How International Moving Companies Handle Vehicle Shipping

Secure, compliant, and coordinated: how movers handle international vehicle shipments.

Shipping your car overseas can be one of the most complex parts of an international move. From customs paperwork and inspection rules to insurance and safe transport, every detail matters. The process requires expertise, precision, and strict compliance with international regulations.

Asian Tigers Group, a leading international relocation company across Asia, has decades of experience managing such moves. Whether you’re exporting a family car from Singapore to Japan or relocating a luxury vehicle to Australia, Asian Tigers ensures a secure and stress-free experience.

This article explains how international moving companies handle vehicle shipping, featuring insights from Asian Tigers’ logistics specialists and the 2025 ATG ChatBar AI Report, which identified vehicle transport as one of the top customer inquiries.

1. Understanding Vehicle Shipping

Vehicle shipping involves transporting cars, motorcycles, or even specialized vehicles, such as SUVs, classic cars, or electric vehicles, across international borders. Movers typically use either containerized shipping or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) transport.

Container shipping means the vehicle is loaded into a sealed container (either solely or with household goods), offering high protection from weather and handling.

RoRo shipping allows vehicles to be driven directly onto the shipping vessel, secured on deck, and driven off at the destination port. This option is often more economical for standard vehicles but provides less protection than a containerized move.

Industry analysis shows the Asia-Pacific automotive logistics market is projected to exceed USD 140 billion by 2030, growing at nearly 8.5% annually; underscoring the complexity and scale of regional vehicle transport. Comparative analyses highlight that while RoRo shipping remains cost-efficient, containerised shipping is increasingly preferred for high-value or electric vehicles because of its superior protection.

Asian Tigers carefully evaluates each customer’s needs, budget, and destination regulations before recommending the best method.

2. Pre-Move Assessment and Documentation

The process begins with a pre-move survey, where an Asian Tigers consultant inspects the vehicle and confirms key details such as model, year, dimensions, and condition. A detailed condition report is completed, including photographs to document the car’s state before shipping.

Proper documentation is critical for smooth customs clearance. Depending on the destination country, you may need:

• Vehicle registration and title
• Proof of ownership or purchase invoice
• Passport and visa copies
• Bill of lading (issued by the carrier)
• Import permit or pre-shipment inspection certificate

The ATG ChatBar AI Report (May 2025) notes that customs and documentation questions are among the most frequent topics raised by clients shipping vehicles. Asian Tigers’ coordinators guide customers step by step through each requirement, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

3. Cleaning and Vehicle Preparation

Before export, the vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out to comply with quarantine regulations in many countries, particularly Australia and New Zealand.

A clean undercarriage helps prevent the transfer of soil, seeds, or organic matter, which are often prohibited under biosecurity laws. Movers like Asian Tigers can arrange professional cleaning and inspection before the car is sealed for shipment.

Other essential preparations include:

• Checking for fluid leaks and draining fuel to one-quarter tank or less.
• Disconnecting batteries for safety.
• Removing toll tags and personal items.
• Folding mirrors and securing loose parts.

4. Loading and Securing the Vehicle

Once the car is ready, it is loaded into a shipping container or onto a RoRo vessel. Asian Tigers’ crews use specialized equipment and safety procedures to secure vehicles during transport.

For containerized shipping:

• Ramps and hydraulic lifts are used for safe loading.
• Vehicles are fastened using wheel chocks, lashing straps, and wooden blocks.
• Shock absorbers and anti-movement pads prevent damage from vibrations.

For RoRo shipping:

• Vehicles are driven into position on the ship’s deck and strapped down with heavy-duty restraints.
• All keys are handed to port authorities for handling during loading and unloading.

Asian Tigers’ teams follow FIDI-accredited handling standards, ensuring vehicles are loaded and secured according to international best practices.

5. Customs Clearance and Import Regulations

Each country has specific import rules for vehicles, and compliance is vital. For instance:

• Japan requires proof that the vehicle meets emission and safety standards.
• Australia mandates pre-shipment cleaning, quarantine inspection, and an import permit under the Road Vehicle Standards Act.
• Thailand has restrictions on used car imports unless you hold a special permit.

Asian Tigers’ experienced coordinators stay updated on these regulations and guide clients through the documentation, taxes, and duties applicable to each destination.

