Completely different. The assessment of commercial vehicles focuses on: the extent of wear/deformation in the cargo area, whether the frame has been twisted due to overload, the fatigue of the leaf springs, and the emissions of the diesel engine. Minor exterior scratches carry very little weight in the assessment of commercial vehicles.

No, it does not. International shipping (especially RoRo) usually takes 30 to 60 days, during which the vehicle is stationary. A dead 12V battery, natural tire pressure loss, and even wiper aging due to temperature differences are all reasonable physical wear during long-distance transport. We strongly recommend that overseas buyers bring a portable jump starter and an air pump when picking up their vehicles at the port.

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.