Shipping Cars from Manila to San Juan via Ocean Freight

Preparing cars for international shipping Requires complete exterior and interior cleaning, removal or securing of all loose items, inspecting hoses and seals, 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 Titles and export documents before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside Autos depend on the transport company and lane. Many international carriers Prohibit household goods inside passenger vehicles due to customs and security regulations, while some domestic haulers accept light belongings if they are below window level and securely fastened. Most experts 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, 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 Desiccant packs inside the auto, applying rust-inhibiting sprays to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing sealed equipment 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 Car. Most logistics providers recommend purchasing comprehensive 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 the original title or registration, 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 evidence the vehicle meets local standards. Customs specialists recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

Required documentation includes the original bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and proof of ownership. Additionally, customs clearance documents and any specific import permits for vehicles must be prepared to comply with Puerto Rican regulations.

Seasonal considerations include potential weather disruptions during typhoon season in the Philippines, typically from June to November, which may affect shipping schedules and safety. Additionally, it's important to consider peak shipping seasons around holidays that can impact port congestion in both Manila and San Juan.

SAMMIE helps you stay ahead of issues with instant delay alerts, automatic exception flags, and “hot” shipment flagging so you can prioritize critical freight and address problems before they ripple into larger issues.

We offer in-house customs brokerage that handles classification, documentation, and clearance across U.S. and global ports with accuracy and speed, supported by SAMMIE’s delay flagging and ongoing updates from your dedicated Client Success Officer.

With DNA, you get live map tracking with milestone updates and 24/7 access via SAMMIE, while other forwarders often provide only basic carrier links and manual updates that can be delayed or incomplete.