Having the keys does not settle every authorization question. A lender, leasing company, receiving dealership, or ocean carrier may impose requirements beyond the transport broker’s booking form. Confirm the rules for your particular contract and destination before committing to a shipment.
Ask the lender or lessor about the exact move
Describe whether the car is moving within the mainland, to an island or territory, or across an international border. Ask about written permission, geographic restrictions, insurance obligations, and address changes. Do not assume permission for one destination applies to another.
A lien does not mean every domestic shipment requires the same notarized form. Requirements vary. Obtain the lender’s answer in writing and ask the carrier which documents it needs; resolve any disagreement before a truck or vessel is booked.
Identify who can release and receive the vehicle
Match the vehicle details, authorized shipper, pickup contact, and receiver on the order. If the title is held by a lender, ask what alternative ownership or authorization documents are acceptable. Send sensitive documents only through a verified recipient’s secure process.
For ocean transport, follow the selected operator’s current document list and submission deadlines. Crowley’s Puerto Rico guidance, for example, describes additional lender authorization for an active loan or conditional sale. That is operator-specific guidance, not a universal rule for all mainland carriers.
Treat a lease return as a separate acceptance process
Confirm the receiving dealership or lessor accepts transported returns, has an appointment, and knows who will sign for the car. A carrier’s delivery signature does not necessarily end the lease or establish the lessor’s final condition assessment.
Document mileage, keys, accessories, existing damage, and delivery condition. Keep transport records separate from the lease-return inspection, payment reconciliation, and receipt confirming the return. Ask the lessor what happens if transport arrives after the contractual deadline.
Sources and verification
Original planning guidance reviewed on 2026-10-12. The references below support provider checks, current-condition lookups, or the specific operator and government requirements discussed above. They do not verify a provider’s availability or endorse this website. Confirm current shipment terms directly before booking.
Frequently asked questions
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