Preparing your vehicle correctly before international shipping reduces the risk of delays, damage claims and complications at the destination port. This checklist covers everything our team checks during collection — and everything you should take care of beforehand.
1. Gather Your Documentation
Documentation is the most common source of shipping delays. Before your vehicle is collected, make sure you have the following ready:
- Original vehicle title or proof of ownership — most destination countries require this to clear customs
- Valid passport or ID — matching the name on the vehicle title
- Export/import permits — where applicable to your route (our team will advise)
- Insurance documents — if you have arranged coverage for the transit
If you are shipping on behalf of a company, ensure the vehicle title and shipping documents are consistent with the company name and registration.
2. Clean the Vehicle Thoroughly
A clean vehicle is essential for two reasons. First, many destination countries (including the USA, Canada and Australia) have strict biosecurity requirements — soil, plant matter or insects on the undercarriage can cause the vehicle to be held or fumigated at your expense. Second, a clean vehicle makes it far easier to document pre-existing damage accurately during the pre-shipment inspection.
Wash the exterior, clean the wheel arches, and vacuum the interior. Remove any mud from the underside if your vehicle has been used off-road recently.
3. Document Existing Condition
Take clear, well-lit photographs of every panel, the roof, the interior, the underside and all four wheels before handover. Date-stamp the photos if possible. This documentation is your reference point if any damage occurs during transit and protects both you and the shipping company.
Our agents conduct a formal pre-shipment inspection at collection and produce a condition report — your own photos provide an independent record.
4. Reduce the Fuel Level
For safety reasons and port regulations, fuel tanks should be reduced to approximately one quarter full (roughly 10–15 litres). This is sufficient to drive the vehicle on and off the vessel or in and out of the container facility, while meeting the safety requirements of most ports worldwide.
Do not empty the tank completely — a dry tank can cause issues with fuel system components and some modern vehicles require fuel to run ancillary systems.
5. Remove Personal Belongings
Personal items left inside the vehicle are not covered by shipping insurance and are at risk of being confiscated by customs authorities at the destination. Remove all personal belongings, valuables, and loose items from the passenger cabin, boot and glove box.
Child seats, roof boxes and exterior accessories that are not permanently attached to the vehicle should also be removed or shipped separately.
6. Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues
Vehicles must not be leaking oil, coolant or other fluids when loaded onto a vessel or into a container. Check underneath the vehicle for any active leaks before handover. If your vehicle has a known mechanical issue that causes fluid loss, have it addressed before shipping.
Vehicles that cannot be driven must be declared as non-runners at the time of booking — the loading method and associated costs are different, and the shipping company needs to prepare the appropriate equipment.
7. Disable Aftermarket Alarms
Aftermarket alarm systems that activate in transit can cause significant problems on a vessel. If your vehicle has an alarm system that is triggered by movement or vibration, either disable it before handover or leave clear written instructions for the collection agent explaining how to deactivate it. Battery drain from a continuously triggered alarm is also a genuine risk on longer voyages.
8. Tyre Pressure and Battery
Inflate tyres to the manufacturer's recommended pressure — overinflated or flat tyres complicate loading. If your battery is weak or has a known issue, have it replaced or charged before handover. A vehicle that cannot start on arrival creates unnecessary delays and costs at the destination port.
What Happens at Handover
At the time of collection, our agent will conduct a walk-around inspection, document the vehicle condition, confirm fuel level, check for leaks and verify that all documentation is in order. You will receive a copy of the condition report and a booking confirmation. From that point, we manage the entire journey to the destination.
If you have any questions about preparing your specific vehicle, contact our team before your shipping date — it is always easier to resolve issues in advance than on collection day.