The purpose of this worksheet is to turn a broad model-name search into a decision that can be checked, quoted and handed over without silently changing assumptions.
Confirm route availability
Ask for a named origin, destination, carrier or service basis and expected sailing window. A general claim that RoRo or container is available does not reserve space or establish a final schedule.
Record: Save the source, capture date and VIN reference beside this finding so another candidate cannot inherit it by mistake.
Compare complete handling
Include inland delivery, terminal charges, documentation, loading, securing, container movement, destination unloading and storage exposure. A low ocean-freight line can still create a higher total route.
Record: Enter the verified value and the evidence owner. If the seller supplied the answer, label it seller-stated until independently checked.
Prepare for RoRo
Meet carrier rules for fuel, alarm, battery, cleanliness and permitted contents. Photograph all sides, cabin, odometer and keys at handover, and understand how the vehicle moves through open terminal handling.
Record: Record what was inspected, what remained inaccessible and who performed the check; silence is an open item, not a pass.
Prepare for container
Use suitable loading and securing methods that avoid wheel, suspension and body damage. Record container number, seal, loading condition and any additional cargo only when lawful and declared.
Record: Note every destination assumption behind this conclusion and reopen it when the port, buyer country or registration route changes.
Choose insurance consciously
Clarify insured value, covered events, exclusions, excess, evidence requirements and claims route. Shipping insurance is not a substitute for a condition record and correct securing.
Record: Attach the supporting photograph, report page or document reference and preserve the original language where translation could alter meaning.
Plan arrival before departure
Give the broker shipping documents, expected dates and vehicle data early. Know free time, storage charges, inspection appointments and inland collection rules so delay does not erase the sourcing saving.
Record: State the commercial consequence: accept, reject, reprice or request more evidence, together with the person responsible and deadline.
Close the note with a decision record
Write the selected candidate, rejected alternatives, evidence reviewed, unresolved questions, responsible person and next deadline. If another vehicle replaces the candidate, reopen identity, inspection, cost and destination checks. A copied conclusion is not valid for a different VIN.
- Confirm route availability: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Compare complete handling: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Prepare for RoRo: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Prepare for container: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Choose insurance consciously: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Plan arrival before departure: confirmed / open / not applicable
Questions buyers should still ask
Confirm route availability: what should the buyer retain?
Retain the dated document, image or test result that closes “Confirm route availability”, together with the VIN and the name of the person who supplied or checked it. A listing label alone is not sufficient evidence.
Compare complete handling: what should the buyer retain?
For “Compare complete handling”, write down what is verified and what remains an assumption. An open point may be acceptable, but it must stay visible in the price, inspection scope or handover conditions.
Prepare for RoRo: what should the buyer retain?
Recheck “Prepare for RoRo” if the vehicle, destination, route or responsible supplier changes. Conclusions belong to the candidate and dated evidence set; they should not be copied to a replacement VIN.