Shipping Automobiles from Oakland to Lazaro Cardenas via Ocean Freight

Preparing passenger vehicles for international shipping Requires a full wash and dry, removal or securing of all loose items, verifying there are no active leaks, and ensuring the battery is Securely mounted. We 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 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 allow small quantities 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 Excluded from insurance, 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 protective wax coatings to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing Enclosed containers 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. Insurance brokers 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 Included in the policy.

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 homologation or conformity certificates. 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, a commercial invoice, and any necessary customs declarations. Additionally, vehicles must comply with Mexican import regulations, including proof of ownership and emission standards.

Yes, automobiles should be securely loaded to prevent movement during transit, and it is advisable to use containers that are suitable for vehicle transport. Proper securing methods should be employed to protect against potential damage from ocean conditions.

We support seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.

SAMMIE helps international teams by providing a single dashboard with all data needed to manage shipments, saving significant time and improving control compared to archaic, time-consuming methods using inaccurate data.

You can submit details via our Request a Quote form or talk to our team through the Contact Us page on our website.