How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car Overseas? A Guide

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car Overseas?

Shipping a car overseas can be a complex process, but it becomes manageable with the correct information. 

When shipping your car overseas, it's essential to choose the proper transport method and determine the international car shipping cost. You must also ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and legally at its final destination. Understanding the advantages and limitations of different shipping options can help you save money.

Understanding the ins and outs of shipping a car overseas is valuable knowledge for relocating or selling a vehicle abroad.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

This article provides insightful information on how to ship a car overseas. You will learn:

• How to determine international car shipping cost.

• What is overseas car shipping?

• What factors affect international auto shipping?

• What are the steps involved in overseas car shipping?

What is International Car Shipping?

International car shipping refers to the transportation of a vehicle across international borders. This process usually involves ocean freight, although air transport may be used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles. It is a complex procedure that entails more than just driving a car from one country to another, as it must comply with customs regulations, shipping logistics, and safety requirements.

Types of International Car Shipping Methods

Here are the types of international car shipping methods available for your choice.

Types of International Car Shipping Methods - visual selection.webp

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)

RoRo logistics is a specialized shipping method for transporting wheeled cargo, including cars, trucks, and heavy equipment, by rolling it directly on and off specially designed ships. RoRo shipping vessels resemble multi-deck parking garages with built-in ramps for easy loading and unloading. Open RoRo spaces have openings in the hull sides, allowing for natural ventilation, while closed RoRo spaces are not open or have weather decks.

Container Shipping

Container shipping enables the transportation of multiple vehicles or personal belongings within a single container, which is loaded onto a cargo ship. While convenient, this process tends to be more costly unless you opt for the slower shared container option, which only departs once the container is full.

Air Freight

Air freight is the process of transporting goods by plane, offering the fastest way to transport goods over long distances and across international borders. Businesses and individuals value air transport for its speed, reliability, and ability to reach global markets, particularly for urgent, high-value, or perishable goods.

Comparison of methods for shipping cars

Here is a table for a side-by-side comparison of the various methods for transporting a car overseas.

Disclaimer: AmeriFreight Car Shipping does not provide international car shipping services.

Factors Influencing the Cost of International Car Shipping

The following factors influence international vehicle shipping costs.

Factors Influencing the Cost of International Car Shipping - visual selection.webp

Vehicle Transport Costs

The cost of shipping a vehicle overseas depends on its size and condition. Compact cars are generally more affordable to transport than larger models, as they require less space on a carrier. Luxury or classic cars often incur higher shipping costs because they need special handling to prevent damage. 

Additionally, non-running cars incur higher auto transport fees, as they require specialized equipment for loading and unloading. It's also important to note that if you fill your car with personal belongings, the added weight can raise the shipping price, and those items are usually not covered by insurance.

Final Destination: Port and Customs

Destination

Distance directly impacts auto shipping fees. The greater the distance between the shipping origin and overseas destination, the higher the shipping costs. In the United States, various shipping zones influence international car shipping rates.

Additional fees

In addition to the base cost of shipping a vehicle, several extra fees can impact the total expense. These may include:

• Customs duties and import taxes: Customs duties are taxes a country charges on imported goods. Import taxes are additional levies, similar to VAT, that are also applied to these goods, increasing the cost of importing your car to the overseas destination.

• Insurance: This covers potential damage or loss during transit.

• Pickup and delivery fees: Shipping your car overseas has miscellaneous fees for pickup and delivery.

• Port charges: Fees for handling, storage, and processing at the port.

Seasonality

The price of shipping a car overseas fluctuates annually due to changes in supply and demand, weather conditions, and shifts in customer movement patterns. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help you save money and avoid delays.

• Spring and summer (peak seasons):

• High demand due to long-distance moves.

• Higher prices and possible delivery delays.

• Early booking is advised, especially for trips in April and May.

• Winter (off-peak season):

• Lower prices as demand drops and companies compete for business.

• Shipping may be slower due to weather delays and longer detours.

Pro Tip: Plan and book your auto transport in advance to avoid peak pricing and ensure timely delivery.

