The Best Way to Transport Car to Mexico

How to Transport a Car To Mexico?

Traveling to Mexico for vacation? Businesses needing to move cars across borders to Mexico? Why drive? You can transport car to Mexico. Auto shipping your vehicle to Mexico makes it easy, as it offers a secure and cost-effective way to transport vehicles, avoiding potential issues with driving across international lines and ensuring safe arrival. You don't have to deal with unfamiliar logistical processes or international travel. 

Mexico car shipping services

Convenience: Mexico car shipping services provide a streamlined process for moving vehicles. The service offers door-to-door delivery options, which are very convenient.

Reliability: Reputable auto transport companies, like Rappid Auto Shipping, offer insurance and track vehicles, ensuring safe and timely delivery for car shipping to Mexico from USA.

Cost-effectiveness: While the initial cost might seem high, the cost to ship a car can be more economical than driving across international borders, especially considering potential fuel costs and time spent.

Avoiding complications: Driving a car to Mexico involves complexities such as international registration and customs procedures. You can bypass these hurdles with our shipping services.

Bulk transportation: For businesses or individuals with multiple vehicles to move to or from, car transport to Mexico can be a convenient way to handle shipments.

Port-to-port and door-to-door methods: Our Car Transport company offers both port-to-port and door-to-door transportation, giving flexibility to the customer

Requirements for Transporting a Car to Mexico

To transport car to Mexico from the USA via auto transport shipping services, you'll need a Temporary vehicle import permit, Mexican car insurance policy, and other documents like proof of ownership, your driver's license, and various other documents. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP): A TIP permit allows you to legally drive your US-registered car in Mexico for a limited period. You can apply and get a TIP online.

Mexican Car Insurance: Before transporting your vehicle to Mexico, you'll need a policy covering your vehicle while in Mexico.

Vehicle Title/Proof of Ownership: Vehicle Title/Proof of Ownership is essential to demonstrate that you are the owner and you have the right to bring the vehicle into Mexico.

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): This is needed for identification and paperwork.

EPA Form 3520-1: This form declares the vehicle's emissions and safety compliance. It is a declaration form used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for importing vehicles or engines into the United States.

DOT Form HS-7: This form declares the vehicle's safety compliance and is required for vehicle imports into the USA.

Bill of Lading: This document confirms the shipment if you are using a car shipping company. The car shipping company issues a bill of lading.

Bill of Sale: If you buy a car in Mexico and want to ship it back to the USA, you'll need a Bill of Sale to confirm.

Shipping Methods: Car shipping to Mexico:

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off):  RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) refers to transporting vehicles by driving them directly onto and off the ship using ramps. This method is specifically designed for transporting wheeled cargo, including cars, trucks, and buses. RoRo ships have ramps that allow vehicles to be driven directly onto and off the ship. It is generally a faster method for loading and unloading vehicles than LoLo.

Container shipping: Container shipping,  in car shipping to Mexico, involves placing vehicles inside shipping containers and then loading these containers onto the ship. This method provides a more protected vehicle environment and is suitable for luxury and high-value cars. However, this is not a faster method of transportation as it requires more loading and unloading time and is also more expensive than RoRo.

LoLo (Lift-on/Lift-off): This method uses cranes to lift and lower cargo, including vehicles, onto and off the ship. LoLo ships typically have onboard cranes or other lifting equipment for handling vehicles. It can handle various vehicles, including heavy or oversized items. The LoLo method requires more port infrastructure and time for loading/unloading.

RORO vs. Container: Complete Insight

RORO ships function like huge floating parking lots built explicitly for carrying cars. Certain RORO boats have movable decks to make room for trucks, cranes, and diggers, among other larger vehicles. The container shipping process involves putting the cars in boxes, then the boxes or the containers are arranged onto the ship and transported.

RoRo Shipping Method:

Container Shipping Method:

In RoRo shipping to Mexico, the car is driven onto a specialized vessel, where it's securely fastened to the deck. This method of transportation is typically less expensive than container shipping. RoRo shipping method is efficient, cost-effective, and suitable for vehicles in running condition. However, vehicles are exposed to the elements during transit. This may cause damage from sea spray, weather conditions, and other external factors.

