Car shipping from the USA to Switzerland – get a free quote today!

Harish Makam

14 Nov 2022 1 year ago


Singapore is a beautiful country with so much to offer. From the city’s iconic skyline to the stunning beaches and lush greenery, there is something for everyone in Singapore. However, one of the most important things to consider when planning a trip to Singapore is how you will get around. While public transport in Singapore is excellent, it can be costly if you are not careful. This is where car shipping comes in handy. Car shipping from the USA to Switzerland can be a great way to save money on transportation costs while still enjoying all that Singapore offers. Plus, it gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. So if you are considering shipping your car from the USA to Switzerland, get a free quote today! Before that, familiarize yourself with some of the most critical aspects of vehicle shipping from the USA to Singapore and vice versa.

Different vehicle shipping services

The most popular and common vehicle shipping services are expedited shipping, guaranteed vehicle pick up, door-to-door service , terminal-to-terminal, and RoRo services. Here’s a brief about each of these services:

Expedited shipping

If you need your vehicle shipped as quickly as possible, expedited shipping is the way. This type of shipping generally takes between 2 and 4 days, depending on the distance your vehicle needs to travel. Expedited shipping is more expensive than regular shipping, but if time is of the essence, it’s worth it.

Standard shipping

Standard shipping is the most common type of vehicle shipping service. It generally takes between 7 and 14 days for your vehicle to arrive at its destination. Standard shipping is less expensive than expedited shipping, but it may take a bit longer for your vehicle to arrive.

Guaranteed vehicle pick up.

This service is best for those who need their car picked up within a specific time frame. The company will work with you to find a pick-up time that is convenient for you, and then they will guarantee pick-up during that time.

Terminal to terminal 

Terminal-to-terminal car shipping is the most common and economical vehicle shipping method. Your car will be delivered to an agreed-upon terminal location, where you will be responsible for picking it up. This service is best for those who have the flexibility to arrange their transportation to the terminal and those on a tight budget.

Door to door 

Door-to-door car shipping is a more convenient option for those who cannot or do not want to arrange their transportation to a terminal. With this service, your car will be picked up and delivered to your door. This is the most expensive shipping option but worth the added convenience.

RoRo Shipping

Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or Ro-Ro) ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers, and railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their wheels. This is in contrast to lift-on/lift-off (LOLO) vessels which use a crane to load and unload cargo.  RORO vessels have built-in ramps which allow the wheeled cargo to be efficiently rolled on and off the ship. Loading and unloading are much faster with RORO than with LOLO because there is no need for cranes or other specialized loading/unloading equipment.

Container Shipping

Container shipping is the most expensive shipping option, but it is also the most secure. The professionals will ship your car in a container along with other cargo, which protects it from the elements and potential damage. This is a good option for shipping an expensive or collectible car.

Open vs. enclosed vehicle shipping

Open vs. enclosed vehicle shipping is a big decision when choosing how to ship your car. Both methods have pros and cons, so it’s essential to do your research before deciding. Here are some things to consider when deciding between open and enclosed vehicle shipping:

  • Cost: Open shipping is typically cheaper than enclosed because it doesn’t require as much special equipment or handling. Enclosed car shipping may cost more upfront, but it could be worth it if you’re concerned about weather damage or theft during transit.
  • Time: Open shipping generally takes less time because less preparation is involved. Enclosed shipping may take longer due to the additional steps required for loading and unloading the car.
  • Weather protection: If you choose open car shipping, your car will be exposed to the elements during transit. This could be a concern if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (e.g., very hot or cold temperatures, high humidity, etc.). Enclosed shipment offers better protection from the elements, but remember that this type of shipment can take longer overall.

Why ship a car from the USA to Switzerland (and vice versa)?

Shipping a car from the USA to Switzerland and back can be tedious and costly. But why do people do it? The answer is simple: for the love of their cars. You should ship a car from the USA to Switzerland for many more reasons. Here are just a few:

Avoid costly rental fees.

Renting a car in Singapore can be extremely expensive (up to $136 per day), especially if you plan on using it for an extended period. By shipping your car from the USA, you can avoid these costly rental fees and access affordable transportation throughout your trip.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your vehicle

You can enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace without relying on public transportation or taxis/ Grab cars, which can be expensive. Plus, parking is much easier and cheaper when you directly access it with your own set of wheels! You’ll never miss out on those fantastic photo opportunities or beach days again!   