Choosing the Right International Car Shipping Company

Selecting the right international car shipping company requires careful research and comparison. While many companies offer these services, finding one that meets your needs and specifications is a priority. These companies offer competitive pricing, so take time to select one.

Start by using relevant keywords in online search engines to identify potential companies. Explore review websites, including Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Better Business Bureau. Utilize industry directories and social media to assess these companies' reputations. Additionally, check forums and expat communities for personal recommendations.

Calculating the Cost of International Shipping

Here’s how you calculate the cost of shipping a car.

Estimating Shipping Costs

International car shipping calculators are online tools designed to provide an initial cost estimate for transporting a vehicle overseas. Users enter details such as the origin and destination, vehicle specifications, and preferred shipping technique. The calculator then uses algorithms considering distance, vehicle size, and current market rates to generate a preliminary price.

Step-by-Step International Car Shipping Process 

The following is the step-by-step process of international auto transport services.

Step 1: Research companies offering international shipping services

• Compare quotes and services from reputable international auto-shipping companies that can ship to your destination.

Step 2: Provide detailed vehicle and destination information

• Specify your vehicle's exact model, year, and condition (running or non-running).

• Provide precise origin (pick-up location or port) and destination (delivery address or port).

Step 3: Prepare your vehicle for shipment

• Thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of the car.

• Remove all personal belongings and any loose items.

• Check that fluid levels are adequate (they should be low but not empty).

• Disable alarms and remove any toll tags or parking passes.

• Document the car's condition by taking photos and videos before shipping.

Step 4: Complete and submit the required documentation

• Provide the original vehicle title and registration.

• Submit proof of ownership and your identification documents, such as a passport or driver's license.

• Complete the shipping note or bill of lading supplied by the shipping company.

Step 5: Choose your preferred shipping process

• Determine the most suitable method for transporting a car overseas, considering your specific needs and budget.

Step 6: Arrange vehicle pickup or delivery to the port

• Coordinate with the shipping company to arrange for the vehicle to be picked up from your location.

• Alternatively, you may need to drive or arrange auto transport to the designated departure port.

Tip: AmeriFreight Car Shipping can transport your vehicle to a designated port on the US mainland. Explore AmeriFreight's auto-transport services.

Step 7: International transportation

• Your vehicle will be loaded onto the chosen vessel or aircraft and transported to the destination country.

Step 8: Customs clearance at destination

• Ensure your vehicle meets the import regulations of the destination country.

• This involves presenting the required documentation and paying applicable import duties, taxes, and fees.

Step 9: Arrange vehicle delivery or pickup from the arrival port

• Coordinate with the shipping company to ensure your vehicle is delivered to its final destination.

• Alternatively, you may need to arrange transportation to pick up your vehicle from the arrival port after customs clearance.

Final Thoughts: Shipping a Car Overseas Made Simple

Shipping a vehicle overseas doesn’t have to be intimidating. Anyone with a solid understanding of the international car shipping process can do it seamlessly. 

This guide provides essential tips and information to help you successfully ship your car internationally. We’ve included methods for determining the cost of international shipping and explained the factors that influence the price.

Need to Ship Your Car?

AmeriFreight Car Shipping provides a range of auto-transport services nationwide if you need to transport your car to a port on the mainland. Partner with us and let us handle the process for you.

Get your free quote now, and we'll deliver your car safely and securely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cheapest way to ship a car to another country?

The most cost-effective way to ship a car internationally is through Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, particularly when opting for a shared container for additional savings.

Is it cheaper to drive or ship a car across the country?

Shipping a car can be more cost-effective than driving long distances when factoring in fuel, lodging, wear and tear, and time, though the decision depends on your specific route and vehicle.

How much does it cost to ship an SUV across the country?

Due to its larger size and space requirements, shipping an SUV can be more expensive than shipping a compact car, but prices vary depending on the distance and type of auto transport.

What are the taxes and duties involved in shipping a car overseas?

Taxes and duties include customs duties, import taxes (like VAT), and port charges, which vary by destination and can significantly increase the total shipping cost.