Shipping our Defender
We initiated our global journey in the United States, necessitating the transportation of our Defender to this starting point. While researching the shipping process, we encountered a plethora of unorganized information. To streamline this, we aim to present a well-organized overview. Our Defender was shipped from Antwerp to Baltimore by Seabridge in May 2023, and we chose the RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) method. The comprehensive cost of shipping amounted to €2860, covering all associated expenses such as taxes, fuel surcharges, port surcharges, insurance, and escort services. For further details on shipping our Land Rover Defender to the USA, you can explore this page.
In a container or by RoRo
When it comes to shipping your overlanding vehicle, you have two options: utilizing a container or opting for RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off). Here are considerations for each:
Container Shipping:
- Car Size: Consider the size of your vehicle, especially the height, as different container sizes are available.
- Container Type: Decide if you want an exclusive container for your vehicle or if you’re open to sharing a container with another vehicle. Shared containers significantly reduce costs.
- Cost: Container shipping is generally more expensive than RoRo, but sharing a container can bring down the price.
RoRo Shipping:
- Process: RoRo involves driving your vehicle onto the containership, parking it, and driving it off at the destination, similar to a ferry.
- Cost: RoRo is typically cheaper than container shipping.
- Security Concerns: Some may consider RoRo less secure as vehicles are parked openly inside the ship, not securely stored and locked in a container.
Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice depends on factors like cost, security considerations, and personal preferences.
Shipping as Car or Motorhome
The distinction between shipping your overlanding vehicle as a car or a motorhome is crucial and can be confusing, especially when the vehicle, like our Defender, may outwardly resemble a “normal passenger car.” Here’s why this difference matters:
Shipping as a Car:
- For a “normal” passenger car, it must be completely empty when shipped. This means absolutely nothing can be inside the car besides the car interior.
- This option is not feasible for overlanding vehicles as they are typically loaded with equipment and gear.
Shipping as a Motorhome:
- Overlanding vehicles are generally shipped as motorhomes. The rules for motorhomes are more accommodating: the vehicle should appear empty, but items may be stored in built-in closets, and loose bedding is allowed.
- However, certain restrictions still apply. For example, items like lithium batteries, pressurized items, flammable items, and consumables may not be allowed.
- Loose items are shipped at your own risk and are not typically insured, so it’s advised not to ship cash or valuable electronics. Valuables should be carried with you during your flight.
It’s crucial to stay informed about the specific rules and regulations as they can change, and adherence to these guidelines ensures a smoother shipping process for overlanding vehicles.
The shipping companies to choose from
When shipping your vehicle as a motorhome, your options are somewhat limited. We engaged with a two companies (for our specific routes, there might be different companies for other routes), Seabridge and IVSSUK, both offering container shipping and RoRo services. It’s advisable to check their websites for specific routes, frequencies, and pricing based on your vehicle size and the chosen route. Next to this, their website provide useful general information as well, which might be handy for the know-how of the whole process.
For those shipping their vehicle as a passenger car, there are more choices available. Companies such as SCLRotterdam, Schumachercargo, and Rorousa are among the options. Keep in mind that this list may not be exhaustive, as we focused on motorhome shipping, and further research may reveal additional companies.
During our research, we observed variations in costs and transparency among different companies. Ultimately, we selected a company that provided clear information, responded promptly and accurately to our inquiries via both email and phone, and offered a transparent and easily understood quotation. This selection process helped ensure a smooth and reliable shipping experience for our overlanding vehicle.
Basic things to consider
Up to now, we only have experience on our shipping with Seabridge as a motorhome and only on the route Europe – North America. That being said, these are our take-aways:
During the preparations:
We requested a quotation in advance to estimate the costs of shipping our vehicle. Beyond the freight rate, which depends on the vehicle size, there are additional charges, including US Customs Declaration, fuel surcharge, ISPS Terminal Charge, Forwarder & Port Charges in Antwerp, Forwarder & Port Charges in Baltimore, and escort service in Baltimore. It’s important to note that prices may fluctuate, and the quotation might be slightly (10%-15%) lower than the actual price paid after the vessel’s departure, as the invoice is sent post-departure.
Considering Marine Insurance is advisable. While not mandatory, this insurance is essential because your normal car insurance won’t cover damages while your vehicle is in international waters. Marine Insurance, although optional, is relatively inexpensive (€300,-) and provides coverage for various incidents. Carefully read the policy with all conditions to assess its usefulness, considering factors like a €500,- deductible. Additionally, having Marine Insurance helped ease our concerns about the shipping process.
Sorting out all the necessary paperwork is crucial. Seabridge provided a comprehensive list of required paperwork, including the booking form, copy of passport, copy of vehicle registration, Importer Security Filing (ISF), and DofE form. Additional forms, such as CBP 3299 and DOT HS-7, are included in the DofE form, which is provided by Seabridge with instructions. For a Land Rover Defender, an EPA Exemption letter is needed, which can be obtained independently or with Seabridge’s assistance. Approval from the EPA can take time, so plan accordingly.
When delivering your vehicle at the EU harbor, bring your passport, driver’s license, International Insurance Card, and a mandatory safety vest. When picking up your vehicle at the US harbor, have your passport, driver’s license, original vehicle registration documents, data freight receipt from Seabridge, and hard copies of the ISF form, DofE form, and EPA. Timing is crucial, considering potential delays in departure and arrival. We shipped our Defender two weeks before flying to the USA to ensure it set sail before our departure, giving us peace of mind and flexibility.
Booking accommodation in advance is advisable, with a flexible cancellation policy, for the dates around the vessel’s arrival. This ensures a place to stay even if the vessel is delayed, avoiding last-minute and potentially expensive arrangements.
When shipping your vehicle:
Ensure your vehicle appears empty by storing everything in lockable closets, with loose bedding allowed. Minimize the risk of break-ins and theft, especially for RoRo shipping, by storing all equipment out of sight. Remove electronic equipment (dashcams, navigation, cameras, laptops) and take them with you.
Disarm your alarm and central locking system, manually lock doors (except the driver’s side), and disconnect the household battery. Provide instructions on finding the car battery, how storage compartments are locked, and the absence of prohibited items. Place this information on the dashboard.
Write down details on where to find the car battery, how storage compartments are locked, the removal of electronics, absence of prohibited items, your contact details, shipment purpose, and gratitude for care. Display it on the dashboard for ease of mind. Create a packing list, share it with Seabridge, take pictures during packing, collect invoices for loose items, and get an official certified valuation for the Defender.
For the actual delivery at the harbor, visit the harbor office for paperwork finalization. Only one person can drive the car to the designated spot in the harbor. Leave the car there, and the process is complete. Consider placing a GPS tracker inside the Defender to track its movement until it loses signal upon entering the ship. Seabridge provides a link to track the ship’s location. Refer to the above section for required paperwork at this stage.
When picking-up your vehicle:
Similar to drop-off, there is a specific route for pick-up. Start by going to the harbor office for paperwork. After completing paperwork, proceed to another office to arrange an escort. Only one person can accompany the escort to the harbor for car pick-up.
During the car pick-up, do not just get in and drive away. It is crucial to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle at the harbor. Check if the vehicle has arrived in complete and good condition. Report any missing or damaged items immediately at the harbor and file an official report for insurance purposes. If you notice issues outside the harbor premises, it’s beyond their jurisdiction, and there’s nothing you can do. The packing list can assist in verifying if everything is still present.
For the required paperwork at pick-up, refer to the section above.