TOTE Vehicle Shipping Instructions

: August 20, 2024
: TOTE

Table of Contents

TOTE Vehicle Shipping
Product Usage Instructions
FAQ
General Condition
Operating Condition
Personal Effects
Special Equipment Attached to Vehicles
Port Locations and Office Hours
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

TOTE Vehicle Shipping

TOTE-Vehicle-Shipping-PRODUCT

Specifications

Prohibited Items: Firearms, ammunition, hazardous material, and explosives are not allowed in the vehicle.
Fuel: Vehicles can have no more than one-quarter (1/4) tank of combustible fuel.
Electric Vehicles (EV) Battery: The battery level must be between 30% (minimum) and 50% (maximum) charged.

Product Usage Instructions

General Condition

Wash the vehicle to ensure it is clean for inspection.
Disconnect sensitive car alarms before arrival at the terminal.
Winterize the vehicle to minus 40 degrees to protect radiators and batteries.
Maintain no more than one quarter (1/4) tank of fuel.

Operating Condition

If your vehicle is inoperable or not in safe operating condition.

Ensure fully operative brakes and steering mechanism.
Check that the vehicle is self-propelled with properly inflated tires.
Ensure power transmission/driveline is connected and operating.
Ensure a minimum of 5 inches of ground clearance.

Fuel Instructions

Vehicles must have no more than one-quarter (1/4) tank of combustible fuel. Propane tanks must have valves securely closed with tape or zip-tie.

Electric Vehicles

Battery level for electric vehicles must be between 30% and 50% charged. Ensure vehicle settings display battery percentage upon drop-off.

FAQ

Q: Can I ship personal effects inside my vehicle?

A: Yes, but it will incur a flat fee of $150. It is recommended to avoid storing items of significant value in the vehicle.

Q: What are the allowed vehicle accessories that are not considered personal effects?

A: Special equipment attached to vehicles is allowed but must be declared on TOTE Maritime’s Bill of Lading at the time of shipment to avoid liability issues.

Following these instructions will help ensure the successful transport of your vehicle aboard a TOTE Maritime Alaska vessel.

Prohibited Items

The shipment of firearms, ammunition, hazardous material, and explosives in any vehicle is prohibited.

General Condition

Before tendering a vehicle for shipment, be sure to:

Wash it to make sure it is clean enough for suitable inspection to determine any pre-existing damage.
Disconnect sensitive car alarms before arrival at the terminal.
Winterize it to minus 40 degrees – Vehicles received for shipment must have radiators and batteries adequately protected from freezing.
Make sure it has no more than one quarter (1/4) tank of fuel.

Operating Condition

Please call TOTE if your vehicle is inoperable or not in safe operating condition.

The definition of safe operating condition includes, but is not limited to:

Fully operative brakes
Fully operative steering mechanism
Self-propelled, where that is the normal mode of operation for the vehicle
All tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended operating pressure
Power transmission/driveline connected and operating
Must have 5” ground clearance of the lowest part of a vehicle

Vehicles that are not in safe operating condition when tendered to TOTE Maritime will be considered disabled and shipped (typically on a flatbed trailer) under the charges and provisions of Disabled or No Start Vehicles in TOTE Maritime Tariff STB 600.
Item 101. TOTE Maritime may refuse to accept a vehicle if its condition is considered too dangerous for shipment.

Fuel

Vehicles may have no more than one-quarter (1/4) tank of combustible fuel. This is a non-negotiable, US Coast Guard Regulation, so please consider this when getting ready to ship.
Vehicles equipped with propane tanks for auxiliary uses must be delivered for shipment with the tank valves securely closed with tape or zip-tie.

Electric Vehicles (EV) Battery

Battery level must be between 30% (minimum) and 50% (maximum) charged under the provisions of TOTE Maritime Tariff STB 100, Item 540, section F. Ensure the vehicle settings are displaying percentage” when you drop off your vehicle.

Personal Effects

Shipping personal effects inside your vehicle will incur a flat fee of $150. It is strongly recommended that you leave nothing of significant value in the vehicle.
All cargo loaded to vehicles tendered for shipment must be visible and accessible for inspection.
Personal effects cargo must be packaged and secured in a manner acceptable to the Carrier.
No personal effects will be allowed in the front seat(s) or on the floor behind the driver’s seat.
While in the driver’s seat, 360-degree visibility is required, and cargo is not permitted above the windowsills.
Personal effects, when loaded onto the bed of a pickup truck, are not permitted above the level of the cargo bed and must be adequately protected and secured by the Shipper.
All loads are subject to Carrier inspection and approval. The carrier may refuse any vehicle containing inaccessible, suspicious, or prohibited articles.
The following frequently used vehicle accessories are allowed and shall not be considered personal effects.
In the cabin of the vehicle: child seats/restraining systems, car seat cushions/mats, typical and customary glove box contents, and other low-value items for travel comfort and convenience.
In vehicle trunk or bed of pickup truck: spare tires (up to 4), car jacks, chains, flashlights, and tools for normal vehicle use.
Does NOT include hazardous items, or containers used for gasoline.

Special Equipment Attached to Vehicles

TOTE Maritime will not accept responsibility or liability for loss or damage to special equipment on motor vehicles unless the shipper completes and signs the motor vehicle questionnaires on TOTE Maritime’s Bill of Lading at the time the vehicle is offered for shipment.