Moving Your Vehicle from France to the USA: Best Practices

In late 2024, shipping a vehicle from France to the USA has become a more intricate process, with tightening regulations on emissions, environmental standards, and safety requirements. Amid rising global concerns about sustainability, many countries, including the USA, have updated their import laws to focus on reducing carbon emissions, impacting the way vehicles are shipped and what can be imported.

Whether you’re moving for work, joining family, or pursuing new opportunities, shipping your vehicle along with your household belongings is an important consideration. However, due to evolving U.S. regulations, including strict emissions standards and updated Department of Transportation (DOT) safety guidelines, it’s more important than ever to understand the specific requirements for vehicle imports.

With these complexities in mind, choosing the right shipping method, ensuring your vehicle meets U.S. standards, and preparing the proper documentation are all critical steps to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for shipping your vehicle from France to the USA, helping you navigate these challenges and make informed decisions every step of the way.

 

 

Shipping Methods: Container vs. Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO)

When it comes to shipping your vehicle from France to the USA, the two primary methods are container shipping and Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO). While both have their benefits, at SDC International Shipping, we strongly recommend container shipping, especially when shipping your vehicle alongside household goods. Let’s break down both options and explain why container shipping is the preferred choice.

Container Shipping

Container shipping involves placing your vehicle inside a secure metal container, often alongside your household belongings, which makes it both cost-effective and secure.

Advantages of Container Shipping:

• Added Protection: Your vehicle is completely enclosed, protecting it from the elements, potential damage, and theft during transit. This is particularly important when shipping high-value or vintage cars, as the extra layer of security ensures the vehicle arrives in the same condition it left in.
• Household Goods: If you’re shipping both household items and a vehicle, container shipping allows you to combine everything in one shipment. This can help reduce overall shipping costs and streamline the process.
• Greater Flexibility: With container shipping, you have more control over the scheduling and delivery of your items. Your vehicle is loaded into the container at the origin and unloaded at your destination, with minimal handling in between.

At SDC, our International Shipping Containers are designed to accommodate both household goods and vehicles, making container shipping a convenient and secure option for international moves.

Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) Shipping

Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) shipping is another option for transporting vehicles overseas. In this method, the vehicle is driven onto a specialized cargo ship and secured for the duration of the journey. While RORO is typically cheaper than container shipping, we do not recommend it for several key reasons.

Disadvantages of RORO Shipping:

• Limited Protection: Unlike container shipping, RORO leaves your vehicle exposed to the elements. Vehicles are parked on an open deck, where they can be affected by weather, saltwater, and other environmental factors. This is a risk that many vehicle owners, especially those with luxury or classic cars, should not take.
• No Household Goods: If you’re shipping household items alongside your vehicle, RORO shipping doesn’t offer the flexibility of combining shipments. This means you’ll need to arrange a separate shipment for your personal belongings, which could increase your overall moving costs.
• Increased Handling: Since vehicles are driven onto and off the ship, there is more physical handling involved, which can lead to minor damages or scratches during the loading and unloading process.

While RORO may initially appear to be a cost-saving option, the lack of protection and the inability to combine your household goods with your vehicle makes it a less desirable choice, particularly for international moves. Our experience at SDC has shown that clients who opt for container shipping are far more satisfied with the safety and efficiency of the process.

Why We Recommend Container Shipping

At SDC International Shipping, we prioritize the safety and security of your belongings, including your vehicle. Container shipping offers the best value, especially when shipping household goods along with your car. Not only does it ensure your vehicle is fully protected during its journey, but it also simplifies the logistics by combining your items into a single shipment.

Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the container shipping process, ensuring that your vehicle and belongings arrive safely and on time. For more details on how container shipping works, check out our Roll-On Roll-Off vs. Container Shipping Guide.

 

Vehicle Documentation and Customs Requirements

Shipping a vehicle internationally involves more than just loading it into a container or onto a ship. You’ll need to prepare essential documentation and meet specific customs requirements to ensure a smooth transition through both French and U.S. customs. The required paperwork is designed to verify the legal ownership of the vehicle and ensure it meets import regulations.

Essential Documents for Shipping Your Vehicle

• Title Clearance: Before exporting your vehicle from France, ensure that the title is clear of any liens. The vehicle’s title must be in your name, and if it is financed, you’ll need permission from the lienholder to ship it internationally.
• Registration and Insurance: Keep your vehicle registration and insurance documents up-to-date and accessible. These will be needed at both departure and arrival points.
• Proof of Ownership: U.S. customs regulations require that the vehicle has been in your possession for at least six months before it’s eligible for tax-free import status. Make sure to keep proof of ownership, such as the bill of sale, available.
• Customs Forms: You’ll need to complete specific customs forms for both France and the U.S. These forms declare the vehicle’s value and verify compliance with import regulations. For a step-by-step guide on how to complete the necessary forms, refer to our Customs Forms Guide.

