Demurrage is a penalty charged by the port or shipping company for not clearing and picking up goods on time after they arrive. To avoid it: send customs documents in advance and ensure the recipient is prepared with duties and import qualifications.
A typical transaction has six steps. 1. Selection: you confirm the vehicle through photos, a video walkaround, an inspection report and the VIN. 2. Deposit: most exporters ask 20%-30% to reserve the car. Pay by bank transfer to the company's corporate account, never a personal one. 3. Inspection: an independent pre-shipment inspection verifies the condition; you receive the report before paying the balance. 4. Balance payment: usually due before loading. Request the booking confirmation and container number. 5. Shipping: the exporter sends you the draft bill of lading for checking, then the original documents by courier. 6. Arrival: you clear customs with the invoice, C/O, B/L and inspection certificate, then register the vehicle. Total timeline is usually 2-6 weeks. Use payment methods with recourse (T/T or escrow) and keep every contract and receipt.
We use two steps: 1. Insert a medical-grade endoscope through the spark plug hole to visually inspect cylinder wall scratches and carbon buildup on the piston top; 2. Extract an engine oil sample to check for large metal debris or emulsification (caused by coolant leakage).
