Shipping Automobiles from Montreal to Boston via Ocean Freight

Readying Autos for international shipping Requires Thorough cleaning, 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 vehicles Vary by carrier and route. 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. 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 automotive cargo, 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 Desiccant packs 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 autos 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 covered under the same certificate.

For international vehicle transport, you typically need Proof of ownership, 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. Most freight forwarders recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

Required documentation includes a bill of lading, proof of ownership, and a customs declaration form for both Canadian and U.S. customs. Additionally, compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is necessary.

Yes, seasonal weather conditions can impact ocean freight, particularly during winter months when ice and storms may affect port operations and shipping schedules. It's important to account for potential delays or changes in shipping routes during these times.

Our team serves retail and hospitality, technology and electronics, industrial manufacturing, healthcare equipment, and complex spare parts and machinery, and we can move global freight for other sectors as well.

Our system uses historical lane performance, live vessel telemetry, port congestion trends, and weather overlays to calculate constantly updating ETAs that go beyond static carrier estimates.

Each DNA shipper is given access to SAMMIE, where you can track each shipment in real time with predictive ETAs, milestone updates, and instant alerts in a single dashboard.