Shipping Passenger Vehicles from Bogota to Newark via Ocean Freight

Readying cars 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 properly fastened. We recommend leaving about a quarter tank of fuel, fully charging the battery, documenting existing damage with photos, and providing all required Titles and export documents before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside vehicles depend on the transport company and lane. 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 not covered by standard cargo policies, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for automotive cargo, specialists recommend 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 covered carriers wherever possible will significantly cut condensation and corrosion risk.

Standard carrier liability for autos is usually restricted 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 covered under the same certificate.

For international vehicle transport, you typically need the original title or registration, 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.

Required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, vehicle title, and export declaration from Colombia. Additionally, U.S. customs requires an EPA form and DOT compliance documentation for the vehicle.

Seasonal considerations include potential weather impacts such as storms during hurricane season, which may affect shipping routes and schedules. Additionally, demand for vehicle shipping may increase during certain times of the year, impacting availability.

Our system boosts visibility by giving you real-time tracking, proactive alerts, and immediate visibility across departments and to your clients, all in one dashboard.

The platform lets users generate exportable reports as PDF or Excel summaries for finance, operations, or client updates directly from the portal.

SAMMIE’s shipment intelligence tools surface trends, spot delays, and enable you to run exportable reports, while the system learns from every shipment to improve the next one.