Buyers receive their vehicle's shipping schedule once the car is fully prepared for export and we have secured a confirmed booking with the shipping line.
The timing for receiving this schedule is not immediate because it depends on a clear, sequential logistics process. Understanding these steps helps clarify why the schedule is issued at a specific point in your vehicle’s journey from China to your destination port.
The Steps Before Your Schedule is Issued
Vehicle Preparation and Port Transfer: Before any shipping can be booked, your new or used vehicle must be sourced, paid for, and transported to the designated port of loading (such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Tianjin). If you requested a pre-shipment quality check, this is also when a third-party like SGS or BV would complete their inspection.
Booking with the Shipping Carrier: Once the vehicle is physically at the port and ready for export, Starvia Automotive coordinates with carriers to book space on a vessel. We handle the booking using the most suitable method for your order—our RoRo and Container Shipping service ensures we select the right option based on your vehicle type, quantity, and destination's infrastructure.
Schedule Confirmation and Delivery: The shipping line provides the official schedule only after they confirm our booking request. This confirmation locks in your vehicle's spot on the vessel. As soon as we receive this document, we forward it directly to you. This process ensures the dates are accurate and reliable, preventing confusion from premature or estimated timelines.
What Your Shipping Schedule Includes
Receiving your shipping schedule is a key milestone. It provides the critical details you need to track your shipment and prepare for its arrival. The document will typically include:
- Vessel Name and Voyage Number: The specific ship carrying your vehicle.
- Port of Loading: The Chinese port from which your car departs.
- Estimated Time of Departure (ETD): The date the vessel is scheduled to leave the port.
- Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA): The date the vessel is expected to arrive at your destination port.
At Starvia Automotive, we keep you informed at every stage, ensuring you have the necessary information to manage your import process smoothly.