Documents You Need to Ship a Vehicle Overseas
Paperwork is the part people worry about most when shipping a car overseas, and honestly, it trips up a lot of first-timers. It doesn’t have to be complicated once you know what you may need.
Depending on the vehicle, its ownership status, the origin and destination, and the shipping method, you may need the original vehicle title or another acceptable proof of ownership, plus a valid form of ID. Bought the car recently? You may also need the bill of sale or other purchase documentation. Still paying off a loan or lease? Your lender or leasing company may need to provide written authorization before the vehicle can travel.
That’s the personal paperwork covered. On our end, we coordinate the shipping documents, export declarations, and destination-country requirements that apply to your route. We’ll let you know which documents you need to provide and which documents are prepared as part of the shipping process, so you won’t be stuck filling out forms you’ve never seen before.
Heading to Hawaii or the mainland? The requirements for shipping a vehicle between Hawaii and the mainland may differ from those for an overseas shipment. Customs and export procedures do not apply in the same way to every route, so we confirm the applicable requirements before your vehicle reaches the port.
Sort the paperwork early, and the rest of the process goes a lot smoother.
Insurance Coverage for Vehicle Transport
Nobody hands their car over to a shipping company without wondering what happens if something goes wrong. Fair enough — that’s what transport coverage is for.
Coverage may apply during loading, the voyage itself, unloading, and inland transportation, depending on the carrier, shipping method, and terms of the shipment. It’s worth reading the policy details before you commit, because not every provider covers the same things.
Coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles can vary. Before your shipment is booked, we’ll explain what is included in your quote and what additional coverage options may be available.
One tip: snap photos of your car from a few angles before it ships. Take clear pictures of any existing dents, scratches, or other visible damage. It’s a small thing, but it gives you a record of the vehicle’s condition before transportation.
Booking car shipping to Hawaii, shipping a vehicle from Hawaii, or arranging overseas vehicle transport with us? Just ask what your coverage includes. We’ll talk you through it in plain terms, not insurance jargon.
Our Experience Shipping Cars, Motorcycles, and Boats
We’ve been arranging vehicle transportation for a long time, and we understand that cars, motorcycles, and boats each require a different approach. The right preparation and securing method depends on the vehicle’s size, weight, condition, and shipping method.
A boat isn’t secured in the same way as a car. Depending on its size, weight, and condition, it may require a suitable cradle or support structure. The support points must be positioned carefully so the vessel remains stable during transportation.
Motorcycles require appropriate tie-downs to help prevent movement, scratches, or unnecessary pressure on the handlebars, suspension, or forks.
Cars are secured using carrier-approved equipment, such as wheel chocks, straps, and designated anchor points, to help keep the vehicle stable during transportation.
Our experience with routes such as container shipping to and from Australia, Japan, Hawaii, and other destinations has taught us the importance of careful planning. Every route and carrier has its own requirements, and we consider these details before the vehicle is loaded.
Whether you’re arranging container shipping to Hawaii, shipping a vehicle from Hawaii to the mainland, or planning an overseas shipment, we review the vehicle, route, carrier requirements, and shipping method in advance.
The vehicle’s condition and shipping details are checked according to the applicable carrier procedures. The vehicle is then secured using the method required for the shipment.
We help coordinate each shipment carefully so your vehicle can be transported safely and properly.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment: A Checklist
A bit of preparation on your end saves everyone time and hassle later. Here’s what to sort out before pickup or drop-off:
- Remove your personal belongings unless you have received prior approval to ship specific items with the vehicle.
- Keep the fuel level within the carrier’s required limit. If no different instruction is provided, the fuel tank is generally expected to be no more than one-quarter full.
- Turn off or disable the car alarm, if possible, according to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remove toll tags, parking passes, permit stickers, and loose items from the dashboard and other areas of the vehicle.
- Note down any existing dents or scratches and take photographs before the vehicle ships.
- Make sure the vehicle can be started and moved, unless you have already informed us that it is inoperable.
- Provide the key or keys and remote controls requested by the carrier or transportation provider.
None of this takes long, but it makes loading easier and creates a clear record of your car’s condition from day one.
Personal belongings should not be left inside the vehicle unless they have been specifically approved in advance. Even with container transport, the carrier may restrict the type, weight, quantity, and placement of any additional items.
Booking container shipping to Hawaii with us? Ask, and we’ll explain how to prepare your vehicle for the selected shipping method. We can also provide a printable version of this checklist if needed.
Or call — we’re happy to walk you through it, especially if this is your first time shipping a car.
We offer various types of vehicle transport services, including container transport, roll-on/roll-off transport for privately-owned vehicles, and commercial transport for reselling vehicles and parts.
Auto/Motorcycle/Boat shipping
We offer auto shipping, motorcycle shipping, boat shipping and oversize vehicle shipping in the US, and globally. We will assist you with the necessary shipping and customs paperwork and clearances. We can ensure your shipment gets to where it needs to be, everytime.