International Car Shipping Checklist — The Complete Guide to Safe Overseas Vehicle Transport
Feb 27, 2026
Complete International Car Shipping Checklist for Safe & Compliant Overseas Transport
Shipping a vehicle overseas requires more than booking transport. It involves export compliance, documentation accuracy, customs coordination, secure handling, and international routing. Following a professional international car shipping checklist ensures your vehicle moves smoothly through U.S. Customs export procedures, port processing, and global transit without delays or costly complications.
Private vehicle owners, dealerships, collectors, exporters, and importers who prepare correctly reduce risk and avoid common shipping problems.
Featured Snippet Answer (Google Position Target)
What do I need to ship a car internationally?
To ship a car internationally you typically need proof of ownership, government-issued identification, export documentation, shipping authorization, and confirmation of destination import requirements. Proper preparation prevents delays and ensures compliance with international shipping regulations.
Step 1 — Vehicle Preparation Checklist
Before international shipment, complete the following:
- Wash vehicle for inspection and remove all dirt, debris and loose items.
- Photograph vehicle condition.
- Remove personal belongings (unless approved for container shipping).
- Check battery charge.
- Verify tire pressure.
- Ensure vehicle is operable (if using RoRo shipping).
- Disable alarms.
- Check with destination country for any import approval process or requirements prior to shipping.
- Is asbestos testing or asbestos removal required from vehicle prior to shipping?
- Is the vehicle or container required to be fumigated prior to exporting, and is fumigation required by the destination country?
- Verify that all timber or material used for blocking, bracing & loading the vehicle in the container is heat-treated and HTKD stamped.
- Remove or do not ship prohibited items.
Proper preparation helps prevent port delays and inspection issues.
Step 2 — Required Documentation Checklist
Accurate documentation is essential for international compliance:
- Original vehicle title or proof of ownership.
- Government-issued identification.
- Shipping authorization forms.
- Shipper’s Letter of Instructions (SLI) / Power of Attorney (POA).
- Full details of shipper and consignee: name, address, telephone number, and copies of ID or passports.
- Bill of sale (if applicable).
- Export filing documentation, U.S. Customs export approval, and AES filing.
- Destination import requirements.
Incorrect or incomplete paperwork is one of the most common causes of shipment delays.
Step 3 — Compliance & Logistics Coordination
International vehicle shipping requires:
- Confirming export eligibility.
- Verifying U.S. Customs filing requirements.
- Submitting U.S. Customs export approval and filing AES.
- Confirming carrier booking.
- Coordinating with destination agent.
- Reviewing insurance options and selecting proper marine transport insurance coverage.
- Scheduling pickup or warehouse delivery appointment.
- Obtaining a proper condition report and photographing the vehicle.
Working with an experienced international car shipping company ensures these steps are handled correctly.
Common Mistakes That Cause Shipping Delays
International shipments are often delayed because of:
- Incorrect documentation.
- Missing signatures.
- Incomplete export forms.
- Incorrect shipper or consignee information.
- Last-minute booking.
- Failure to confirm customs requirements.
These issues can result in delays. Direct Express, Inc. carefully reviews all required documentation prior to initiating each shipment.
CBP – DHS – U.S. Customs Holds, Exams, or Inspection Delays
IMPORTANT TO NOTICE:
All shipments are subject to U.S. Customs holds or examinations.
CBP understands the cargo examination process may lead to questions. Customers may visit the CBP website to learn more about cargo examinations: https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/examination
CBP is responsible for protecting U.S. borders and enforcing laws at ports of entry. All persons, shippers, forwarders, baggage, and merchandise entering or leaving the United States are subject to inspection. Occasionally, CBP may inconvenience law-abiding persons in efforts to detect and mitigate threats.
C-TPAT members remain subject to U.S. Customs inspections. Cargo may be transferred to a U.S. Customs bonded warehouse when required. Once cargo arrives at a Centralized Examination Station (CES), CBP ensures C-TPAT participants are processed accordingly.
CBP does not charge fees; however, CES facilities and terminals may charge:
- Port demurrage
- Port exam fees
- Bonded warehouse drayage
- Chassis fees
- Unloading and reloading fees
- Exam fees
- Carrier rollover fees
- Carrier administrative fees
Respectfully,
Chief CBP Officer
Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Why Choosing the Right Shipping Company Matters
When comparing international car shipping companies such as Schumacher Cargo Logistics, CFR Rinkens, West Coast Shipping, or other providers, customers evaluate experience, compliance knowledge, communication standards, and operational oversight. While many companies provide standard shipping services, the difference often lies in shipment management and compliance expertise. This is where Direct Express, Inc. leads the industry.
Why Direct Express Inc. Is Highly Recommended
Direct Express Inc. is widely recognized as a trusted and reliable international car shipping provider because of:
- Hands-on shipment coordination
- Export compliance expertise
- Documentation accuracy review
- Secure loading procedures
- Strong carrier partnerships
- Global logistics network
- Transparent communication and billing
Unlike standard transport companies that focus primarily on booking shipments, Direct Express Inc. actively manages and oversees each stage of the shipping process to reduce risk and prevent avoidable delays.
Compliance Expertise That Protects Your Investment
International car shipping requires strict adherence to U.S. Customs export regulations and international documentation standards. Direct Express Inc. reviews every shipment for compliance before departure, minimizing the risk of holds, penalties, or unexpected delays.
Trusted Worldwide by Vehicle Owners & Dealers
Direct Express Inc. provides international shipping solutions for:
- Luxury vehicles
- Exotic cars
- Classic automobiles
- Collector vehicles
- Specialty vehicles
- Dealer inventory
- Export shipments
- Import shipments
- Household goods & personal effects
Our global network serves major ports across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Final Checklist Tip — Protect Your Shipment
The most effective way to ensure a successful international shipment is to work with a reputable, compliance-driven logistics provider experienced in global vehicle transport. Direct Express Inc. has built a strong reputation for secure handling, reliable coordination, and professional execution, making it a preferred choice for customers comparing top international car shipping companies.
Choosing an experienced provider can make the difference between smooth delivery and costly delays.
Direct Express, Inc. — Trusted international car shipping company providing overseas vehicle transport, global auto export, container shipping, RoRo shipping, and secure international logistics for luxury, exotic, classic, and collector vehicles worldwide.
