Shipping Vehicles from Istanbul to Long Beach via Ocean Freight

Readying passenger vehicles for international shipping Requires a full wash and dry, removal or securing of all loose items, Checking for fluid leaks, and ensuring the battery is Securely mounted. We 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 allow small quantities if they are below window level and securely fastened. We 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 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 Vehicle, applying Temporary corrosion protection to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing Enclosed containers 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. Insurance brokers recommend purchasing All-risk 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 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 homologation or conformity certificates. We recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

The documentation required for shipping automobiles includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, export declaration from Turkey, and compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations, including the EPA and DOT forms for vehicle emissions and safety standards.

The Port of Istanbul is equipped with specialized facilities for handling automotive cargo, including roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) services. The Port of Long Beach also has dedicated terminals for automobiles, providing efficient unloading and storage capabilities, ensuring vehicles are handled safely and securely during transit.

We encourage you to take the DNA “One Test Run Challenge” with a single shipment so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership-focused approach.

Our company manages ocean freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, ground transportation (domestic and cross-border trucking), customs brokerage, and warehousing & distribution, all supported by our SAMMIE visibility platform and dedicated Client Success Officers.

Our company offers secure, strategically located warehousing for scalable storage and just-in-time fulfillment, with real-time inventory control and integrated distribution powered by SAMMIE’s insight and our responsive Client Success Officers.