How to Ship a Vehicle Overseas from California the Right Way
For Californians relocating internationally, bringing a personal vehicle is often essential for convenience and cost savings. Whether moving from San Diego to Australia or Los Angeles to Germany, shipping your car with your household goods simplifies the process. SDC International Shipping specializes in container-based vehicle transport, ensuring efficiency and security. Call 877-339-0267 or request a free quote to start your move.
Unlike standalone car shipping, SDC integrates vehicle transport with household goods in 20’ or 40’ containers, reducing costs and streamlining logistics for California expats. Visit www.sdcinternationalshipping.com to explore our services.
Who Should Consider Shipping Their Vehicle Overseas?
If you’re moving abroad long-term from California, shipping your car may be practical, especially if it’s valuable, paid off, or suited to your lifestyle. Expats relocating to Europe, Australia, the Middle East, or Latin America often choose to bring their vehicles. A San Francisco family moving to the UK shipped their SUV to maintain familiarity abroad.
However, destinations with strong public transit or high import taxes, like Singapore or Japan, may make shipping less viable. SDC’s experts help you evaluate costs and regulations to decide if vehicle shipping aligns with your needs.
Why SDC Only Ships Cars with Household Goods
SDC does not offer roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) or standalone vehicle shipping. Instead, we integrate car transport into comprehensive household moves for efficiency and cost savings. By loading your vehicle into a container with your furniture and belongings, you maximize space and reduce expenses.
This approach ensures security, as we control loading and unloading, minimizing risks. A Los Angeles client moving to Spain appreciated our single-point-of-contact service, avoiding the hassle of multiple shippers. Learn more about our international car shipping services.
How Container Shipping Works for Vehicles
SDC uses 20-foot or 40-foot steel containers, depending on your shipment size. Your vehicle is driven or winched into the container, secured with heavy-duty straps and wooden blocking, and separated from household items to prevent damage. A San Diego client moving to Australia praised our secure loading process.
Containers are sealed at your California residence or warehouse and transported to ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Oakland. At sea, we monitor and track your shipment until it reaches your destination, where our international team handles unloading and delivery.
| Container Size | Capacity | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 20-foot | 1 car + small household | Single or couple moves |
| 40-foot | 1–2 cars + full household | Family or large moves |
Documents You’ll Need to Ship a Car Abroad
To ship your vehicle, provide:
- Title of ownership (in your name)
- Valid registration
- Copy of your passport
- Bill of sale (if recently purchased)
- Proof of no liens (or lender permission to export)
Some countries require import permits or compliance forms. SDC guides you through destination-specific requirements, as we did for an Oakland client moving to Mexico. Visit our customs clearance services.
Preparing Your Car for International Shipping
To ensure safe, compliant transport, follow these steps:
- Wash the car thoroughly (inside and out) to pass inspections.
- Remove all personal items to avoid customs issues.
- Disable alarms and anti-theft devices.
- Drain fuel tank to one-quarter or less for safety.
- Check tire pressure and battery charge.
A clean, prepped car meets customs requirements and speeds up processing. A Sacramento client moving to Germany followed our prep guide, ensuring a smooth customs experience.
Common Restrictions & Regulations by Country
Countries have unique vehicle import rules, such as:
- Australia: Limits used vehicle imports; requires biosecurity cleaning.
- Germany: Mandates emissions testing and EU compliance.
- Mexico: Restricts vehicles older than 10 years.
- UK: Requires right-hand drive or conversion approval.
SDC stays updated on regulations, helping clients like a San Jose family moving to the UK avoid import rejections. Contact us at 877-339-0267 for guidance.
Pet Relocation Guidance
SDC does not offer pet transportation but connects clients with trusted pet relocation specialists for requirements like health certificates and vaccinations. A Los Angeles client moving to Australia used our referral for their dog’s quarantine-compliant move. Call 877-339-0267 for pet shipping recommendations.
Preparing for Your International Move
Beyond vehicle shipping, plan your move by decluttering household items and organizing documents like passports and visas. A San Francisco client moving to Canada used our checklist to streamline their preparation, reducing shipping volume and costs.
SDC provides packing guides and consultations to ensure your household goods and vehicle are ready. Learn more at our packing services page.
Cultural Adaptation for California Expats
Adjusting to a new country involves learning local customs, like dining etiquette in France or punctuality in Germany. Join expat groups to build connections. A San Diego client moving to Spain joined a local expat network, easing their transition.
SDC offers cultural tips to help California expats adapt, ensuring a smooth start abroad.
Technology for Tracking Shipments
SDC’s real-time tracking lets you monitor your container from California to your destination. Our secure client portal provides digital inventory access. A Sacramento client moving to Canada valued our tracking updates for peace of mind.
“SDC’s tracking and packing made our move to Australia seamless.”
Family from San Diego
Transit Times and Shipping Costs
Shipments from California to Europe or Latin America take 5–8 weeks, depending on destination and container type (FCL or consolidated). Including a vehicle typically adds $1,000 to $3,000 to the move, based on size and distance.
Costs vary by container size, port fees, and services like crating or inland transport. Request a personalized moving quote for a detailed breakdown.
Insurance Options for Vehicle Shipping
We recommend all-risk international moving insurance for shipments including vehicles, protecting against damage, theft, or loss. Our policies, underwritten by reputable insurers, cover pickup to delivery. A Los Angeles client moving to Germany insured their car, appreciating our clear claims process.
Learn more at our insurance page.
What to Expect on Delivery Day
Our destination agent schedules a convenient delivery time. Your container is unsealed, and your vehicle is carefully unloaded and inspected. SDC coordinates customs inspections, ensuring a seamless process, as experienced by an Oakland client moving to Mexico.
“SDC’s delivery to Spain was flawless, with our car and furniture intact.”
Couple from Los Angeles
Success Stories from California Expats
SDC has helped countless California expats relocate with their vehicles. A San Francisco family moving to the UK shipped their SUV and furniture seamlessly. A Sacramento retiree moving to Costa Rica praised our customs expertise, avoiding delays.
“SDC made moving our car and household to Germany stress-free.”
Professional from Sacramento
Check our testimonials for more stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are needed to ship a car abroad?
You’ll need the title, registration, passport copy, bill of sale, and lien-free proof. SDC provides destination-specific guidance to ensure compliance.
How long does it take to ship a car internationally?
Shipping from California to Europe or Latin America takes 5–8 weeks, depending on the destination and container type.
Can I ship my car without household goods?
SDC only ships vehicles with household goods in containers, not via RO-RO or standalone methods, for cost and security benefits.
Why SDC Is California’s Trusted Mover
Californians trust SDC for our expertise in West Coast logistics, port scheduling, and comprehensive moves. We handle your vehicle and household goods with care, simplifying your relocation. Contact us at 877-339-0267 or visit www.sdcinternationalshipping.com to plan your move.
