Tax and occasionally LCT (Luxury Car tax) is applied. If there is no Vehicle Import Approval, $12000 Special duty is imposed.

    Transaction value method
    Transaction Value is the value on which the customs duty is based. This is the actual cost price of the vehicle proved by the bill of payment if the vehicle was bought with the sole purpose of importing to Australia. Some reduction may be allowed for the freight and insurance. If proof is not available, this method is not used.

    Alternate method of Evaluation- Fall Back technique
    If the transaction method cannot be applied, other methods are employed. A qualified person will assess the landed value. The Customs then makes necessary deductions to arrive at the Customs value.

    Import of a car manufactured in Australia
    You may bring it in without paying Customs duty provided you have owned and used the car overseas and there are no Australian taxes pending. However you have to pay the GST and LCT (where applicable).

    Temporary Import
    A tourist or temporary resident can import a car for a period of upto 12 months without paying customs duty. For this you need any one of the following:

    • A Carnet de Passages de Douanes issued by an organization of your country of residence which has an agreement with the Automobile Association of Australia. This gives all the details of the vehicle. It is like a passport and has details of the registration number, model, color, make, engine capacity, seating arrangement, value and owner’s name. A person who brings a car using the Carnet needs to provide evidence of his identity (EOI).
    • A cash or bank security for the payment at the Customs which include the Duty, GST and LCT (if applicable). This comes under Section 162 of the Customs act. It is applicable to cars which are over 15 years of age or vehicles meeting the design requirements. Your vehicle will be released only with the permission of the Customs and Department of Transport and when the Regional Service Requirements are fulfilled.

    A point to note
    When exported, all the items which were in the car at the time of import should be present in the car at the time of export.

    Disposal of car
    Only after satisfaction of the various requirements and with special permission only can you dispose of your car or even lend it. It therefore cannot also be mortgaged or sold or exchanged.

    Quarantine
    All imported vehicles are inspected thoroughly for poisonous weeds, insects and illnesses. Steam cleaning is done.

    Insurance
    This is usually in the form of third party insurance. You should ideally select a good insurance plan for your vehicle and yourself.

    The Motor Vehicles Standards Act of 1989
    An imported vehicle must comply with the safety and emissions standards of Australia. If not, you must agree to get it modified at a prescribed centre.

    Safety standards
    The requirements are working headlights, working tail lights including the indicator light for the brake and turning light for changing direction, windscreen wipers in good condition, effective brakes, seat belts (if fitted) and child restraints (if fitted). The tires should be good with minimum tread depth. There should be no oil leaks.

    New regulations state that the air conditioning CFC gas ( R12 ) is banned in Australia. HCFC gas (R134A) may be imported under a license. A certificate from a refrigeration or air conditioning company stating on their letterhead that CFC is not found in the car would prove useful.

    Vehicle Registration
    The Customs has no authority over the registration. You have to check with the Motor Vehicle Registration authorities of your state of residence to know the requirements before transporting the vehicle. The papers necessary are

    • The current registration papers
    • Carnet or Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)
    • Your passport and visa
    • Your driver’s license
    • International Driving permit
    • Insurance.

    Car Shipping
    A number of companies are shipping cars to Australia . You are given many options for selecting one which quotes rates that you can accept. The actual transport can be from your port to the Australian port or a door-to-door service. By this latter term, you hand over the car at a place very close to your residence and collect it in Australia similarly. Definitely it is a more expensive method.

    You may have to select between a trailer service and a container service for shipping your car to Australia. These shipping services are possible only if the roads to your home are broad, without natural obstructions like overhanging branches and low bridges in order for the large hauling vans and trailers to ply. The container ensures that your car is not moved out of the container and is saved from the impact of weather conditions till it reaches its destination. There is a system called RORO service whereby your car is rolled onto and off the ship directly in a ship which only carries cars. The choice is yours.

    Your car can be tracked online so make it a point to know the relevant website. The phone numbers of the company must be noted to contact them whenever a doubt arises.

    In case you are sending a representative to deliver or collect your car, give him a photo identity for identification by the company.

