How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car Internationally?
Moving to another country? In this article, we’ll help you understand the main expenses related to international car shipping.
The cost to ship a car overseas depends on your shipping method, customs clearance fees, the auto transport company you choose, the size and weight of your car, and the destination country.
Shipping vehicles internationally can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. You can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to thousands of dollars depending on your needs. Also, we’ll help you understand the fluctuations in international cargo shipping rates so you can get the best price possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car Overseas?
Below, we discuss some of the factors that affect international shipping rates.
Whether you need to ship a classic car for an international auto show, for personal use, for a military relocation, or for your business, we have a cost-effective solution perfect for you. Our company provides a hassle-free process, and we can also help with your international relocation. We’ll ensure your vehicle and cargo arrive safely at your new destination.
Factors That Effect International Car Shipping Costs
Vehicle Model – Larger, heavier vehicles take up more room than smaller vehicles, so it costs more to ship larger vehicles. Luxury cars and classic cars are more expensive as well, as you must pay more for insurance coverage to ensure that your car arrives in good condition.
Distance to a Port – If you live near a major port city like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Miami, you won’t have to pay as much for transport to the port; expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600. If you live in the middle of the United States, expect to spend $1,000 or more. You can also bring the car to the port yourself to eliminate this cost. If you’re unable to bring the car to the port yourself, either your overseas transport company or a local auto transport company will need to bring it to the port for you.
The more distance traveled, the higher the price. Shipping companies may also charge more to ship to or from a destination that is not easily accessible.
Shipping Options – When shipping your vehicle overseas, you can choose between shipping it by boat or plane. Boat shipping is generally cheaper, but your vehicle may be subject to taxes and duties when it arrives in its new home country. Plane shipping is more expensive, but the process is faster. Also, it’s less likely that your car will be damaged during transport. In the end, before you decide to ship your car overseas, be sure to consider the cost and feasibility of each option.
Economy vs. Expedited Shipping – Expedited international car shipping is naturally faster than economy shipping, but more expensive. What’s right for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget.
Economy shipping is the more affordable option, but it can take longer for your vehicle to reach its destination. This is because economy shipments are typically consolidated with other shipments going to the same general area, which can add time to the overall journey.
Expedited shipping is more expensive, but it will get your car to its destination much faster. This is because an auto shipper will typically devote a whole container to your shipment, meaning no delays or waiting for other shipments to be loaded or unloaded.
Open Car Transport vs. Enclosed Car Shipping – Open carriers are typically the least expensive option, as they can be packed with multiple cars. The drawback is open carriers are also more vulnerable to weather damage. Therefore, many car shipping companies recommend using an enclosed container for international car transport.
Enclosed shipping provides more protection for your car so it’s shielded from the elements and doesn’t get damaged during shipping, but of course the cost to ship is higher. When choosing a shipping method for your car, be sure to consider all of your options to get the best price. If you’re willing to pay a bit extra for peace of mind, you should choose enclosed carrier shipping container when shipping your car overseas.
Season or Time of Year – The weather conditions your vehicle will be subjected to are important as well. Are you shipping during winter weather or during hurricane season? Expect to pay more.
Likewise, shipping your car by plane will be more expensive during the summer months, as there’s higher demand for air cargo space. If you’re shipping a car overseas, it’s important to compare expenses for different times of the year. Moreover, you may find that shipping your car by boat is cheaper during the winter months when demand is lower.
Pick-Up Location – The pick-up location will impact the cost of international car shipping significantly. Generally speaking, it’s cheaper to ship a car from a major city than from a small town or rural area. This is because more shipping companies are competing for business in big cities, and they can afford to offer lower rates. Additionally, pick-up locations closer to port cities tend to be cheaper than those that are inland. This is because it costs less to transport the car to the port when it is already nearby. When shipping a car internationally, be sure to compare rates from different pick-up locations, to get the best deal.
Other Car Shipping Costs To Consider
Marine Insurance – Before you ship your car overseas, make sure you have marine insurance to help protect your investment. If something happens to your car while it’s in transit, this insurance will help you cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
We can help you insure your car during its overseas transport, just ask your transport specialist for assistance.
