Importing your Vehicle Into USA From UAE
The allure of setting up a business or working for a multinational in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen many people move to the region from countries like the US. Most times, they buy vehicles to make transportation easier when going to work or enjoying the weekends with friends. In the event that the job contract ends or they decide to relocate, many make the decision to go back with home with their cars. However, it is important to be aware that vehicle importation into USA is a process that requires patience and understanding, if you are to be successful. Here are some tips to make it easier for you to import vehicle into USA from UAE.
Cost & Time Examples for Import a Car from UAE
| From/To | Ocean | Ground | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE to (California port) to San Jose, CA | $3400 | $200 | 40+5 days |
| UAE to (California port) to Los Angeles | $3400 | $350 | 40+5 days |
| UAE to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $4300 | $400 | 30+5 days |
| UAE to (California port) to Phoenix, AZ | $3400 | $550 | 40+6 days |
| UAE to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $4300 | $575 | 30+6 days |
| UAE to (New York port) to Chicago, IL | $4300 | $675 | 30+6 days |
| UAE to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $4300 | $700 | 30+6 days |
| UAE to (California port) to Denver, CO | $3400 | $775 | 40+7 days |
| UAE to (New York port) to Miami, FL | $4300 | $925 | 30+7 days |
| UAE to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $3400 | $1,025 | 40+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.
Confirm eligibility of vehicle
For your vehicle to be allowed into the USA, it must meet the regulations set up by importing authority in the country. Cars must meet the safety and emission standards in the US before owners are permitted to import vehicle into USA from UAE. You will also need to explain the reason for bringing the vehicle into the country and your individual status as well. The rules are quite strict and must be adhered to for importation to be successful. In some cases, getting confirmation that you can import your vehicle takes time, making it important to wait for the go ahead before making decisions that may end up increasing its overall shipping costs.
Hire a reliable shipping company
When you receive confirmation that your vehicle is eligible for importation, you can begin looking for a shipping company. There are many companies that offer auto shipping services in the UAE and United States, making it important to do some research and select the best one for you. Ensure that they are a registered importer and will be able to deliver the vehicle in one piece. They should also advise you on the best way to prepare the vehicle for transportation so as to avoid unnecessary delays. Registered shipping companies often focus on making the move from UAE to America as smooth as possible.
A-1 Auto Transport ships vehicles worldwide. Click here or call 1-800-518-8708 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote to ship your car.
Get your export insurance certificate
When planning to export your car from the UAE, you will need to visit one of the offices put up by the Road Transport Authority in the country. These offices are set up to assist locals and foreigners that want to export their cars. At the office, you will be issued with an export insurance certificate which comes at a cost of approximately AED 70. The certificate which acts as insurance for your vehicle gives you two weeks to ship the car to the USA before it expires.
De-register your vehicle
To import vehicle into USA from UAE, car owners must go through a de-registration process while still in the country. They are required to present themselves at the transport authority offices with necessary documents which include vehicle registration card, Export Insurance Certificate, driving license, and current number plates. Once all documents are submitted to the office and payment made, you will be given an export certificate which gives you the go ahead for importation of your car into the United States. The certificate must be presented to the officer in charge, who will then give you blue license plates indicating that your car is ready for export.
Prepare your vehicle
Before handing over your car to a shipping company it is important to remove everything in it. Most insurance companies that cover vehicles that are being shipped to the USA from UAE discourage packing of items such as boxes during shipping and view them as a liability. Also, majority of shipping companies that move vehicles between these two locations often drain fuel from the tank and disconnect the car battery for safety purposes. If unsure of the items that cannot be transported with your vehicle, confirm with your shipping company.
Arrange for delivery in America
Depending on the shipping company hired to import vehicle into USA from UAE, you may need to arrange for pickup or have it delivered to you. Some companies offer door to door delivery which is convenient for car owners that may already be in the US when the car arrives. However, if you will not be in the country for one reason or another, the best option is to have it dropped off at the terminal of the shipping company for pickup later.
For the best services in importation of vehicles into the USA from UAE, talk to a member of our sales team through our Contact us page.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
