Shipping Vehicles from Cartagena to Santos via Ocean Freight

Readying cars for international shipping necessitates a full wash and dry, removal or securing of all loose items, inspecting hoses and seals, 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 ownership and customs paperwork before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside vehicles depend on the transport company and lane. Many international carriers restrict household goods inside passenger vehicles due to customs and security regulations, while some domestic haulers allow small quantities if they are below window level and securely fastened. Most experts 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 vapor inhibitors inside the Vehicle, applying rust-inhibiting sprays 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 passenger vehicle. Insurance brokers recommend purchasing comprehensive 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 value statement, a copy of your passport or company registration, and export/customs declarations filed in advance. Some destinations also require homologation or conformity certificates. Customs specialists recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

Shipping automobiles requires specific documentation including the vehicle's original title, proof of ownership, and a bill of lading. Additionally, customs documentation must comply with both Colombian and Brazilian regulations, including import permits and any necessary tax declarations.

Yes, the route from Cartagena to Santos may experience seasonal weather patterns, such as increased rainfall during the wet season, which can impact ocean conditions. It's important to take into account potential delays due to rough seas or storms during certain months of the year.

Rather than depending on call centers, ticketing systems, or rotating contacts, DNA assigns dedicated Client Success Officers who provide fast answers, proactive problem-solving, and responsive, partner-level communication.

Our team can handle growing SKUs, shipment volume, and integration needs with agile processes and scalable systems, while many other forwarders struggle with rigid processes and patchwork systems that break under growth.

Customers move to DNA because we offer smarter tech, faster answers, AI-backed visibility, deep carrier relationships, and support from people who act like an extension of their team, rather than relying on slow, impersonal processes.