Our foreign versions of the report standardize terminology and include illustrations. For example, instead of just writing "control arm failure," we specify "Lower Control Arm Bushing Torn" to help your local technicians identify the issue directly.

Changes must be requested before the shipping cut-off date (SI Cut-off Date) prior to the vessel's departure. Once the vessel has sailed, the shipping company will charge a high amendment fee, which may also cause delays in customs clearance at the destination port, with costs borne by the buyer.

Two separate protections matter: cargo insurance and contractual risk transfer. Cargo insurance: for container or RoRo shipments, buy marine cargo insurance covering total loss and damage, typically 110% of the CIF value (average cost 0.3%–0.8%). Check exclusions — many policies exclude pre-existing damage, so a pre-shipment inspection report is essential to prove the car's condition at loading. Incoterms define who bears risk and cost at each stage: 1. FOB (Free On Board): exporter pays until the car is loaded on the vessel; risk passes to you at that point. You pay ocean freight and insurance. Common and usually cheapest if you have your own freight forwarder. 2. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): exporter pays freight and minimum insurance to your port. Convenient but the insurance coverage is basic — consider topping it up. 3. EXW (Ex Works): you handle everything from the exporter's yard; only choose this if you have a trusted agent in China. Put the agreed Incoterm and port clearly in the contract, and never release final payment before the Bill of Lading is issued.