A MASSIVE SHIPMENT OF CARS ON THE ITALY-USA ROUTE. THE STAGES OF A LASTING COLLABORATION.

A massive shipment of cars, on the Italy-USA route, represents a unique opportunity to consolidate a lasting collaboration between the automotive industries of the two countries, with mutual benefits in terms of economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness.

In these cases it is necessary to carefully evaluate the available transport options, such as sea transport, air transport, but also land transport, and it is important to consider the cost, delivery times but, above all, the safety of the goods during the transfer.

Italy-USA car transport: procedures and advice

Transporting a car on the Italy-USA route can be a complex process that requires a series of procedures to follow. Here are some general steps and tips to consider:

• Necessary documentation: First of all, it’s important to make sure to have all the necessary documentation. This may include your car title, purchase invoice, insurance policy and other relevant documents. A certificate of conformity may also be required to demonstrate that the car meets the safety and emissions standards required by the legislation of the country of destination.
• Import regulations: Import regulations should be scrupulously respected. These may vary depending on the country to which you intend to export. It is, therefore, essential to follow all the regulations, so that customs requirements are respected, avoiding problems during customs clearance of vehicles.

• Transportation Methods: There are several options for transporting a car from Italy to the United States. You can opt for containerized or roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) sea freight, which are the most common options. It is important to choose a reliable transporter with experience in importing vehicles, particularly for the Italy-USA route.
• Insurance: Check that you have adequate insurance. Many transportation companies offer limited insurance, but you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance for greater tranquility.
• Costs and taxes: It is therefore a good idea to take into consideration all the costs associated with car transport, including the costs of customs duties, import taxes and other additional expenses, when comparing the rates proposed by the different transporters. It is also important to watch out for any hidden fees and make sure you fully understand all the risks involved.
• Inspections and Approvals: Before you can register your car in the United States, it may need to undergo inspections and approvals. This could include the approval of headlights, the conversion of the measurement system (from kilometers to miles).
• Timing: Finally, you must calculate transport and customs clearance times correctly, perhaps with a sufficient safety margin, when planning the transport of your car. It may be some time before the car is available for pickup after arriving in the United States.

The transport of entire batches of cars from the production plants on the Italy-USA route.

When the transport, however, involves the delivery of entire batches from the production plants to the country of destination, in particular for the Italy-USA route, the precautions are multiplied. First of all, which means should be used for transport, given that it can take place by sea, land or air or in the most suitable combination between these?

In maritime transport, cars are loaded onto cargo ships specially designed for transporting vehicles. These ships can transport large quantities of cars in containers or on specialized roller conveyors. Ocean transportation can take several days or weeks depending on the route and weather conditions.

Air transport, on the other hand, is much faster than sea transport but is, inevitably, more expensive. The cars are loaded onto cargo planes or passenger planes suitably modified for the transport of bulky goods. This option is often used for rush or luxury shipments.

 Both options have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of delivery times, costs and safety of transported goods. The choice depends on the specific needs of the company and the circumstances or even the economic circumstances of the historical moment.

The SUV segment in the United States remains a great opportunity

The Franco-Italian group Stellantis closes the first half of 2023 with record revenues, which confirms the sustainability of the choices made by the management led by Carlos Tavares for the long term.

The automotive giant, born in January 2021 from the merger between Fiat Chrysler and PSA (the result of the previous merger between Peugeot and Citroen), is the fourth largest car manufacturer in the world with approximately 8,7 million vehicles sold in 2019 alone. Stellantis it is, to all intents and purposes, a multinational with operational offices spread across the world and a varied shareholder base.

The merger brought with it enormous benefits both in terms of sharing platforms and in terms of positioning in consolidated markets and in those where penetration was still poor. And this is thanks to the optimization of "investments in research and development" and the improvement of production processes.

