How Expensive is it to Ship a Car from Europe to the USA?

1. Importing a Car from Europe Efficiently
2. The Cost of Bringing a Car from Europe to the USA
3. Are You Importing a Car from Europe You Don't Understand or Can't Drive?
4. Other Factors to Account For
5. How to Import a Car from Europe Faster Three Favorable Scenarios
6. Antique and classic cars
7. Government or military cars
8. Temporary imports
9. Get All the Paperwork Ready
10. Relevant Statistics
11. General Facts
12. Conclusion

An iconic European sports car is every car enthusiast's dream. But is it available here in America? You may have to buy it in Europe. Or are you moving from Europe and want to bring your current vehicle?

Shipping your car from Europe to America can be intimidating and costly.

How much does shipping your dream car from Europe to America cost, and should it make financial sense? And now, we will learn how expensive it is to send a car from Europe to America.

Importing a Car from Europe Efficiently

Following these steps, you can bring a car from Europe quickly and efficiently. First, decide between purchasing it online, from the manufacturer, or an overseas seller. After that, there are various important considerations when importing one from Europe.

Before initiating the car import process, ensure all necessary paperwork exists for you and the European country from where the car originated. Also, confirm the eligibility of the car for import to the U.S. as not all vehicles can be imported. Check if there are no restrictions before you place an order or import it .

Other considerations for import services should include the following:

• Taxes and customs fees applicable in your own country
• Taxes and customs fees applicable in the country of origin
• Tax preferences; preferred destination ports
• Shipping method options available to them
• Completion of EU Certificate of Conformity documents
• Adequate international transportation insurance policies

Experienced professionals like A1 Auto Transport can often be the key to successful car transporting services.

Their knowledge of customs regulations for different countries allows them to advise you on what steps need to be taken next for the successful delivery of your car.

The Cost of Bringing a Car from Europe to the USA

If you ask how expensive it is to bring a car into the country from the US, the answer is: it can be quite expensive.

Shipping by sea will cost anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000. There will be taxes and duties for each vehicle entering the US border, and be required to fill the form . Except if there is an exemption, a regular tax of 2.5% is applied to cars. Motorcycles are less at 2.4% or lower.

Bigger vehicles may incur a bigger surcharge. There's also the gas-guzzler tax for cars with low fuel economy ratings.

The cost will rise if you ship the vehicle by air. Air freight is generally more expensive to ship cargo of any kind.

Importing from different European countries will also affect the price. Here is the cost projection for shipping a car from specific European countries:

• Import from Germany or the UK: around $1,850
• Import from Sweden or Spain: around $2,250
• Import from France: around $2,450
• Import from Finland or Norway: around 2,750

Many individuals may not realize that domestic shipping regulations won't necessarily correspond with international ones. And a lack of awareness surrounding international laws and procedures could complicate matters further. So research carefully before importing a car from Europe.

Are You Importing a Car from Europe You Don't Understand or Can't Drive?

Importing a vehicle from Europe can be an unforgettable experience, even if you can't legally drive it yourself. It could be that this particular model is no longer sold here in America or for other reasons.

While this process will likely involve more paperwork and planning, you can still accomplish it. Before purchasing any vehicle, ensure it complies with current law by checking its compatibility.

Any necessary modifications include changing its odometer reading or altering exhaust systems to pass emissions standards compliance tests successfully and comply with safety standards.

You will also need research regarding necessary documents and the process for getting them before any potential overseas purchase occurs.

Converting European cars into ones legal here can take considerable time and energy. Finding an already compliant version might be best so you don't need to jump through many hoops yourself.

Once all documents are in order, however, shipping should become far cheaper.

Other Factors to Account For

Shipping an international vehicle entails many variables, and cost-effective quotes depend on more than distance or accessibility alone.

Allocating modes of transport such as air, sea, or ground transport as part of planning any shipping job can significantly impact costs.

Proper preparation and safeguarding can substantially affect the price, from shrink wrapping to using crates to ensure optimal protection from weather elements and external influences to giving specific instructions as to where on your new property you would like the car placed upon arrival. Any extra charges could apply if needed.

European Union countries typically utilize standardized customs fees when importing vehicles from overseas.

However, paperwork requirements vary widely between nations, necessitating additional steps and regulations and impacts on budgeting considerations due to vehicle dimensions or weight.

Locating an experienced international shipper familiar with each country's laws is paramount. Selecting such a provider increases any venture's chance of success by eliminating unexpected obstacles.

How to Import a Car from Europe Faster: Three Favorable Scenarios

If you want to import a car more quickly from Europe, here are three scenarios that can make the process less cumbersome and straightforward.

