Shipping Guidelines

Please check our site for Schedules or contact your RTM representative for more detailed information as to frequency and space availability.

Booking requests should be sent via email once we have confirmed space availability you will receive a booking note confirmation including all terms and conditions.

Dock Receipts with AES or T&E information must accompany all cargo.

The document requirements are normally the ORIGINAL title or MCO on wheeled and tracked vehicles. In order to comply with security regulations we require all Bill of Lading instructions to be completed no later than three full days prior to the subject vessel’s arrival at port of loading for cargo to or through the USA and Canada to final destination.

Merchant mariners, truck drivers and individuals who need unescorted access to secure areas of ports, facilities and vessels regulated by the Marine Transportation Security Act (MTSA) will need to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). Those who do not have a TWIC will have to be escorted by an individual who holds a TWIC and has been granted escorting privileges by port authority.

Drivers must contact RTM 24 hours in advance to establish an appointment for delivery.

Terminal operation hours and terms for storage charges vary and we recommend that you check with us for the relevant times.

The exact dimensions are required to ensure that the cargo can be stowed properly to avoid damage and to calculate freight. The dimensions may be verified by physical inspection. In case of discrepancies you will be notified.

Remove license plates and carry them with you. They may be “souvenir” items in foreign ports. Replacing them when you pick up your car is both costly and inconvenient.

For RO/RO shipments NO personal effects are allowed in the vehicle or in the trunk. Only equipment defined as standard equipment of the vehicle when delivered from the manufacturer to the dealer will be allowed, e.g. vehicle toolbox, spare tire, manuals, etc. Please note this is a security requirement as a result of the tightening of global security measures effective July 1st, 2004. Vehicles with personal effects will not be accepted for shipment.

Remove “pop out” radios. Theft is rare, but it is better not to make it easy.

For RO/RO shipments – please deliver your vehicle with no more than one-quarter (¼) tank of gas to comply with applicable safety regulation. You need enough gas to deliver, load/discharge your car, and reach a gas station at the destination.

Vehicle must be delivered clean and must meet all acceptance standards covered by national quarantine laws in the country of discharge. National quarantine authorities may inspect the cargo and reject discharging or demand cleaning. Any costs associated with rejection or cleaning will be for the account of the cargo.

When shipping via RO/RO the vehicles are driven on board and lashed to the cargo decks with nylon straps and parking brakes on. Therefore we require that all vehicles are in a safe and drivable condition. Otherwise, vehicles may be rejected.

Visit our website to track your shipment either by RTM Booking Number or RTM Bill of Lading Number.

The transportation terms are produced in the Bill of Lading terms and conditions and apply to all shipments handled by RTM Lines. The terms and conditions are printed on the reverse side of the Bill of Lading. Please contact us for additional information concerning the terms and conditions of the Bill of Lading.

The ocean freight is calculated with basis on the cubic volume or metric weight of the cargo (whichever is greater) and varies depending on the ports and nature of the cargo.

The load and discharge ports normally charge for their services in local currency directly to the shipper or through the carrier depending on port practice. These charges depend on port tariff and vary between ports. Payment term is “check or wire transfer” and local charges will appear on our documents.

Additional charges may apply and our accounts department will inform you which charges apply and how much they amount to. The most common charges are Ocean Freight, Bunker Adjustment Factor, Wharfage, Terminal Handling Charge and Terminal Receiving Charge. Additional charges also apply to issuing Bills of Lading; pre-declaration to US Customs (where applicable) and for corrections after the Bill of Lading has been issued.