The shipping of automobiles has regained its importance given the change in economic as well as social scenario. In wake of the current slowdown of economies, luxury brands are finding it difficult to operate in multi-manufacturing units across the globe, and are thus downsizing their factories and localizing back to their home states or countries. For example, the first half of the year saw Toyota, a Japanese automobile stalwart; pull out its manufacturing units located in the USA and the UK. Given this situation, customers interested in purchasing cars from these oversea nations are left to have them shipped across nations or state boundaries.

The slowdown has also been favorable for cheaper car companies, since their respective countries have witnessed a surge in shipping home-made cars abroad. For example, Chinese domestic companies like Chery, Chang’an Auto, Dongfeng Motor Group Co Ltd etc have exported more than 25, 000 units of cars to South America and many other European customers, in the first quarter of 2011. However, there are other factors that have turned the spotlight on car shipping. Relocation or migration to other parts of the globe, increased whim of purchasing customized cars over the internet, and etc., have all led to an enhanced demand for car-shipping across land and water borders.

Here, we’ll provide a few details to clear the air around car shipping and its approaches. Automobile shipping across states and continents takes place either by truck, rail or boat depending on the route and distance. For example, Western Europe and the USA have the strongest automotive manufacturing units comprised of famed names like BMW, Bentley, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Volkswagen and Ford. So, the consumers residing outside these countries, but within shorter land distances of these markets, opt for trucks and railways; whereas the overseas consumers, living across the Atlantic Ocean, prefer ships as a more easy and reliable mode of transport.

However, the shipping takes place in two preferred modes: Closed shipping, and Open shipping.
In enclosed auto transport, your car gets shipped in boxed containers. This system ensures extreme care for your car, and is preferred when your car is a specially customized piece, or a vintage item or a classic car. The trailers carrying such cars are lined with boxes without damaging or affecting each other in any way. This mode is however very expensive as it not only covers cost of transit, but accounts for the added protection as well.

On the other hand, open car carriers offer no such boxed protection, and here the cars are piled one on top of the other and hauled on trailers to be transported to their destinations. Naturally, it is a cheaper option than the closed variety and is preferred for cars that are less fanciful. Its main drawback is that it exposes the car to all elements of wind, rain, dust, smoke and pollution.

There is also the consolidated shipping option, where a special container is provided to carry only 4 to 5 cars. This is a highly preferred option as it is not as expensive as enclosed car transportation, and also protects the car from exposure to weather and other elements.

However, selecting the type of auto transportation you want is not enough. Another vital point to consider is your car’s insurance and selecting the best shipping operator. Overseas shipping insurance safeguards your car from physical damage and theft while on transit. Hence, It is advised at any given situation, a detailed market analysis be initiated before committing to any operator. You need to compare their reputation, rate quotations and reliability before entrusting your car to them.

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About the author: Amanda Kidd works in the finance industry and blogging is her passion. When it comes to writing she prefers topics related to technology, finance and gadgets like mobile tv. Luxury portal is her new favorite where she blogs about the most expensive things in the world. She loves cars and dreams of owing a Toyota Camry one day.