International Car Shipping
If you want to ship a car, truck or other vehicle internationally and haven't done it before, you should be aware of various restrictions, including Customs requirements in both countries.
An international mover or international car shipping service may be able to help you with some or all of the red tape required to complete the transport.
International Car Shipping Options
If you're shipping a vehicle overseas you have a few options available.
- International Movers – If you are moving your entire home possessions along with a car or other vehicle, using an international mover to handle both gives you one point of contact for your international shipping needs. Even if you're shipping only a vehicle, you might still consider using an international mover, but be sure to compare costs and insurance coverage against your other international car shipping options.
- International Car Shipping Service – Some car transport services have a great deal of experience in shipping vehicles overseas, especially those in or around Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, Florida and San Francisco.
- International Freight or Cargo Broker - You may also be able to find a freight or cargo brokerage service that specializes in importing and exporting all types of property.
Shipping Cars to the US
Nearly all vehicles must meet American safety and emissions standards before they can enter the USA. There are EPA fuel-emission requirements as well as crash protection, safety, and theft-prevention standards required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Additionally, you may be subject to customs duties by the US Customs and Border Patrol.
- Cars temporarily shipped into the US are not subject to these restrictions provided they are being imported for less than one year.
- Passenger cars can be conditionally accepted for import into the US provided modifications are made within a specified time period. They must then pass a certifying inspection to remain in the US. A bond may be needed for conditionally importing cars that fail to meet the requirements.
- Antique vehicles and even those 21 model years old or older are not subject to the EPA's import requirements as long as the vehicle is in its original unmodified configuration. If the vehicle's engine has been replaced the car or truck will not be exempt unless it currently has an engine capable of meeting the EPA's standards.
- Original documents are required, such as the original bill of lading, the bill of sale, foreign registration, and any other documents.
- Imported vehicles need to have their undercarriages cleaned in order to comply with USDA requirements.
- If you carry personal items inside the car you're shipping internationally you are risking uninsured theft and the contents will be subject to additional import duties.
US residents importing a new or used car should consult their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about temporary license plates and what documentation their DMV may require from Customs.
Visit the EPA's website for more information on their requirements at www.epa.gov.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's web site has details on safety compliance requirements at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has free brochures available on importing and exporting vehicles on their web site at www.cbp.gov.
Shipping Cars Out of the United States
If your international car shipping needs require you to transport a car or other vehicle to a foreign country, your car shipping options are basically the same as they are for imports. Actual requirements will heavily depend on the receiving country. You should be able to get details on the country's requirements from its embassy or consulate office in the US. international moving companies who ship your car and international car shipping services or export brokers should also be able provide details.
- If the vehicle is a new car that has never been titled, it can be exported by submitting its manufacturer’s statement of origin, which can be secured from the car dealer. The original and two copies must be presented to Customs.
- Antique vehicles and some foreign cars purchased overseas may not have a certificate of title and a manufacture’s statement of origin may not be available either. A bill of sale, invoice, right of possession document, or other documentation sufficient to prove ownership may be acceptable.
- A customs inspection will be required at the time of export. If you're shipping your car by air or by ship, you need to present the car and the ownership materials to Customs at least 72 hours before lading.
- Contact the Customs port from which you'll be exporting your car for more export details. You can find their address and phone number by accessing the Customs Web Site at www.customs.gov.
- Expect to pay port fees and possibly customs duties at your destination port.The receiving government may also require inspections and permits. Shipments are cleared at the first port of entry unless you arrange for a foreign freight agent to have the vehicle sent to a Customs port that's more convenient to you. A bond will be required.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) provides additional information on international car shipping guidelines.You may also decide to employ a commercial customs broker to handle your entry. Their DOT Import and Certification FAQs is a good place to start.
The EPA's Automotive Import Facts Manual is also a good resource.
Getting International Car Shipping Estimates
Go Car Transport makes getting estimates for
international car shipping quite simple and you can take care of everything quickly online. Whenever you car shipping within the USA, including Florida, New York, California, Alaska, and Hawaii or just about anywhere, use our domestic auto transport form to request
free car shipping estimates and let multiple car shipping companies earn your business!
