Start with the business license: every legitimate Chinese company has a Unified Social Credit Code. Ask for a copy and verify it on the National Enterprise Credit Information system or via your freight forwarder. Check that the business scope includes 'used car export'—this requires specific qualifications. Next, look for proof of substance: a real office or yard (verify via live video call, not pre-recorded), staff answering on Chinese business platforms like WeChat with consistent branding, and a corporate bank account in the company's name—never pay a personal account. Cross-check trade history: ask for recent shipping documents (blurred bills of lading with customer info hidden), references from buyers in your region, and whether they hold export licenses issued by Chinese commerce authorities. Red flags: prices far below market, pressure to pay quickly, refusal of video calls, or bank accounts in third countries 'for convenience'. Take your time—real exporters pass these checks easily.

Two main shipping methods are used for used cars from China: 1) Container shipping: the car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container. Safer, protects from weather and damage, and allows personal items inside the car. Slightly more expensive. 2) RoRo (roll-on/roll-off): the car is driven onto the ship. Cheaper for single units, but no protection and no personal belongings allowed. Typical transit times from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao): - Middle East: 12-20 days - Europe: 25-40 days - East/West Africa: 30-45 days - South America: 35-50 days - Southeast Asia: 5-12 days Add 5-10 days on each side for port handling, customs, and inland delivery. Peak season (before Chinese New Year and summer) can add delays, so book space 2-3 weeks ahead.

The main export hubs are Shanghai, Guangzhou/Shenzhen, Qingdao, Tianjin, and Ningbo. Shanghai has the most RoRo and container sailings to Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Southern China (Guangzhou/Shenzhen) is best for Southeast Asia and Oceania. Qingdao and Tianjin serve Korea, Japan, and northern routes efficiently. Choose based on three factors: sailing frequency to your port (weekly is ideal), total inland logistics cost from the car's location to the port, and whether your exporter has used-car export qualification at that port—some only operate from one or two ports. Also confirm the terminal handles used-car export declarations, since not every port processes them. Your exporter should recommend the optimal port-to-port combination with a written quote breakdown.