Car Shipping Guide-Best Company to Ship Car from China

Jikeship, established in 2014 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is one of the Best Company to Ship Car. We are a trusted logistics service provider offering comprehensive automotive transportation solutions to clients worldwide.

In international car transportation, stable logistics is key. Whether facing sudden market fluctuations or managing daily logistics needs, Jikeship works tirelessly to provide reliable support, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

Here is our car shipping guide:

How do these four-wheel tools cross oceans and continents to reach their destination? Generally speaking, there are five main ways to shipping cars from China to other countries.

1. Sea Freight - RoRo Shipping:

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is a specialized type of sea freight designed for transporting cars, trucks, and other similar wheeled cargo. Vehicles can drive directly onto the ship and are secured in designated parking areas inside the vessel, similar to a parking lot. This method offers high safety and efficient loading/unloading, and it is more affordable than container shipping.

Advantages:

1. Easy Loading and Unloading: One of the main benefits of RoRo shipping is the simple loading and unloading process. Vehicles can drive onto the ship using their own power, eliminating the need for cranes or other lifting equipment, reducing time and labor costs.

2. Visible Delivery: Since RoRo ships have dedicated parking areas, vehicles can be easily observed onboard, which improves monitoring and control during transit.

3. Easy Inspection: Vehicles parked on the RoRo ship make it easier for customs and other authorities to inspect the cargo, ensuring security and compliance.

4. No Hazardous Goods Declaration: Unlike some other shipping methods, RoRo shipping typically does not require hazardous goods declaration, making it suitable for general car transport.

5. Safety: RoRo shipping is relatively safe because the vehicles are securely fixed and reinforced on the ship, reducing cargo damage and safety risks.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited RoRo Capacity: There are fewer RoRo vessels, meaning capacity is limited. During high-demand periods, it may be difficult to meet large-scale transportation needs.

2. Higher Sea Freight Cost: Compared to other sea freight methods, RoRo shipping tends to be more expensive. This may make it less competitive for cost-sensitive markets.

3. Fixed Routes: RoRo ships typically follow fixed routes, which may not offer flexibility for special shipping directions. This could be a limitation for businesses needing customized routes.

4. Loading Restrictions: RoRo vessels have height, width, and weight limits, which may not accommodate special-sized or heavy cargo.

5. Restrictions for New Energy Used Cars: Some RoRo shipping companies impose requirements on used new energy vehicles, such as limits on production dates and transportation distance.

RoRo Shipping for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs):

1. The vehicle must be a new car within 5 months of production (some ships may accept up to 1 year old).
2. The mileage should not exceed 100 kilometers.
3. For electric cars, the battery charge should be between 20%-50%; vehicles with more than 50% will not be accepted. Hybrid cars should have a charge between 1%-20%. If the battery is overcharged, discharge fees will apply; if undercharged, charging fees will apply (charging costs are higher, and some ports may not have charging facilities).
4. New cars are declared as used cars for customs, and depending on the brand, certain routes may have brand protection and may not accept used cars. The bill of lading must not show "USED" on it.
5. Export customs declaration requires a permit.

Tips: RoRo shipping treats both new energy vehicles and gasoline cars as general cargo.

Automobile Customs Documents

Packing list, invoice, contract, permit (brand authorization), declaration elements, and customs draft.

2. Sea Freight - Container Shipping:

Container shipping is a method of transporting goods by loading them into standard containers, which are then shipped using specialized container vessels. It is widely used in international trade and is considered an efficient and safe way of transporting goods.

Container ships have more frequent schedules compared to RoRo ships, and almost all major ports have container vessels. Booking space on a container ship is often more convenient, but container shipping for new energy vehicles tends to be more expensive than RoRo shipping. It is suitable for small quantities of new energy vehicles being exported. However, container shipping has some limitations, such as restrictions on vehicle length and height, and care must be taken during loading, unloading, and transport to avoid scratches. Depending on the model and loading method, a 40HQ container can fit 2 to 4 new energy vehicles.

Features:

1. Standardization: Containers have standard sizes that meet international standards, making loading, unloading, transshipment, and storage easier.

2. Versatility: Containers can be used to transport various types of goods, including dry cargo, liquid goods, and bulk cargo.

3. Convenient Transshipment: Containers can be easily transferred between different modes of transport, such as from ship to rail or truck.

