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 realistic budget has several layers beyond the vehicle price. First, inland logistics in China: moving the car to the export port typically costs $300-$800. Second, export handling: inspection, customs declaration and paperwork usually add $500-$1,000. Third, ocean freight. A 20ft container to most destinations runs $1,200-$3,000 depending on route; RoRo shipping can be cheaper for driveable cars. Add marine insurance, usually 0.3%-0.5% of the car value. Fourth, destination charges: port handling, customs duties, VAT/GST and local registration fees. These vary widely; some countries charge duties of 20%-80% of the vehicle value plus an excise based on engine capacity. Finally, any compliance work: inspection certificates, modifications to meet local standards, or homologation. Ask your exporter for a full CIF quote and have a local customs broker confirm destination taxes before you commit.

Our legal delivery milestone is based on the "Estimated Time of Departure (ETD)". As long as the vehicle enters the port area and customs clearance is completed within the agreed timeframe, any delays in shipping schedules due to the shipping company's capacity adjustments will not be considered a breach on our part. The uncontrollability of maritime transport must be factored into your expectations.