Faq Can Other Goods Be Shipped Together with Cars?
Yes, under specific conditions, it is possible to transport other goods together with vehicles. The feasibility depends entirely on the chosen maritime shipping method. While specialized car carriers have limitations, standard container shipping offers flexibility for mixed cargo.
Overview of Transport Methods for Mixed Cargo with Vehicles
When importing vehicles, clients often inquire about consolidating other goods to optimize shipping costs. The three primary methods differ significantly in their ability to accommodate mixed cargo. The key determining factor is how the vehicle itself is loaded and secured.
| Shipping Method | Can Other Goods Be Shipped with the Car? | How It Works & Rationale | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Container Shipping (FCL/LCL) | YES | The vehicle is driven into a standard 20ft or 40ft shipping container and securely lashed. The remaining space inside the container (void space around and above the car) can be filled with other compatible, non-hazardous goods (e.g., spare parts, tires, personal effects in boxes). The entire container is then sealed. | Clients who have a single vehicle and additional palletized or boxed cargo. Ideal for maximizing cost-efficiency per container. |
| 2. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping | NO | Vehicles are driven on and off specialized vessels under their own power and parked in dedicated parking decks. These decks are designed only for rolling stock. Loose cargo, crates, or pallets are strictly prohibited for safety, security, and operational reasons. No storage space is available inside or on the vehicle. | High-volume vehicle shipments where speed and ease of loading/unloading are priorities. Not suitable for mixed cargo. |
| 3. Breakbulk / General Cargo Vessels | Typically NO (Highly Inadvisable) | Vehicles are treated as individual pieces of breakbulk cargo, lifted on and off by crane. While theoretically other breakbulk items could be on the same vessel, they would be stowed separately. Combining loose goods with a vehicle on the same shipping order is logistically complex, increases risk of damage, and is rarely offered by carriers. Insurance becomes problematic. | Oversized vehicles, machinery, or shipments to remote ports lacking RoRo or container facilities. Not designed for consolidated consumer goods. |
Detailed Rules and Procedures for Containerized Mixed Shipments
If using a container, strict procedures must be followed to ensure safety and compliance:
- Space & Weight Calculation: The dimensions of the vehicle and the additional cargo must be calculated to fit safely within the container's internal cubic capacity and not exceed its maximum payload weight.
- Packing & Securing:
- The vehicle must be professionally lashed to the container floor using twist locks and straps.
- Additional goods must be properly palletized, crated, or boxed.
- All cargo must be secured to prevent shifting during transit using dunnage, airbags, and straps.
- Documentation & Customs:
- A detailed packing list must declare every item inside the container, including the vehicle's VIN and the description/quantity/value of all other goods.
- Customs declarations in both the export and import countries must accurately reflect this mixed cargo, as different duty rates may apply to the vehicle versus the other items.
- Prohibited Items: Hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable food, or illegal items cannot be shipped with the vehicle under any circumstances.
Recommendation for Yuxuan Company Clients
For most of our clients importing cars to regions like Africa, the Middle East, or South America, we recommend the following:
- For Mixed Cargo: Opt for container shipping (FCL). Inform your Yuxuan sales representative in advance about your intention to add other goods. We can assist with coordinating the packing and securing process at the load port to ensure it meets international standards.
- For Vehicles Only: RoRo shipping is often the most efficient and cost-effective method. It is faster to load/unload and usually requires less handling.
Final Note: Always declare your intent to ship mixed cargo upfront. Failure to properly declare and secure all items can lead to customs delays, additional fines, damage to the vehicle, and voided insurance claims.