    The expenditure involved in the transportation, for Customs clearance and the insurance covering the transport is included in the bill presented to you at the beginning of shipping. You have to make the payment in full then and trust the company. The Customs clearance will be done by them. The insurance is to cover damages possible in the transport including theft, fire and loss.

    Getting Car Ready to ship:
    The vehicle must be clean. The soil under the car must be cleaned off. Australia is especially particular about this. The antenna must be retracted. The items in the car which are not secured well must be removed. The car must have been modified to the safety standards required. There must be only just enough fuel to drive to a fuel station. Alarm systems should be disabled.

    Copies of the documents necessary for Customs clearance and the Vehicle Import Approval must be handed over. Duplicates of the car keys are given to the shipping company.

    The height of the car should be seven feet. If more, the company must be informed. Ground clearance of the vehicle should be six inches. If less, again this must be informed.

    The car must be in a good driving condition. The tires must have the medium tread necessary in Australia. The lights should be standardized. The windscreen wipers must be working well. The spare tire must be secured. There should be no leaking of fluids.

    As a first step to shipping a car to Australia, just fill in our online estimate form with your details. Very soon, we will get back to you with customized quotes from highly professional car shipping companies. All you will then need to do is select a company for shipping your car to Australia and let them handle the rest for you.

    Useful Links
    http://www.custom.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4371
    http://www.aaa.asn.au/touring/bringing.htm
    http://www.australia-migration.com/page/Drivers_Licence/127
    http://www.australia.gov.au/

    Jun 30 2010

    Car Shipping To Africa

    Shipping a car to Africa

    ship car to Africa

    Ship Car to Africa

    Do you need assistance with shipping your car to Africa? We will make this job much simpler for you. As well as giving you with detailed information, we will get you customized quotes from the top car shipping companies. We offer Car shipping  services to Africa in Ro Ro and Container shipping. For a FREE Quote.

    It is very essential for any person while shipping a car to Africa to know the rules and regulations in Africa for carrying out the process. For instance, there are some restrictions in certain places in Africa to import Japanese model cars as they have a right hand drive. Knowing well the rules and regulations while shipping a car to Africa would enable the process to be completed simply and safely. The port of entry of shipped cars in Africa is normally Durban.

    Documents needed for shipping a car to Africa

    For shipping a car to Africa, it is vital to have the following two important documents – letter of authority from South African Bureau of Standards and a permit for import from ITAC. So while shipping a car to Africa one must ensure that he has the above documents. This enables the person to complete a valid car shipping process to Africa smoothly.

    Letter of Authority from SABS for shipping a car to Africa

    The letter of authority from South African Bureau of Standards is needed irrespective of whether the car to be shipped is a new car or a used one. Besides this, irrespective of the country of the manufacture of the shipped car, a letter of authority from South African Bureau of Standards must be obtained. In other words, the letter of authority from South African Bureau of Standards is needed for shipped cars manufactured outside Africa as well as for shipped cars manufactured within Africa. The LOA from SABS is needed even for shipping a passenger car to Africa. While shipping car to Africa, it is essential to match the Road Traffic Act and valid proof confirming this must be submitted to SABS.

    Permit for import from ITAC for shipping a car to Africa

    It is important that while shipping a car to Africa, a South African address must be provided for sending the permit. The import permit for the shipped car to Africa will not be sent outside the African Region. It is essential for all shipped cars to Africa to have import permits. For getting import permits, it is essential for a person shipping a car to Africa to have permanent residence in South Africa and show the proof of the same. The applications for import permits can be filed addressed to the Director Of Import And Export Control. These policies are all set and controlled by ITAC – International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa.

    Duties to be paid while shipping a car to Africa

    It is a must to pay import duty for importing cars to any country and this duty charge will vary depending on the country to which it is being shipped. While shipping a car to Africa, one can avail of the “duty free” option on an imported car if the person is opting for permanent residence in an African country and valid documents are shown with respect to this aspect. It is also essential that one must pay Customs duty while shipping a car to Africa. The customs duty varies in amount depending on the age of the shipped car. In addition, there is another tax named Value added tax which one has to pay while shipping a car to Africa.

