Shipping A Car from Italy to USA
Import Vehicle Into USA From Italy
Italy is known for high-end luxury items such as watches, suits, and shoes. It is also home to very popular vehicle brands such as Alpha Romeo, Ferrari, Pagani, Maserati, Lamborghini, Fiat, and Lancia. It is, therefore, not strange to find Americans vehicle-shopping in Italy. This trend makes Italy a popular destination and origin for International car shipping companies.
New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.
Cost & Time Examples for Import a Vehicle from Italy
| From/To | Ocean | Ground | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palermo to (New York port) to New York, NY | $1800 | $275 | 19+5 days |
| Napoli to (California port) to Los Angeles | $3700 | $350 | 32+5 days |
| Genoa to (California port) to Las Vegas, NV | $2500 | $450 | 32+5 days |
| Palermo to (California port) to Portland, OR | $3600 | $475 | 32+6 days |
| Napoli to (California port) to Phoenix, AZ | $3700 | $550 | 32+6 days |
| Palermo to (New York port) to Columbus, OH | $1800 | $550 | 19+5 days |
| Genoa to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $1500 | $575 | 18+6 days |
| Genoa to (New York port) to Chicago, IL | $1500 | $675 | 18+6 days |
| Napoli to (New York port) to Miami, FL | $2700 | $925 | 20+7 days |
| Genoa to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $2500 | $1,025 | 32+7 days |
- *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
- *Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
- *Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
- *Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
- *Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
But how is the import vehicle into the USA from Italy process? Read on to find out.
Category of import
There are different categories of car imports - permanent imports and temporary imports. To permanently import a car from Italy to the USA, you are either need to be a US citizen, a US company, or to hold a legal status to live and work in the US.
A vehicle that is imported temporarily stays within the US borders for a maximum of 12 months. Vehicles are temporarily imported for the following reasons;
- Display
- Leisure
- Vacation
- Events
- Repair
Choosing a car
There are strict rules and regulations dictating the type of cars that enter the US. When buying a vehicle in Italy, insist on models manufactured for North America. If you are in the US, first confirm that the specific model you want is not available in local and national car dealerships.
A vehicle imported into the USA should be manufactured to US specifications. If not manufactured for the US, it should be older than 25 years. If it does not meet these two specifications, then it should be imported temporarily.
Car Hauling Options
After confirming that the vehicle is eligible for importing to the US, you need to find an international car hauling company. If you are in the US, find a relocating company that ships to ports in Italy. Similarly, if you are in Italy, consult a company that delivers to the US.
RoRo ships are the most common method of international vehicle transport used by auto hauling businesses. RoRo ships are built specifically to carry vehicles. Just like you would drive your car into a parking garage, the vehicles being moved are driven onto the ship (roll on). The cars are safely fastened within the ship. When the ship docks, the passengers are "rolled off" by being driven to the ground.
The other option is transporting the vehicle in a container. The RoRo method is cheaper than the container method. Also, the departure and arrival dates for the RoRo vessels are highly reliable.
Most international companies offer port-to-port shifting. Others can make arrangements for port-to-door, door-to-port, and the most convenient but expensive option, which is door-to-door.
Cost
Distance is the major factor that affects the cost of moving. For instance, it will cost more to relocate from Italy to the US West Coast than to the US East Coast. In RoRo shipping, the size of the vehicle also affects the price. Relocating companies are interested in the space the vehicle occupies, not its weight. Compare quotes from different companies to try and get the best price.
Make sure that you insure your cargo by taking a marine cargo insurance policy. Most companies have cargo insurance, but it is better to be sure. Their coverage might be smaller than all the cargo in transit.
Documents needed
Before you can import vehicle into USA from Italy, there are documents needed for clearance. These are:
- Proof of ownership documents
- Driving license
- Passport
- Vehicle’s registration plates
There are also custom duty fees that you need to pay at the port. Your company should help you with this. Also, you have to provide the company with the car keys, including the ignition key, car trunk keys and any other keys to any locked compartment in the car. Please note that international hauling companies do not allow you to put any personal belongings in the car to be transported. Here are more tips on preparing a car for shipping.
Customs clearance
After making the shipping arrangements, you should contact US customs. Give them the expected date of arrival. The shipment will be cleared through the Customs Office at the first port of entry. However, you can make arrangements with a freight forwarder to have the car sent in bond to a customs office near or more convenient to you.
The customs office will need to see:
- Shippers bill of lading
- The Italian vehicle registration documents
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Complete EPA form 3520-1 (this form confirms that the vehicle conforms with the EPA’s vehicle emission requirements)
- Manufacturer’s printed vehicle specifications (in English)
That is how to import vehicle into USA from Italy. The process is straightforward once you familiarize yourself with it. Just remember that the vehicle you buy should be manufactured for North America, which all Italian manufacturers do, and conform with EPA’s emission regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Italy to the United States?
Shipping a vehicle from Italy to the U.S. usually costs $1,200 to $3,500 depending on shipping method, vehicle size, port location, and seasonal demand. Roll-on/roll-off transport is typically cheaper, while container shipping costs more but provides extra protection. Additional expenses may include import duties, port handling fees, and customs documentation. Shipping from major Italian ports such as Genoa or Livorno can lower costs due to better carrier availability. Learn more about pricing factors in this international car shipping guide.
How long does shipping a car from Italy to the USA take?
Transit time for shipping a car from Italy to the United States is typically 18 to 35 days depending on the departure port, destination port, shipping method, and customs processing time. Direct routes from ports like Genoa to East Coast ports such as New York or Baltimore are usually faster. Container shipments may take slightly longer due to consolidation and handling. Weather conditions in the Atlantic and port congestion can also affect schedules during peak shipping seasons.
What shipping methods are used when importing Italian cars to the U.S.?
The two most common methods are roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo allows vehicles to be driven directly onto the vessel, making it the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Container shipping places the vehicle inside a sealed container, providing better protection for luxury, exotic, or classic Italian cars. The choice depends on vehicle value, budget, and preferred security level. Details on RoRo pricing and logistics are explained here: RoRo vehicle shipping costs.
What documents are required to import a car from Italy to the United States?
Importing a vehicle from Italy requires several key documents including the original vehicle title, bill of sale, shipping bill of lading, EPA Form 3520-1, and DOT Form HS-7. U.S. Customs also requires identification and proof the vehicle meets federal safety and emissions standards. Vehicles over 25 years old are generally exempt from certain compliance rules, making classic Italian cars easier to import. Customs clearance typically occurs at the arrival port before the vehicle can be released.
Should luxury Italian cars be shipped in enclosed containers?
High-value vehicles such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and vintage Alfa Romeo models are typically shipped using sealed containers or enclosed transport. This method protects the vehicle from salt air, weather exposure, and port handling risks during the transatlantic journey. While container shipping may cost 20 to 40 percent more, it provides added security and allows the vehicle to be secured with specialized equipment. For high-end vehicles, many importers choose enclosed auto transport for maximum protection.
Can I buy cars for sale in Italy and ship them to the U.S.?
Yes, many buyers purchase cars for sale in Italy and ship them to the United States, especially classic Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Fiat models. The key requirement is ensuring the vehicle meets U.S. EPA and DOT import regulations or qualifies for the 25 year classic vehicle exemption. Buyers typically arrange inland transport to a port such as Genoa or Naples before overseas shipping. Protective container transport is often used for rare or collectible Italian cars.
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter
Google 
Instagram 
Dave C. 
Courtney J. 
Jeff D. 
Maria L. 
