THE ANSWER
Routes are chosen per lot: sea, rail or truck. The mode, timing and cost are fixed in the contract before payment.
Loading photos and the container or wagon number are sent immediately after dispatch.
Customs and the e-passport are handled on arrival, with local support from our Russian office.
What this means in practice
Delivery can use container, RoRo, rail or car carrier depending on the car, route and season. We compare options for the specific lot and destination instead of quoting a universal tariff.
After dispatch we send loading photos and the container or wagon number. Customs and EPTS are handled after arrival; the estimate separates transport from customs and registration.
What to check
The route depends on the destination city, vehicle type, season and line load. Container, RoRo, rail and car carrier solve different problems: some routes prioritise control and protection, others speed or cost. We fix the method in the contract instead of promising an “average” transit time in advance.
After dispatch we send loading photos and the container or wagon number, then status updates. Customs clearance and the EPTS are handled after arrival; they are separate stages, not part of “delivery”. The estimate shows what the buyer pays at each step.
Before paying, confirm whether delivery to the exact city, port storage and broker work are included. If the quote only says “delivery to Russia”, ask for the handover point and what happens next. The route and scope should be clear before the deal; otherwise the final amount can change after dispatch.
For self-collection, confirm the handover point, opening hours, documents needed and whether storage charges apply after arrival. A lower transport price can be offset by port storage or a return trip. Put the handover city and responsibility for collection in the contract.
The next step is decided by three documents: the lot card with the VIN, the inspection report and an estimate with clear lines. First confirm that the car and documents match, then calculate the route and registration, and only then discuss payment. If data is missing, we do not substitute a “similar” lot or confirm a final figure — we ask for the missing detail. This takes longer at the start, but it reduces surprises after dispatch and lets the buyer compare offers on facts rather than promises.
