RoRo (roll-on/roll-off): the cheapest per car for running vehicles. Cars are driven onto the vessel and secured on decks. Transit to major ports (Jebel Ali, Rotterdam, Karachi) takes 15 to 35 days. Downside: cars are exposed to weather and salt air, and minor handling scratches happen occasionally. Container (20ft/40ft): one 40ft high-cube fits one car with parts, or two small cars with racking. Cost is higher than RoRo but cars are sealed and protected. Best for high-value vehicles, EVs (battery safety rules often require container), or when shipping spare parts together. Flat rack: for oversized vehicles (trucks, buses, modified cars). Priced per dimensions. Practical advice: for a standard used car to a port with RoRo service, choose RoRo and add marine insurance (0.3%–0.8% of value). If your destination lacks RoRo calls or you ship an EV, use a container. Always get the booking confirmation and bill of lading copy before paying the final balance.

Handling claims with an overseas exporter works best when expectations are set before payment. Prevention: put the inspection standard, photo/video evidence requirements, and a dispute clause into the sales contract. Keep all chat records and payment receipts. Typical process if issues arise: 1) Notify the exporter within 48-72 hours of delivery with photos/videos as evidence. 2) Most disputes fall into two buckets: shipping damage (handled via marine insurance — this is why insurance matters) or undisclosed mechanical defects (handled per contract, often via partial refund, spare parts, or repair cost sharing). Realistic expectations: exporters rarely accept returns, so negotiate compensation instead. A reputable company will usually cover reasonable repair costs for defects confirmed to pre-exist shipment. Tip: for higher-value cars, hire a local third-party inspection at destination as final evidence — it strengthens any claim significantly.

Ask the exporter for a copy of the vehicle registration certificate (机动车登记证书). It lists every owner change and any mortgage registration. If the car was financed, there will be a lien entry; make sure a release entry follows it. You can also verify the VIN against public records through the traffic management platform (12123) — a legitimate exporter can generate a status report on the spot. Check that the seller's company name on the invoice matches the registered owner. For extra safety, require a written statement that the vehicle is free of liens, loans, court seizures, and lease agreements, and wire payment only to the company's corporate account after ownership is transferred to the export entity. That sequence — transfer first, payment second — is your strongest protection.