International Car Shipping from the USA
Shipping a vehicle from the United States to another country is a manageable process when you understand the logistics, documentation, and customs requirements involved. SDC International Shipping is a licensed door-to-door shipping company serving all 50 states, and we handle international car shipments for clients relocating permanently, returning to their home country, retiring abroad, or transporting a vehicle purchased at a US auction. This page explains how the process works, what it costs, and what to expect at every stage.
Who Ships Cars Internationally?
The clients we ship vehicles for fall into a few common categories. Many are relocating overseas for work or retirement and want to bring a vehicle they own and trust rather than purchase one abroad. Others are returning citizens or foreign nationals who lived in the US and are heading home. Some are purchasing vehicles at US auctions or classic car shows and need them shipped to a destination country. In each case, the logistics and documentation requirements differ somewhat, so it is important to discuss your specific situation with your coordinator before booking.
Containerized Shipping vs. RoRo: What We Recommend
There are two primary methods for shipping a vehicle internationally: containerized shipping and RoRo (roll-on, roll-off). We recommend containerized shipping for nearly all clients, and here is why.
In containerized shipping, your vehicle is loaded into an enclosed steel shipping container, secured, and transported in a fully protected environment from origin port to destination port. The container shields the vehicle from weather, road debris, and handling on the vessel deck throughout the voyage. If you are also shipping household goods, the most cost-effective option is to load the vehicle and your belongings together in the same container, typically a 40-foot container, which eliminates the cost of a separate shipment entirely.
RoRo shipping involves driving your vehicle onto a specialized vessel where it is parked on an open vehicle deck for the duration of the voyage. It is generally less expensive upfront, but the vehicle is exposed to salt air, weather, and the movement of other vehicles around it. RoRo vessels also typically stop at multiple ports before reaching the final destination, which can extend transit time. For a detailed comparison of both methods, see our guide to RoRo vs. container shipping.
For most clients, the protection and predictability of containerized shipping justify the cost difference. For high-value, vintage, or luxury vehicles, a sole-use container is the only option we recommend.
International Car Shipping Regulations
Every destination country has its own vehicle import regulations, and these vary significantly. Most countries allow personal vehicles to be imported duty-free when the owner is transferring their permanent residence, provided the vehicle has been owned and used for at least six months prior to shipment and the owner has lived outside the destination country for at least 12 consecutive months. If you do not meet those thresholds, import duties and local taxes will apply on the vehicle’s declared value.
Most destination countries also require that an imported vehicle remain in the owner’s possession for 12 months after importation before it can be sold or transferred. Selling before that period typically triggers the duties that were originally waived.
Beyond duty exemptions, vehicles must meet the technical standards of the destination country. US-spec vehicles are built to American federal safety and emissions standards, which differ from EU, UK, Australian, and other standards in areas including headlight configuration, emissions certification, speedometer units, and bumper specifications. Before a US vehicle can be registered and legally driven in most countries, it must pass a local technical inspection and in some cases undergo compliance modifications. The complexity and cost of this process varies by vehicle make, model, and destination country. We strongly recommend researching the specific requirements for your vehicle and destination before committing to ship it.
Left-hand traffic countries including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Ireland present an additional consideration. These countries drive on the left, and US vehicles with left-hand drive configurations may face restrictions or require special approval to be registered. In some countries, left-hand drive vehicles are only permitted for antique or collector vehicle classifications.
Popular Car Shipping Destinations
What Does International Car Shipping Cost?
The cost of shipping a vehicle internationally depends on several variables, and no two shipments are priced identically. The primary factors that affect the final cost are:
Origin and destination ports are the largest single driver of cost. Shipping from a major US port such as Los Angeles, New York, or Miami to a high-volume destination like the UK or Germany is generally more cost-efficient than shipping from an inland origin or to a less-served destination. If you can deliver your vehicle to a port warehouse rather than arranging inland pickup, that typically reduces the overall cost.
