Shipping Autos from Cartagena to Houston via Ocean Freight

Getting passenger vehicles for international shipping Requires 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. Logistics providers recommend leaving about a quarter tank of fuel, fully charging the battery, documenting existing damage with photos, and providing all required ownership and customs paperwork before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside cars differ between domestic and international moves. Many international carriers Prohibit 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 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 Desiccant packs 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 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 covered under the same certificate.

For international car transport, you typically need clear title documents, a Commercial invoice or bill of sale, 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 documentation required includes the vehicle's title, bill of sale, export declaration, and a customs declaration form. Additionally, compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is necessary for the importation of automobiles.

The Port of Cartagena is equipped with specialized facilities for handling automotive cargo, including roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) capabilities. The Port of Houston also has dedicated facilities for vehicle handling, ensuring proper loading and unloading procedures are followed to minimize damage during transit.

DNA Supply Chain offers domestic and cross-border trucking for cross-country hauls and final-mile delivery, with hands-on support from dedicated Client Success Officers and proactive alerts from SAMMIE to solve problems before you spot them.

Customers receive support from experienced Client Success Officers—no scripts, no outsourced call centers—who get ahead of your needs and respond like partners rather than vendors.

DNA provides actionable reports on landed cost, performance, and billing that are instantly downloadable in Excel or PDF, whereas other forwarders often have limited reporting that may require manual pulls.