Please note US Customs requirements have changed.**
This information is provided as a general guideline. Each port maintains individual regulations for auto shipments.

It is Customs preference that the shipper follow the regulations below:

1. Return the container back to pier at least 3 days prior to sailing date of the intended vessel. (However, Customs has the legal authority to hold a container as long as they deem necessary to clear it.)
2. Ensure three notarized copies of the title for each automobile are sent directly to the pier, preferably prior to the return of the container. (This allows Customs as much time as possible to clear the cargo.)
3. If the automobiles are new and being sent to another manufacturer, only a manufacturer's 'Statement of Origin" is required. It must also be notarized.
4. If the automobiles are dirt bikes and not for use 'on the road', this must be stated on all applicable documentation.
5. Include a vehicle I.D. Number for each automobile on all documentation.

Vehicles Shipped in Containers-US Customs Rules
In addition to the U.S. and Canadian Customs regulations listed in this section, government authorities have also mandated the following when loading vehicles in containers:

1. The shipper can state in writing on the dock receipt or hazardous declaration the following:Fuel tank is empty or the engine has been run until it stalls for lack of fuel, and both battery cables are disconnected. VIN # of the vehicle & cargo description must appear on the dock receipt.
   
   Shipper then signs the above statement. Declared in this way, the vehicle is considered non-hazardous. or
   
   
2. The shipper can declare on this paperwork: Engines, internal combustion, class 9, UN3166. In this case the fuel tank should not be more than one fourth full and the battery cables must be disconnected and secured away from the battery terminal. The shippers declaration states the contents are classified, packaged, marked and labeled/placarded, and are in all respects in proper condition for transport according to applicable international and national governmental regulations. They are signing this statement and it is the shippers responsibility to insure that the battery cables are disconnected when loading internal combustion class 9, UN3166.
   
   RCL has to take the shippers word that the shipment is in compliance with government regulations.
   
   If the shipper has not declared the cargo properly, or if the vehicle is found not to be prepped properly for shipment, all penalties and stripping/restuffing costs will be for the account of the cargo.

Sec. 192.2 Requirements for exportation. (b) Documentation required. (1) For U.S.-titled vehicles.

1. Vehicles issued an original certificate of title. For used, self-propelled vehicles issued, by any jurisdiction in the United States, a Certificate of Title or a Salvage Title that remains in force, the owner must provide to Customers, at the time and place specified in this section, the original Certificate of Title or a certified copy of the Certificate of Title and two complete copies of the original Certificate of Title or certified copy of the original.
2. Where title evidences third-party ownership/claims. If the used, self-propelled vehicle is leased or a recorded lien exists in the U.S., in addition to complying with paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the provisional owner must provide to Customs a separate writing from the third-party-in-interest which expressly provides that the subject vehicle may be exported. This writing must be on the third-party's letterhead paper, and contain a complete description of the vehicle including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the name of the owner or lienholder of the leased vehicle, and the telephone numbers at which that owner or lienholder may be contacted. The writing must bear an original signature of the third party and state the date it was signed.
3. Where U.S. Government employees are involved. If the used, self-propelled vehicle is owned by a U.S. [[Page 16640]] government employee and is being exported in conjunction with that employee's reassignment abroad pursuant to official travel orders, then, in lieu of complying with paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the employee may be required to establish that he has complied with the sponsoring agency's internal travel department procedures for vehicle export.

(2) For foreign-titled vehicles.
For used, self-propelled vehicles that are registered or titled abroad, the owner must provide to Customs, at the time and place specified in this section, the original document that provides satisfactory proof of ownership (with an English translation of the text if the original language is not in English), and two complete copies of that document (and translation, if necessary).

(3) For untitled vehicles.

1. Newly-manufactured vehicles issued an MSO. For newly-manufactured, self propelled vehicles that are purchased from a U.S. manufacturer, distributor, or dealer that become used, as defined in this subpart, and are issued a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), but not issued a Certificate of Title by any jurisdiction of the United States, the owner must provide to Customers, at the time and place specified in this section, the original MSO and two complete copies of the original MSO.
2. Newly-manufactured vehicles not issued an MSO. For newly-manufactured, self-propelled vehicles purchased from a U.S. manufacturer, distributor, or dealer that become used, as defined in this subpart, and not issued and MSO or a Certificate of Title by any jurisdiction of the United States, the owner must establish that the jurisdiction from where the vehicle comes does not have any ownership documentation requirements regarding such vehicles and provide to Customs, at the time and place specified in this section, an original document that proves ownership, such as a dealer's invoice, and two complete copies of such original documentation.
3. Vehicles issued a junk or scrap certificate. For used, self-propelled vehicles for which a junk or scrap certificate issued, by any jurisdiction of the United States, remains in force, the owner must provide to Customs, at the time and place specified in this section, the original certificate or a certified copy of the original document and two complete copies of the original document or certified copy of the original.
4. Vehicles issued a title or certificate that is not in force or are otherwise not registered. For used, self-propelled vehicles that were issued, by any jurisdiction of the United States, a title or certificate that is no longer in force, or that are not required to be titled or registered, and for which an MSO was not issued, the owner must establish that the jurisdiction from where the vehicle comes does not have any ownership documentation requirements regarding such vehicles and provide to Customs, at the time and place specified in this section, the original document that shows his basis for ownership or right of possession, such as a bill of sale, and two complete copies of that original document. Further, the owner must certify in writing to Customs that the procurement of the vehicle was a bona fide transaction, and that the vehicle presented for export is not stolen.

( c ) When presented,

1. Exportation by vessel or aircraft. For those vehicles exported by vessel or aircraft, the required documentation and the vehicle must be presented to Customs at least 72 hours prior to export.
2. Exportation at land border crossing points. For those vehicles exported by rail, highway, or under their own power;
   1. The required documentation must be submitted to Customs at least 72 hours prior to export; and
   2. The vehicle must be presented to Customs at the time of exportation.

(d) Where presented.
Port directors will establish locations at which exporter must present the required documentation and the vehicles for inspection. Port directors will publicize these locations, including their hours of operation.

(e) Authentication of documentation.
Customs will determine the authenticity of the documents submitted. Once the authenticity of the documents is established, Customs will mark the documents. In most cases the original documents(s) will be returned to the exporter. In those cases where the original title document was presented to and retained by Customs and cannot be found prior to the vehicle's export, the exporter's authenticated copy of the original documentation serves as evidence of compliance with the reporting requirements.