Shipping Cars from Los Angeles to Tacoma via Ocean Freight

Preparing passenger vehicles for international shipping Requires Thorough cleaning, removal or securing of all loose items, Checking for fluid 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 vehicle and customs documentation before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside Autos 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 Permit limited items if they are below window level and securely fastened. We 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, 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 sealed equipment wherever possible will significantly cut condensation and corrosion risk.

Standard carrier liability for Vehicles is usually capped and may not reflect the true value of your Car. We 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 explicitly insured.

For international Auto 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 Emissions or safety compliance documents. We recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

Shipping automobiles within the United States typically requires a bill of lading, proof of ownership (such as the vehicle title), and potentially a vehicle registration. It's important to ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to facilitate smooth customs processing at the ports.

The Port of Los Angeles is equipped with specialized facilities for handling automotive cargo, including roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) services and secure storage areas. The Port of Tacoma also has similar capabilities, facilitating efficient loading and unloading of vehicles. Both ports have customs inspection areas to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

SAMMIE helps with customer service by allowing you to quickly and efficiently update your customers on their shipments and providing the visibility and data needed to meet the customer service your clients expect.

You can learn more by visit the section to explore DNA Supply Chain’s complete logistics services.

DNA Supply Chain Solutions is led by David Rosendorf, Founder & CEO, who navigates the company by values like love, trust, and collaboration.