For complete vehicles arriving through Cartagena and headed for dealer showrooms, the handover conclusion must rest on per-vehicle PDI records; what is visible at the port is only a clue. Sea transport, port and storage stages involve multiple handovers, and salt spray, moisture, storage waiting and transport damage are not always visible at a glance; the arrival condition, handling process and final result must all be tied to the VIN. DIAN customs procedures can be used to confirm the relevant port or import stage, while the PDI record is what proves the vehicle's actual condition.
Document the Original Condition Before Discharge
Before the vehicle is moved off the vessel, photograph the original condition of the four body corners, roof, wheels and transport tie-down points in full; file the photos by VIN as the starting point of the PDI work order, shared by receiving, storage and workshop staff, with every change logged.
Check IDEAM weather information to confirm seasonal humidity and rainfall trends, and record the access date, applicable parties and the judgment adopted for this batch in the PDI work order.
Inspect the Underbody and Seals Per Vehicle on the Lift
After lifting, inspect salt deposits, underbody shield scrapes, drain holes and the area around the charging port. Receiving staff fill in the observed condition per vehicle, and release for delivery is based only on actual vehicle records.
If the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV is added to the candidate list, the model page is used only to identify the configuration starting point; the specific VIN, version and delivery documents in the order still have to be locked item by item.
PDI Sheet Signed at Each Checkpoint
Keep process evidence by signature checkpoints: set a signature point before washing, after washing and after drying; vehicles without original records are neither released nor included in later comparisons.
| Checkpoint | Cartagena environment focus | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge handover | VIN, exterior, glass, tires, instruments and transport tie-down | Photograph as evidence; assign transport responsibility |
| Port warehousing | Salt spray deposits, drainage, seals, battery and connectors | Trace the source after cleaning and drying |
| Preparation recheck | Air conditioning, lights, doors, windows, cameras, radar and charging | Full recheck after repair |
| Delivery release | Compare actual vehicle condition with original records item by item | No delivery while safety anomalies remain open |
Run Two Rounds of A/C and Electrical Tests Before Release
Run one round of A/C, defogging, sleep and wake-up tests on a cold engine and another after heat soak; only enter the release list when both rounds pass; if any anomaly remains open, the vehicle stays in the hold area and is not scheduled for delivery.
FAQ
Do New Vehicles Also Need a Lift Inspection?
Yes, arrange one. Sea transport tie-down, loading and unloading, and port movements can all affect the underbody, and areas not visible from ground level can only be covered by a lift inspection.
Can a Vehicle Be Released if There Are No Water Marks After Washing?
At handover acceptance, do not judge only by the washed appearance. Confirm the source of the water marks, ensure full drying, and recheck electrical and seal condition.
How Do You Handle Minor Scratches Found During PDI?
When a delivery anomaly is found, first preserve the original photos and the responsible checkpoint, then repair per contract and record materials, personnel and the recheck result.
Which Problems Should Block Delivery?
Brakes, steering, structure, high-voltage insulation, persistent water ingress or safety warnings of unknown cause — if any one remains open, the vehicle should be isolated for assessment and must not enter the delivery process.
To verify vehicle models, CIF pricing and delivery documentation for the Colombian market, contact Starvia Automotive, or share your sourcing needs via WhatsApp: +1 669 292 8680.
This article is compiled from DIAN customs procedures, public IDEAM weather information and general vehicle handover principles. Specific PDI items should be determined by model, VIN, transport contract and destination-country requirements. Information verified on: 2026-08-19.