Precisely the valorization of assets such as the numerous brands in the portfolio, including Alfa Romeo and Lancia, brands known for their design and refined craftsmanship, has pushed the group to the second place in the US market. But logistics issues, like 2020's semiconductor situation, have slowed expansion plans.

Although Stellantis produces in three countries, the United States, Italy and France, mainly in Pomigliano D'Arco (NA), where the Alfa Tonale and the Dodge Hornet are produced, whose production has increased in recent years in the face of sustained demand .

The SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) in question are popular for several reasons, including large interior space, towing capacity and driving on rough roads or in adverse weather conditions.

Over the years, the SUV segment has become increasingly diverse, with vehicles of various sizes and prices to suit a wider range of consumers.

Sales of SUVs in the United States in recent years have been aided by a thriving economy, falling fuel prices, moderately growing consumption trends and factors linked to increasingly fierce competition in the automotive sector.

And this is why, in recent years, the shipment of cars produced in Italy to the United States of America, especially SUVs, has proven to be an excellent commercial opportunity.

Factors to consider for the logistics of entire batches of SUVs.

Italian SUVs, with their distinctive design, can reach a segment of consumers looking for premium and luxury vehicles.

But there are several factors to consider when aiming for this type of operation:

• Regulations and approvals: Automobiles must comply with US safety standards and regulations. This may involve the need to make modifications to vehicles or obtain specific certifications for export suitability.
• Shipping costs and customs fees: Shipping cars across the ocean can be expensive, and there are also customs fees and duties to consider. These costs must be calculated and incorporated into the final price of the vehicle to ensure it remains competitive in the US market.

• Market Knowledge: It is important to understand the US market, including consumer preferences, competition and industry trends. This knowledge can help inform marketing and product positioning decisions.
• Distribution and Service Network: A strong distribution and service network must be established to ensure that US customers can easily access vehicles and receive the necessary after-sales support. This may include selecting reliable dealers and training technical personnel for maintenance and repairs.

Multimodal transport. Logistics to support Industrial Plans

Coming, concretely, to the operational methods of multimodal transport, in the Italy-USA route, different transport modes are involved. Coordination between different modes of transport is essential to ensure that cars are transferred safely and efficiently throughout the journey.

Trasauto Logistica is a company specialized in multimodal transport and plays a fundamental role in managing the complex supply chain, also as an operational arm to support the industrial expansion plans of international groups such as Stellantis.

A winning combination between Italy and the USA: long-distance road-ship transport.

 The right combination of Italy-USA transport combines road transport with sea transport to cover long distances. This approach leverages the resources and infrastructure of both countries to optimize efficiency and reduce transportation costs.

Road transport starts from Italy, the goods, in our case cars, are collected and transported, initially, by car transporter to the Italian port, closest and most suitable in terms of capacity and facilities. In our case we used the port of Gioia Tauro (RC).

Once the vehicles were loaded onto cargo ships, they traveled most of the journey crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Large ships can be part of an Italian or foreign fleet which however operates on specific trade routes. In the case of the Italy-USA route, the shipping companies belonging to the circuit take charge of the batches for transport as per the provisions of the logistics operator. Maritime shipping is the mode that offers efficient transportation over long distances and can handle large volumes of goods.

Once in the USA, the cars are cleared through customs at the selected US port and, from here, they can be distributed to the various US hubs agreed with the client, by car transporter, by train or using other means of transport depending on the specific needs and final destination.

Road transport, together with sea transport, guarantees cost optimization, using the most suitable transport for each phase of the journey. Furthermore, close collaboration between logistics operators, transport companies, port authorities and governments both in Italy and in the USA helps make this combination even more efficient and profitable.

Choosing the right commercial port for Italy-USA shipments by ship

The choice of commercial port for Italy-USA shipments, by ship, depends on several factors, including the location of the sender and recipient, timing needs, vehicle dimensions, quantity, costs and transit times, as well as the available port infrastructure.