 

Pro Tip: Make several copies of your documents to avoid delays at customs, and consult with SDC International Shipping to ensure all forms are filled out accurately.

 

Vehicle Eligibility for Import into the USA

Not every vehicle is eligible for import into the USA. The U.S. has strict emission and safety regulations that your car must meet before it can be legally imported and registered. Understanding these regulations is key to avoiding fines, delays, or even rejection of your shipment at customs.

Emission Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all vehicles to meet strict emission standards. Vehicles that don’t comply with these standards may need modifications before being allowed into the country. If your vehicle was manufactured to meet European standards, you’ll want to check whether it also complies with U.S. requirements.

Safety Requirements

In addition to emissions, vehicles must meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. This includes regulations on airbags, seatbelts, lighting, and crash protection. If your vehicle doesn’t meet these standards, you may need to make modifications or apply for exemptions.

Pro Tip: Before shipping your vehicle, ensure it meets both EPA and DOT standards to avoid any issues at the port of entry. If you’re unsure, SDC International Shipping can guide you through the compliance process.

 

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment

Before your vehicle is shipped from France to the USA, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure it arrives in good condition. Follow these steps to get your car ready for the journey:

 

Pre-Shipment Checklist

• Clean Your Vehicle: Both the interior and exterior should be cleaned. A clean vehicle helps customs officials perform inspections more efficiently.
• Remove Personal Items: If you’re shipping your vehicle inside a container, you can pack some personal items inside. However, with RORO shipping, personal belongings are not allowed, and they must be removed before shipment.
• Document the Vehicle’s Condition: Take detailed photos of the vehicle’s exterior and interior, documenting any pre-existing damage. This will be important for your records in case any damage occurs during transit.

Basic Maintenance Before Shipping

• Check Fluid Levels: Ensure that all fluids, such as oil and coolant, are properly filled but not overfilled.
• Tire Pressure: Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
• Gas Tank: Most shippers require that the gas tank be no more than a quarter full to minimize safety risks during transport.

 

These simple steps will ensure your vehicle is in the best possible condition when it arrives in the USA.

 

Insurance Options for Vehicle Shipping

Whether you choose container shipping or RORO, your vehicle’s safety is a top priority. However, unforeseen circumstances can occur during transit, which is why having the right insurance coverage is essential.

Marine Insurance

Marine insurance is designed to cover any potential damage or loss that could occur while your vehicle is in transit. This insurance typically covers various risks, including storm damage, theft, or accidents at sea.

 

Types of Coverage

• Total Loss Insurance: This option covers your vehicle if it is completely lost at sea.
• All-Risk Insurance: This more comprehensive option covers damage, theft, and total loss, giving you peace of mind during the entire shipping process.

 

SDC offers a range of insurance options to suit your needs. For more information, check out our Marine Insurance Guide.

 

Timing and Costs: What to Expect

Shipping times and costs can vary depending on several factors, including the shipping method, the size of the vehicle, and the destination port in the USA.

 

Shipping Times

• Container Shipping: Typically, sea transit from France to the USA takes between 4-6 weeks. This depends on factors such as port congestion and customs clearance.
• RORO Shipping: RORO shipments are slightly faster but come with the risks we’ve discussed, making container shipping the better option for most vehicle owners.

Cost Factors

• Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger or heavier vehicles will cost more to ship. Make sure to obtain a quote that considers the exact dimensions and weight of your vehicle.
• Shipping Method: Container shipping may initially seem more expensive than RORO, but when combined with household goods, it can actually be more cost-effective.
• Additional Fees: Port fees, customs duties, and taxes may apply depending on the state where your vehicle is delivered.

 

At SDC International Shipping, we provide transparent pricing and can offer a detailed estimate based on your specific needs.

 

Arrival and Receiving Your Vehicle in the USA

Once your vehicle arrives at the destination port in the USA, there are a few final steps before you can start driving it on American roads.

Customs Clearance

Your vehicle will undergo customs clearance upon arrival in the USA. If all the paperwork is in order and the vehicle complies with U.S. regulations, the process should go smoothly. If there are any issues, SDC will assist in resolving them to minimize delays.

Delivery Options

You can choose to have your vehicle delivered directly to your new home (door-to-door service) or pick it up at the port. Door-to-door delivery is the most convenient option, and SDC offers this as part of our comprehensive shipping services.

Vehicle Registration

Once your vehicle has cleared customs, you’ll need to register it in the U.S. This involves visiting your local DMV, where you’ll submit the necessary documents and pay any registration fees.

 

Shipping your vehicle from France to the USA may seem complicated, but by following best practices and choosing the right shipping method, you can ensure a smooth process. At SDC International Shipping, we recommend container shipping to offer the best protection for your vehicle and make the most of combined shipments with your household goods. With our guidance, your vehicle will arrive safely, on time, and ready for the open road in your new home.

For a personalized vehicle shipping quote, contact SDC International Shipping today!