Looking to ship your car internationally but not sure where to start? This quick guide will walk you through the essentials of ground transportation and international car shipping. From getting your vehicle to the shipping facility to ensuring its safe arrival overseas, we’ll explain the key steps and help you make informed decisions to save time, money, and stress. Whether you’re shipping a standard car or a luxury vehicle, this guide has you covered.
What is Ground Transportation and Why is it Important for Car Shipping?
Ground transportation is the first critical step in the international car shipping process. Before a vehicle can be shipped overseas, it needs to be transported from its current location to a shipping facility. This might seem simple, but it involves coordinating pickup, handling the vehicle with care, and ensuring it arrives safely at the warehouse for international shipment. North Atlantic Logistics takes care of all of this for you, offering seamless ground transportation as part of their comprehensive car shipping service.
For many customers, figuring out how to get their car to the shipping warehouse can be stressful, especially if the car is located far from a port. This is where North Atlantic Logistics steps in. Whether your vehicle is in another city, state, or even in a rural area, we can arrange safe and reliable transportation to one of our storage and loading facilities. With both ground and international shipping services under one roof, you don't need to hire multiple companies or worry about how your car will get from point A to point B. We handle the entire process, saving you time and hassle.
By choosing North Atlantic Logistics, you’re not just getting a transport service — you’re getting peace of mind. We know how valuable your vehicle is to you, which is why we work with a trusted network of drivers and transport companies who have proven experience in safely moving vehicles, whether it's a standard car, a motorcycle, or even a boat.
How Can North Atlantic Logistics Safely Transport Your Vehicle?
When shipping a car, especially a valuable one, safety is a top concern. At North Atlantic Logistics, we understand that your vehicle is not just a mode of transport — it’s a prized possession. That’s why we take extra care in selecting experienced transporters who have a track record of handling vehicles with the highest level of expertise and professionalism.
The first step in ensuring your car’s safe journey is choosing the right people for the job. We work exclusively with licensed and insured drivers who have proven themselves through years of transporting cars, motorcycles, and even luxury or classic vehicles. These transporters are not only experts in logistics but also in vehicle care, ensuring that your car is treated with the utmost respect and attention from the moment it’s picked up to the time it reaches its destination.
One of the key safety measures we put in place is a rigorous screening process for all our transport partners. Only those with a spotless safety record and the highest standards of professionalism are allowed to join our network. These drivers know how to properly secure vehicles during transport, minimizing any risk of damage. For high-value cars, classic models, or motorcycles, we also offer enclosed transportation options, which provide additional protection against weather and road debris.
In addition to our selection of trusted drivers, North Atlantic Logistics guarantees that all transporters in our network are fully insured. This means that in the rare event of damage during transit, your vehicle is covered. We understand the trust you place in us when you hand over the keys to your car, and we want to give you peace of mind knowing that we’ve taken every step to protect your investment.
Should You Choose Enclosed or Open Transportation for Your Car?
When shipping your car, one of the most important decisions you'll make is whether to choose enclosed or open transportation. Both options have their benefits, and the right choice depends on your vehicle type, your budget, and how much protection you want during transport. At North Atlantic Logistics, we offer both enclosed and open transportation, giving you the flexibility to select the option that best fits your needs.
Open Transportation: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Open transportation is the most common and cost-effective option. In this method, vehicles are transported on an open trailer, similar to the ones you see carrying multiple cars on the highway. It’s widely used because it allows for more vehicles to be shipped at once, which helps keep the cost down.
For many budget-conscious customers, open transport is a great choice, especially if you’re shipping a standard vehicle or a car that you use daily. Since this method is affordable and widely available, it’s ideal for shipping cars that are less susceptible to minor exposure to weather conditions like rain, dust, or road debris. For example, if you're moving a family sedan, an SUV, or even a motorcycle that’s already built for outdoor use, open transport offers the perfect balance between cost and convenience.
Enclosed Transportation: Extra Protection for High-Value Vehicles
Enclosed transportation, on the other hand, is a premium service designed for those who need extra protection for their vehicle. In this method, your car is loaded into a fully enclosed trailer, shielding it from weather elements, dirt, and any potential road debris. It’s especially recommended for high-value, classic, or luxury vehicles that require additional care during transport.
While enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport, it’s worth considering if your vehicle has significant sentimental or financial value. For example, if you’re shipping a rare vintage car, a luxury sports car, or a custom motorcycle, the extra cost can be seen as an investment in keeping your vehicle in pristine condition. Enclosed transport also limits the number of vehicles that can be shipped at once, meaning your car gets more individualized care and attention throughout the trip.
What Safety Measures Does North Atlantic Logistics Take During International Shipping?
Shipping a vehicle internationally can feel like a daunting process, especially when it comes to ensuring its safety across borders and oceans. At North Atlantic Logistics, we prioritize the safety of your vehicle at every step of the journey. From the moment we pick it up to the time it arrives at its final destination, we employ rigorous safety protocols to protect your car from damage or loss during international transport.
No Forklifts, No Damage
One of the most critical aspects of safe car shipping is how vehicles are loaded and unloaded. Unlike many competitors, North Atlantic Logistics avoids using forklifts to move vehicles onto ships or into storage. Forklifts, while efficient, can lead to accidental scratches, dents, or worse. Instead, we rely on professional, hands-on loading and unloading techniques. Trained personnel carefully drive vehicles into position, ensuring they are securely fastened and handled with care. This manual process minimizes the risk of any unnecessary contact or damage to the vehicle’s body.
Step-by-Step Inspections and Documentation
Transparency and attention to detail are key components of our safety measures. To ensure your vehicle’s condition is maintained throughout the shipping process, North Atlantic Logistics performs a thorough inspection at every step. When your car arrives at our facility, we conduct a detailed visual inspection and document any existing damage. This is followed by a series of photographs, giving you a clear picture of your car’s condition at the time of handover.
The inspection process doesn’t stop there. We continue to document the condition of your vehicle as it moves through each stage — from the storage facility to loading, during transport, and again upon arrival at the final destination. This careful tracking helps us quickly identify any issues that might arise and allows us to provide full transparency to our customers.
24/7 Security at Storage Facilities
Another key element in our safety strategy is the security of our storage facilities. Vehicles waiting for shipment or delivery are stored in highly secure areas. All our storage facilities are equipped with 24/7 video and motion monitoring to prevent unauthorized access. With real-time surveillance in place, we can ensure that your vehicle is always protected, whether it’s staying with us for a few days or several weeks before shipment.
Additionally, our storage areas are designed to protect vehicles from environmental factors. Indoor facilities shield cars from weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, or extreme heat, helping to keep them in top condition throughout the transport process.
Licensed and Insured for Complete Peace of Mind
To further guarantee the safety of your vehicle, North Atlantic Logistics only works with licensed and insured transporters. This means that in the unlikely event of an issue during transport, you’re covered. Our comprehensive insurance policies give you peace of mind, knowing that your car is protected from the moment it leaves your hands to the moment it arrives safely at its destination.
How Can You Get an Instant Quote for Car Shipping?
One of the most important factors when shipping a car is knowing the cost upfront. At North Atlantic Logistics, we’ve made it easy for you to get an instant quote for your vehicle’s transport through our user-friendly shipping calculator. This tool gives you a clear breakdown of the expenses involved, including ground transportation, international shipping, and estimated delivery times, allowing you to plan your budget.
What Does the Shipping Calculator Do?
To get an instant quote using the North Atlantic Logistics shipping calculator, simply enter the following details: your full name, email, phone number, the zip code, port, or city of departure, and the destination port and country. Once you've submitted this information, our team will contact you via one of the methods you provided to give you a complete and detailed cost estimate for your car shipment.
Take the Next Step
Once you’ve received your instant quote, you can decide if you’re ready to move forward with scheduling your shipment. At North Atlantic Logistics, we strive to make the entire process — from getting a quote to delivering your vehicle — as smooth and stress-free as possible. With just a few clicks, you’ll have all the information you need to start planning your vehicle’s journey.
In summary, successful car shipping involves careful planning of both ground transportation and international logistics. By understanding your options and choosing a reliable provider, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and affordably. Ready to get started? Register now at northatllogistics.com and let us handle every step of your car’s journey with professionalism and care.
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