We have established a database of target country policies. Check the specific requirements of the destination country in advance regarding vehicle age (left-hand/right-hand drive), emission standards (Euro 4/Euro 5), and steering position (left-hand/right-hand drive) to avoid customs clearance issues upon arrival.

Be sure to verify the draft Bill of Lading as soon as possible after the ship departs. Once the original is issued, changes will incur high amendment fees and may prevent the customer from picking up the goods.

A typical payment structure looks like this: 1. Deposit: 10-30% after you confirm the car and price, often to reserve the vehicle and start the inspection. 2. Balance: paid after you approve the inspection report, but before or at shipment. A common safeguard is paying against a copy of the bill of lading, with telex release of the original B/L after funds arrive. 3. Never send 100% upfront to a new supplier. Use traceable methods (T/T bank transfer to a corporate account matching the company name, or escrow for first orders) and keep every agreement in writing. 4. Timeline: quote within days, inspection 3-7 days, booking and loading 1-2 weeks, ocean transit 3-6 weeks, customs clearance 3-10 days. Red flags: personal bank accounts, pressure to skip inspection, prices far below market.