International car shipping requires expertise. We work with certified high safety ranked international carriers to make the process easy. Our logistics experts provide complete auto transport management and step by step guidance. Call us now for a custom quote.
Private customers international car shipping is growing quickly as buyers and sellers from across the globe connect daily. Moving a car overseas can be more complicated than a simple domestic move. It is important to be well prepared for your international car transport before settling on a service or a company.
At Corsia Logistics, we work with a vetted network of carriers to extend our reach internationally. Business and private customers alike rely on us for expertise and extensive resources. Shipping a vehicle across countries doesn’t have to be scary, whether your vehicle is shipping to Germany, Canada, South Africa or anywhere else in the world.
The choice really depends on what suits you best in terms of cost, time frame, shipping conditions, and safety of your vehicle. Given the fast time frame and its undeniable safety, air freight is the most expensive international shipping method used for high-end high-value vehicles. Most customers prefer transporting their cars via 20 or 40 feet container for international car shipping.
Review our international car shipping guide, and call our team now for a customized vehicle shipping quote.
To ship your vehicle internationally you will need to present two sets of documents. The first set is related to your vehicle and its ownership, while the second includes your passport and anything the destination country requires.
The next set of documents will depend on your vehicle’s final destination. If you are importing a car to the U.S., you will need to demonstrate that it complies with certain U.S. standards: safety, bumper, and air pollution. For that purpose, DOT form HS-7 and EPA form 3520-1 are filed. Hence, before you begin the endeavor of bringing a vehicle from overseas, make sure it’s allowed for permanent import in the United States.
From the shipping company you will receive a set of documents with instructions about how the process works, and how to protect yourself when shipping a car internationally. This set of documents includes:
After this is received and you sign it, the next step is to provide the company with the title of your vehicle(s). They will send it for customs clearance, which usually takes about 5 days. Once that is cleared you will be issued your Bill of Lading a Certificate of Insurance if you have chosen to buy insurance coverage. It is always recommended to insure the vehicle and for its current value. The insurance coverage will depend on the value of your vehicle and any other cargo you might be shipping.
If your vehicle is traveling from the U.S. to some other foreign destination, the set of documents will depend on a particular country the car is going to. Shipping a car to Europe is a frequent route for many US shippers. Check European Union requirement for importing a car in the Eurozone, or the specific country’s government website if it is out of the Eurozone. If you are moving to a European Union country you are allowed to import personal items and a vehicle, once without paying VAT if you can prove you are moving to settle there. The requirements could vary a bit, but generally you need to prove your residence there.
To receive a custom quote, with a current market price, we need all details about your vehicle and desired shipping dates, as well as the type of transport preferred.
The cost of international car shipping depends on the following important factors:
Vehicle’s make and model, and whether it is running or not set the base price.
The exact pick-up and delivery locations further decide how much to add to the cost.
These are important factors that form the base price for the international car shipping. Whether you need door-to-door service or not will certainly affect the rate.
Then each country, and often each port, have specific requirements for custom clearance and import of vehicles with their own fees.
Then comes the shipping mode that affects the price as well. Find out more below.
Vehicle's make and model, and whether it is running or not affects the price.
And last but not least, the current supply and demand situation also affects the final rate
We are transparent about all international car shipping costs. Our logistics experts will carefully review your options and manually calculate a current quote. They take time to explain all details and answer all questions.
Shipping a car internationally involves several steps. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of how it works:
Decide how your vehicle will be transported:
Contact a reliable car shipping company to request a quote based on your vehicle’s size, destination, and transport method. Book your shipment in advance, as international logistics require planning.
You’ll need:
Your shipping company can guide you on specific customs requirements for your destination country.
Transport the car to the shipping port or arrange for a door-to-port pickup service. Shipping companies like Corsia Logistics offer flexible delivery options for added convenience.
Customs at both the origin and destination will review your documentation. Be prepared to pay any applicable import duties or taxes based on your destination country’s regulations.
Most shipping companies provide tracking updates so you can monitor your car’s progress in transit.
Once the vehicle arrives at the destination port, clear it through customs and arrange for delivery to your new location, or pick it up yourself.
By following these steps, and with the help of an experienced shipping company like Corsia Logistics, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process.