Customs Duties – This is a tax that’s levied on items which are transported internationally. To find out what customs duties your shipment is subject to, you must check with the port that’ll be receiving your shipment. This fee is usually a percentage of the item’s value.
Destination Charges – When your vehicle arrives at the destination port, it will have to be removed off the freight carrier and carefully guided through customs. Because you are not allowed to do this yourself, you’ll need an agent to help you with this. You can usually find shipping company agents at the port, or the port can tell you where and how to hire one. The cost of their service is likely to be between $500 and $800. With Speedy, your transport specialist will be able to tell you any relevant destination charges.
Import Taxes – Import taxes can vary greatly depending your destination. Research relevant tax laws in your destination country before shipping a car overseas.
Import and Export Tariffs – Tariffs are taxes that are levied on both imported and exported goods. Custom clearance fees and other handling fees are examples of tariffs. In the case of car shipping, tariffs can raise the overall cost of shipping quite substantially. For example, if you’re shipping a car from the United States to another country, you will need to pay a tariff to the destination country. The tariff’s size will depend on the value of the car and the country’s import/export regulations.
When choosing an international moving company, be sure to ask about tariffs and how they will impact the cost of your move. Your car shipping company will assist you in completing the relevant paperwork so you avoid incurring additional costs because of mistakes.
How Does International Car Shipping Work
There are three main ways to ship cars internationally: Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ocean freight, shipping containers, and air freight.
Below, we will describe each shipping method briefly:
1. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) Shipping
2. Shipping Containers
3. Air Freight
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) Shipping
Roll-on/roll-off shipping (RORO) is the most common and most affordable method of international car shipping. RORO involves driving your car onto a large vessel, where it will be secured for the duration of the voyage. Once the ship arrives at its destination, your car will be driven off the vessel and delivered to the port.
Pros: RORO is typically the most affordable shipping option and is ideal for those on a budget. It’s also relatively quick, with most journeys taking two weeks or less.
Cons: Because your car will be driven onto and off the ship, there’s a risk of it getting damaged during loading and unloading. Plus, RORO ships typically have strict size and weight restrictions, so if you’re shipping a large SUV or truck, this may not be the best option.
Shipping Containers
If you’re looking for a more secure option, or you need to ship a larger vehicle, container shipping may be right for you. Container shipping involves loading your car into a large container before it’s loaded onto a vessel. Your car will remain in the container for the entirety of the journey.
Pros: One of the major benefits of container shipping is that it offers increased security compared to RORO shipping. In addition, there are no size or weight restrictions with this method, so it’s ideal for those shipping larger vehicles.
Cons: The downside of container shipping is that it typically takes longer than RORO; most journeys take four weeks or more. It’s also more expensive than RORO shipping.
Air Freight
Air freight is the quickest but most expensive method of international car shipping. Using this method, your car will be loaded onto an airplane and flown to your desired destination.
Pros: Airfreight is by far the quickest way to ship your vehicle internationally; most journeys take just one week or less. If time is of the essence, this will be your best option.
Cons: Of course, the tradeoff for speed is cost. Air transport is typically much more expensive than RORO and container shipping. There are also size and weight restrictions with air freight; most companies have a limit of 4,500 pounds. So if you’re looking to ship a larger vehicle, you’ll need to choose another method.
How to Ship a Car Overseas: Tips That’ll Make the Process Easier, Simpler, and Hassle-Free
Moving overseas is a big step, but it can be very exciting. That being said, it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially if you have never done this before. Don’t worry—we’re here to help! Below, we’ll share some of our best tips for shipping a car overseas. Use them to make the process easier, simpler, and hassle-free.
1. Do Your Research
2. Verify the Legality of Your Vehicle
3. Get Your Paperwork in Order
4. Prepare Your Car for Shipping
5. Drop Off Your Car
Do Your Research
The first step is to do your research. Several companies out there offer international car shipping services, so take the time to read company reviews and compare prices. Make sure the companies you’re looking at are reputable and experienced when it comes to shipping cars overseas.
