Two main shipping methods are used for used cars from China: 1) Container shipping: the car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container. Safer, protects from weather and damage, and allows personal items inside the car. Slightly more expensive. 2) RoRo (roll-on/roll-off): the car is driven onto the ship. Cheaper for single units, but no protection and no personal belongings allowed. Typical transit times from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao): - Middle East: 12-20 days - Europe: 25-40 days - East/West Africa: 30-45 days - South America: 35-50 days - Southeast Asia: 5-12 days Add 5-10 days on each side for port handling, customs, and inland delivery. Peak season (before Chinese New Year and summer) can add delays, so book space 2-3 weeks ahead.

Our foreign versions of the report standardize terminology and include illustrations. For example, instead of just writing "control arm failure," we specify "Lower Control Arm Bushing Torn" to help your local technicians identify the issue directly.

The standard set is: 1. Commercial invoice and sales contract - issued by the exporter; the basis for customs valuation. 2. Packing list - exporter; details the vehicle and any spare parts shipped with it. 3. Bill of lading - issued by the shipping line; your proof of ownership of the cargo. Never pay the full balance before receiving at least a copy of it. 4. Certificate of origin - issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT); some countries require it for preferential duty rates. 5. Export customs declaration - Chinese customs; confirms the car was legally exported. 6. Pre-shipment inspection report - issued by companies like Intertek, SGS or the EAA scheme, if your country mandates it. Ask the exporter for scanned copies of all documents before shipping so you or your broker can verify completeness.