    As a first step to organizing the shipping of your car to Africa, please fill out our online estimate form. We will get back to you very soon with personalized quotes from the top car shipping companies handling shipping cars to Africa. All you then need to do is take your pick and zoom ahead!

    car shipping to Africa

    ship Car to Africa

    Jun 30 2010

    Car Shipping to Spain

    Shipping cars to Spain

    ship cars to Italy

    If you need information on shipping cars to Italy, you are on the right page! We are help to help you not just by providing handy vital information on shipping a car to Spain, but also more. International Car Shipping in RO RO or Container Choice of 20 or 40 Ft at some of the lowest International Ocean Shipping Rates around. Get Free Quote today.

    Car Shipping to Spain

    If you wish to import a vehicle, you have to be a permanent resident or own property in Spain or acquire a rental agreement for a year and hold a Spanish driving license. After 6 months you are considered a resident which requires you to pay import tax and re-register your vehicle. Import tax differs according to engine cc. However once you become a resident, you can register without paying the 12% registration tax.

    Non-residents can keep the vehicle only for six months in a year, with permission renewable yearly. Non-residents from the European Union have to pay 12 % Impuesto Especial if they become residents. They have to get the full national plates. Non-residents from outside the European Union who become residents do not have to pay this Impuesto Especial. A Spanish resident who brings a car with registration from a foreign number plate has to change the status within 30 days.

    Regulations regarding license

    Cars may be imported into Spain. There are several regulations in Spain just like other countries. You are allowed to drive using a valid United Kingdom or other European Union license for six months. Then you may choose the option of leaving or applying for another license, be it European Union or a Spanish one. Licenses issued before 1990 are invalid. The minimum age for driving cars is 18. UK licenses may be exchanged for Spanish ones and these can be used in UK too.

    However in case of loss, both would not be able to issue a new license to replace the lost one. Driving licenses are valid for 10 years if the age of the holder is below 45 and 5 years if above and 2 years thereafter. Each time a medical certificate from an authorized centre is necessary.

    First steps following import

    As soon as you have completed the import procedure, make sure you do not drive your car until the local Provincial Traffic Department has issued you the temporary or green registration plates for ten days. Within this time you must reach the office for the vehicle inspection test and get it done. If you pass it, you will be given a permanent registration number.

    Documents for the vehicle following import

    • Technical inspection certificate.
    • Completed form for vehicle registration (Certificado Unico para la Matricula da Vehiculos) from the local provincial traffic department.
    • Invoice for the purchase of the car if within 6 months.
    • Proof of payment of road tax (IVTM)
    • Proof of payment of import duty (10% of cost price for vehicles imported from outside EU)
    • Registration tax receipt (if paid, ranges from 7% to 12% depending on capacity of engine)
    • Proof of payment of VAT (16% on cars from outside the EU and for cars from EU which have not earlier paid it)

    Homologation

    car shipping to Italy

    Car Shipping to spain

    Should you bring in a right hand car into Spain, it has to be certified road worthy by the Government. Some changes may have to be made to the vehicle to get the certificate. Homologation is the procedure by which changes are made to the car to conform to the safety standards of Spain. An imported vehicle needs to be certified by the manufacturer or undergo a test at an authorized laboratory to get certified as conforming to Spanish standards of safety.

    Precautions to be taken to escape from penalty while driving

    Driving license, car purchase documents, car insurance documents with latest bank receipt should be with you when driving in Spain. Otherwise, a fine of ˆ300 may be imposed. Spot payment is to be done or your vehicle may be towed away. Retrieving it later would result in more penalty. Halt signs are of extra importance. Laxity is not allowed. Even if there is no obstruction, you cannot just move forward when the signal stops you. These mistakes can get you heavy penalties.

    Essential items to be kept in your car other than the documents

    You have to get an authorized luminous yellow jacket to be kept in the car. In case of breakdown, you are to wear it. Not having it will ensure a fine. Some other items that are to be necessarily carried in your vehicle are a set of bulbs and tools necessary to fit them, two triangles approved by the Ministry of Interior Affairs (one bearing a round symbol E9 and the other a code 27RO3), a spare tire, tools to change a tire and a spare pair of spectacles if you use them. A heavy fine should be expected if you do not have any one of these items.

