Shipping Automotive Cargo from Yokohama to Oakland via Ocean Freight

Preparing Autos for international shipping necessitates a full wash and dry, removal or securing of all loose items, verifying there are no active leaks, and ensuring the battery is tight and protected. Most export agents 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 Autos Vary by carrier and route. Many international carriers restrict 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 outside normal liability, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for Autos, 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 Vehicle, 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 Limited 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 explicitly insured.

For international Auto 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 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.

Required documentation includes the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, export declaration from Japan, and the vehicle's title. Additionally, compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations is necessary, including EPA and DOT compliance forms for imported vehicles.

Automobiles must be properly secured in containers or on roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels to prevent movement and damage during transit. It's important to ensure that the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full and that the vehicle is clean to comply with customs regulations.

Transit times vary on lane, mode, and carrier, but SAMMIE provides up-to-date, predictive ETAs that factor in real-world conditions like port congestion and weather delays.

Yes, we manage AES filings, commercial invoices, packing lists, and export declarations to ensure accuracy and compliance for outbound shipments.

Yes, for enterprise clients we support EDI and API-based billing feeds that automatically sync with your ERP or accounting platform for seamless updates and faster financial close cycles.