Shipping Vehicles from Seattle to Oakland via Ocean Freight

Preparing passenger vehicles for international shipping demands a full wash and dry, removal or securing of all loose items, verifying there are no active leaks, and ensuring the battery is properly fastened. We 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 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 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 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 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 Vehicles is usually capped and may not reflect the true value of your passenger vehicle. 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 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 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.

Automobiles must be securely fastened in containers to prevent movement during transit. It is essential to remove all personal belongings from the vehicles and ensure that the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full to comply with safety regulations. Additionally, vehicles should be inspected for damage prior to shipping, and proper documentation should accompany the cargo.

Required documentation includes a Bill of Lading, Certificate of Title, and any necessary customs forms. Since both Seattle and Oakland are in the United States, there are no import duties, but it is important to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding vehicle registration and emissions standards.

SAMMIE is Shipping Analytical Maritime Management for Import and Exports, a full exception-management system and total supply chain management platform powered by live carrier data, independent port tracking, a proprietary AI rules engine, and human verification.

SAMMIE is designed for usability by shaping its interface to look and function like a spreadsheet, with live alerts, exception flags, and a smart dashboard for clarity and action.

Clients can expect a great client experience built on constant visibility, attention to detail, smart technology, data mastery, and a genuine connection with our team.