Have you ever imagined moving to a different island or buying your dream car from a distant province? It feels like a rollercoaster of emotions, right? You are thrilled about the new car but utterly stressed about figuring out how to send a car between islands safely without breaking the bank.
This is where professional expedition and shipping services step in to save the day. However, before you hand over your precious vehicle to just any shipping company, there are several crucial preparations you need to make for inter-island car shipping to ensure everything goes smoothly. Based on our years of experience at Agung Logistics, here are 7 essential tips to guarantee your car arrives in perfect condition.
1. Thoroughly Document the Car’s Condition (Before & After)
This is the absolute first and most critical step. Before the car is picked up or you hand it over to the expedition team, take your time to conduct a comprehensive physical inspection.
Take high-quality photos or videos from every angle: the front, rear, left side, right side, roof, interior seats, and even the tire conditions. Pay close attention to existing scratches or small dents. The purpose here is to avoid misunderstandings later on. If something unfortunate happens during the car delivery journey, you have solid visual proof to file an insurance claim. This is a non-negotiable form of precaution that every smart car owner must take.
2. Empty the Vehicle and Keep the Fuel Tank Low
Have you ever seen a car on a transport truck packed to the brim with household items? That is a sight you should definitely avoid replicating. When using a car shipping service, there is usually a strict rule that the vehicle must be completely empty.
Furthermore, pay attention to the fuel volume. Ensure the tank is only around 1/4 full, or preferably nearly empty. Why? This relates to safety factors and weight reduction. Expedition regulations also strictly prohibit shipping hazardous materials inside the cabin. Remember, vehicle insurance policies generally do not cover the contents inside the cabin, so it is much safer to secure your valuables separately.
3. Prepare Complete and Valid Vehicle Documents
This is a mandatory requirement that is non-negotiable. To execute inter-island car shipping, you must prepare photocopies of the STNK (Vehicle Registration), BPKB (Certificate of Ownership), and, if the car is new, the purchase invoice.
Double-check that all this data matches and that none of the validity periods have expired. Some expedition companies might require the original documents as collateral during the journey, though most are satisfied with legalized copies. Don’t let incomplete administration delay your shipping schedule. Feel free to consult our team regarding the specific document requirements.
4. Check the Reputation of the Expedition Company
This is the most important phase of all. You certainly don’t want your prized vehicle in the wrong hands, do you? Don’t just be tempted by the lowest price. Look for a car expedition company that has extensive experience and a solid track record.
Make sure they offer real-time tracking systems, proper fleet equipment (like RORO ships or containers), and a team of professionals. At Agung Logistics, we always prioritize safety and punctuality. With our extensive experience in inter-island logistics, you can rest easy entrusting your vehicle to us. Go ahead and check out our Car Shipping Service page for more details.
5. Understand the Insurance Scheme and CBM Calculation
Never skip the insurance! Make sure your vehicle is fully protected by a comprehensive insurance policy during the journey. Ask specifically about what is covered and what is excluded by the policy.
Additionally, take the time to understand how the shipping costs are calculated. Usually, costs are based on CBM (Cubic Meters) or tonnage. Understanding this will help you budget accurately. By knowing these details, you won’t be shocked by the final invoice and can fairly compare which auto transport offer is the most transparent.
6. Prepare for Additional Costs Outside the Shipping Fee
The initial quoted price often doesn’t include extra charges. A few things you need to account for are stevedoring (loading and unloading) fees at the origin and destination ports, as well as port administration fees.
If you are shipping to an area with specific entry tax policies, there might be further surcharges. The best way to anticipate this is by asking our customer service team for a fully transparent breakdown. We provide detailed cost breakdowns so there are absolutely no hidden fees.
7. Notify the Receiver at the Destination
Communication is key. Make sure the recipient (family, friend, or business partner) at the destination island is ready and aware of the estimated time of arrival. The handover process at the destination must be done by an authorized person whose identity matches the documents provided.
Conclusion
Shipping a car between islands indeed requires thorough preparation. From documentation, and administration, to choosing the right expedition company—every step matters. If you follow the 7 steps above, the entire process of shipping a car between islands will feel much lighter and significantly less stressful.
Consult your shipping needs right now via WhatsApp and get the best competitive quote from our team!
Entrust your shipping needs to Agung Logistics
If you are looking for the best and most reliable car shipping solution, do not hesitate to reach out to Agung Logistics. We are dedicated to ensuring your vehicle reaches its destination island safely and on time.