4. Improved Efficiency: Standardized containers and loading/unloading equipment on container ships make the transportation process more efficient, reducing loading and unloading time.

5. Safety: Containers provide a degree of protection during transport, reducing the risk of damage or loss.

Advantages:

1. Abundant Capacity: Almost all major ports have vessels dedicated to container transport, ensuring enough capacity to meet large-scale transportation needs.

2. Relatively Lower Shipping Costs: Compared to specialized transport methods, container shipping is generally cheaper, helping to reduce trade costs.

3. Diverse Routes: Container ships cover almost all major trade routes, offering a variety of shipping options for small or customized shipments.

4. Global Reach: The container transport network covers major ports worldwide, making international trade more accessible and feasible.

Disadvantages:

1. Complex Loading Process: Container shipping requires a professional team for loading and unloading, and the process can be more complicated.

2. Lower Delivery Quality Control: Due to multiple handling steps during loading and unloading, the quality control of delivery is relatively lower.

3. Extensive Hazardous Goods Declaration: Containers carrying hazardous materials require detailed declarations, making the transport process more complex.

4. Difficult Unloading at Destination Port: The unloading process at the destination port can involve complicated procedures, making it more challenging.

5. Non-Uniform Export Standards for New Energy Vehicles: There may be inconsistencies in industry standards for exporting new energy vehicles, leading to regulatory challenges.

Container Loading and Securing Solutions

One Container, Three Cars (Sedans):

1. The first car drives or reverses into the container. Use wooden wedges to secure the tires and bind them with straps to the container.
2. The second car reverses into the container. Again, use wooden wedges to secure the tires and bind them with straps.
3. The car transport stand is moved into the container and secured to the container. The third car drives onto the stand, and the tires are secured to it.

One Container, Two Cars (SUVs):

1. The first car drives or reverses into the container. Use wooden wedges to secure the tires and bind them with straps.
2. The second car drives into the container. Use wooden wedges to secure the tires and bind them with straps.

One Container, Four Cars (Sedans):

1. Install four pillars along the sides of the container and secure the zip-style compression plates. The first car reverses into the container's stand. Use wooden wedges to secure the tires, bind with straps, and lift the car to a certain height using zip pulleys.
2. The second car drives into the container, and the tires are secured with wooden wedges and straps.
3. The third and fourth cars are loaded and secured in the same manner.

One Container, Four Cars (Sedans) :

1. The first car is positioned on the car transport stand and fixed. Workers move the pulley transport stand to the rear of the container and secure it. Use wooden wedges to secure the tires, and bind with straps.
2. The second car drives into the container, with wooden wedges securing the tires and straps binding them to the container.
3. The third and fourth cars are loaded and secured in the same manner.

Documents Required in Container Shipping for New Energy Vehicles:

New energy vehicles are considered hazardous goods, falling under the 9th class of dangerous goods. The following documents are required:

• Maritime Declaration Documents: MSDS, UN38.3, Packing Certificate
• Booking Documents: Prepare Chinese MSDS and lithium battery UN38.3 report
• Customs Documents: Packing list, invoice, contract, permit (brand authorization), declaration elements, and customs draft

Common Export Ports for New Energy Vehicles: Yantai, Shanghai, Ningbo, etc.

3. Railway - Container Shipping

Similar to sea freight, container-based vehicle transport is also used in railway logistics. Railway container shipping involves loading goods into standard containers using specialized container wagons, which are then transported via rail networks. This method combines the advantages of rail and containers, providing an efficient, safe, and standardized logistics solution.

Features:

1. Standardization: Railway container shipping uses standard-sized containers, making loading, unloading, transshipment, and storage easier.

2. Versatility: Containers can carry various types of cargo, including dry goods, liquids, and bulk goods.

3. Full Train Transport: Railway container shipments are typically transported in full trains, increasing transport efficiency and capacity utilization.

4. Relatively Stable: Railway transport is less affected by weather and natural conditions, offering greater continuity.

5. Suitable for International Trade: Railway container transport connects to international rail networks, making it ideal for cross-border and international trade.

Advantages:

1. Less Affected by Weather: Compared to sea freight, railway transport is less impacted by weather, ensuring more reliable service.

