Shipping Passenger Vehicles from Dalian to Colon via Ocean Freight

Readying 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 tight and protected. 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 vehicles 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 outside normal liability, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for automotive cargo, 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 sealed equipment 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 explicitly insured.

For international vehicle 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.

Automobiles should be properly secured in containers to prevent movement during transit, and all fluids must be drained to comply with shipping regulations. Additionally, vehicles should be cleaned to ensure they meet customs clearance requirements for soil and pest control.

Required documentation includes the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Additionally, a vehicle registration document and proof of insurance may be necessary for customs processing in Panama.

Our ocean freight services include both full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL) shipments.

Our team manages ground transportation including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and drayage services, with U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage, scalable capacity, GPS tracking, and digital documentation.

Our customs brokerage includes tariff classification and valuation as part of our in-house expertise.