Shipping Automotive Cargo from Tampa to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Getting passenger vehicles 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 tight and protected. 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 cars differ between domestic and international moves. 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 outside normal liability, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for cars, 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 vapor inhibitors inside the auto, applying protective wax coatings to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing sealed equipment 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. 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 explicitly insured.

For international car transport, you typically need clear title documents, 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.

When shipping automobiles via ocean, it is essential to ensure that vehicles are securely loaded in containers or on roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels to prevent movement during transit. Additionally, all vehicles should be cleaned and free of personal items to comply with customs regulations.

Required documentation includes the bill of lading, proof of ownership (such as the title), and any necessary customs forms. It is also important to have the vehicle's registration and insurance documents ready for inspection upon arrival in Chicago.

DNA supports 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.

Companies select 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.

DNA focuses on retail and hospitality, technology and electronics, industrial manufacturing, healthcare equipment, and complex spare parts and machinery, and we can move global freight for other sectors as well.