Shipping Cars from Seattle to Shekou via Ocean Freight

Readying Autos for international shipping necessitates 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. We 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 restrict 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 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 vapor inhibitors 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 autos is usually Limited 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 vehicle transport, you typically need Proof of ownership, a value statement, 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.

Required documentation typically includes the vehicle title, bill of lading, export declaration, and any applicable customs forms. Additionally, compliance with both U.S. export regulations and Chinese import regulations is necessary.

Yes, automobiles must be properly secured in containers or on roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels to prevent damage during transit. It is also important to ensure that the fuel tank is not more than a quarter full and that the vehicle is clean to meet customs requirements.

Yes, your team can access all documents—bills of lading, invoices, customs forms, and arrival notices—in SAMMIE’s centralized, searchable document hub.

Yes, our team can schedule periodic performance reviews and account check-ins so you can review metrics and discuss needs or questions live.

Your company can configure roles and permissions so finance can access billing while operations focuses on tracking, without unnecessary overlap.