Tips for Shipping your Luxury Car

Shipping a luxury car requires special care and attention to ensure it arrives at its destination in pristine condition. Luxury vehicles are not just ordinary cars; they are high-value investments that need extra protection during transportation. This guide explores different international shipping methods for luxury car shipping, preparing your luxury vehicle for shipment, understanding the risks of shipping luxury cars, and managing the delivery of your luxury vehicle.

The Different Methods of Luxury Car Shipping

There are various methods of luxury car shipping, each offering different levels of protection and costs:

Open Shipping

This is the most common and cost-effective method. An open trailer will transport your luxury car alongside other vehicles. While it’s budget-friendly, it offers less protection from the elements and potential damage.

Enclosed Shipping

Enclosed shipping is more expensive but provides superior protection for your luxury car. A covered trailer transports the vehicle with only a few other vehicles, shielding it from weather conditions and road debris.

White Glove Shipping

This is the highest level of protection, and it comes at a premium price. Efficient handlers will ensure the safety of your luxury car throughout its journey.


You can also do luxury car shipping by air, sea, or land. Air shipping is the fastest but the most expensive, while ocean shipping is more affordable but slower. Land shipping is the least expensive but only suitable for domestic transportation.

How to Prepare Your Luxury Vehicle for Shipment

To prepare your luxury vehicle for shipment:

  • Thoroughly clean the car inside and out to prevent debris from causing damage during transit.
  • Inspect the vehicle for any existing damage and document it with photos for reference.
  • Remove all personal belongings and loose accessories from the car.
  • Disable the car’s alarm system to prevent any complications during transportation.
  • Ensure the fuel tank is no more than ¼ full to comply with safety regulations.
  • Perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the car is in good operating condition.
  • Provide any necessary paperwork, especially for international shipments.

By following these steps, you can ensure your luxury vehicle is ready for safe and secure transportation.

The Risks Associated with Luxury Car Shipping

While shipping a luxury car is generally safe and secure, there are some risks, such as:

Damage: Despite careful handling, there’s always a risk of damage during transportation due to unforeseen circumstances.

Delay: Luxury car shipping may take longer than expected, especially if there are unforeseen logistics challenges.

Loss: In rare cases, there might be a risk of loss, where the car could go missing during transit.

To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to choose a reputable shipping company that offers insurance coverage for your luxury vehicle. Also note to inspect your car thoroughly upon delivery and report any damages immediately.

When Your Luxury Vehicle is Delivered

When your luxury car arrives at its destination, be present to inspect it personally or have a trusted representative do so. Verify the car’s condition and compare it to the pre-shipping documentation and photos. Take note of the odometer reading to ensure that no addition of extra miles happens during the transit. If there are any issues, report them to the shipping company and, if needed, file an insurance claim.

Consider International Sea and Air Shipping for your luxury car transportation needs. We are a reliable and experienced international shipping company with expertise in handling luxury vehicles. With a wide range of shipping methods, global reach, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing, we prioritize the safety and security of your luxury car during transit. Our positive reputation and track record of satisfied customers make us a trustworthy choice for shipping your high-value investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a regular transport company to ship my luxury car?

Yes, but we recommend in hiring a shipping company experienced in luxury car transportation for added protection.

Does insurance cover my vehicle during the shipping process?

Yes, reputable shipping companies like International Sea and Air Shipping typically offer insurance coverage for your vehicle during the shipping process.

What documents do I need to ship my luxury vehicle?

You will typically need the vehicle’s title, registration, and proof of ownership, along with identification and any specific international shipping documents if applicable.

How likely is it that my vehicle will undergo damage in transit?

The likelihood of damage during transit varies but can be minimization can happen by choosing reputable companies and enclosed shipping methods.

Is it possible to leave stuff in my car during its shipment?

We generally advise to remove all personal belongings from your car before shipping to ensure safety and compliance with shipping regulations.

Should I give you my set of keys?

Yes, it’s advisable to provide a set of keys to the shipping company for operational purposes during transportation.

Should I leave my anti-theft system on?

No, it’s best to disable your car’s anti-theft system before shipping to avoid any potential issues during transportation.

International Car Shipping

What is Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro/Ro) Transportation?

Shipping Motorcycles Internationally

7 Common Mistakes When Moving Overseas