M3LOGI specializes in container shipping for used vehicle export from Japan. As a licensed NVOCC and freight forwarder, we book FCL and consolidated LCL space directly with major shipping lines from Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, and Hakata.
M3LOGI specializes in container shipping for used vehicle export from Japan. Full Container Load (FCL) is our primary configuration for shippers with the volume to dedicate a 20ft or 40ft container; for smaller shipments, we operate market-specific LCL services on lanes where customer demand justifies the consolidation.
All container space is booked directly with major shipping lines departing from Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, and Hakata. RoRo capacity is offered on lanes where it is the appropriate option for the shipment. Vehicle collection from auction or customer locations, yard staging, professional loading, and shipping line coordination through to vessel cut-off run under a single point of contact for the customer.
Container shipping is our primary mode for used vehicle export from Japan. The configurations below describe how we structure container service across different shipper profiles, with RoRo offered on lanes where it is commercially appropriate.
A dedicated 20ft or 40ft container for a single shipper. Our primary container configuration, suited to high-value vehicles, non-running units, classics, and consolidated dealer fleets bound for a single destination. Sealed protection from weather and salt air, with global port coverage.
Less-than-container-load service for shippers without the volume for a dedicated container. We operate market-specific configurations on the lanes our customers use most — including Karachi with one Bill of Lading per unit for individual vehicle exports, and United Kingdom single-vehicle shipments.
End-to-end service combining ocean freight with vehicle pickup, pre-export inspection coordination, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery — managed under a single accountable contract.
Roll-on/Roll-off service for running vehicles on lanes with regular RoRo capacity. We quote RoRo alongside container options where both modes are commercially viable, allowing customers to select based on cost, vehicle condition, and destination requirements.
Our network reaches across the globe. If a ship can sail there, we can ship it there — there are no destination limitations on our service. The corridors below see the heaviest volume from our customers; pricing, transit times, mode availability, and documentation requirements vary by lane.
Five stages from initial quotation to destination arrival.
Share vehicle details and destination. We confirm space and lock the rate.
Vehicle collected from auction or your location, moved to our yard, photographed, inspected, and staged for export.
Pre-export inspection coordination (if required), B/L issuance, and customs declaration filing — with exporter-provided documents reviewed for completeness.
Vehicle loaded onto vessel. Tracking and milestones shared with you.
Destination agent handles port clearance and document release.
From single-vehicle individual exporters to high-volume dealer fleets — we serve every type of vehicle trader exporting from Japan.
Direct relationships with the major container lines serving Japanese vehicle exports — improved space allocation and competitive rates. RoRo capacity available where appropriate.
A licensed non-vessel-operating common carrier issuing our own Bill of Lading and assuming full carrier responsibility for the shipment.
PEI coordination, B/L preparation, and customs declaration filing — every document reviewed and submitted by a team that ships vehicles every day.
One dedicated account manager from quotation to delivery — no call-center handoffs, no lost emails, no chasing updates.
Vehicle shipments require a specific paper trail; missing or incorrect documents are the most common cause of customs delays at destination. Below is an overview of the documentation that accompanies a typical export shipment from Japan.
Both are contracts of carriage between you and the carrier. The key difference is ownership.
| Feature | Bill of Lading (B/L) | Sea Waybill |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Contract + Receipt + Document of title | Contract + Receipt only |
| Negotiability | Can be negotiable | Non-negotiable |
| Ownership | Yes — controls cargo claim rights | No |
| Cargo release | Original required (if negotiable) | Released to named consignee on ID |
| Best use case | New buyers, L/C payments, transit ownership transfer | Trusted partners, faster release |
Use a Bill of Lading when you need a legally binding ownership document, you're selling to a new buyer, or you may transfer ownership while the vehicle is in transit.
Use a Sea Waybill when the buyer relationship is established and you want faster, simpler vehicle release at destination.
Issued by the seller to the buyer. Declares the vehicle being sold, sale price, and terms. Used by customs at destination to assess duties and taxes.
The legal sales contract between buyer and seller. Required by many destination countries to verify the transaction and the buyer's right to import the vehicle.
Some destination countries — including parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America — require a pre-export inspection by an approved agency (JEVIC, JAAI, EAA, QISJ, etc.) before the vehicle can be shipped. The certificate proves the vehicle meets the destination's import standards.
A detailed inventory of what's loaded in a container — vehicle VINs, accessories, and any consolidated cargo. Used by customs and the receiving agent to verify contents.
Incoterms® define the allocation of cost and risk between seller and buyer at each stage of an international shipment. Below are the terms most commonly used in container vehicle shipping from Japan.
Incoterms® and the Incoterms® 2020 logo are trademarks of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
A vehicle shipping quote is composed of multiple line items rather than a single figure. The components below outline what a complete quotation typically includes, helping shippers compare quotes on equivalent terms.
The carrier's charge for moving the vehicle or container from origin port to destination port. Driven by route, season, and the carrier's available capacity.
Variable surcharges that adjust for fluctuating fuel prices. Often called the Bunker Adjustment Factor. These can change quote-to-quote.
Fees at origin and destination ports for loading, unloading, and yard handling. Charged separately at each end.
Charges for issuing the Bill of Lading, manifest filing, and similar paperwork.
Charges for the destination-country pre-export inspection by approved agencies (JEVIC, JAAI, EAA, QISJ).
Quick answers to the questions we encounter most often. For details specific to your shipment, contact our team.
RoRo is generally cheaper and faster for running vehicles on major export routes from Japan. Container shipping costs more but is required for non-running vehicles, classics, high-value cars, multi-vehicle consolidation, and destinations RoRo does not reach. We will recommend the appropriate option based on the vehicle, destination, and budget.
A 20ft container typically holds 1–2 standard cars. A 40ft container holds 3–4 standard cars or up to 5–6 small/kei cars with proper loading. For motorcycles, you can fit 8–12+ in a 40ft container depending on size. M3LOGI handles secure professional loading to maximize space without damage.
Transit time varies by destination: East Africa typically 4–6 weeks, Middle East/Gulf 3–4 weeks, Southeast Asia 2–3 weeks, Caribbean/Latin America 4–7 weeks, Oceania 2–4 weeks. We provide vessel ETA at booking confirmation.
At minimum: Commercial Invoice, Bill of Sale, and Bill of Lading. Some destinations also require a Pre-Export Inspection (PEI) Certificate. Container shipments need a Packing List. M3LOGI issues the Bill of Lading, coordinates the PEI where required, and files the customs declaration; the commercial invoice and bill of sale are provided by the exporter.
Several countries require an inspection of used vehicles before export to ensure they meet the destination's import standards (emissions, roadworthiness, age limits). Common inspection agencies include JEVIC, JAAI, EAA, and QISJ. We coordinate the inspection as part of our export service.