How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car Overseas?

As of September 29, 2026, ocean shipping a standard car from the U.S. typically costs about $1,000 to $5,000, before destination duties and taxes. RoRo commonly falls toward the lower end, while container service can cost more depending on the route, vehicle size, and whether the container is shared or dedicated. U.S. transport to the export port and delivery beyond the destination port can also raise the total, so compare quotes with the same service scope.

An overseas car shipping quote may include ocean freight and some origin handling, but the exact inclusions depend on the service and carrier. Confirm whether your price covers U.S. pickup, export documentation, terminal handling, marine cargo coverage, destination handling, customs brokerage, and final inland delivery. Import duties, taxes, storage, and registration costs are often separate and vary by destination. Compare the line items in each quote rather than relying only on the headline freight price.

For a running standard vehicle, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is usually the cheapest overseas shipping method, with U.S.-origin rates often starting around $900 to $1,500 on suitable routes. The vehicle must be operable and accepted at the chosen RoRo ports. Shared-container shipping can also be economical when consolidation space is available, while a dedicated container normally costs more. A1's RoRo shipping cost guide explains how the method works.

Overseas car shipping by ocean commonly takes about 2 to 8 weeks port-to-port for U.S.-origin routes. Europe can be closer to two to four weeks, while some Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Oceaniaroutes can take four to eight weeks. That transit window begins after export processing and loading, so pickup to the port, vessel scheduling, container consolidation, and destination customs can extend the full shipment timeline. Ask for both the sailing estimate and the expected pickup-to-release timeframe.

Yes. A car can be shipped from the U.S. to many overseas destinations by RoRo or container service, provided it meets U.S. export rules and the destination country's import requirements. The vehicle normally moves from pickup or port drop-off through export clearance, ocean transport, destination customs, and release. Air freight is available on some routes but costs substantially more than ocean transport. A1's international car shipping service covers the main transport methods and destination options.

Yes. An international car shipping cost calculator can provide an early estimate using the origin, destination, vehicle, and shipping method. It is a budgeting estimate, not a final invoice, because inland transport, port charges, customs services, and destination fees can change the total. Enter the same vehicle and route details you expect to book so the estimate reflects the planned shipment. A1's international shipping cost calculator provides a starting point before you request a confirmed quote.

For a used vehicle titled in the U.S., CBP requires ownership documentation such as the original title or a certified copy, and Electronic Export Information must be filed through AES. CBP guidance requires the export documents for used self-propelled vehicles at least 72 hours before export, with the vehicle presented for inspection and VIN verification as required. Lienholder authorization may also be necessary, while destination-country documents vary. A1's international car shipping documentation guide covers additional preparation.

Yes. A non-running car can be shipped overseas, but container service is usually the practical option because standard RoRo service generally requires a vehicle that can be driven onto and off the vessel. Loading may require a winch, forklift, or similar equipment, which can increase handling costs. Tell the shipping company about the vehicle's condition before booking, including whether it rolls, steers, and brakes, so the correct loading method and port arrangements can be confirmed.