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. If you are moving a full household alongside your vehicle, our licensed door-to-door household goods service can consolidate both into a single shipment.
International Car Shipping: Quick Facts
Shipping Method: Containerized (SDC does not offer RoRo)
Container Options: Shared (car only) or combined with household goods
Fuel Level at Loading: No more than one quarter tank (port safety requirement)
Battery: Disconnected for the voyage
Personal Items in Vehicle: Not permitted (customs inspection risk)
Insurance: Marine insurance recommended; US auto policy does not cover ocean transit
Typical Ocean Transit: 2 to 6 weeks depending on destination
Duty-Free Eligibility: Varies by country; generally requires 6-month prior ownership
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, where the same model may cost significantly more. Others are returning citizens or foreign nationals who lived in the US and are heading home, often shipping a car they bought during their time in the States. A third group is buying vehicles at US auctions or classic car shows and needs them transported to a destination country, sometimes as part of a collection.
In each case, the vehicle is shipped as a personal asset rather than a commercial import, which affects how it is handled at customs. The eligibility rules for duty-free or reduced-duty entry depend on the destination country and, in most cases, on how long you have owned and used the vehicle before shipping.
Containerized Shipping vs RoRo: What We Recommend
There are two primary methods for shipping a vehicle by sea: containerized shipping and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo). SDC ships vehicles exclusively in containers. We do not offer RoRo, and the reason is straightforward: a containerized vehicle is fully enclosed, protected from weather and handling exposure, and far less susceptible to damage or tampering during transit.
Containerized shipping also gives you a meaningful cost option that RoRo cannot. A standard car occupies roughly 15 feet of a container’s length. A 20-foot container can hold a vehicle on its own, but many clients moving a full household choose a 40-foot container and ship the car alongside their household goods. This consolidates everything into one shipment and one customs entry, which is generally more cost-effective than shipping a vehicle separately. Our team secures the vehicle inside the container using ISPM-15 compliant blocking and bracing so it does not shift during the voyage.
International Car Shipping Regulations
Every destination country sets its own rules for importing a vehicle, and these rules determine whether your car enters duty-free, attracts import duties and taxes, or requires modification before it can be registered locally. The single most important factor in most countries is how long you have owned and used the vehicle before shipping.
Most European Union destinations apply the same broad framework. To import a used vehicle duty-free, you generally need to have owned and used it for at least six months before shipment, to have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months prior to import, and to retain the vehicle for at least 12 months after importation. In addition, used US-specification vehicles entering the EU frequently require a technical or homologation inspection at the destination before they can be registered, which can involve adjustments to lighting and emissions equipment to meet local standards. Requirements vary by country, so we confirm the specific rules for your destination before booking.
Outside the EU, rules differ widely. Some countries restrict the age of imported vehicles, others require compliance with local emissions or safety standards, and a few prohibit the import of used vehicles by non-diplomats entirely. Your SDC coordinator reviews your vehicle’s eligibility for your specific destination before any shipment is booked, so there are no surprises at the port of entry.
Popular Car Shipping Destinations
SDC ships vehicles from the USA to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Europe is among the most common, with vehicles routing to major ports such as Hamburg and Bremerhaven for Germany, Le Havre for France, Genoa and La Spezia for Italy, and Barcelona and Valencia for Spain. Middle East shipments commonly route through Jebel Ali for the UAE. Australia and New Zealand are frequent destinations as well, though both have strict biosecurity and compliance requirements that affect vehicle imports.
Shipping a vehicle from a major US port such as New York, Los Angeles, or Miami is often more cost-efficient than shipping from a smaller departure point, because of the higher sailing frequency and container availability at those ports. Your origin location in the US and your destination port both affect the final cost.
What Does International Car Shipping Cost?
The cost of shipping a vehicle internationally depends on several factors: the origin port in the US, the destination port, the size of the vehicle, whether it ships on its own or alongside household goods, and the container size used. Shipping a car combined with a household goods move in a 40-foot container is generally the most economical approach, because you are paying for container space you are already using rather than booking a separate vehicle-only shipment.