Here are some of the major US ports used in commercial shipping between the two countries:

• Port of New York and New Jersey: This is one of the busiest ports in the United States and offers a wide range of marine transportation services for containers, bulk cargo and passengers.
• Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach: Located on the West Coast of the United States, these ports constitute the largest port complex in the United States and are major entry points for goods from Asia and Europe.
• Port of Savannah: Located on the east coast of the United States, the Port of Savannah is a major hub for container traffic and offers efficient rail and road connections to the interior of the United States.
• Port of Baltimore: located on the east coast of the United States, in Maryland, it is one of the most important ports for international shipments between Italy and the United States.

Our shipment involved the port of Baltimore, located in a strategic position, which makes it an ideal entry point for goods coming from Italy.

The Baltimore commercial port represents a solid and convenient choice for Italy-USA shipments. It is equipped with modern port facilities and infrastructure for the efficient handling of containers. It has container terminals and the most modern facilities for vehicle handling. It also offers excellent land transport links, including rail and motorway connections, which facilitate efficient distribution of goods throughout the state, in the hinterland and towards other countries of the Union.

Italy-USA. The right itinerary and fast customs clearance with Trasauto Logistica

Planning an Italy-USA transport requires careful planning and, when it comes to transporting cars, it is essential to consider both the best itinerary and fast and reliable customs clearance services.

Trasauto Logistica is a company that offers high standards of logistics and customs clearance services and represents, today, a precious resource for simplifying this process. It is, in fact, possible to plan the optimal itinerary for the transport of cars from the factories in Italy to the destination in the United States by identifying the most efficient sea route. And taking into account factors such as distance, transit times and specific transportation requirements.

Our transport company manages customs formalities both in the country of departure and in the country of destination, ensuring that all procedures are carried out correctly and in compliance with local regulations. This includes submitting the necessary documents, paying taxes and customs duties as well as coordinating with the authorities to ensure quick and efficient customs clearance. And through a continuous monitoring service of the goods throughout the transport process it is possible to guarantee that delivery times are respected and that any problems are resolved promptly.

Isn't this the advantage of relying on an expert logistics company like Trasauto Logistica? Choosing the right partner can simplify the transport, even of large batches of cars, from Italy to the United States, thanks to fast, reliable and problem-free delivery.

First stage: from Pomigliano D'Arco to Maryland, on the Italy-USA route.

But let's get to the operational phase of transport. The distance to be covered for Italy-USA transport, specifically from Pomigliano D'Arco to Baltimore, is considerable, almost 7.500 kilometres.

We planned the possible itinerary together with the client, a logistics plan was needed right from the start, it was a multimodal shipment. The shipment left from the Stellantis factory in Pomigliano D'Arco in the province of Naples in June last year.

Two hundred car transporters of eight cars each have reached Gioia Tauro. A total of 444 kilometers in almost 6 hours. After loading operations and document checks, the 1.600 cars were ready to sail the ocean and be delivered to the Americas.

But in how many hours of navigation would they have reached the other side of the Atlantic Ocean? The time taken by a Ro-Ro ship to travel from the Port of Gioia Tauro to the Port of Baltimore can vary depending on several factors, including weather conditions, maritime traffic, the sailing speed of the ship and any intermediate stops. However, it is possible to provide, right from the start, a rough estimate of the travel time by considering the distance and the average speed of the ships.

The approximate distance between the Port of Gioia Tauro, Italy, and the Port of Baltimore in the United States is approximately 7.000 kilometers (approximately 4.350 nautical miles).

All 1.600 SUVs were loaded onto a Ro-Ro vessel 16 meters wide and 190 meters long. The ship, belonging to the fleet of a historic shipping company, traveled at an average speed of around 18 knots. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean in just 234 hours, or just over 9 days.

Generally, however, ships travel at an average speed of around 15-20 knots (around 17-23 miles per hour or 28-37 kilometers per hour). This value may vary depending on the characteristics of the ship and the conditions of the voyage or any unpredictable factors.

Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet: from Pomigliano D'arco to the conquest of America.

But which cars were in such high demand as to carry out such a massive shipment from Italy to the USA?

Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet are two automotive vehicles that have captured the attention of car enthusiasts for their distinctive features and proudly “Made in Italy” design. Both SUVs have been the subject of large investments by industry insiders, mainly due to their potential in the US market. Thanks to the indisputable performance capabilities, the planning of the manufacturing companies and, even more, the reputation of the brands that produce them.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a compact, hybrid crossover produced by Alfa Romeo. The name "Tonale" comes from Passo del Tonale, a famous mountain resort in the Italian Alps. This vehicle represents Alfa Romeo's entry into the compact SUV segment and has attracted great interest since its initial presentation. Equipped with advanced technologies and distinctive styling, the Tonale is designed to compete with other luxury crossovers.

The Dodge Hornet is a concept car presented by the American car manufacturer. This compact vehicle was designed to be an accessible option to a wide target, with a bold and dynamic style. Unlike the Tonale, the Hornet concept stands out for its ability to attract a versatile target and win over a new generation of buyers.

Both these vehicles have been the subject of in-depth market studies, regarding the prospect of market penetration. With the Tonale, Alfa Romeo aimed to expand its presence, including in North America, and capitalize on the growing interest in luxury compact SUVs in the States. The Dodge Hornet provides Dodge with an opportunity to compete in a different market segment than its current offerings.

Docking at the first logistics hub (Baltimore) for sorting and unloading phases

After 9 days of navigation and, after crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship reached its destination at the port of Baltimore. Before docking, the vessel communicated with the port authorities to obtain the necessary authorization and coordinate the logistical aspects of the unloading operation.

Upon arrival, the vessel was assigned to a specific pier based on the size of the vessel, the type of goods transported and the availability of space on the pier and secured in the most suitable position to begin unloading operations, using its own mooring equipment and with the assistance of tugboats.

The unloaded cars were subjected to customs procedures, safety checks and inspections by the competent authorities to ensure compliance with the regulations. After all the checks the cars were sorted according to their final destination.

Maryland, neuralgic centre of Italy-US trade. The journey continues

Maryland, with its port of Baltimore and its strategic position along the eastern coast of the United States, is an important neuralgic centre for Italy-US trade.

It is one of the largest and busiest ports in the United States. The port can accommodate large cargo ships from all over the world. This makes it a vital gateway for Italian goods destined for the United States and vice versa.

But the state of Maryland offers, above all, quick and efficient access to domestic markets in the United States. Thanks to its location along the East Coast, it is connected to major metropolitan areas such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City, as well as extensive land transportation networks that allow for the rapid transfer of goods throughout the country.

It is equipped with well-developed logistics hubs and efficient transportation infrastructure, including highways, railways and airports, which facilitate the transfer and sorting of goods on the Italy-US route.

This logistics network makes Maryland an ideal location for import/export business. The state is home to several industries and business sectors that can benefit from intercontinental trade, such as manufacturing, agribusiness, fashion and design.

The presence of these industries creates opportunities for collaboration and commercial exchange between Italian and US companies, helping to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

But the cargo ship's journey didn't end at the Port of Baltimore. The ship packed with another 890 cars crossed the Panama Canal to reach the second sorting hub, the port of San Francisco. Traveling another 14.000 kilometers in just over 460 hours (18 days)

Only upon arrival in San Francisco were all unloading operations completed. And from there we began to plan the sorting in the other 15 states of the Union.

We will deal with the topic in the next articles.

If you need to transport entire batches of cars, perishable goods, vintage cars or pharmaceutical products on the Italy-USA route or anywhere else in the world, just fill out our contact form.

The staff in charge will quickly draw up a detailed estimate suitable for determining the amount you will have to spend for the transport to be completed with maximum efficiency.