Shipping Autos from Surabaya to Houston via Ocean Freight

Readying passenger vehicles for international shipping Requires 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. Logistics providers 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 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 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, 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 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 capped and may not reflect the true value of your Car. 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 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 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.

The documentation required includes the original vehicle title, bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any necessary customs declarations. Additionally, compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is required for imported automobiles.

Surabaya has a well-equipped port, Tanjung Perak, which includes facilities for handling automotive cargo with designated areas for loading and unloading vehicles. In Houston, the Port of Houston is one of the largest in the U.S. and has specialized terminals for automotive imports, ensuring efficient handling of vehicles upon arrival.

Our team delivers end-to-end freight forwarding across ocean, air, and ground transportation, plus customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, and access to our AI-powered SAMMIE tracking and exception management platform.

Our system offers invoicing insights that flag duplicates, match line items, and streamline billing through AI-driven reconciliation and analytics.

Our air freight services include expedited air options for urgent and high-value shipments when every hour counts.