Shipping Automobiles from Tianjin to Long Beach via Ocean Freight

Preparing 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 ownership and customs paperwork before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside Autos 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 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 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 Auto 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.

The documentation typically required includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary export permits from China. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires an Importer Security Filing (ISF) and may require specific forms related to vehicle emissions and safety standards.

When shipping automobiles via ocean freight, it's crucial to ensure proper securing of vehicles in containers or on roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels to prevent movement during transit. Additionally, awareness of seasonal weather patterns, such as typhoons in the Pacific, is important for planning and risk management.

The DNA Expert ETA is an arrival estimate that is more accurate and proactive than carrier estimates, powered by SAMMIE’s data and human verification.

It means that whether you are our smallest shipper or largest enterprise, you receive the same honesty, responsiveness, and care that define DNA Supply Chain Solutions.

We ask for just one test run because we believe that with one shipment we can prove our visibility, reliability, and partnership approach in a tangible way.