Shipping Automotive Cargo from Laem Chabang to Baltimore via Ocean Freight

Preparing Autos for international shipping demands Thorough cleaning, removal or securing of all loose items, verifying there are no active leaks, and ensuring the battery is tight and protected. 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 Vary by carrier and route. Many international carriers do not allow household goods inside passenger vehicles due to customs and security regulations, while some domestic haulers Permit limited items 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 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 humidity absorbers inside the Vehicle, 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 Vehicles is usually Limited and may not reflect the true value of your Car. We 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 Auto transport, you typically need Proof of ownership, a purchase invoice, a copy of your passport or company registration, and export/customs declarations filed in advance. Some destinations also require Emissions or safety compliance documents. Most freight forwarders recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

Required documentation includes the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Export Declaration from Thailand, and relevant customs forms for the United States. Additionally, vehicles must meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Automobiles should be securely loaded into containers or on roll-on/roll-off vessels to prevent movement during transit. It's important to ensure that all fluids are checked, batteries are disconnected, and the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full to comply with safety regulations during ocean transport.

SAMMIE helps manage many shipments by providing a dashboard with all the tools needed to efficiently manage many shipments and giving you all the data needed to manage shipments in one place.

With SAMMIE, information is just a click away, with all data needed to manage shipments available in one dashboard, saving users a tremendous amount of time.

You can request a personalized demo by use the “Request a personalized demo” option provided for the SAMMIE platform.