An exporter who plans to ship a bus to Central America from the United States should be aware that some Latin American countries have banned the importation of used vehicles and other restrict the importation to vehicles that are 3 to 5 years old or newer. For example, El Salvador requires proof that the imported vehicle complies with the country’s emission control requirements, but vehicles as old as 1995 models may be imported. Paraguay, on the other hand, has banned the importation of all used vehicles. The shipping company can usually provide up to date information about import restrictions by country. If you ship a bus to Central America it will undergo cleaning and inspection according to the import requirements and restrictions of the destination country.

When shipping a fleet of buses or just one bus, international shipping companies that service ports in Central America offer different container options. You may ship a bus to Central America on a flat rack that can be stacked on deck or below deck as roll-on/ roll- off (RO-RO) cargo. Buses shipped by RO-RO may not contain any other cargo. The fuel tank is limited to one fourth or less. The fuel tank of a bus shipped to Central America on a flat rack container must be completely empty. When selecting method to ship a bus to Central America, the exporter must also consider the weather and ocean conditions. RO- RO cargoes are below deck away from the ocean salt water and protected from inclement weather. Flat rack containers are stacked on deck, and exposed to the elements. The close proximity of most Central American countries to most major United States ports diminishes the impact of ocean salt water and weather conditions. The time of year for shipping should also be considered, and shipping during hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean avoided if possible.

When shipping a bus to Central America United States Customs requires that a manufacturer’s statement of origin for new vehicles or a title for used vehicles be supplied to the Port director for inspection by a customs agent at lest 72 hours in advance of shipping. Vehicles that have a lien or that are leased may be exported only if an original notarized letter from the lien holder and the certificate of title is presented to Customs. The United States has entered into trade agreements with many Central America countries via the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), which opened new markets for exporters. There are a few trade restrictions that remain in place to ship a bus to Central America, especially for countries like Cuba and Venezuela. More free trade has resulted in abolition of many trade barriers and the reduction of duties and tariffs. Shipping a bus, or other vehicle, for resale to Central America is easier and more profitable than years past.

Once the bus is shipped to its destination in Central America, that country’s customs agent will inspect the vehicle to ensure that it meets all requirements for imported vehicles. Emissions tests will be performed if applicable before the cargo is cleared to be unloaded from the ship.