Gift Icon
Get a 20% discount from our partners! Discount code will get added automatically when you submit the form.
yellow A1 Auto Transport carrier on highway
4.7 Star Rating4.7 (67,926 reviews)
96.3% positive
No Surprises, Just Savings: Verified Carriers, Instant Quotes, and Best Price Guarantee!
You save 20% compared to other companies
Get quotes from trusted carriers, thoroughly vetted and fully insured. Enjoy trackable deliveries, fair pricing, and hassle-free transport from start to finish. Transport any type of vehicle and drive away worry-free.
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs
Customer Ratings By Feature
Value for Money ★★★★★ 4.9
Vehicle Care ★★★★★ 4.9
Fast Delivery ★★★★★ 4.9
Friendly Staff ★★★★★ 4.9
Globe
190+
Countries
Served
Car
2M+
Delivered
Services
Car
97%
Customer
Recommended
Dave loved the fast deliveryDave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidanceCourtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair priceJeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safetyMaria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.
Recently featured on USA Today

“A1 Auto Transport became synonymous with top-notch service delivery, unfailing punctuality and constantly preoccupied with customer satisfaction.

See Article— USA Today

How long does it take to ship a car from USA to Japan?

Published by Joe Webster.

How long does it take to ship a car from USA to Japan?

Shipping a car from the USA to Japan typically takes between 4-6 weeks. This timeframe is subject to several factors, such as the port of departure and arrival, as well as the chosen method. The process involves preparing the vehicle, handling logistics, navigating customs procedures, and transit across the ocean. Choosing between different methods, like container or Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO), can also impact the duration. It's crucial to consider the entire journey, including inland haul to and from the ports when calculating the total time.

The process from the USA to Japan is a detailed operation that generally spans 4-6 weeks. This estimated timeframe depends on multiple factors, including the specific ports of departure and arrival, and the method used. Initially, the car must be prepared and inspected before being loaded onto the vessel. The transit across the Pacific Ocean is the longest phase, followed by customs clearance upon arrival. Methods, such as container or Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO), can influence the overall time, making it essential to choose the right service based on your requirements and timelines.

The Role of Distance in the Frame

Distance between pick-up and delivery locations significantly affects time. More distance means more time to haul. This is because long-distance shipments require a lot of planning. This planning may include determining the best routes, weather patterns, and logistical issues.

vessel at port with vehicles lined up nearby

Long-distance shipments often use multiple modes, which can cause transit delays. A cross-country car may travel by road, rail, or sea. If not managed well, switching modes can cause delays. However, an experienced company can reduce these complications, ensuring a smooth process despite the distance.

Pinned
New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.

The Impact of Customs on Duration

From the US to Japan, customs duties can delay moving. These are government import/export taxes. As regulators, customs ensure no illegal or prohibited item crosses borders. Examine and authenticate the paperwork and cargo details in this task. The exporting and importing countries' businesses determine the timeline. If customs officers inspect the cargo or find paperwork errors, delays can occur.

Customs also sometimes have a backlog of shipments to inspect. This occurs during peak seasons or international trade surges. Workload increases dramatically, prolonging wait times. Companies can help prepare vehicles with proper documentation but need help to control customs processing speed. Understanding these potential delays can help set expectations.

Examining the Route

The hauling is a complex process involving multiple stages. The route traverses through thousands of miles, primarily spanning vast oceans, making it an intriguing focus of study. It relies on various mechanisms, such as road carriers, railway systems, and maritime cargo ships.

Global maritime trade has grown robust over time, contributing to moving efficiency. When a car is hauled from the USA, it is typically loaded into a large cargo container, transferred to an ocean freight ship, and embarked on a journey across the sea. The voyage ordinarily passes through the Panama Canal, then navigates across the Pacific Ocean before finally reaching ports. This journey, shaped by technological breakthroughs and geographical constraints, is instrumental in international logistics.

docked vessel and numerous parked vehicles visible

Frequently Asked Questions

Share this content on social media for a chance to get up to 20% off your next shipment.
Copy link

Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

Email Me


Testimonial
Mylene Rutllant
It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.
★★★★★
...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.
Testimonial
Luis Rodriguez
You have my full support and recommendation!
★★★★★
A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!
Testimonial
Cristine Benoit
I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.
★★★★★
There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.
Testimonial
David Osallo
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10!
★★★★★
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us:

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
Copyright © 1988-2025, A-1 Auto Transport - All Rights Reserved.