They also assist with temporary importation for expatriates who plan to return their vehicles home after assignment completion, ensuring compliance with duty-free or restricted import conditions.

6. Transit and Tracking

During shipment, clients receive milestone-based updates and support from their Asian Tigers move coordinator. Unlike international couriers, real-time tracking is not typically available due to the complexity of international shipping logistics. However, coordinators provide key details such as:

• Container departure and arrival
• Customs clearance progress
• Estimated delivery date

Clients may also receive vessel and voyage information, which can sometimes be tracked using third-party maritime tracking apps. This transparent communication ensures customers are kept informed without relying on real-time tracking systems.

7. Delivery at Destination

Once the vehicle clears customs at the destination port, Asian Tigers arranges final delivery, either to your residence or a designated pickup location.

Before handover, another condition check is performed to ensure the car arrives in the same state as when it was shipped. If requested, the company can also help with vehicle registration or roadworthiness inspection in your new country.

For clients moving to cities with complex traffic regulations, the local Asian Tigers office provides guidance on licensing, parking permits, and road rules.

8. Insurance and Risk Management

Even with professional handling, vehicle shipping across international borders involves risks such as weather events, port delays, or handling damage. That’s why insurance is highly recommended when relocating a vehicle.

Asian Tigers offers insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit, providing financial protection in case of loss or damage. This includes scenarios where, under maritime law, you may be required to share costs if a shipping vessel experiences an incident at sea.

Your move coordinator will clearly explain the policy, including how your vehicle’s value is declared, what the coverage includes, and any applicable deductibles. While shipping issues are rare, having insurance offers peace of mind and protection throughout the journey.

9. Handling Special Vehicle Types

Asian Tigers has shipped a wide range of vehicle types, from luxury cars to electric vehicles and motorcycles. Each requires unique handling:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Batteries must meet international safety standards and may require partial discharge before transport.
• Luxury or Vintage Cars: Often shipped in single-use containers with custom padding and humidity control.
• Motorcycles: Secured in custom-built crates, with some parts, like mirrors, removed for compact storage.

Given the expanding finished-vehicle logistics market in Asia-Pacific (USD 71.5 billion in 2025), and growing EV exports, companies like Asian Tigers must offer specialized services for luxury, vintage or electric autos.

The company’s global network of experienced agents ensures consistent handling quality across all locations, regardless of vehicle type.

10. Sustainability in Vehicle Shipping

Sustainability is a growing concern in the relocation industry. Asian Tigers integrates eco-friendly initiatives into all aspects of its logistics operations.

The company prioritizes optimized shipping routes, fuel-efficient carriers, and recyclable packaging for related household goods. In 2024, Asian Tigers reaffirmed its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitment, setting new standards for responsible moving practices.

By choosing an experienced mover with green initiatives, customers contribute to reducing carbon emissions without compromising service quality.

Why Choose Asian Tigers for Vehicle Shipping

• Proven Expertise: Decades of experience in global relocations, including complex vehicle moves.
• Comprehensive Support: Dedicated coordinators manage every step, from documentation to delivery.
• Global Network: Offices in 14 territories across Asia, connected to trusted international partners.
• Award-Winning Service: Recognized by FIDI, OMNI, and Expat Living Readers’ Choice Awards for excellence in moving and relocation.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Continuous efforts to minimize environmental impact.

Whether you’re relocating a single car or multiple vehicles, Asian Tigers Group ensures every detail is handled with professionalism and care.

Final Thoughts

Vehicle shipping during an international move may seem daunting, but with the right partner, it becomes a smooth and secure process. Asian Tigers Group offers the expertise, compliance knowledge, and global reach to manage every aspect of your vehicle relocation.

From meticulous pre-move inspections to safe loading, customs support, and milestone tracking, you can trust that your vehicle is in expert hands.

Visit asiantigersgroup.com to learn more about vehicle shipping or to schedule a consultation with your nearest Asian Tigers office. Move with confidence, move with the Tigers.

Further Reading

[1] Kar-Tainer. (2025). Vehicle Shipping: Container vs RoRo – Market Comparison. https://www.kar-tainer.com/post/vehicle-shipping-container-vs-roro-market-comparison

[2] Mordor Intelligence. (2025). Asia-Pacific Automotive Logistics Market Report. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/asia-pacific-automotive-logistics-market