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Although increasingly common, shipping boats internationally can be tricky, especially for inexperienced shippers. The different sizes, regulations, and required documentation may confuse even the ordinary shipper. Not understanding the process leads to time and monetary loss. For example, giving customs incorrect documents can result in your goods being held up, leading to demurrage charges. Despite this, the international transportation of ships has grown in recent times. Shipments to and from the Mediterranean Sea to the U.S., particularly, have grown in volume. This article will introduce what to expect and how to prepare when starting.
Before starting, it is essential to know the guidelines for transporting boats, which differ based on country. Likewise, the shipper must follow various customs regulations when bringing cargo into the U.S. Another important consideration is the boat’s dimensions, which affect the shipping method. The main ways that carriers ship boats and yachts internationally include:
A shipper should also prepare the boat for international shipping beforehand.
The exact preparation requirements depend on the boat, shipping method and carrier, but there are a few things owners should expect to deal with before loading.
Start by securing or removing loose equipment both above and below deck. Antennas, radar equipment, canvas, sails and other items that increase the boat’s height may need to be lowered or removed, particularly when space is limited.
Doors, hatches and windows should be secured, and personal belongings or valuables should normally be removed. It is also a good idea to photograph the boat before transport so there is a clear record of its condition.
Fuel, water, batteries and other onboard systems may have specific requirements depending on the carrier and shipping method. Confirm these requirements before preparing the boat rather than assuming that every shipment follows the same rules.
Accurate measurements are also important. The boat’s overall length, beam, height and weight can determine whether it can travel in a container, on a flat rack, by RoRo or using another method.
Once the shipper is ready to transport the boat, they contact a shipping company or freight forwarder. Freight forwarders act as the middleman between the shipper and carrier while handling different parts of the transportation process. During the journey, they give updates on the status of the shipment. The documentation must be ready before the boat enters the country of import. Customs brokers coordinate with customs on the release of your shipment. They do this by completing the paperwork, ensuring government compliance, calculating duties, classifying goods, etc. When customs releases the boat, importers typically use a flatbed truck to transport it to the final destination.
The documents required will depend on where the boat is coming from, where it is going, and whether it is being permanently imported, exported or moved temporarily.
Depending on the shipment, you may be asked for documents such as:
If a boat is being imported into the United States, the documentation should be reviewed before arrival wherever possible. Missing or inconsistent ownership, value, or shipping information can hold up the customs clearance process.
A customs broker can review the entry requirements, prepare the customs entry, and help determine what documentation is required for the particular shipment.
There is no standard price for shipping a boat overseas. The cost depends heavily on the vessel and the route.
Some of the main factors are:
Dimensions can have a particularly large impact because they determine which shipping methods are available. Removing or lowering detachable equipment may also reduce the overall shipping dimensions in some cases.
For an accurate quote, provide the boat’s dimensions and weight, its current location, the destination, and details of any trailer or cradle that will travel with it.
The reason why shipping boats can be complicated is because of the various rules and regulations involved. Shipments like yachts are valuable investments, and a misinformed decision can lead to significant losses. Shippers typically use the assistance of a 3PL (third-party logistics) company to begin. 3PLs are service providers that handle various parts of a supply chain. Some solutions include cargo transport, distribution, customs clearance, and more. Call A1 Worldwide Logistics at 305-821-8995 or email info@a1wwl.com regarding shipping your boat to and from the U.S. We have freight forwarding and customs brokerage services to clear your shipment once it reaches the U.S.
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