Shipping a Car to or from a Port (TWIC Cards & Port Procedures)

Shipping a car to or from a U.S. port requires TWIC card access, release documentation, and scheduled appointments. Here's how port auto transport works step by step.

Why Port Shipping Is Different

Auto transport to or from a port involves additional logistics: restricted-access facilities, TWIC card requirements for carriers, scheduled appointments, and release documentation from the ocean carrier.

What Is a TWIC Card?

A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a federal security ID required for workers needing unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports. Web Auto Transport only assigns TWIC-certified carriers for port pickups and deliveries.

You, the customer, do not need a TWIC card. Your carrier does.

Port Pickup: Getting Your Car Out of the Port

If your vehicle has arrived at a U.S. port from overseas:

1. Obtain your port release documentation from the ocean carrier or freight forwarder
2. Provide us the release form, vehicle lot location, and port name
3. We assign a TWIC-certified carrier and schedule a pickup appointment
4. The carrier picks up your vehicle and delivers it door-to-door

Important: Most ports charge daily storage fees after a grace period (2-5 free days). Book transport immediately after vessel arrival to minimize fees.

Port Delivery: Shipping Your Car to a Port for Export

1. Provide us the port name, terminal, and freight forwarder's contact
2. We deliver your vehicle to the designated terminal
3. The freight forwarder or RoRo carrier handles the overseas shipment

Ports We Regularly Service

Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle/Tacoma, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Baltimore, Newark/Port Newark, Savannah, Charleston.

Q&A

Q: Who handles my export paperwork?

Your freight forwarder handles customs documentation and AES filings. We handle domestic transport to the port.

Q: What if my vehicle is held by U.S. Customs?

We'll schedule pickup once Customs clears the vehicle. Contact us for coordination assistance.

Q: How much does port delivery/pickup cost?

Port shipments are priced like standard routes plus a potential TWIC escort fee if applicable.

Shipping to or from a port? Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, use LiveChat or email info@webautotransport.com, and we'll coordinate everything. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded.