In containerised vehicle exports, the sea leg is rarely the hard part. The real challenge sits at the terminal: strict time windows, clean documentation, and a clear chain of custody from gate-in to loading.
Recently, Marinair’s Seafreight team managed an FCL vehicle export from Greece to Egypt for a high-value car shipment. We worked end-to-end under tight timelines. We also kept the process stable, even when the terminal left little room for changes.
First, we mapped every cut-off. Then we built the plan backwards from each deadline. Because cut-offs drive risk, we assigned a named owner to every checkpoint. This way, the team always knew what came next and who owned it.
Next, we focused on Shipping Instructions and the Bill of Lading. We validated key data early (parties, cargo description, references). As a result, we kept the document set clean and avoided late amendments.
At the same time, we treated VGM as a time-critical compliance step. We aligned weighing, VGM submission, and the final document pack before the deadline. So we reduced gate issues and last-minute rework.
We also stayed close to customs and carrier requirements throughout. When we needed physical intervention, we coordinated the inspection quickly. Then we handled seal replacement and recorded the change. That step protected the chain of custody and kept accountability clear.
What kept the shipment under control
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We planned around cut-offs and tracked each checkpoint daily.
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We kept one “source of truth”: SI → draft B/L → VGM → customs → inspection → seal → final doc pack.
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We protected chain of custody during inspections and seal changes.
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We planned exceptions early (storage, insurance, weighing) to avoid surprises.
In the end, the team delivered the shipment with clean documents, steady control, and schedule discipline. More importantly, we now use the same checklist as a repeatable method for similar containerised vehicle exports, where timing and compliance matter.
Moving complexity with precision.
