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The vehicle export process, step by step

An in-stock Highlander can be shipped within 10 working days after payment. Custom or specific models take longer, depending on sourcing and preparation. Here is what happens between your inquiry and your vehicle arriving at port.

What happens after I send an inquiry?

A sales manager confirms which vehicles match your request — model year, trim, colour, new or used — and sends a quotation on FOB or CIF terms. If you are not sure which trim suits your market, we recommend one based on budget, local fuel and road conditions, and service availability.

What is in the proforma invoice?

The proforma invoice (PI) lists the vehicles, unit price, Incoterm (FOB or CIF), port of destination, delivery timeline and payment terms. Nothing is paid until you have approved it.

How are vehicles inspected before export?

Every vehicle is checked before it leaves for the port. You receive photos or video of the actual vehicle at each milestone — after purchase, after inspection, and at loading. Third-party inspection can be arranged on request.

FOB or CIF: who pays for what?

Both are Incoterms® 2020 rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce. Under FOB, our responsibility ends when the vehicle is on board at the Chinese port; you book and pay the sea freight. Under CIF, we book freight and minimum marine insurance to your destination port. In both cases, import duties, taxes and registration at destination are paid by the buyer.

Cost itemFOBCIF
Vehicle priceEVtoUEVtoU
Inland transport to Chinese portEVtoUEVtoU
China export customs clearanceEVtoUEVtoU
Ocean freightBuyerEVtoU
Marine insuranceBuyerEVtoU (minimum cover)
Destination port charges, duties, taxesBuyerBuyer

How are the vehicles shipped?

Two methods, chosen by route, quantity and budget. Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessels carry vehicles driven on board — usually the lower-cost option on routes with regular sailings. Containers carry vehicles lashed inside, often on two-tier racks; they protect the paintwork and suit inland or less-served destinations. Mixed-model orders are accepted, and we plan container loading to keep shipping cost per unit down.

SUV lashed inside a 40HQ shipping container for vehicle export
Container loading: vehicles are lashed to the container floor or a two-tier rack.

Which documents do I receive?

The export documents prepared for your shipment are listed in the PI and depend on your country's import requirements. Tell us what your customs broker needs before the order is confirmed, so the paperwork matches on arrival.

What about after-sales support?

We stay available after delivery for documentation questions, parts sourcing and repeat orders. Shipping fee and delivery date are negotiated per order — chat with sales for details.

Ro-Ro vessel loading vehicles at portVehicle being lashed inside a shipping containerCar-carrier trailer transporting vehicles to portVehicle lashed for loading on the port quay

Planning a Highlander order?

Send your destination and quantity — we reply with availability and a FOB or CIF quote.

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