Shipping Vehicles from Kobe to Tampa via Ocean Freight

Preparing cars for international shipping demands 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 ownership and customs paperwork before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside Autos depend on the transport company and lane. Many international carriers do not allow 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, 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 humidity absorbers 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 restricted and may not reflect the true value of your passenger vehicle. 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 the original title or registration, a purchase invoice, 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.

Automobiles exported from Japan to the United States must comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. Compliance with the Clean Air Act and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations is also required. Additionally, proper documentation, including a bill of lading and export declaration, must be provided.

When shipping automobiles via ocean freight from Kobe to Tampa, it is important to ensure that vehicles are properly secured in containers to prevent damage during transit. The vehicles should be drained of fuel and have the battery disconnected to meet safety regulations. Additionally, consideration should be given to the potential for saltwater exposure, which may require protective measures for the vehicles.

We provide actionable reports on landed cost, performance, and billing that are instantly downloadable in Excel or PDF, whereas other forwarders often have limited reporting that may require manual pulls.

We combine smarter tech—through the SAMMIE AI platform—with faster answers and people who truly care, including dedicated Client Success Officers, so customers get both advanced visibility and hands-on, proactive support.

Most customers are up and running within days, after we gather basic shipment details and compliance documents, set up your profile, configure SAMMIE access, and align your first shipment.