Shipping Cars from Colon to Port Everglades via Ocean Freight

Getting 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 tight and protected. 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 cars 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 outside normal liability, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for cars, 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 sealed equipment wherever possible will significantly cut condensation and corrosion risk.

Standard carrier liability for Vehicles 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 explicitly insured.

For international car 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.

Required documentation includes the original bill of lading, commercial invoice, proof of ownership, and compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations. Additionally, a vehicle title and any necessary import permits must be provided.

Seasonal considerations include potential weather-related disruptions during the rainy season in Panama, which typically runs from May to November, and hurricane season in the Caribbean from June to November, which may impact ocean freight schedules.

Clients have shared that real-time updates on delays, a reduction in tracking time from 25–30 hours per week to 2–3 hours per week, more efficient management of many shipments, and the ability to quickly and efficiently update their own customers on project-based ocean freight shipments.

For your team, SAMMIE means 50% less time spent tracking shipments, immediate visibility, fewer shipment errors and missed handoffs, better alignment between purchasing, logistics, and finance, and lower overhead with fewer manual check-ins.

Inside the Smart Document Hub human help is one click away if your team needs additional support.