Shipping Vehicles from Houston to Santos via Ocean Freight

Preparing Autos for international shipping Requires a full wash and dry, removal or securing of all loose items, verifying there are no active leaks, and ensuring the battery is properly fastened. Most export agents 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 Vary by carrier and route. Many international carriers Prohibit 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. 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, We 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 Desiccant packs inside the Vehicle, 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 Limited and may not reflect the true value of your Car. Insurance brokers 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 Proof of ownership, 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 homologation or conformity certificates. Most freight forwarders recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

When shipping automobiles via ocean freight from Houston to Santos, it is important to ensure that vehicles are properly secured in containers or on specialized car carriers to prevent damage during transit. Additionally, all vehicles must be drained of fuel to comply with safety regulations.

Required documentation for shipping automobiles from Houston to Santos includes the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, export declaration, and specific import documentation required by Brazilian customs, which may include proof of ownership and compliance with Brazilian environmental regulations.

We provide live map tracking with milestone updates, 24/7 access via SAMMIE, centralized shipment documents, and real-time exception alerts so you always know where your freight is and what’s happening with it.

We reduce customs delays and risk through in-house brokerage, a digital-first customs process with automation, SAMMIE’s ability to flag potential delays before they happen, and continuous communication from your Client Success Officer.

Our ETAs are AI-powered and based on real data, congestion, and vessel telemetry, whereas other forwarders often rely on static estimates copied from carrier schedules.