Select a mover. As in any industry some shippers are more reliable than others. Contact several international car movers and get quotes for the cost of the move and insurance. Once a shipper has been selected, they will give you a firm price. All promises and declarations from the shipper need to be in writing.
Check with the Better Business Bureau for any outstanding complaints against this shipper. The Better Business Bureau can advise if there have been complaints and whether these grievances were resolved satisfactorily.
Get an estimate for pickup and delivery of the vehicle from the shipper. There may be a 3 to 5 day window.
Get the contact information for the shipping agent at your destination. He will let you know when the ship is due to arrive and of any delays that may occur.
Buy insurance. You'll need two kinds--shipping insurance and car insurance.
You can get the shipping insurance from the global sales representative. There are two kinds--primary and excess. A primary policy covers any damage or theft en route. An excess policy covers only what a primary insurance company does not cover. Find out if there is a deductible. Ask if the entire car is covered or only the body. Get everything in writing.
You'll also need Vietnam car insurance to drive the car from the port.
Assemble your paperwork. This includes the customs declaration. If working or residing in Vietnam attach copies of appropriate documents issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a another Vietnamese State management agency. You will also need Vietnam car insurance and the driver who takes the car from the port will need a valid Vietnam driver's license.
Wash the vehicle and note all damage carefully. Include slight cosmetic damage as well as dings.
Most car shipping companies cannot carry personal items in the vehicle or trunk so remove them. A jack and spare tire may be included.
Do not fill the gas tank. Keep it between 1/8-1/4 full to save weight.
Check tire pressure and see that the battery is fully charged.
Turn off the car alarm. Make sure it is disabled so it will not go off accidentally.
Do a complete inspection with the driver including exterior, interior and windows before the exporter drives off with the vehicle. Make note of any previous damage and take pictures of the vehicle before he loads it on the truck. Check the driver's bill of lading to make sure he is accurate.
Your shipper should provide an import declaration certified by the custom's office and a tax payment voucher. Vietnam nationals returning home need an export declaration instead. However, you--not the shipper--are responsible for having all the necessary documentation, so check with Vietnam customs and the Vietnam Embassy yourself to confirm you have all necessary documentation.
Make sure your agent at the port provides a Vietnam vehicle tag or plate, Vietnam car registration and a Vietnam license.
If you do not have an agent at the port in Vietnam and wish to handle the paperwork yourself you'll need to take your documents and the customs documents to Vehicle Registration Office in Hanoi, DaNang, or Ho Chi Min City.