    Shipping the car to Spain

    Several international car shipping companies are giving you a fairly good service. Study the various company sites for the rates, the kind of service and the extent of their responsibility. The company representative may then be communicated with for further details.

    The place of collection and delivery point must be determined. If the service provided is door-to-door, your car will be collected at a point very close to your residence and delivered similarly. If this privilege is opted for, you have to ensure that the roads to both these points are broad without trees with overhanging branches and the bridges are wide enough to permit the trailers or haul vans to navigate their way easily.

    You will also have to select whether you want a closed container service or open trailer service. The closed container protects your vehicle from the onslaught of nature. This service will obviously be a little more expensive just like the door-to-door delivery. Your car will be in one container or trailer all through. It will never be driven at any stage of the shipping.

    Rest assured that very little chance is allowed for any damage to occur at any point during the shipping. Further protection is afforded by shipping insurance which the company will insist upon. At many points there will be situations where the company is unable to overlook your car. Damages that could possibly occur like theft, loss, fire, denting or glassbreak or any damage beyond $500 will be covered by the insurance.

    Get vehicle ready for shipping to Spain
    The car must be clean. All the loosely attached items in the car have to be removed. The infant seat and the spare tire which are both secured well may be left. Car phones should be removed. Personal items which we have a habit of accumulating in the car are not safe in the car during transport. Cassette decks, speakers and CDs are better shifted out. On no account should you leave personal documents. These had better be kept in a bag safely with you.

    Firearms and fire extinguishers should not be kept in the car. Alarm systems must be disabled. If any are remaining in working condition, this information must be shared with the shipping company.

    The car should be in a good operating condition. The tires must be good and inflated well. There should not be leakage of any kind. Any problem must be dealt with before handing over. Steering and transmission have to be functioning. The height of the car must be seven feet. If more, this fact must be conveyed to the company which will then make the necessary arrangement.

    Six inches of clearance from the ground is a must. The tank should contain fuel just sufficient, about half-full, to drive to a fuel station. Your car is not driven at all during the transport of your car. So fuel consumption is nil where the shipping is concerned.

    Duplicates of the car keys to all locked parts should be handed over to the company while you keep the originals. Copies of the vehicle registration, insurance papers and notarized declarations from the financier (creditor) confirming their knowledge of the shipping of the car are to be handed over with the vehicle . This is to expedite matters at customs.

    Extra Precaution
    Most important of all, collect the company’s phone numbers, e-mails and the site where your car’s movement may be tracked. Since the shipment will take 2 or 3 weeks, you will have time to travel to Spain and wait for the delivery of your car.

    To help you get started with shipping a car to Spain, we have provided an online estimate form at our site. Please fill in your details and we will get back to you very soon with no-obligations customized quotes from the top car shipping companies.

    Useful Links:

    http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/driving_licenses_in_spain/
    http://www.spain-info.com/Living_in_Spain/Driving.htm
    http://www.la-moncloa.es/
    http://www.sispain.org/

    Jun 30 2010

    International Car Shipping to Italy

    Shipping Cars to Italy

    Car shipping

    Car shipping

    If you need information on shipping cars to Italy, you are on the right page! We are help to help you not just by providing handy vital information on shipping a car to Italy, but also more. International Car Shipping in RO RO or Container Choice of 20 or 40 Ft at some of the lowest International Ocean Shipping Rates around. Get Free Quote today.

    Important facts on shipping cars to Italy

    Italy has laws favoring the entry of vehicles from the European Union of which it is a part. A vehicle which is more than six months old and has run six thousand kilometers may be imported into Italy without duty. A person with a vehicle from any other country needs to have had it for one year to be exempt from duty. Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road. The metric system is followed here so the distance is measured in terms of kilometers and speed in kilometers per hour. A residence certificate (Certificato di Residenza) is necessary for importing vehicles.

