Understand the key terms used when buying and importing vehicles from Japan
A detailed inspection report prepared by a Japanese auction house, describing a vehicle’s condition, auction grade, equipment, mileage, and any visible defects.
An official shipping document issued by the shipping company that serves as proof of shipment and ownership of the cargo.
The process of reserving space for a vehicle on a shipping vessel.
A unique identification number assigned to every vehicle by the manufacturer. Also known as the Frame Number or VIN, depending on the vehicle.
A pricing term where the vehicle price includes the cost of the vehicle, marine insurance, and shipping to the destination port.
A document issued by the exporter showing the vehicle details, selling price, and buyer information.
A shipping method where vehicles are loaded into a shipping container for export.
An advance payment required to confirm a purchase or auction bid.
The scheduled date a vessel is expected to leave the port.
The estimated date a vessel is expected to arrive at the destination port.
An official Japanese document proving the vehicle has been deregistered for export.
A pricing term where the seller’s responsibility ends once the vehicle has been loaded onto the vessel at the port of export.
The cost of transporting a vehicle by sea.
A tax imposed by the destination country when importing a vehicle.
The process of evaluating a vehicle’s condition before purchase or export.
Vehicles originally manufactured for sale within the Japanese market.
The total distance a vehicle has traveled.
The cost of transporting a vehicle by sea.
The destination port where the vehicle is unloaded.
The Japanese port where the vehicle is loaded onto the vessel.
An inspection is carried out before the vehicle is exported, when required.
The minimum price a seller is willing to accept for a vehicle at auction.
A shipping method where vehicles are driven onto and off specialized vessels.
A timetable showing upcoming vessel departures and arrivals.
A vehicle that is already available for immediate purchase without participating in an auction.
The estimated time required for a shipment to travel from Japan to the destination port.
An overall assessment of a vehicle’s condition assigned by a Japanese auction house.
A request submitted by a customer asking One JDM to source a specific vehicle.
A globally recognized vehicle identification number. For many Japanese vehicles, the chassis number is commonly used instead of a full 17-character VIN.
The area within a port where vessels are loaded and unloaded.
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