6 Tips for Preparing a Used Vehicle for Container Shipping

Storage containers are the gold standard of the shipping industry. They've been used for many years to ship everything from household furniture to farm tractors.

Containers also come in handy when shipping vehicles. If you have a used vehicle that you owned in another country and you're looking to ship it to Australia, there are several important steps you'll need to take.

1. Check the paperwork

The most important step is to check the paperwork of your vehicle. Make sure you own the title to the car and that your legal name matches what's on record. Having your paperwork in check will help prevent complications at the port or at the pickup location.

In your ownership records, make sure the make and model of the vehicle are clearly listed. It also helps to note down the vehicle's mileage and other relevant conditions (such as a cracked windshield or a dented door).

2. Have the oil changed

If your vehicle will be in transit for a long period of time, make sure you have the oil changed right before shipping. Used oil tends to solidify and clog the engine over time.

3. Charge the battery before shipping

You should also make sure your battery is fully charged before the vehicle is placed in a shipping container. A charged battery is less prone to damage while in transit, and you'll be able to drive your vehicle as soon as it arrives in the country.

4. Put the vehicle in park

When preparing a vehicle for shipping, put it in park but don't engage the parking brake. Engaging the parking brake will wear out your brake pads when the vehicle is in transit. However, putting it in park prevents the vehicle from moving around unintentionally.

5. Make sure the tyres are secure

The next step is to make sure your tyres are secure. If you're working with a shipping company, there may be professionals to carry out these steps on your behalf.

The goal is to ensure that the vehicle doesn't loosely swing back and forth in the container itself. This may result in tyre and transmission damage.

6. Cover it up

While shipping containers are typically covered, it's also a good idea to cover your vehicle with a firm cloth. This will help keep out dust, moisture and other external weather elements. A weatherproof car cover is a convenient option to use.