Let's consider these approaches, which make the whole thing much less daunting!

Antique and classic cars

Importing cars, SUVs, and trucks is often not straightforward due to the regulations and paperwork involved, with shipping cars to Europe potentially becoming complex due to different rules being in effect.

A common misperception among many may be that importing is similarly straightforward. This may not always be true depending on where one lives in terms of regulations in force.

One effective solution to this dilemma is importing classic and antique cars into the US. The process is far simpler as these cars do not need to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

However, classic cars must fulfill certain criteria to qualify for importation. Age and condition must meet customs regulations before vintage vehicles enter any country's borders.

While this should pose no difficulty for avid collectors, it should certainly be explored when transporting classic automobiles across national boundaries.

Government or military cars

Government or military cars are any vehicles purchased by an international government, embassy, or military organization.

Buying such an imported car is something that will help streamline the importation process if you provide official orders from relevant organizations accompanied by your purchase order.

As such, modifications may make importing the car difficult and selling it later more challenging.

People looking to purchase these cars should ensure the necessary documentation from related entities exists before proceeding with any purchase decision.

Governments and militaries often have strict processes when discharging assets, so such paperwork must be in order before purchasing.

Avoiding legal challenges associated with import laws and registration can help ensure smooth operations when arriving on-site.

Furthermore, dealers specializing in government or military vehicle sales usually offer detailed information regarding each model they sell and all paperwork needed for successful importation.

Temporary imports

Temporary import can be ideal for visitors or non-residents needing to bring a foreign vehicle into the US. The basic criteria require both parties involved to arrive simultaneously at customs. In other words, both must clear it.

Temporarily import their vehicle for vacations, events, or races without buying new ones. Not only is this option helpful for visitors, but expats may also find this provision particularly advantageous.

Because individual circumstances vary greatly between cases, expats should consult an expert shipping specialist in advance for guidance regarding this provision.

Applying this rule makes bringing your car from Europe for one year possible and acceptable. As long as both owner and car arrive together on arrival day, everything should go as planned.

But with temporary car imports, there's one key exception: cars brought into the US through temporary imports cannot be sold. Instead, they must be returned within the period given for clearance to comply with all regulations while staying here in America.

Get All the Paperwork Ready

As part of importing a car, all paperwork must be in order. This paperwork includes documents related to the vehicle itself (such as proof of ownership documents) and those necessary for your identification as an importer like a bill of lading, and any applicable employer identification numbers (EIN).

Different regulations may exist depending on the country you import goods, and interpretations could differ significantly.

It is wise to consult an experienced carrier who can advise what documents or items will be necessary to clear customs smoothly. This measure will protect against complications at customs.

When trying to clear customs, paperwork issues may present serious complications. Customs officials can only accept entry if the importer submits essential documentation.

Delays such as these can drive up overall vehicle shipping costs significantly, so organizing and presenting paperwork properly beforehand can prove extremely advantageous.

Relevant Statistics

• On average, the cost to import a car from Europe to the United States ranges between $3,500 and $7,000.
• Approximately 65% of the total cost is comprised of transportation fees, including shipping and handling.
• Import duties and taxes account for around 20% of the overall expense when bringing a car from Europe.
• Depending on the vehicle's value, customs duties can range from 2.5% to 10%, with an average rate of 6%.
• Additional expenses, such as customs brokerage fees or compliance modifications, make up roughly 15% of the total import cost.

General Facts

• The cost of importing a car from Europe varies depending on factors such as the make and model of the car, its age, and the destination country.
• Importing a car may involve costs such as transportation fees, customs duties, taxes, and additional fees for compliance with local regulations.
• Hiring a customs broker or agent can help navigate the import process and ensure compliance, but it may also add to the overall cost.
• Importing a car from Europe often requires documentation such as proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and vehicle inspection reports.
• It's important to consider potential additional expenses after importing, including registration fees, insurance costs, and any required modifications to meet local regulations.

Conclusion

At first, shipping your car from Europe to the US may seem arduous and costly. But with proper research and planning, it's certainly achievable.

From understanding cost implications to finding cost-efficient shippers, you can take steps to make this journey smoother and less expensive.

So if you're considering importing a car from Europe, don't let initial sticker shock put off the decision. There may still be ways of making it work.

Do you still have questions or need assistance shipping cars from Europe to the US, A1 Auto Transport can help. We are a global vehicle shipping company Our expertise as one of the premier auto transport providers ensures seamless service delivery.

Browse our services and get an instant custom quote today.