How to Ship a Car Overseas with Your Household Goods
The Challenge of Shipping a Vehicle Internationally
For many people moving overseas, bringing their personal vehicle is just as important as moving their household goods. However, international car shipping can feel overwhelming due to concerns about cost, customs regulations, and vehicle safety during transport.
Without the right planning and logistics support, common issues include:
- Unexpected import duties and taxes in the destination country.
- Customs clearance delays due to incorrect paperwork.
- Potential damage during shipping if the vehicle isn’t secured properly.
- Choosing the wrong shipping method, leading to higher costs or security risks.
Understanding the best way to transport a car overseas, what’s required for customs clearance, and how to safely ship a vehicle with household goods is essential for a smooth international move.
💡 Want a stress-free car shipping experience? Learn about our International Shipping Containers for vehicle transport options.
Common Concerns About Shipping a Car with Household Goods
Many customers ask:
✔ Can I ship my car and household items together? – Yes, you can! Containerized shipping allows both to be transported in the same unit, saving money and ensuring security.
✔ Is Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping a good option? – Not recommended. While cheaper, Ro-Ro exposes your car to weather, handling risks, and potential theft.
✔ Do I have to pay import taxes on my vehicle? – It depends. Some countries allow duty-free imports, while others require registration fees and taxes.
✔ What documents are needed? – You’ll need vehicle registration, title, and import/export paperwork.
💡 Not sure about import rules in your destination country? Check out our International Customs Regulations Guide.
Now that we understand the challenges of international car shipping, let’s explore how SDC International Shipping simplifies the process for you.
How SDC Simplifies Car & Household Goods Shipping
Shipping a car overseas along with household goods requires careful planning, documentation, and proper logistics. At SDC International Shipping, we make this process seamless, cost-effective, and secure by handling everything from packing and loading to customs clearance and delivery.
Here’s how we ensure a smooth vehicle shipping experience:
1. Secure Containerized Vehicle Transport
Unlike Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping, which exposes your vehicle to weather, theft, and handling risks, SDC exclusively recommends containerized vehicle shipping.
✔ Your car is fully enclosed in a shipping container, protecting it from external elements.
✔ You can ship household goods alongside your vehicle, reducing costs.
✔ Strapping & blocking techniques prevent movement inside the container, ensuring safety.
✔ Lower customs risk as all contents are inspected together, reducing multiple clearances.
💡 Want to learn more about containerized transport? Visit our guide on International Shipping Containers.
2. Full-Service Customs Clearance & Documentation
One of the biggest concerns with international car shipping is customs compliance. Different countries have varying import regulations, and incorrect paperwork can result in delays, fines, or denied entry.
✔ We prepare all customs documents, including:
- Bill of Lading (proof of shipment).
- Vehicle Title & Registration (proving ownership).
- Customs Declaration Forms (required for entry).
- Import Tax & Duty Assessments (to determine costs).
✔ We ensure your car meets destination country import rules, including:
- Emission standards compliance (especially for moves to Europe or Australia).
- Left-hand vs. right-hand driving laws (important in countries like the UK and Japan).
- Temporary importation vs. permanent registration requirements.
💡 Need help with customs paperwork? Check out our International Customs Regulations Guide.
3. Cost-Effective Shipping Options
Many customers worry about the cost of shipping a car overseas, but combining household goods and vehicle transport in a single container helps lower expenses.
✔ 20ft Container: Best for smaller shipments – fits one car + small household goods.
✔ 40ft Container: Ideal for larger moves – accommodates one vehicle + full household move.
✔ Shared Container (LCL): Cost-effective option if you don’t need an entire container.
💡 Want a customized price estimate? Request a free shipping quote today.
4. Door-to-Door Delivery for Maximum Convenience
We handle everything from pickup to final delivery, ensuring your vehicle and household goods arrive on time and in perfect condition.
✔ Pickup from your home in the U.S. and transport to the nearest international port.
✔ Secure container loading at our shipping facility.
✔ Customs clearance assistance at your destination.
✔ Final delivery to your new home—no need to pick up your car from the port.
💡 Want your vehicle delivered straight to your door? Learn about our door-to-door moving services.
By choosing SDC International Shipping, you get a reliable, stress-free way to ship your car and household goods together in one secure container.
How to Ship a Car with Household Goods – Step by Step
Shipping your car and household goods together in one secure container is the safest and most cost-effective way to relocate internationally. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the process works.
Step 1: Choose the Right Shipping Container
Before shipping, you’ll need to select the best container size based on the volume of your household goods and the size of your vehicle.
✔ 20ft Container – Fits one car + small household items (ideal for minimal furniture).
✔ 40ft Container – Best for one vehicle + full household move (suitable for families).
✔ Shared Container (LCL – Less than Container Load) – Cost-effective if you don’t need an entire container.
💡 Not sure which container fits your needs? Learn more about International Shipping Containers.
Step 2: Prepare Your Car for Shipping
To comply with customs and safety regulations, you must properly prepare your vehicle before shipment.
✔ Clean the Vehicle: Many countries require that vehicles be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the importation of dirt, pests, or foreign soil.
