Shipping Cars from New York to Norfolk via Ocean Freight

Preparing passenger vehicles for international shipping demands complete exterior and interior 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 Autos differ between domestic and international moves. Many international carriers do not allow 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. 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, 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 humidity absorbers inside the auto, 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 capped and may not reflect the true value of your passenger vehicle. Most logistics providers 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 clear title documents, a purchase invoice, 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. Most freight forwarders recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

When shipping automobiles via ocean freight, it is essential to ensure that vehicles are properly secured in containers to prevent movement during transit. Additionally, vehicles should be clean and free of personal belongings, as this can affect customs inspections.

Required documentation includes the vehicle's title, bill of sale, and any necessary customs forms for interstate transport. Since both New York and Norfolk are within the United States, there are no international customs regulations, but state-specific documentation must be adhered to.

We ask for just one test run because we believe that with one shipment we can prove our visibility, reliability, and partnership approach in a tangible way.

SAMMIE is an AI-driven exception management and tracking platform that provides real-time tracking, predictive ETAs, smart alerts, document intelligence, rate and route optimization, and invoicing insights for your shipments.

We provide global ocean freight with worldwide routing, top-tier carriers, full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), and port-to-door service including customs and final-mile delivery.