2. Faster: Railway container transport is faster than sea freight, especially for routes like the China-Europe train services, which offer quicker transport.

3. Relatively Safe: Railway transport provides a safer environment for goods, reducing the risk of damage or loss.

4. Ideal for Medium to Long Distances: Rail transport is efficient for medium to long distances, connecting different regions effectively.

5. Flexible Management for New Energy Vehicles: Rail transport is more flexible when handling new energy vehicles, not subject to the same hazardous materials regulations as sea freight.

Disadvantages:

1. Complex Loading Process: Railway container transport requires a professional team for loading and unloading, making the process more complex.

2. Difficult Unloading at Destination: Unloading at the destination may involve complicated procedures and processes, making it more challenging.

3. Fewer Train Routes and Stations: Railway container services have fewer routes and stations, which may not meet specific shipping direction requirements.

4. Limited Train Capacity: Railway containers are typically transported in full trains, and there are limits to the number of cars they can carry, making it less suitable for large shipments compared to sea freight.

Main Routes: Central Asia, Central Europe, and China-Russia Destinations: Tashkent, Almaty, Minsk, Moscow, etc. Container Departure Stations: Zhengzhou, Chongqing, Xi'an, Yiwu, etc.

4. Railway - Caged Car Transport

JSQ caged car transport is a specialized railway method for transporting cars. JSQ cages are double-decker vehicles with recessed floors, designed specifically for large-scale, bulk car transportation.

Features:

1. Double-Decker Structure: The JSQ cage uses a double-decker design with recessed grooves inside the vehicle to accommodate two layers of cars, increasing loading efficiency.

2. Ground Lock Reinforcement: The cage uses ground locks to secure vehicles, ensuring stability during transport and reducing the risk of damage.

3. Bulk Transport: The design of the cage allows for bulk transport, lowering per-unit transportation costs and improving economic efficiency.

4. Suitable for Various Vehicle Types: The cage is designed to accommodate various types and sizes of vehicles.

Advantages:

1. Reinforced Design: The use of ground locks to secure vehicles provides a more stable transport environment compared to other railway methods, reducing the risk of cargo damage.

2. High Loading Capacity: The double-decker design increases the loading capacity, making it suitable for large-scale car transport. One train can carry up to 300 cars, with each wagon accommodating 8-10 vehicles.

3. Relatively Flexible: Caged car transport is more flexible than containerized methods, making it suitable for vehicles with irregular shapes.

4. Ideal for Mass Production: Caged car transport is perfect for large-scale car manufacturing, meeting the demands of bulk, continuous car shipments.

Disadvantages:

1. Full Train Booking Required: Caged car transport typically requires booking a full train, which may require more coordination in transport planning.

2. International Caged Car Transport Challenges: For cross-border shipments, the process of transferring caged cars abroad can face efficiency issues.

3. Limited Destinations: Caged car routes and stations are relatively few, so it may not meet the needs of certain specialized shipping directions.

Main Caged Car Stations: Jinan, Manzhouli

Requirements for Transporting New Energy and Fuel Vehicles by Rail:

1. Electric Vehicles: Battery charge should be kept between 40%-60%. Vehicles with more than 65% charge will not be accepted. After loading, disconnect the power; for fuel vehicles, drain the oil after loading.
2. No Extra Batteries: No spare batteries or other types of batteries are allowed.
3. Export Declaration Requires Permit: A permit is required for export customs clearance.
4. Strict Loading Guidelines: Vehicles must be delivered to the terminal station and loaded according to railway guidelines.

5. Road Transport - Caged Car Transport

Road transport using caged cars is a method where specialized vehicles (also known as car transporters) are used to ship and transport cars via highways.

Features:

1. Two-Level Structure: Caged cars typically feature a two-level design, allowing multiple cars to be transported at once, increasing transportation efficiency.

2. Adjustable Size: The design of the cage can be adjusted to fit different car sizes, accommodating various transportation needs.

3. No Forklifts Needed: Vehicles can drive directly into the cage without needing forklifts or additional equipment, simplifying loading and unloading.

4. Suitable for Short to Medium Distance: Caged car transport is often used for short- to medium-distance shipments, especially popular for transport between neighboring countries or regions.

Advantages:

1. High Flexibility: Compared to railway or sea transport, caged car transport offers more flexibility as different road routes can be chosen based on transport needs.

