The vehicle export process, step by step
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 item | FOB | CIF |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle price | EVtoU | EVtoU |
| Inland transport to Chinese port | EVtoU | EVtoU |
| China export customs clearance | EVtoU | EVtoU |
| Ocean freight | Buyer | EVtoU |
| Marine insurance | Buyer | EVtoU (minimum cover) |
| Destination port charges, duties, taxes | Buyer | Buyer |
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.

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.




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