Import Cars from UK to USA

Import Vehicle Into USA From The UK

In 2016, the United States overtook China as the largest importer of vehicles from the UK. The country has seen a record high in exports, which is attributed to the international appeal of car brands manufactured in Britain. Some of the popular car brands exported into the US include Range Rover, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Even so, getting a car imported into the US involves a unique process that must be well understood to be successful. If you will have a vehicle shipped from the UK to the USA, here are some facts to help make your car shipment journey much smoother.

Cost & Time Examples for Moving a Car from the UK

1. *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
2. *Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
3. *Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
4. *Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to haul a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
5. *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.

Ascertain the Eligibility of the Vehicle

Before shipping, confirming whether your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria is essential. If followed, the requirements should show you whether importation is possible or modifications must be done beforehand. The safety and emissions standards in the US are quite strict, making it essential to understand those that govern the type of imported vehicle. You will also be required to give reasons for importation into the US as well as clarifications on your personal status as well.

Understand Auto Shipping Regulations

Vehicles manufactured outside the US must adhere to the country's safety and emissions standards. These regulations are stiffer for cars that are below twenty-five years of age. However, a majority already conform to the standards before being allowed in. Most of the time, importing such vehicles depends on your ability to make the required modifications. These modifications are usually done with the guidance of a ‘Registered Importer’ (RI) or Independent Commercial Importer (ICI). The government registers these officials and is skilled in making various adjustments so that your car meets the correct US use standards.

Hire Registered Movers

Registered importers are crucial when importing vehicles from the UK into the USA. They are best placed to confirm whether your car will have to be modified before being allowed into the US or not. These importers work closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency responsible for maintaining high safety standards on roads and motor vehicles. The agency has a list of registered importers on its site, making contacting genuine ones to assist with modifications easy. Even so, getting modifications done on your vehicle that is being imported into the USA from the UK can be time-consuming. It is, therefore, advisable to confirm eligibility through the NHTSA before starting the hauling process to the US.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Clean and remove any potentially harmful pests from your vehicle before releasing it for hauling. Pay particular attention to the dashboard, the floor, the corners, the wheel wells, the mudflaps, and the tires, especially the spare. Insects and cobwebs lurking in these nooks and crannies can cause a holdup at customs. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors will delay and add expense to the process if a truck fails to pass a cleanliness inspection.

Prepare Documentation For Shipping To the US

Apart from working with a dependable shipping company to import vehicles into the USA from the UK, there is some documentation you need to provide them. Most of the time, having these documents and following the required procedure makes it easy to import a vehicle from the UK into the USA. The documents are usually provided as copies of the original, including the valid license document of the car, passport, and MOT certificate. In most cases, the MOT certificate is needed for vehicles that must be picked up in an open or enclosed carrier from your residence in the UK.

Transport

When your vehicle leaves the UK, it should be accompanied by a bill of lading from your shipping company. This document should have information about the car being shipped to the USA, including the estimated arrival date and relevant contact details. Once the vehicle arrives in America, port delivery charges are cleared by making payments to receiving agents. These processes are handled by hauler agents who have experience handling such processes for their clients. Also, after clearance and the procedure of importation of the vehicle into the USA from the UK are concluded, you will need to register your vehicle. This is done at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

To easily import a vehicle from the UK into the USA, contact us through our Contact Us page.