How to Ship a Salvage Vehicle Overseas: What You Need to Know
Salvage vehicles can be a cost-effective solution for car dealers, mechanics, and DIY car enthusiasts. But when it comes to international shipping, especially from the U.S. to Latin America or the Caribbean, the process can be tricky without the right guidance.
At Royal Shipping Lines, we make it simple. This guide will walk you through the key steps, requirements, and tips for shipping a salvage vehicle overseas—with a focus on Central America and beyond.
🚗 What Is a Salvage Vehicle?
A salvage vehicle is a car that’s been deemed a total loss by an insurance company due to theft, accident, flooding, or other major damage. While it may not be roadworthy in its current state, these vehicles often hold value for:
Repairs and restoration
Spare parts
Resale in international markets
🌎 Can You Ship a Salvage Vehicle Internationally?
Yes, you can! Many countries—including Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and several Caribbean nations—allow the import of salvage vehicles. However, each destination has its own set of regulations, so working with an experienced shipping provider is essential.
🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Salvage Vehicle from the U.S.
1. ✅ Gather the Required Documents
To export a salvage vehicle legally, you’ll need:
Original salvage title
Bill of sale
Photo ID of the seller/exporter
Export declaration (EEI filing)
Import permits or authorizations (varies by country)
Tip: Royal Shipping Lines helps you verify and submit all required documents to avoid customs issues.
2. 🚢 Choose the Right Shipping Method
Salvage vehicles must be shipped in a container. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) services are not allowed for these types of vehicles.
We recommend container shipping because it provides:
Maximum protection for non-running or damaged vehicles
Secure transport of vehicle parts and accessories
Container options:
🟩 20-foot container – Fits 1-2 vehicles
🟩 40-foot container – Fits 2-3-4 vehicles or cars with extra parts
3. 📑 Handle Export & Customs Clearance
Ports have strict rules when it comes to salvage car exports. We manage:
Booking space with the shipping line
Filing export paperwork with U.S. Customs
Meeting any pre-shipment inspection requirements
This ensures smooth processing and avoids delays or penalties.
4. 🧼 Clean the Vehicle Before Shipping
To pass inspection and avoid customs issues, your salvage vehicle must be:
Free of dirt, oil, and grease
Drained of hazardous fluids
Cleared of debris and loose parts
Some countries may also require fumigation or additional inspections—Royal Shipping Lines can arrange this for you.
💵 How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Salvage Vehicle?
The cost of shipping a salvage car internationally depends on:
Distance between origin and destination ports
Container size (20ft vs. 40ft)
Vehicle size, weight, and condition
Port charges, taxes, and import duties
🎯 Royal Shipping Lines offers upfront, transparent pricing—no hidden fees.
💡 Expert Tips for Shipping Salvage Vehicles
✅ Check import laws in the destination country
✅ Take high-resolution photos of the vehicle before loading
✅ Securely label all loose parts and accessories
✅ Consider marine insurance for added protection
✅ Always ship with a licensed NVOCC like Royal Shipping Lines
🌟 Why Choose Royal Shipping Lines?
We specialize in salvage vehicle shipping from the U.S. to:
Latin America
Caribbean
Europe
Africa
Middle East
With decades of industry experience, we handle your shipment from paperwork to delivery—professionally and affordably.
📞 Contact us today for expert help and a free quote on shipping your salvage vehicle internationally.
📞Office: +1 (305) 884-8127
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (305) 979-3596
📧 Email: info@royalshippinglines.com