✔ Reduce the Fuel Level: Most countries allow only 1/4 tank of gas for safety reasons.
✔ Disable Alarm Systems: To prevent accidental activation during transit.
✔ Remove Personal Belongings: Customs laws prohibit packing household goods inside the vehicle (all items must be in the container).
✔ Check Battery Condition: A securely fastened battery ensures the car is safe for transport.
💡 Need expert guidance? Our Packing Services ensure your car is secured correctly.
Step 3: Load & Secure the Vehicle in the Container
Once the car is prepared, professional shippers will load and secure it inside the container to prevent movement and damage.
✔ Wheel Bracing & Straps: The car is secured using heavy-duty straps to prevent shifting.
✔ Wooden Blocks & Ramps: Used for added stabilization.
✔ Proper Spacing for Household Goods: Household items are packed around the vehicle to optimize space and balance.
💡 Wondering how your car will be secured? Learn about Containerized Car Shipping.
Step 4: Customs Clearance & Import Taxes
Customs clearance is a critical step in international vehicle shipping. Failing to meet regulations can result in delays, fines, or shipment rejection.
✔ Required Customs Documents:
- Vehicle Title & Registration
- Bill of Lading
- Customs Declaration Forms
- Proof of Ownership
- Emission & Compliance Certificates (if required)
✔ Import Duties & Taxes:
- Some countries allow duty-free imports for returning residents or temporary relocations.
- Others impose registration fees, emissions inspections, and import duties.
💡 Need help with customs regulations? Check out our Customs Clearance Guide.
Step 5: Delivery to Your New Home
Once customs clearance is complete, your vehicle and household goods will be transported to your final destination.
✔ Port-to-Door Delivery: Your car and belongings are delivered directly to your new home.
✔ Local Registration Assistance: We help ensure your car meets destination country road requirements.
✔ Final Inspection & Handover: A quick inspection ensures your car is ready for use.
💡 Want a fully-managed move? Our door-to-door international shipping services handle everything for you.
Now that you understand how to ship a car with your household goods, let’s discuss why containerized shipping is the best method compared to Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping.
Why Containerized Car Shipping is the Best Option
When shipping a car overseas, you have two main options:
- Containerized Car Shipping – The vehicle is loaded into a secure shipping container, often along with household goods.
- Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping – The vehicle is driven onto a specialized cargo ship and parked among other vehicles.
While Ro-Ro shipping is sometimes cheaper, containerized shipping offers better security, protection, and cost-efficiency when moving a car with household goods. Here’s why containerized shipping is the best choice for international movers.
1. Superior Security & Protection
✔ Enclosed & Locked – A shipping container is fully enclosed, reducing the risk of theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
✔ No Public Access – In Ro-Ro shipping, the vehicle is stored in an open cargo area, making it more vulnerable to tampering or unauthorized access.
✔ Lower Risk of Scratches & Dents – Vehicles in Ro-Ro shipping are exposed to rough handling, loose cargo movement, and potential port mishaps.
💡 Want a damage-free move? Learn about Containerized Car Shipping for maximum protection.
2. Ship Household Goods & Your Car Together
✔ One Shipment, One Container – Containerized shipping allows you to ship your car along with furniture, appliances, and personal belongings.
✔ Saves Money on Separate Shipments – Using one container instead of separate shipments for your car and goods reduces overall moving costs.
✔ Streamlined Customs Clearance – Having all belongings in a single shipment simplifies customs documentation and inspections.
💡 Need a shipping cost breakdown? Compare pricing in our International Moving Quotes Guide.
3. Faster & More Reliable Delivery
✔ Fixed Scheduling – Containerized shipping follows a strict departure schedule, while Ro-Ro vessels may face longer wait times for cargo consolidation.
✔ Direct Delivery to Your Door – Unlike Ro-Ro shipping (which requires separate pickup arrangements), containerized shipments can be delivered straight to your new home.
✔ Less Handling = Fewer Delays – Your car is loaded once and stays secured in the container, avoiding multiple transfers.
💡 Need door-to-door shipping? Check out our Household & Vehicle Moving Services for complete relocation solutions.
4. Easier Customs Clearance
✔ Sealed Inventory List – A fully documented container with household goods and a vehicle ensures faster clearance.
✔ Less Risk of Customs Holds – Ro-Ro shipments often require extra inspections, leading to delays.
✔ Fewer Restrictions on Personal Items – In Ro-Ro shipping, you cannot store belongings inside your vehicle, but containerized shipping allows for organized packing.
💡 Want to simplify customs paperwork? Follow our Customs Form Guide.
Why SDC International Shipping Recommends Containerized Car Shipping
✔ Increased Safety & Security – Vehicles are fully enclosed, reducing risks.
✔ Cost-Effective for Household Moves – One container = lower shipping costs.
✔ Convenient Customs Clearance & Delivery – Less handling, faster processing.
✔ Door-to-Door Service – No need for separate transportation from the port.
💡 Need help deciding the best way to ship your car? Contact us for a custom shipping plan today!
Now that you know why containerized shipping is the best choice, let’s wrap up with how to get expert car & household goods shipping from SDC International Shipping.