2. Quick Departure: Caged cars generally have faster departure times on regular, high-demand routes, making them ideal for urgent deliveries or market demand responses.

3. Shorter Transit Time: Since the transport is via road, vehicles are directly delivered to their destination, reducing transfer and waiting times, leading to shorter transit times.

4. Simpler Procedures: Compared to cross-border railway or sea transport, caged car transport generally involves simpler procedures and fewer complex customs formalities.

Disadvantages:

1. Not Suitable for Long-Distance Transport: Caged car transport is mainly used for short- to medium-distance shipments and may not be economical or practical for long-distance, cross-border shipments.

2. Lower Capacity: Caged cars have lower loading capacity compared to other methods, which may limit transport for larger volumes of cars.

3. Weather Impact: Since cars are exposed, extreme weather conditions (heavy snow, rain, etc.) can affect the appearance of the cars, requiring extra care in protection.

Routes: Central Asia, Central Europe, China-Russia Export Ports: Alashankou, Horgos, Irkeshtam, Turgart, Bakhtu

China Domestic Car Transport (Caged Car): 8-10 small cars per board Central Asia Car Transport (Caged Car): 6 small cars per board

Note: Heavier vehicles may result in slightly higher transport costs.

Requirements for New Energy and Fuel Vehicles by Land Transport:

1. New Energy Vehicles: In summer, battery charge must not be below 40%; in winter, it must not be below 60%.

2. Fuel Vehicles: The fuel range should be 30-40 km.

FAQ:

1. Do new energy vehicles require a license for export from China?

New energy vehicles are generally not subject to regulatory requirements for export based on customs codes, meaning they don't need a license. However, due to brand issues, there are two types of export methods:

1. Authorized Brand Exporters: Manufacturers and authorized brand dealers can directly export electric vehicles under the licensed brand.
2. Licensed Exporters: Only companies with car export or used vehicle export qualifications can apply for a license.

2. What is the sea freight export process for new energy vehicles from China?

1. Prepare Export Documents: This includes contracts, invoices, packing lists, customs declaration forms, licenses, etc.
2. Maritime Registration: Complete the necessary maritime registration procedures as required.
3. Vehicle Loading: Vehicles are loaded into containers or RoRo ships according to the loading plan.
4. Customs Declaration: Submit a declaration to customs and undergo inspection.
5. Bill of Lading Release: Once customs clears the shipment, the shipping company issues the bill of lading.

3. Are new energy vehicles considered hazardous goods on RoRo ships?

According to the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code, new energy vehicles are classified as Class 9 hazardous goods under UN Number UN3171 ("Battery-powered vehicles or battery-powered equipment").

Therefore, when transported on container ships, new energy vehicles are considered dangerous goods, subject to the UN3171 shipping regulations, and require booking a DG (Dangerous Goods) compartment.

However, when transported on RoRo ships, new energy vehicles are treated as general cargo.

Jikeship - The Best Company to Ship Car in China

Kind Reminder:

1. Policy Changes: The export policies for new energy vehicles may change at any time. Companies should closely monitor relevant policy updates.

2. Professional Services: We recommend companies choose a professional logistics provider to ensure comprehensive logistics support.

For car transport, we offer shipping services from Chinese ports to destinations worldwide, as well as a one-stop solution for freight transport from destination ports to final locations.

Our services include:

• Specialized Sea Freight/Rail Freight/Road Freight: We provide professional sea, rail, and road transport services tailored to the specific needs of new energy and fuel-powered vehicles, ensuring goods are safely delivered.

• Port Pickup and Delivery: We have an extensive network for pickup and delivery at various destination ports, ensuring prompt delivery to your specified location.

• Customs Clearance: With expertise in international customs regulations, we offer customs clearance services to ensure quick and smooth customs processing.

• Fleet Services: We operate multiple modern warehouses in many countries, offering additional services such as vehicle handling, sorting, and packaging to meet your customized needs.

As a China-based Best Company to Ship Cars in China, we stand out from our competitors by establishing close partnerships with over 150 overseas agents around the world. We provide comprehensive automotive logistics services, including sea freight, rail, and road transport, to over 1,000 domestic and international clients. We also offer personalized custom solutions.

Our goal is to become a world-class automotive logistics service provider and the preferred partner for our clients.