Under normal circumstances, it takes 15 to 25 working days. This includes: domestic transfer of ownership (3-5 days), applying for an export license (3-5 days), inland trucking to the port (2-5 days), customs inspection and waiting for loading schedule (5-10 days). Do not trust false promises from other channels claiming 'loading within a week.'

The technician will start the vehicle and turn on the air conditioning system, measuring the actual temperature at the vents at the lowest and highest settings with a thermometer; at the same time, they will connect a manifold pressure gauge to check if the refrigerant pressure in the high and low pressure lines is within the normal range, determining if there is a chronic refrigerant leak.

Once the car is loaded, the exporter (or freight forwarder) should send you a booking confirmation and, after departure, the Bill of Lading (B/L). The B/L is the key document: it shows the shipper, consignee, vessel, ports, and usually the VIN and container number. You can track the vessel on the shipping line's website using the B/L number or container number, or through third-party trackers like MarineTraffic. As the shipment approaches, the agent at destination issues an Arrival Notice. To collect the car you will typically need the original B/L (or a telex release/e-release), the arrival notice, your ID, and customs clearance paperwork. Check the B/L carefully as soon as you receive it—VIN, container number, and your name must be exactly right, because correcting a B/L mid-voyage is slow and expensive.