Vehicle size determines container requirements. Most standard sedans, SUVs, and light pickup trucks fit in a standard 20-foot or 40-foot container. Larger vehicles such as full-size trucks, vans, and RVs may require specialized container configurations. The internal width of a standard shipping container is approximately 7 feet 8 inches, which accommodates most vehicles up to around 76 inches wide.
Sole-use vs. shared container also affects cost. A sole-use container holds only your vehicle and departs on the next available vessel. A shared container consolidates your vehicle with others heading to the same destination, which reduces cost but may add waiting time before departure.
Combining a vehicle with household goods in a single 40-foot container is the most cost-effective approach for clients doing a full relocation. Rather than paying for two separate shipments, one container covers both, and customs clearance at the destination is handled under a single entry.
Customs duties and destination fees are separate from the shipping cost. Import duties, local registration taxes, compliance inspection fees, and port handling charges at the destination vary by country and are in addition to the base shipping quote. Your coordinator will walk you through the expected destination-side costs for your specific route before you book.
Documents Required for International Car Shipping
The standard documentation required to export a vehicle from the USA and clear it through customs at the destination includes:
- Original certificate of title in the owner’s name, showing a clear lien-free title
- Current vehicle registration
- Purchase invoice or bill of sale, dated at least six months before shipment for duty-free qualification
- Copy of the owner’s passport
- Bill of lading issued by the shipping line
- Completed EPA and DOT forms for export from the USA
- Marine insurance certificate
- Proof of residency at origin and destination, required for duty-free Transfer of Residency applications
Additional documentation may be required depending on the destination country. Your SDC coordinator will provide a destination-specific checklist and notify you of any requirements that arise during the booking process. Plan to have your paperwork organized at least four to six weeks before your intended ship date.
Vehicle Preparation Before Loading
Before your vehicle is loaded into a container, the fuel tank must be reduced to no more than one quarter full. This is a port and vessel safety requirement, not a customs rule. The battery will be disconnected for the voyage. Personal items should not be left inside the vehicle, as customs authorities at the destination have the right to inspect the car, and items inside it may complicate or delay clearance. If you are shipping a motorcycle alongside other goods, SDC’s team will empty fluids, crate, and secure it appropriately inside the container.
Marine Insurance for Your Vehicle
Your existing US auto insurance policy will not cover your vehicle during an international ocean shipment. We strongly recommend purchasing marine insurance to protect your vehicle against loss or damage during transit. Marine insurance is available as an add-on through SDC and is calculated based on the declared value of the vehicle. For high-value, vintage, or luxury vehicles it is not optional in any practical sense. Your coordinator can provide marine insurance options and pricing when you request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does international car shipping take?
Ocean transit time depends on the origin port and destination. From the US East Coast to the UK or northern Europe, transit typically runs 12 to 18 days. From the West Coast to Australia or Asia, expect 18 to 28 days. Total door-to-door time including inland transport, port processing, ocean transit, and customs clearance at the destination generally runs four to eight weeks depending on the route and the destination country’s customs processing speed.
Can I ship a car that still has a loan on it?
If your vehicle has an outstanding loan, the lender holds the title. You will need written authorization from the lienholder to export the vehicle, and in most cases the lender must release or provide a copy of the title for the shipping documentation. This is worth resolving well before your planned ship date, as lender response times vary.
Can I put personal belongings inside the car when shipping it?
No. Personal items should not be packed inside the vehicle. Customs authorities at the destination can inspect the car, and undeclared items inside it can trigger delays, additional duties, or in some cases confiscation. If you are shipping household goods in the same container, those items should be packed separately in the container, not in the vehicle.
Do I need to be present when my car clears customs?
In some countries, the vehicle owner is required to be physically present during customs inspection or registration. This varies by destination. Your SDC coordinator will advise on whether your specific destination requires your presence, and will notify you of the expected customs clearance date as soon as it is known so you can make arrangements if needed.
Is it cheaper to ship a car with household goods or separately?
Combining a vehicle with household goods in a single 40-foot container is almost always more cost-effective than shipping them separately. You pay for one container, one bill of lading, and one customs entry rather than two. For clients doing a full relocation, this is the approach we recommend unless there is a specific timing reason to ship the vehicle separately.
