One of the most common questions that people ask when planning to ship a car overseas is: Can I drop my car off early at the port? This is a smart question and one that everyone should research when planning their travel, their port cargo pickup times and their shipping deadlines. Many car owners drop their car off early to avoid the last minute rush.
The short answer is: Yes, but every port, carrier, and shipment type has its own rules. This guide will help you understand how early car drops work, what preparations to make, and how to make that experience successful from your very first car shipment onwards, with help from the car shipping experts at ShippingCars.org.
Step 1: Understand Port Policies on Early Drop-Offs
Some ports allow vehicles to arrive at the port several days prior to departure, while others are based around a strictly defined timetable. It is important to check the port rules.
The policy regarding early drop-off is school-specific.
What determines whether early drop-off is allowed?
- Port security regulations
- Storage capacity
- Type of shipment (RoRo vs. container)
- Carrier policies
- Customs clearance timing
RoRo ports may allow early check-in for vehicles up to 48-72 hours before departure, while container terminals may have set schedules for sealing and processing containers.
Additionally, carriers that transport cars through ShippingCars.org typically provide their drop-off window in accordance with port regulations.
Step 2: Check Your Carrier’s Early Drop-Off Window
Even if the port allows for a drop off before the deadline, the carrier may have different requirements, and may be operating on one of the following:
- Booking times
- Ship departure schedules
- Customs inspection availability
- Storage planning
This means:
- Some carriers allow early drop-offs up to 5 days in advance
- Others accept vehicles only within a 24-hour window
- Certain carriers charge storage fees for very early arrivals
Check your carrier’s drop-off policies before arriving at the port. Everything should be included in your booking paperwork when using reputable online resources, such as ShippingCars.org.
Step 3: Understand Customs Timing Before Dropping Off Early
The biggest constraint on the earliest that drop-off can happen is customs clearance. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires that your export paperwork be submitted 72 hours ahead of export, and that informs customs on the earliest your car can be accepted for the port.
Customs timing impacts early drop-off in two ways:
- If your paperwork isn’t submitted, the port won’t accept your vehicle early.
- If your vehicle arrives too early, customs may not yet be ready to inspect it.
Most carriers will file your customs paperwork and drop your car off during customs hours. If ShippingCars.org is your broker, we can help better ease this process and stop your vehicle being turned around at the border when it arrives.
Step 4: Prepare Your Vehicle for an Early Port Drop-Off
Getting your car ready for shipping is important whether you’re dropping it off early or on the day-it should pass inspection and be stored safely at the port.
What to prepare before arriving:
- Clean the vehicle inside and out for clear inspection
- Remove all personal items, including electronics and accessories
- Reduce fuel level to the required amount (usually 1/4 tank or less)
- Ensure the vehicle is drivable unless it’s a non-running shipment
- Provide spare key sets
- Check for leaks, low tires, or warning lights
Step 5: Verify Storage and Security Conditions for Early Drop-Offs
If you drop off your car earlier than the sailing date, it may spend several days at the port. Knowing how your car will be stored can allow you to relax.
Ports typically offer:
- Secured parking areas with restricted access
- Surveillance and security patrols
- Documented vehicle intake with inspection notes
- Designated lots for early arrivals
Most ports charge daily storage fees after certain number of days in port. Carriers disclose the fee to customers before dropping off their vehicle, and ShippingCars.org discloses the storage fee you will owe.
Step 6: Know What to Bring for an Early Drop-Off
One of the biggest reasons cars are turned away at port entrances is the paperwork is not in order.
Bring these essential items:
- Original vehicle title
- Identification (passport or driver’s license)
- Booking number or dock receipt
- Bill of lading (if already issued)
- Export documents submitted by the carrier
- Keys for the vehicle
Your carrier may also send you:
- Port entry instructions
- Parking lot location
- Check-in procedures
- A drop-off appointment schedule
Pro Tip: If possible, keep a printed copy of every piece of paperwork you receive along with saving it digitally.
Step 7: Coordinate Through ShippingCars.org for Smooth Early Delivery
It is important to note that early drop-offs work best if you have a professional shipping service handling the logistics for you. Websites like ShippingCars.org offer several services, including:
- Confirming port drop-off windows
- Handling customs submissions
- Providing step-by-step drop-off instructions
- Helping you avoid storage fees
- Coordinating with carriers and port officials
- Ensuring your vehicle meets entry requirements
When you’re working on a deadline, these types of backups can save you time and money.
Final Thoughts: Do Ports Allow Early Car Drop-Offs?
Most ports will allow early car drop-off, but this varies by port, carrier, and shipment type. If you will be dropping your vehicle off early at the port, make sure to plan ahead, check requirements, and have your vehicle ready.
Working with people like found at ShippingCars.org will assist with everything from customs forms, to scheduling, to entering the port in your car. As long as you have received the correct directions, it will be very easy to drop your car off early for international shipping.