In container shipping for cars to Mexico, the car is placed inside a container, which can be shared with other vehicles or be a dedicated private container. Shipping a vehicle in a container method is generally more expensive than RoRo. Container shipping offers better protection from the elements and allows for shipping personal belongings along with the vehicle. However, it can take longer than RoRo to deliver a car, apart from being more expensive.

Costs of Shipping a Car to Mexico

We know how to transport a car to Mexico, and now let us discuss the cost of shipping a car to Mexico. The cost to ship a car to Mexico from the USA typically ranges between $800 and $3000. However, this may vary due to several factors like the vehicle's size, shipping method, and the distance travelled. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is generally the most affordable option, while container shipping and air freight are more expensive methods of transporting vehicles to Mexico. Shipping costs also vary due to the additional costs such as taxes, duties, and entry fees.

The estimated RoRo shipping costs to ship a car to some important Mexican cities are discussed below:

RoRo shipping to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico: $800 - $1,500.

RoRo shipping to Veracruz, Mexico: $1,000 - $3,000.

RoRo shipping to Progreso, Mexico: $1350 - $1650

Step-by-Step Process

To ship a car from the United States to Mexico, you'll need to follow a few key steps: choose a shipping method (RORO or container), gather necessary documentation, and work with a customs agent. A detailed discussion on this follows:

1. Choose a Shipping Method:

RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) Method: RORO is the most common and cost-effective method if your car is drivable. The vehicle is driven onto the vessel like a regular drive.

Container Shipping Method: If the car is inoperable or you want to ship personal belongings alongside it, container shipping is a good option. The vehicle is loaded into a shipping container, and any other cargo you want to send with it.

2. Gather Necessary Documentation:

After choosing a method of transportation, the next step would be to gather all the necessary documents required for shipping your vehicle. You'll need the original title or a certified copy of your vehicle. Proof of Ownership may be required, depending on the specific circumstances. Your customs agent may advise you on any other documents you may need.

3. Hire a Customs Agent:

Mexican law requires that you hire a customs agent to facilitate your vehicle's import.

They will guide you through the paperwork and ensure your vehicle meets all legal requirements. The agent will also handle the import request, pay taxes, and ensure the vehicle is registered with the proper authorities.

4. Prepare for the Shipment:

Clean your car: Ensure the vehicle is clean and debris-free

Remove personal belongings: Take out any personal belongings you don't want to ship.

Ensure the car is operable (if using RORO): Make sure your car is in good working order if you're opting for RORO shipping.

Prepare any personal belongings for container shipping: If you're using container shipping, prepare your belongings accordingly, ensuring they are correctly packed and secured.

5. Transport the Vehicle to the Port:

The next step in the car shipping process is to deliver your car to the designated port. The customs agent will provide instructions on where to deliver your car. Follow and comply with all instructions given by your customs agent.

6. Customs Clearance:

The customs agent will handle customs clearance and will present all the required documents to Mexican customs. The customs authority will inspect your vehicle. They will ensure your vehicle meets all import requirements. Pay any applicable taxes and duties.

7. Register Your Vehicle:

Once the vehicle is cleared, you must register it with the appropriate registry. You must obtain any necessary permits and licenses to drive your vehicle in Mexico.

8. Final Delivery:

Receive your vehicle at the final destination: Once all the necessary paperwork is completed and the car is cleared, you can pick it up at the designated location.

Enjoy your vehicle in Mexico: Congratulations, you've successfully shipped your car to Mexico.

Choosing a Reliable Transport Company

For seamless vehicle shipping to Mexico, a reputable and reliable car shipping company like Rapid Auto Shipping should be chosen. A transport company like ours should have cross-border expertise, a deep understanding of customs regulations, documentation, and logistics for USA-Mexico shipping. We offer customisable solutions, like flexible transport options to suit various vehicle types and customer requirements in car shipping to Mexico. Safety and security are of utmost importance for car shipping to Mexico. A good shipping company like Rapid Auto Shipping is always committed to the highest safety standards throughout the shipping journey. We have transparent pricing for our customers, which is the hallmark of a quality car shipping company. A company with clear, competitive quotes and no hidden fees should be preferred. Dedicated support and regular updates throughout the shipping process form the backbone of any vehicle shipping. Hence, we offer comprehensive customer support throughout the shipping process to Mexico, ideal for international car shipping, such as car shipping to Mexico.