Destination terminal handling charges, port fees, and customs clearance costs at the destination are part of the total and vary by country. Marine insurance, which we strongly recommend, is calculated as a percentage of the vehicle’s declared value. Because every move is different, the most reliable way to understand your cost is a tailored quote based on your specific vehicle, origin, and destination.
Documents Required for International Car Shipping
The documentation for international car shipping centers on proving ownership and eligibility. The core documents required in most cases include the original vehicle title showing your name, the original purchase invoice or bill of sale, your passport or government-issued ID, and proof that you have owned and used the vehicle for the period required by the destination country. If SDC or a partner customs broker will clear the vehicle on your behalf, a signed Power of Attorney is also required.
One detail that matters more than people expect: the name and VIN on your title and supporting documents must match exactly. Even a minor discrepancy can flag a shipment for inspection or delay clearance. SDC reviews your documentation against the destination requirements before the vehicle leaves the US, and we handle the export filing and broker coordination so the paperwork is complete before departure.
Vehicle Preparation Before Loading
Before your vehicle is loaded into a container, a few preparation steps are required for safety and customs compliance. The fuel tank must be reduced to no more than one quarter full. This is a port and vessel safety requirement rather than a customs rule, and it is enforced strictly. The battery is disconnected for the voyage.
Personal items should not be left inside the vehicle. Customs authorities at the destination have the right to inspect the car, and loose items inside it can complicate or delay clearance, since a vehicle is expected to be shipped as a vehicle, not as a container for additional goods. When SDC secures your vehicle in the container, any wood blocking or bracing used to immobilize it is ISPM-15 compliant, which is required for entry into the EU and many other destinations. If you are shipping a motorcycle alongside other goods, our team drains fluids, crates, and secures it appropriately inside the container. Our professional packing and crating service handles this preparation as part of the shipment.
Marine Insurance for Your Vehicle
Your existing US auto insurance policy will not cover your vehicle during an international ocean shipment. This catches many people by surprise. 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. Given the value of most vehicles and the length of an ocean voyage, the cost of coverage is modest relative to the protection it provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does international car shipping take?
Ocean transit typically runs 2 to 6 weeks depending on the destination. European destinations from the US East Coast are at the shorter end, while Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia are at the longer end. The full door-to-door timeline also includes export processing at the US end and customs clearance at the destination, so the total time from pickup to delivery is longer than the ocean transit alone. Your coordinator provides a specific estimate based on your origin and destination.
Can I ship a car that still has a loan on it?
It is possible, but it requires authorization from your lienholder. Because the lender technically holds the title until the loan is paid off, you will need written permission from them to export the vehicle. We recommend resolving this well before your planned ship date, as obtaining lienholder authorization can take time.
Can I put personal belongings inside the car when shipping it?
We advise against it. Customs authorities at the destination have the right to inspect the vehicle, and personal items inside it can complicate clearance or trigger delays. If you are also moving household goods, those items should be packed and manifested as part of the household shipment rather than placed loose in the car.
Do I need to be present when my car clears customs?
Not usually. SDC works with destination customs brokers who clear the vehicle on your behalf using the documentation and Power of Attorney provided before shipping. In some countries you may need to be registered as a resident or hold a specific visa status for the vehicle to qualify for duty-free entry, but your physical presence at the moment of clearance is generally not required.
Is it cheaper to ship a car with household goods or separately?
For most clients moving a full household, shipping the car alongside household goods in a 40-foot container is more cost-effective than booking a separate vehicle-only shipment. You consolidate everything under one shipment and one customs entry, and you make use of container space you are already paying for. Whether this works for you depends on your total volume; if your household goods already fill the container, a separate arrangement may be needed. Your coordinator will advise based on your inventory.
Which countries require a vehicle inspection after import?
Many do. A number of European countries, including Germany and France, require a technical inspection before an imported used vehicle can be registered locally, and US-specification vehicles sometimes need adjustments to lighting or emissions equipment to pass. Requirements vary widely by country, and some destinations also impose vehicle age limits or emissions standards. SDC reviews the destination-specific rules for your vehicle before booking so you know what to expect after arrival.
