Shipping Automobiles from Colombo to Houston via Ocean Freight

Preparing 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 Securely mounted. 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 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 Excluded from insurance, 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 Desiccant packs inside the auto, applying protective wax coatings to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing Enclosed containers 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 Included in the policy.

For international Auto 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.

Required documentation includes the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, export declaration, and a certificate of origin. Additionally, vehicles must comply with U.S. customs regulations, including EPA and DOT compliance documents.

Yes, the monsoon season in Sri Lanka, typically from May to September, may affect loading operations at the port of Colombo. Additionally, storms and hurricanes can occur in the Gulf of Mexico, impacting shipping schedules during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November.

Absolutely, SAMMIE supports user-level permissions so warehouse, finance, purchasing, or customer service teams can access exactly what they need and nothing they don’t.

Yes, we do. Our licensed customs experts handle import/export compliance, HS classification, tariff codes, ISF filings, and coordination with U.S. and international agencies.

SAMMIE flags potential issues such as rerouted containers or port congestion early, giving our team time to step in quickly, resolve problems, and keep you proactively updated.