Shipping Vehicles from Piraeus to Colombo via Ocean Freight

Readying cars for international shipping demands 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 vehicles depend on the transport company and lane. Many international carriers do not allow 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 automotive cargo, 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 humidity absorbers 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 autos is usually restricted and may not reflect the true value of your passenger vehicle. 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 vehicle transport, you typically need the original title or registration, a purchase invoice, 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.

Required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and vehicle title or registration. Additionally, customs clearance documents must comply with Sri Lankan regulations, including a Vehicle Import Permit.

The route may be affected by monsoon seasons, particularly from May to September, which can impact ocean conditions. It's essential to consider weather patterns that may influence shipping schedules and handling procedures.

Rather than depending on call centers, ticketing systems, or rotating contacts, DNA assigns dedicated Client Success Officers who provide fast answers, proactive problem-solving, and responsive, partner-level communication.

Our team can handle growing SKUs, shipment volume, and integration needs with agile processes and scalable systems, while many other forwarders struggle with rigid processes and patchwork systems that break under growth.

Customers move to DNA because we offer smarter tech, faster answers, AI-backed visibility, deep carrier relationships, and support from people who act like an extension of their team, rather than relying on slow, impersonal processes.