When you transport a vehicle overseas, it is important to clear it from the port quickly so you do not incur added expenses. Port storage fees remain a common problem for car owners when they are shipping their vehicles from one place to another. The authorities are charged penalties for the delay caused by the stay of vehicles at the port facilities beyond the normal period. This guide informs you about port storage charges, how not to incur them, and how not to make them during the shipment of your car.
1. Get necessary knowledge about Port Storage Penalties
Although we will discuss how to avoid port storage fees, we first need to know what they are and when they occur.
If the car is not picked up from the port within a particular time frame, Port Storage Fees will be incurred. There could be many reasons for this to happen, like.
- Processing or Customs-delays on paper-work.
- Unexpected events like changes in the shipping schedule.
- Failing to schedule a timely pickup.
If the vehicle stays at the port for a long time, these fees quickly add up. In order to prevent this, one needs to be active and complete all the steps timely.
2. Quick Custom clearance
If you want to avoid port storage penalties, the first thing you need to do is clear customs. Customs clearance is a vital component of the shipping procedure, capable of causing delays. In order to prevent delays.
Ideally, all paperwork submitted as early as possible. It is key to submit all necessary documents like the bill of lading, proof of ownership and customs declarations as early as possible.
Choose a seasoned car shipping company: Look for a car shipping company like Carson Shipping that understands the customs process. They will inform you about the paperwork so everything is done ahead of time.
You will incur additional storage fees for customs delays unless all is prepared for timely clearance.
3. Schedule Pickup in Advance
Cars are often left at the port longer than needed due to a lack of coordination for pickup. Don’t get hit with storage fees – make sure you.
Schedule pickup as soon as possible Arrange for a pickup service as soon as your vehicle arrives at the port. If you are unable to collect the vehicle in person, you may choose a third-party to collect it on your behalf.
Make sure to double-check delivery times with the transport you are using. Work with a reliable and quality transport service, which will help you coordinate exactly when the car will be ready for pickup. At Carson Shipping we make it a point to provide a timeline, and we work with our clients to schedule pick ups.
If you pre-plan the pickup, your vehicle can avoid storage charges.
4. Be Aware of the Port’s Free Storage Period
Most ports offer a complimentary storage duration allows you to retrieve your vehicle without incurring additional charges for a specific period. The time period differs by port, making this information useful.
Before your vehicle arrives at a destination port, check the rules regulating the free storage period. Get in touch with the port or your shipping company that initiated the customs clearance for details on the chargeable period. Some ports for instance offer 3-5 days of free storage, while others have a shorter-free time or longer-free time.
Consult with your shipping company: Ask your car shipping company for the exact timing of the free period so you can choose the perfect time for pickup.
5. Account for unexpected delays
Delays can happen that you hadn’t counted on. The best approach to tackle your problems is to stay vigilant and take precautions.
Various shipping firms, like Carson Shipping, offer tracking features that allow you to monitor the status of your automobile shipment. It will notify you about the date of cargo arrival at port and the expiry date of free period storage.
In case of delays or issues, maintain communication with the shipping company. Ask about extending the storage period of your vehicle if you think the free period may exceed. You can also ask for some other arrangement.
Ask your shipping company about storage facilities if you can’t take your vehicle yet. They often offer solutions for temporary storage. At times, this is less expensive than paying the port charges.
6. Update your contact information on a regular basis
One more reason for port delays is failure to notify. Often when your vehicle arrives, the port connects with you or your representative. But if your contacts are outdate, you may miss this information.
Inform the shipping organization of any change in your number, email, address. This way, they can quickly inform you if your vehicle needs updates or changes.
Respond quickly to any requests or communications from either the shipping company or the port authorities. Not responding on time can often mean that the vehicle ends up at the port for longer.
Closing statement
To avoid paying port storage, make sure there’s enough time and coordination for the journey of your vehicle. When you know the customs process, schedule timely pickups, and stay informed, you can minimise the risk of extra charges. Picking a trustworthy and experienced ship business like Carson Shipping help facilitate the process, and make sure that your car is not delivere late.
Get in touch for more information about how we can help you ship your vehicle on time and avoid port storage fees. We will take care of the logistics while you relax throughout the shipping process!
