Can you ship a car by plane? Yes! In most cases, there are more accessible options. These include driving the vehicle, hiring a highway hauler, or even opting for oceanic transport. But when presented with unique challenges – maybe you just purchased a supercar overseas or need your vehicle in another state ASAP – air freight might be just the ticket.
In this guide, Caravan Auto Transport discusses the pros and cons of transporting your car by plane, as well as the logistics involved with doing so.
Cost of Shipping a Car By Plane
First off, this is a premium service. The average rate is between $2,000 and $4,000. How much does it cost to ship a car overseas by plane? Anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000. Yes, that means it can be as much as a new car. Destination and airline are the top factors that affect the price. If you own a highly prized automobile or require your vehicle to be transported post haste, taking to the air offers the perfect blend of immediacy, luxury, and convenience.
Pros and Cons of Air Shipping
As with any type of transport, air freight over land or sea has its pros and cons.
Advantages of Air Transport
Maybe you have a rare exotic in a remote state or even another country. Or, perhaps you’re pressed for time. Or you simply want the best option that money can buy. In any event, air shipping across the ocean or land is the fastest and safest way to transport your vehicle.
- It’s Fast: One of the greatest advantages to this form of shipping is that it can take a matter of hours – not days – to securely transport a vehicle. That can be a huge benefit, whether you’re itching to get into your new ride as soon as possible or in a time crunch with an auto show. This is also the best option if you need to send your vehicle overseas in a timely manner.
- Ideal for Expensive or Luxury Cars: If you need to transport a high-value luxury auto or delicate classic, air shipping can provide the peace of mind that your prized auto will arrive at its new destination in pristine condition. And if you need to have your vehicle delivered asap to anywhere in the world, this is really the only option that can guarantee expedited transport.
- Ship Personal Belongings: Plus, you can often ship personal belongings along with your vehicle. This is especially handy if you are in the process of relocating.
- More Convenient: There are several other reasons why you might want to choose air freight over traditional transport. If you were to drive the vehicle yourself, and on a tight schedule, you’ll be dealing with the following: time crunch, wear & tear on the vehicle, travel costs (including fuel, snacks, overnight accommodations, etc.), and potential accidents.
- Safer Than Other Forms of Transit: If you choose to go with professional road transit, you’ll be saving yourself the headache of driving yourself, but your vehicle may be placed in hazardous situations. There are two factors in play: length of time on the road and exposure to the elements. Even if you choose enclosed transport, this will not negate the potential of an accident.
- Faster Than Oceanic Shipping: Finally, there’s air shipping vs. oceanic transport. Overseas shipping is a great option, but if you want to limit any risks of damage (as well as the long time it takes to traverse the sea), you’re much better off booking air shipping for your cherished auto.
Disadvantages of Air Transport
Okay, so we’ve looked at the benefits of plane transport. What are the drawbacks?
- Cost: At the top of the list is cost. Shipping by plane is certainly not cheap. As previously mentioned, the expense can exceed the price of some new cars! Most other options are a lot less expensive. If you can deal with longer shipping times and the risk of potential damage, then you might want to consider shipping your car via land or ocean.
- Limited Options: The other main downside of transport by air is the fact that it can be difficult to locate a plane, especially when it comes to your location, point of destination, and desired shipping date. Other options, like open or enclosed road transport, are much more readily available.
All in all, if you have the wherewithal, air freight is the most secure, fastest, and luxurious way to ship your prized ride. And if you want to limit the exposure to dirt, grime, and potential hazards, nothing beats the air. Plus, it’s just a super cool way to get from point A to B!
Shipping a Car By Plane
Set on shipping your car by plane? Welcome to an exclusive club! This is one of the rarest forms of transport. But before you book a service, there are a few things you need to know.
Do Cargo Planes Carry Cars?
Yes, cargo planes carry cars. Along with passenger airplanes – they can carry vehicles in their cargo section – cargo planes are ideal for this type of transport. The world’s largest cargo plane, the Antonov AN-225 super transporter, has a wingspan approximately the length of a football field. It can carry up to 50 automobiles during a single flight.
Points of Preparation
As opposed to other transport choices, air freight comes with a pretty strict set of rules.
- First, any vehicle placed on a plane must be in good running shape.
- There are also weight restrictions, so in many cases, you won’t be able to include any extra items inside your car. This goes for gasoline as well. Oftentimes, there is a gas tank limit. This typically is about a 1/8 to 1/4 tank of gas. In air travel, every pound counts.
- Is your car financed or leased? If so, you’ll be required to provide the title, registration, and notarized documentation from your lessor or creditor.
- Another thing to keep in mind: clearing customs. Once your vehicle has arrived at its new destination, it might take several days until you can collect it. You’ll also need to provide sufficient identification in order to pick up your car as well.
- Two more points: keys and country-specific car export requirements.
- Obviously, it won’t be very helpful if you don’t provide car keys.
- And when it comes to shipping to another country, you need to know their respective laws. For instance, some nations won’t allow used vehicles over a certain age limit. With the help of a reputable company, however, you’ll be properly advised of any restrictions or special instructions.
Considerations
When comparing services, keep in mind these steps:
- Reputation and rating
- Vehicle delivery to airport (drive yourself or collected by the company)
- Booking of the airline trip (and respective itinerary)
- Completion of the customs paperwork
- Hazardous goods and airline security clearance
- Being able to view loading/unloading
- Communication with an agent at the final destination
- Arrangement of further delivery once landed
As with any car shipping service, it can be difficult to find the right fit. But if you choose a thoroughly reputable outfit, you’ll enjoy one of the best experiences in auto transport.
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Whether you need to transport your vehicle by land, sea, or air, Caravan Auto Transport is here to help! We connect you with our network of highly qualified, certified, and experienced auto transport companies with ease. Click here to learn more and request your free quotes!