Importing from Portugal Car Shipping to USA

Importing from Portugal Car Shipping Made Simple

Import Vehicle into the USA from Portugal

A-1 Auto Transport offers professional, second-to-none car shipping services in the USA, including coast-to-coast transits, county-to-county, country-to-country, and international car shipping services. The Latin and Caribbean nations make a great client base from which we import vehicles. Included in such services are import vehicle services into the USA from Portugal.

Getting your vehicle into US soil from foreign overseas lands can be stressful, especially if you do not have a trustworthy and credible auto shipping company to guide you. Inexperienced car relocation companies may get your vehicle stuck on foreign soil if they don’t do things by the book. Who better to import your vehicle from Portugal into the USA than a firm in business for the past 20 years? We are experienced and knowledgeable in the car shipping business. We know what is needed, what is dictated, and what is allowed. The process involves much paperwork, legal implications, and international trade guidelines. Trust us to simplify your work and do the heavy lifting for you. In due time, clients always receive their vehicles after we take on their responsibility.

Choosing Between RoRo and Container Shipping

Selecting the appropriate shipping method is crucial for safely transporting your vehicle. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is often more cost-effective and suitable for standard vehicles, allowing cars to be driven onto the ship. However, container shipping offers enhanced protection against environmental elements and potential damage for luxury, classic, or non-operational vehicles. Assessing the value and condition of your car can guide you in choosing the most suitable shipping option.

By understanding U.S. import regulations, anticipating associated costs, and selecting the appropriate shipping method, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process when importing your vehicle from Portugal to the USA.

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Cost & Time Examples for Relocating a Vehicle from Portugal

From/To	Ocean	Ground	Estimated Time
Portugal to (California port) to San Jose, CA	$3500	$200	30+5 days
Country Limits to (New York port) to Boston, MA	$2100	$400	15+5 days
Portugal to (California port) to Portland, OR	$3500	$475	30+6 days
Country Limits to (California port) to Phoenix, AZ	$3500	$550	30+6 days
Portugal to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC	$2100	$575	15+6 days
Country Limits to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA	$2100	$700	15+6 days
Local Area to (California port) to Denver, CO	$3500	$775	30+7 days
Portugal to (New York port) to Memphis, TN	$2100	$800	15+6 days
Local Area to (New York port) to Miami, FL	$2100	$925	15+7 days
Portugal to (California port) to Dallas, TX	$3500	$1,025	30+7 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save on ground transport costs 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 move a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*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.

Navigating Duties, Taxes, and Fees

When importing a vehicle into the U.S., be prepared for various costs beyond shipping. These may include import duties, typically 2.5% for passenger vehicles, and other fees such as the Harbor Maintenance and Merchandise Processing fees. Additionally, state-specific taxes and registration fees may apply once the car arrives. Understanding these potential expenses upfront can help budget and avoid unexpected costs.

How do we import a vehicle from Portugal into the USA?

Contact Us

Every contract starts with an approach from a participating party. Clients need to approach a qualified automotive company and seek services from it. You must choose a reputable vehicle shifting company with the muscle and resources to do the job. A-1 Auto Transport prides itself on offering the best when it is time to import a vehicle into the USA from Portugal. Our track record speaks for itself. Once you seek our services, we take it upon ourselves to guide you through the rest of the process.

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Planning

Planning is an integral part of the process. The import process starts with planning the mode and means of transportation used to move your vehicle. The most common means of car shipping is ocean freight, while luxurious, high-dollar vehicles are given the chance for air freight due to their financial sensitivity. The clients then decide whether to opt for a roll-on/roll-off mode of transport or an enclosed container mode. Enclosed container mode is the most advised mode, as the vehicle is protected against any external factors that damage it.

The planning also constitutes the mode of delivery. Door-to-door delivery sees your vehicle delivered to your doorstep or office address. Terminal-to-terminal delivery, on the other hand, means that your car will be dropped off at a designated pick-up station.

Understanding U.S. Import Regulations for Vehicles

Importing a vehicle from Portugal to the U.S. requires adherence to specific U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. Vehicles must comply with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards. Verifying if your vehicle meets these standards before initiating the import process is essential. Non-compliant vehicles may need modifications or could be denied entry. Consulting with a Registered Importer (RI) can clarify compliance requirements and streamline importation.

Location & Shipping Ports

Depending on your vehicle is location in Portugal, we arrange for transport to the nearest cargo port or airport. Our local team coordinates with Portuguese port and customs officials directly to handle the necessary logistics and documentation.

Cost Estimation

The total cost to import a vehicle from Portugal into the USA depends on several key factors: shipping distance, vehicle size and weight, and the delivery method selected. While our online estimate tool provides a ballpark figure, final pricing may vary based on real-time conditions at the origin and destination points. We’ll walk you through each cost component so there are no surprises.

Documentation Requirements

Before your vehicle leaves Portugal, local port inspections and customs processing must be cleared. Our team ensures all required documentation is completed accurately, including a thorough pre-transport inspection report. From customs clearance to final paperwork, we help streamline the process to keep your car shipping services on track.

Shipping

After clearance, the vehicle begins to make its way to you. We offer real-time GPS tracking services to our clients so they can track their shipments in real time, which boosts their confidence in us.

Delivery

Once the vehicle arrives in the US, we notify the client as we confirm the exact delivery location. Once the car is delivered, the payment is finalized. Everyone stays happy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required to import a car from Portugal to the USA?

To import a vehicle from Portugal to the U.S., you'll need the original title, a bill of sale, and completed forms HS-7 (for DOT compliance) and EPA 3520-1 (for emissions compliance). If the vehicle doesn't meet U.S. standards, you'll need to work with a DOT-registered importer to modify and certify it. Additionally, a customs entry bond may be required during the import process.

How long does it take to ship a car from Portugal to the U.S.?

Shipping times vary based on the departure and destination ports. For example, shipping from Lisbon to New York typically takes about 20 days, while routes to West Coast ports like Los Angeles can take up to 45 days. These estimates exclude additional time for customs clearance and inland transportation.

What are the import taxes and duties when bringing a car from Portugal to the U.S.?

The U.S. imposes a 2.5% import duty on passenger vehicles based on their declared value. Additional costs may include customs fees, port charges, and potential modifications to meet U.S. safety and emissions standards. It's advisable to consult with a customs broker to get a comprehensive estimate tailored to your specific situation.

Can I import a car from Portugal that is less than 25 years old?

Importing vehicles under 25 years old is possible but requires the car to comply with U.S. safety and emissions standards. If the vehicle doesn't meet these standards, you'll need to engage a DOT-registered importer to bring it into compliance, which can be a complex and costly process.