Preparing your car for international shipping is a critical step to ensure its safe transit. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your vehicle ready:
Wash your car inside and out. A clean car makes it easier to spot and document any pre-existing damage, which is important for insurance purposes.
Inspect your vehicle for scratches, dents, or other damage. Take clear, dated photos of your car from all angles and close-ups of any existing issues. These records will help in case you need to file a damage claim.
Take out all personal belongings and loose items from the interior. Shipping companies typically don’t allow personal goods in the car due to customs regulations and liability issues.
Most shippers recommend leaving about 1/4 tank of gas. This is enough to drive the car during loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight.
Remove or secure any loose parts, such as antennas, custom spoilers, or aftermarket accessories, to prevent damage during transit. Fold inside mirrors and, if possible, remove roof racks.
Disable any alarms to prevent them from going off during shipping. If your car has a GPS tracker, inform your shipping company.
Ensure you have all required documents ready, including:
Let the shipping company know if your car has any special requirements, such as being non-operational, or if it has modifications like a lowered suspension.
By following these steps, you’ll minimize risks and ensure that your car is ready for a smooth and secure international journey. Corsia Logistics offers guidance and support at every step, making the process as hassle-free as possible.
International car shipping routes from the USA often vary based on popular trade and relocation destinations. Here are some of the most common routes and their highlights:
| Continent | Popular Destinations | Details |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Canada, Mexico | Common for relocations and trade. Cars are shipped via truck, rail, or container for security. |
| Europe | Germany, UK, Italy, France, Netherlands | Ships from East Coast ports like New York, Baltimore, or Savannah. Uses both RoRo and container shipping. |
| Middle East | UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar | Often shipped from East Coast and Gulf ports. High demand for luxury and specialty vehicles. |
| Asia | China, Japan, South Korea, India | West Coast ports like Los Angeles or Seattle are major hubs. RoRo is common for Japan and Korea, containerized shipping for China and India. |
| Australia & New Zealand | Australia, New Zealand | Ships from West Coast ports like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Strict customs regulations and quarantine requirements. |
| South America | Brazil, Argentina, Chile | Commonly shipped from Gulf Coast and East Coast ports like Houston or Miami. RoRo and container shipping available. |
| Africa | South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana | East Coast ports (Savannah, Baltimore) handle most shipments. Vehicles transported via RoRo or container shipping. |
Common Ports of Origin in the USA:
The cost of shipping a car internationally varies based on the destination, type of service, and vehicle size. Below is a sample price range for common routes to give you an idea:
| Route | Type | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| USA (New York) → Netherlands (Rotterdam) | Container | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| USA (Los Angeles) → Japan (Tokyo) | Container | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| USA (Savannah) → UAE (Dubai) | RoRo | $2,600 – $3,000 |
| USA (Miami) → Brazil (Rio) | Container | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| USA (San Francisco) → Australia (Melbourne) | Container | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| USA (New York) → South Africa (Cape Town) | Container | $4,000 – $4,500 |
| USA (Baltimore) → UK (Southampton) | RoRo | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| USA (Los Angeles) → New Zealand | Container | $2,500 – $4,000 |
Factors Affecting Costs:
For accurate pricing, it’s best to request a personalized quote. Corsia Logistics provides competitive rates and tailored services to meet your needs.
Vehicle shipping time depends on the final port of destination. The sailing time may take anywhere from 10 to 55 days. Although this time frame doesn’t include time needed to consolidate and load the vehicles. When transshipment is required, add an extra 5 days at each port for customs clearance. Delivery to and from ports can also be arranged at your request – allow additional time for that.
International car shipping doesn’t happen overnight and unpredictability of the marine environment can sometimes cause additional delays. Therefore, it’s important to stay in touch with your international car shipping agent, so you can plan your time accordingly.
The answer is it depends on the shipping method. Absolutely no personal belongings are allowed inside your vehicle when shipping via RoRo. When shipping via consolidated 20’ or 40’ container, you’ll be able to include your personal belongings but in a limited quantity. If you need to ship a large volume of goods together with your vehicle, you may want to consider booking an entire container.
Once you’ve successfully completed the international car shipping process, make sure to get in compliance with local driving rules as soon as possible. That includes registering and insuring your vehicle.
After carefully assessing your situation and requirements, we will craft a personalized vehicle shipping solution. Request a quote online or call our team now.
