Shipping Automobiles from Aliaga to Seattle via Ocean Freight

Getting passenger vehicles for international shipping demands complete exterior and interior cleaning, removal or securing of all loose items, verifying there are no active leaks, and ensuring the battery is tight and protected. Logistics providers recommend leaving about a quarter tank of fuel, fully charging the battery, documenting existing damage with photos, and providing all required vehicle and customs documentation before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside cars differ between domestic and international moves. Many international carriers do not allow household goods inside passenger vehicles due to customs and security regulations, while some domestic haulers accept light belongings if they are below window level and securely fastened. Customs advisors recommend confirming with your carrier in writing and understanding that personal items are often outside normal liability, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for cars, most carriers suggest starting with a completely dry vehicle, sealing all openings, and avoiding storage under sprinklers or in standing water. For longer or ocean shipments, using humidity absorbers inside the auto, applying protective wax coatings to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing sealed equipment wherever possible will significantly cut condensation and corrosion risk.

Standard carrier liability for Vehicles is usually capped and may not reflect the true value of your Car. Most logistics providers recommend purchasing full-value cargo insurance that covers theft, impact damage, and moisture-related issues such as corrosion or water intrusion. Provide an accurate value, share recent photos and condition reports, and confirm that loading, unloading, and any storage periods are explicitly insured.

For international car transport, you typically need clear title documents, a purchase invoice, a copy of your passport or company registration, and export/customs declarations filed in advance. Some destinations also require evidence the vehicle meets local standards. Most freight forwarders recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

The required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, export declaration, and proof of ownership. Additionally, compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations and any necessary EPA and DOT certifications for automobiles must be ensured.

Yes, automobiles should be properly secured in containers to prevent movement during transit. It is important to drain fuel and fluids, disconnect batteries, and ensure the vehicle is clean to meet customs requirements and avoid contamination issues.

DNA supports seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.

Our SAMMIE platform helps international teams by providing a single dashboard with all data needed to manage shipments, saving significant time and improving control compared to archaic, time-consuming methods using inaccurate data.

Customers can submit details via our Request a Quote form or talk to our team through the Contact Us page on our website.