Good to Know: Shipping an Overland Vehicle in a Container
This checklist is based on personal experience of shipping a vehicle to/from North and South America and Europe.
Published in
2 min readDec 14, 2023
Checklist for shipping an overland vehicle in a container
✅ Disconnect the leisure battery
Why:
- To prevent fires due to an electrical malfunction.
✅ Disconnect the car battery
- To prevent fires due to an electrical malfunction.
- To prevent unnecessary discharge that would make it difficult to drive the vehicle out of the container.
✅ Use a dehumidifier
Why?
- To collect any moisture that accumulates in the vehicle. This is particularly useful in humid environments.
✅ Open your front windows completely
Why?
- To allow you to access the vehicle if the doors accidentally lock
- To allow for better air circulation. Containers have small air vents which can help the container “breathe” a bit.
✅ Remove any important documents from the vehicle
Why?
- You will most likely need your registration or title for the import process in a different country.
✅ Fuel level should be below 1/4 tank.
Why?
- Often this is a requirement by the shipping company.
✅ Leave the keys inside the vehicle
Why?
- This allows the container to be unloaded even if you are not present (for whatever reasons).
✅ No explosive materials (propane/butane …)
Why?
- Often this is a requirement by the shipping company. Usually, empty containers are allowed.
✅ Take pictures of your vehicle (front, back, sides, interior)
Why?
- These might be needed for purchasing liability insurance.
✅ Document the loading process (video, photos)
Why?
- To have proof that the vehicle was not damaged before shipment.
- To document how the vehicle was secured (ideally 4 independent statch straps, wood clocks on the wheels).