Speedy Car Shipping is one of the most reliable, experienced, and reputable local and international car shipping companies. They work with international carriers to transport vehicles to ports all over the world.
Verify the Legality of Your Vehicle
Verify whether or not the vehicle is legal in the destination country. Contact the U.S. State Department’s hotline for American travelers or check out the Federal Maritime Commission’s website to determine whether or not your car is legally acceptable in the destination country. Some countries impose entry restrictions on models and accessories, including tinted windows and white headlights. Have the title of the car or a verified copy handy to check things out with the U.S. State Department.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
Prepare your driver’s license, vehicle VIN number, license plate number, title, registration, and insurance information. Next, fill out a few forms from the shipping company. And once you have everything in order, call the shipping company and schedule a pick-up date.
What documents do you need to ship a car internationally?
As is the case with most international processes, there’s a lot of paperwork involved when you have to ship your car to another country. While some countries have unique documentation requirements, the general list below will help you gather what you need:
Before shipping your vehicle, you must present the required documentation to customs no less than 72 hours in advance. To learn more about what documents you’ll need to ship your vehicle overseas, visit the US Customs and Border Protection’s guide to exporting a motor vehicle.
If your car is financed, you must have a letter from the lender to be able to ship it overseas.
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
The next step is to prepare your car for shipping. You’ll want to clean it inside and out so it’s in good condition when it arrives at the destination. You should also remove any personal belongings from the car so that they don’t get lost or damaged during shipping.
Drop Off Your Car
On the day of your scheduled pick-up, simply drop off your car at the designated location and relax! The shipping company will take care of the rest and your car will be on its way overseas.
International auto transport doesn’t have to be stressful if you do your research, prepare ahead of time, and choose a reputable auto transport company, like Speedy Car Shipping.
Shipping Cars to Europe
Cost of Shipping a Car to Europe
It can cost anywhere from $850 to $5,000 to ship a car from the United States to Europe. This does not include the port of entry fees, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $300 each way. You’ll also have to pay customs clearance and taxes, which may cost between $50 and $100 per car.
Taxes
Before your vehicle can clear customs, you’ll have to pay a duty. Here’s a list of vehicles and their respective duties. Consider these before shipping a vehicle from the United States to Europe:
You will need to pay import tax in addition to the duty, which is a value added tax (VAT) that ranges from 19% to 22% (depending on the country).
Of course, these numbers are just estimates. The actual cost will depend on factors like market demand, your vehicle’s make and model, the shipping method used, the point of origin, and the destination.
Shipping Cars to Africa
If you’re planning on shipping a car to Africa, here are a few things you need to know.
Because African nations don’t have standard guidelines like the European Union, it’s crucial to understand your options and how to comply with local rules and regulations.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car to Africa?
The cost of shipping a car to Africa depends on a range of factors, including port of origin, destination, and the type of vehicle being shipped. In general, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 to ship a car from a U.S. port to an African port.
But the above range only applies to the cost of shipping; you’ll likely have to pay more in destination taxes, fees, etc.
Laws and Taxes
There are 17 countries in West Africa, and each has its own laws, rules, and import costs. To learn more about the vehicle shipping process in this region, contact the relevant country’s Department of Commerce and ask how you should proceed.
Shipping To Australia
The cost of shipping a car from the U.S. to Australia can be anywhere from $3,500 to $6,500 for a standard car or small truck. In some cases, you may be able to find a more affordable option by using a shipping container. Just remember there are additional non-shipping fees (like duties and import fees) that should be taken into consideration.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Australia
To/From
Ground
Ocean
Estimated Time
New York, NY to (New York port) to Brisbane
$275
$2,800
5 + 35 days
Los Angeles to (California port) to Adelaide
$400
$2,000
5 + 26 days
Las Vegas to (California port) to Sydney
$450
$1,500
5 + 22 days
Seattle, WA to (California port) to Melbourne
$550
$1,500
6 + 22 days
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Brisbane
$575
$2,800
6 + 35 days
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Fremantle
$575
$2,800
5 + 41 days
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Fremantle
$575
$2,800
6 + 41 days
Denver, CO to (California port) to Melbourne
$775
$1,500
7 + 22 days
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Sydney
$800
$2,800
10 + 35 days
Houston, TX to (California port) to Sydney
$1,125
$1,500
8 + 22 days
*Prices and times for Brooklyn, NY car shipping vary on several factors, for an accurate quote for your situation, use our instant quote calculator or give us a call.
