May I ask for a certain export date when shipping my vehicle overseas? Short answer: Yes. You might want to know if you can ship your vehicle overseas at a specified time of day when moving, selling, or just traveling with your vehicle. Most shipping carriers allow you to select your desired export date, but your shipping date is really dependent upon port schedules, shipping methods, and customs.
In this overview we will discuss how you can request a particular export date, the factors that influence your options and how ShippingCars.org can help find a schedule that meets your needs.
Step 1: Understand How Export Dates Are Determined
First, some perception on how exports are scheduled. The thing to remember is that carriers do not simply ship a vehicle when it suits them. Export dates depend on:
- Port schedules
- Shipping vessel availability
- Customs inspection timelines
- Type of shipping method (RoRo vs. container)
- Destination country transit requirements
Why this matters:
To know what to expect and when to ask for a departure date in advance, be aware that some ports have several RoRo departures a week. Other ports have only one.
Step 2: Contact Your Carrier Early to Increase Availability
If you book your shipment early enough, you are more likely to get the export date you want from your carrier. Most carriers recommend a 2 to 4 week lead time for deliveries during peak seasons.
- Summer months
- Holiday periods
- Year-end relocation season
Booking early allows the carrier to:
- Match your request with the right vessel
- Secure customs clearance within the needed time frame
- Avoid last-minute delays
ShippingCars.org allows you to check if multiple carriers are available at the same time, for you to export on the date you really want.
Step 3: Factor In Customs Clearance and Required Processing Time
Even if the schedule says your car departs on a certain date, customs must clear it prior to when the car can board. Depending on the departure port, customs may require:
- Title and ownership verification
- Vehicle inspection
- Export documentation review
- Additional processing for financed vehicles or leased vehicles
Timeline example:
- Some ports require receiving the vehicle 72 hours before departure
- Others allow drop-off 24 hours in advance
An export date reverts to the next sailing if the vehicle does not arrive in time for loading the next sailing when an export date is requested. Timing is everything.
Step 4: Choose Between RoRo or Container Shipping Based on Date Flexibility
The shipping method you choose also affects the degree to which you can secure your requested export date.
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping
- Usually offers more frequent sailing schedules
- Easier to match a specific export date
- Less preparation time needed
RoRo is the fastest option if speed is most important.
Container Shipping
- Sometimes requires waiting for a shared container to fill
- Loading appointments depend on warehouse capacity
- Extra steps such as container securing or consolidation can impact dates
If you need a specific date in the container shipping industry, you must book far in advance.
The carriers that work with ShippingCars.org allow you to choose between RoRo and container schedules based on your schedule.
Step 5: Communicate Your Preferred Export Date Clearly
Name a specific time for your departure. Do not expect an exact date if you say “mid-March”. Instead, provide:
- Exact date (e.g., March 12)
- Flexibility window (e.g., ± 2 days)
- Preferred drop-off time
- Any constraints you have (closing on a house, selling the car, moving abroad)
Clear communication allows your carrier to better align expectations with sailing options.
Example:
If your desired date is fully booked, the carrier may be able to offer:
- A sailing the day before
- A sailing within 48–72 hours
- A priority reservation if space becomes available
Even a day or two of flexibility can greatly increase your chances.
Step 6: Confirm Your Export Date and Follow Up Regularly
If an export date is assigned, you can obtain written confirmation, which typically includes:
- Scheduled vessel departure date
- Port location and drop-off instructions
- Cut-off time for vehicle delivery
- Customs processing requirements
Pro Tip:
Check back at least a week ahead of sailing, as schedules may change for reasons such as:
- Weather disruptions
- Port congestion
- Vessel maintenance
- Customs delays
ShippingCars.org customers receive alerts and reminders as their shipping dates approach to avoid surprises.
Step 7: Understand That Requested Dates Are Not Always Guaranteed
Carriers will attempt to honor requested export dates, but for various reasons this may not be possible in all cases:
- Sudden port congestion
- Overbooked vessels
- Customs delays
- Holiday closures
- Mechanical issues
- Severe weather
For this reason, experienced shipping agents advise padding your preferred date with an additional 1-3 days.
The chances of this occurring are minimized if you work with a reputable logistics provider such as ShippingCars.org, who will try to prioritize your booking.
Final Thoughts: Requesting Your Preferred Export Date Is Absolutely Possible
Can I request a specific export date? Yes, most carriers allow it. Travelers, dealers and relocators often use specific dates to ship. Planning ahead is important. Also, knowing port schedules and partnering with a logistics provider is important, one that can handle customs, carrier availability and timing.
As you work with the professionals of ShippingCars.org, they will educate and assist you in acquiring an export date that works for you to minimize any difficulties in shipping overseas.