Save on petrol costs

Gasoline is notoriously expensive in Singapore, so having your car will help you save a lot of money on petrol. If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving during your trip, this can be considerable cost savings.

Enjoy the scenery

One of the best things about road trips is enjoying all the fantastic scenery. You can stop by your car to admire the view or take photos whenever possible—this is a great way to see more of Singapore and create lasting memories.

What are the benefits of a car shipping?

Car shipping can be an excellent option for moving their vehicle from point A to point B. Here are some of the top benefits of car shipping:

Less planning and worry

If you are moving ship a car from one state to another or even across town, it may make sense to ship your vehicle rather than move it yourself. It eliminates the need to worry about finding a place to park your car while it is being moved or transported. You won’t have to worry about finding a safe place to leave the keys while loaded onto a truck or trailer.

Saves time

Shipping your car takes little time, especially if you choose door-to-door shipping instead of trucking services. The trucking company will deliver it directly to its destination without going back and forth between cities or states, which takes up more time than usual. You can schedule an appointment with the transport company ahead of time and ensure that they will be available when needed on short notice for pick-up or delivery times.  

Saves money

The amount you pay is based on weight, distance traveled, and time required to get there, i.e., the time difference between receiving location and destination). This means that you can save money by shipping multiple vehicles at once and getting them there as quickly as possible – which also keeps your costs down!

It’s safe

Car shipping companies have professionals who know how to safely handle all kinds of vehicles, including sports cars and luxury vehicles. They also use special equipment to protect your vehicle during transport. You won’t have to worry about anything once you choose a company specializing in transporting vehicles.

How does car shipping work?

Car shipping is a process where your car is transported from one location to another by a professional car shipping company. The process of shipping a car can vary depending on the company you use. Still, typically it involves getting your car ready for transport, picking it up from its current location, and delivering it to its new destination. Below are the steps to help you get started:

Step1: The first step is to choose a reputable international shipping company with experience shipping cars from the USA to Singapore. Make sure to get quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and services.

Step2: Once you have selected a shipping company, they will provide you with all the necessary forms and paperwork to complete before shipping your car. Complete all the forms, so everything runs smoothly in processing your shipment.

Step3:  On the day of shipment, your car will be picked up from its location in the USA and loaded onto a container or flatbed truck for transport. The exact method of transport will depend on which type of service you have chosen (containerized, ro-ro, etc.). The experts will then secure your car for transit, so it doesn’t shift during transit and cause any damage.

Step4: The shipping company will provide you with a tracking number to follow your car’s progress as it makes its way to Singapore. Remember that transit times can vary depending on the shipping method you have chosen and factors like weather and port congestion.

Step5: Once your car arrives in Singapore, it must go through customs clearance. The shipping company will handle all the necessary paperwork and documentation for this process. You may be required to pay import duties and taxes at this time, so be sure to budget for these additional costs.

Step6: After your car has cleared customs, it will be delivered to your specified address in Singapore. You may need to arrange for someone to be present at the time of delivery if you cannot take possession of the vehicle yourself.

That’s it! Once your car has been safely delivered to its destination, you can begin enjoying driving around Singapore! Just remember to drive on the left side of the road (as opposed to the right side in the USA).

Bonus Step

The process is broadly similar if you ever need to ship a car back to the USA from Singapore, although some minor details are different. For example, you will now need to obtain an Export Permit from the Singapore Land Transport Authority to ship your car out of the country. Other than that, the process is pretty straightforward and can be completed without too much hassle.

What are the costs of a car shipping?

The cost of shipping a car can be affected by many different factors. Here are five of the most common:

  1. The type of vehicle being shipped: Some vehicles are more expensive than others. For example, an SUV or other large vehicle will typically cost ship a car than a smaller car because it takes up more space on the transport truck and uses more fuel.
  1. The distance being shipped: Shipping within your city or state will be much cheaper than shipping your car across the country or internationally.
  1. The time of year: Believe it or not, seasonal fluctuations can also affect shipping costs! During busy summer months when everyone is taking vacations, demand for auto transport services tends to increase, and prices may rise accordingly. On the other hand, during winter, when there’s less demand, you can snag a better deal on shipping your car.
  1. Seasonality off-peak time discounts promotions: Many auto transport companies offer promotions and discounts throughout the year, so it pays to research and sees if you can find a deal. Some companies even offer special rates for shipping multiple cars at once, so if you’re moving or need to ship more than one vehicle, it’s worth asking about this option.
  2. Your car’s make and model: Believe it or not, the make and model of your car can affect shipping costs. Larger cars or vehicles with special features may cost more to ship, while smaller, standard cars will be less expensive. So if you’re on a budget, it may pay to ship a smaller vehicle.