    Import Taxes
    A tax code may be obtained at the provincial tax office. The tax code is Codice Fiscale and the provincial tax house is the Unificio Imposte. You need an identification document for registering the vehicle with the Traffic Control Authority (Motorizzazione Civile).

    car shipping to Italy

    Car Shipping to Italy

    Rules concerning the import Non-Italians may import one automobile duty free after using it for one year and providing proof of ownership for that year. A Certificate of Origin is to be submitted. Italian citizens who were abroad for one and a half years can bring in their vehicle after proving residence abroad. However, vehicles brought in duty free cannot be sold for at least one year. Italy discourages the import of new vehicles. Restrictions are kept over cars of more than 2000cc. The required documents for importing a car are the ownership title, registration card and manufacturer’s information. Valid insurance must be present. Documents should be originals, not notarized ones.

    Temporary Import

    The car is permitted to remain in Italy for six months after a payment of $1200. For a longer stay, a special plate called escursionisti esteri is acquired.

    Import for special personnel

    Military personnel may import one privately owned car under Government expenditure, free of import duty. This same vehicle may be similarly taken back. The Italian Ministry of Finance allows military and NATO personnel to possess 3 vehicles but only one will be free of taxes. However all vehicles must be registered and licensed in Italy. When shipping care to Italy, he Vehicle Identification number must be the one on the documents. Dissimilarity provokes undue delay in transit. The color, dimensions and special lighting do not affect the permission to import. Regulations require the use of seat belts and child protective restraints.

    Prepare Car for the shipping

    Hand over your automobile keys to our shipping company. You must keep the originals and give another set for all the locked parts of your vehicle including the ignition, glove compartment, boot and gas cap to the representative of the company. The company needs to have the copies of your license, registration and title and the creditor’s declaration of knowledge of the car shipment to Italy (if they are involved with the financing).

    A photo identity card of any person you are allotting to take the car to the company or delivering for you, is to be carried by that person when he does his job. Communication details of the company and relevant phone numbers and e-mail ids must be noted. Tracking the movement of your car and its status helps you to lessen your worry.

    Prepare your vehicle for shipping

    Protecting the radiator and battery and preventing the liquids from freezing is of importance if the vehicle is being transported through cold regions. There should be just enough fuel in the tank to permit you to reach a fuel station. Gasoline is inflammable. Reducing the amount in the tank simultaneously reduces the chance of fires. Vehicles with propane tanks should contact their service station and the details provided to the shipping company.

    Valuable items should not be kept in your car during transport. Personal documents, original registration certificates, license and the like should not be kept in the car. Losing them in transit is disastrous. The company cannot be held responsible for it. Be very thorough in sifting through your car before handing it over.

    Items which are not secured properly in the vehicle must be removed. Clear out your glove compartment. Remove CDs, car phones, cassette decks, golf clubs, books and other loosely fitted things from the car. The infant seat which is well mounted and spare tires can remain. The car is to be in good operating condition. Effective brakes and good tires are essential. Otherwise the company may not risk shipping the car.

    A 6-inch ground clearance is needed to reduce any possible damage during the transport. Low ground clearance of the vehicles requires special arrangements to be made by the shipping company. Check for leakage of fluids. If any, repair before handing over.

    The height of the car is expected to be seven feet. If more, the shipping company must be prepared for it. Firearms, fire extinguishers and all loose items must necessarily be removed.  The alarm systems may be put out of action. If any are still functional, the transport company must be aware.

    Antennas must be retracted. Cleanliness of the vehicle is important.  The condition of the car if good, must be mentioned in the bill given to you for signature when handing over.

    Importance of shipping insurance

    During the process of shipping , when the car is waiting for the shipment it may be housed in warehouses which do not belong to the company. The possibility of damages arises. This may happen on the ship too. There can be a fire or theft or damages like denting and breaking of glass

    The company takes the insurance to cover the expenditure involved in repairing. Any expenditure beyond $500 is covered by the insurance. Different varieties of insurances will be introduced to you. You may select one which you feel is just right.

    Car Shipping Links

    http://www.infrastrutture.gov.it
    http://www.trasporti.gov.it
    http://www.traveldocs.com/it/customs.htm
    http://initaly.com/travel/info/driving.htm
    http://italy.usembassy.gov/acs/general-driving.asp