The quarter-tank rule is the most common fuel requirement for US RoRo vehicle exports. Terminals at Baltimore, Jacksonville, Brunswick, Port Hueneme, and other major load ports enforce it at the staging gate.
What is the quarter-tank rule?
For Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, your vehicle's fuel gauge must show one-quarter (¼) tank or less when you deliver to the terminal. This limit comes from:
- IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) — fuel is classified dangerous goods aboard vessels
- Terminal safety policies — fire risk in enclosed car decks
- Carrier liability — Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Höegh, Grimaldi, and NYK apply strict intake checks
How is fuel level checked?
Terminal staff visually inspect the fuel gauge at gate-in. Some ports use dipstick checks on suspicious vehicles. If the gauge reads above ¼ tank — even slightly — you may be:
- Refused entry to the compound
- Directed to an emergency siphon contractor at {{RANGE:indicativeFuelDrainMin-indicativeFuelDrainMax}}+
- Held until the next sailing if you miss cut-off
Quarter tank vs completely empty
Most US RoRo terminals accept ¼ tank or less — you do not always need a bone-dry tank for RoRo. However:
- Some forwarders and military shipments require fully empty
- Container exports always require empty tank
- When in doubt, a documented professional drain is safer than guessing
How to comply before port delivery
- Confirm the rule with your shipping line — carrier terms override general guidance
- Book pre-export fuel drain before your port delivery date
- Drain tank and fuel lines — residual fuel in lines can still trigger rejection
- Keep documentation of litres removed for forwarder and customs files
US export documentation (related requirements)
Separate from fuel, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires export paperwork validated before sailing. Forwarders typically need:
- Original title (or lender authorisation if financed)
- AES/EEI filing for shipments over US$2,500 value
- 72-hour rule — documentation often must be submitted and validated at least 72 business hours before vessel departure at ports such as Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Brunswick
Fuel compliance and customs compliance are both gate requirements — missing either delays export.