Shipping Vehicles from Chicago to Cartagena via Ocean Freight

Preparing passenger vehicles for international shipping necessitates 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 Titles and export documents before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside Autos differ between domestic and international moves. Many international carriers restrict 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 Autos, 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 vapor inhibitors 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 Vehicles is usually capped and may not reflect the true value of your passenger vehicle. 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 Auto transport, you typically need clear title documents, a value statement, 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.

Shipments of automobiles from the United States to Colombia require specific documentation, including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and proof of ownership such as a title or registration. Additionally, customs clearance documents must be prepared to comply with Colombian regulations.

When shipping automobiles via ocean freight, it's important to consider factors such as securing the vehicles properly to prevent movement during transit, using containers suitable for automotive cargo, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations for hazardous materials if applicable.

SAMMIE supports project-based ocean freight by allows teams to quickly and efficiently update their customers regarding project-based ocean freight shipments and provides the tools needed to deliver the customer service their clients expect.

Customers report that SAMMIE helps them manage shipments much better than previous archaic, time-consuming methods that often relied on inaccurate data, replacing status emails and spreadsheet chaos with real-time clarity.

You can see SAMMIE in action by watching client stories and a platform overview video or requesting a personalized demo.