Taxes
Duties, taxes, and fees, including Australia’s GST (Goods and Services Tax) and LCT (Luxury Car Tax), will have to be paid if you want to ship a car to Australia.
Shipping To Canada
Depending on the shipping method used and how quickly you need the vehicle, shipping a car to Canada can be either costly or cheap. You can expect to pay between $700 and $2,500 for an auto transport. Of course, the most expensive shipments are usually the ones that have to travel a long distance.
If you want to save time and money when shipping vehicles, here are the resources and information you’ll need:
- The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) is used to verify motor vehicles from any car manufacturer. To avoid problems, make sure your vehicle is on the RIV list. The RIV provides a useful Importer Checklist tool to help you determine if your vehicle meets shipping requirements.
- Verify that your car is admissible in Canada. Eligibility for admission to Canada is determined by a list of criteria that’s available here on Transport Canada’s website. This document explains what the maximum vehicle age is, weight limitations, vehicle types allowed, and other parameters to make the import process easier.
- Get your documents in order. Submit an Electronic Export Information (EEI) using the Automated Export System (AES). CBSA will need Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 (E-form), a valid ID, the title, and other proof of ownership will be required.
- The vehicle should comply with federal air pollution regulations, meet mechanical safety requirements, and comply with NHTSA rules.
Want to ship your car internationally without spending a lot of time or effort? Just call us today and we’ll be happy to coordinate your international transport for you.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Canada
To/From
Ground
Ocean
Days
San Jose, CA to (California port) to Prince Rupert
$200
$900
5 + 12
New York, NY to (New York port) to Halifax
$275
$700
5 + 9
Los Angeles to (California port) to Prince Rupert
$350
$900
5 + 12
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Halifax
$400
$700
5 + 9
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Prince Rupert
$450
$900
5 + 12
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Prince Rupert
$550
$900
6 + 12
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Halifax
$575
$700
6 + 9
Denver, CO to (California port) to Prince Rupert
$775
$900
7 + 12
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Halifax
$800
$700
6 + 9
Houston, TX to (New York port) to Halifax
$1,075
$700
7 + 9
*Prices and times for Brooklyn, NY car shipping vary on several factors, for an accurate quote for your situation, use our instant quote calculator or give us a call.
Ways You Can Save Money on Your Auto Transport
There are some things you can do to save money when shipping a vehicle. Here are a handful of useful tips:
With thorough research and good planning, you can save money on your auto shipment. Here are some tips to consider:
Plan Ahead: If you have the time, plan your shipment several months in advance. This will give you time to compare rates and find the best deal. And keep in mind that companies like Speedy Car Shipping offer discounts for early bookings.
Choose the Right Mode of Transportation: The cost of shipping your car will depend in part on the mode of transportation that you choose. For example, shipping by container will generally be more expensive than roll-on/roll-off service. However, container shipping may be more suitable for certain vehicles (e.g., luxury vehicles). Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
Minimize Extras: Many shipping companies offer additional services, such as insurance and door-to-door delivery. While these services may be convenient, they can also add to the cost of shipping. If possible, try to ship your car without these extras.
To get the best price when you need to ship your car, ship during the offseason (the winter months in the northern hemisphere, the summers months for the southern hemisphere) when there is less demand.
If you are shipping from the United States to Canada, save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest destination port.
The roll-on/roll-off (RORO) method is generally cheaper and transport can be completed in as little as a few days.
If you’re moving overseas, shipping your car might seem like a daunting task. But with the help of a reputable international car shipping company like Speedy Car Shipping, it’s actually quite easy! Just call us to receive your estimate, prepare your car for transport, and wave goodbye when we come to pick it up!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for your any international auto transport. We ship cars overseas safely and quickly, and all our services are fairly priced. Contact us today and we’ll help you choose the right transport for you.