All these factors play into how much it will cost to have your car shipped—knowing ahead of time what to expect can help you budget for this expense and avoid surprises.

How long does it take to ship a car?

When you’re shipping a car, a few things can affect the time it takes to get your vehicle from Point A to Point B. Here are 5 of the most common factors:

  • The Distance of the Shipment: Perhaps obvious, but genuine – the further away you’re shipping your car, the longer it will take. If you’re moving across town, your car can likely be shipped within a day or two. But if you’re relocating cross-country, transport may take closer to a week.
  • The Method of Transport: There are two main ways to ship a car – by land or sea (air shipments are much less common). While both options have pros and cons, land transport is generally faster since boats often must make stops along their journey, whereas trucks can go straight from point A to B. Of course, this isn’t always the case. If there happens to be bad weather during sea transport or construction blocking roads during land transport, these delays can impact timelines significantly, no matter which method you choose!
  • Road Conditions: Regarding construction delays…if you choose ground transportation, poor road conditions can also affect how long it takes to ship your car. For example, icy roads in the winter can add hours – or even days – onto a journey.
  • Time of Year: Seasonality also plays a significant role in shipping times. The summer is generally the busiest time of year for car shippers since people are more likely to move (or take vacations) when kids are out of school. If you need to ship your car during the summer, you should book transport well in advance lest you get stuck waiting weeks for an open spot on a truck or boat!
  • Your Shipping Budget: While most people assume that faster shipping always costs more money, this is only sometimes true. If you have some flexibility with your timeline and are willing to work with your transport company’s schedule, they may be able to give you a discount on “consolidated shipping.” This occurs when multiple cars going to similar destinations are all loaded onto the same truck or vessel, which cuts down on costs (and emissions!) for everyone involved

Tips to prepare your car before shipping

Taking the time to prepare your car for transport will save you headaches down the road – literally! By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your car will arrive at its destination in the same condition it left in.

  • Check your vehicle’s fluids and top them off as needed: It means making sure the oil is at the appropriate level, as well as coolant and other fluids. You want your car to stay cool during transport.
  • Please fill up your gas tank: It will help keep your engine running smoothly during transport. It’s also a good idea if you need to make sudden stops along the way.
  • Clean out the interior of your car – remove all personal belongings and trash: A clean interior makes for a more pleasant journey for both you and the driver, plus it will be one less thing to worry about when you reach your destination.
  • Vacuum the carpets and shampoo them if necessary: Vacuuming and shampooing carpets get rid of dirt, dust, and stains that may have built up over time, giving your car a fresh look and feel.
  • Wash the exterior of your car: Washing the exterior of your car helps maintain its value by preventing rust and other damage from road debris or terrible weather conditions while in transit.
  • Check for any visible damage: Make sure there is no visible damage to your vehicle’s body: Any damage to your vehicle’s body should be repaired before shipping – this includes scratches, dents, etc.
  • Have a copy of your car’s registration and insurance information readily available: Finally, have all essential documents like registration and insurance ready to go. This will save time when filling out paperwork at the origin and destination points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is payment made for an auto transport service?

Most companies require a deposit before shipping and then complete payment upon delivery. Some companies may offer other options, such as COD (cash on delivery).

How secure are auto transport services?

Auto transport companies take security very seriously. All vehicles are fully insured against any damage that may occur during shipping.

What type of insurance is included with an auto transport service?

All vehicles are fully insured against any damage that may occur during shipping.

What is the transit time for an auto transport service?

Transit times will vary depending on the distance the vehicle needs to be shipped. Most companies can provide an estimated transit time once they have the required information.

How can I track my vehicle during shipping?

Most companies will provide tracking information so you can see your shipment’s progress.

What do I need to do to prepare my vehicle for shipping?

A: You will need to provide the company with your contact information, the make and model of your vehicle, and the desired pick-up and delivery locations. Some companies may require additional information, such as a list of any personal items you would like shipped with your vehicle.


Harish Makam