International Car Shipping Cost Calculator - International Car Transport Cost Calculator
International Car Shipping Rates Calculator
The fact that international car transport often consists of two phases domestic and international auto transport makes it difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the total cost involved to ship a car overseas. When shipping cars overseas, a car shipped from Chicago to Italy for instance must first be transported to a U.S. port for export. This is the local leg of the transportation process and also applies to the importing country if the car needs to be delivered there. The second part of this article will discuss overseas car shipping costs which account for the bulk of the total price tag. You will also be able to use our free car shipping cost calculator to estimate the cost of your international car shipping.
A-1 Auto Transport
When you ship a vehicle domestically to a coastal port for car transport, the car shipping cost calculator will likely be around 50 cents per mile, though you can get a price break if you use the same company for both the domestic and international part of the car transport process. If the vehicle you need to be transported is near an international car shipping terminal, driving it there yourself is also an option and can save you money on the total cost.
Get a FREE overseas auto shipping quote in minutes by using our international car shipping cost calculator to the right! All cost estimates are given in real time by a certified international auto shipper! Call us at the number at the top of the page to learn more! Or make use of our cost calculator.
International Car/Vehicle Transport Costs To Different Countries
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car To Different Countries?
The are two main methods of Shipping cars overseas and they do affect the cost. The first is ocean transport, and the most common of this, is “RORO” car shipping, which stands for roll on, roll off. Essentially, the vehicle is driven onto a ship, where it is then secured for transport, then driven off upon arrival. The other method is transporting the vehicle in a large car shipping container (also aboard a ship). Container car shipping is generally cheaper and it also allows for other items to be delivered along with the car. There is a third option, air freight, which is a premium service and costs two to four times more than standard methods.
Here are some price estimates from the car shipping cost calculator for auto shipping costs to different countries from the U.S. Remember, these are only ballpark figures: they assume the cheapest method of transport from a car shipping port to a destination port and do not include the cost of domestic or overland vehicle transport, or the import fees of specific countries.
- U.S. to Australia - $2,500
- U.S. to United Kingdom - $1,700
- U.S. to Europe - $2,000
- U.S. to China - $3,200
- U.S. to South America - $1,550
- U.S. to Africa - $2,200
- U.S. to Japan - $2,200
- U.S. to Canada - $1,350
- U.S. to Mexico - $1,100
Other Vehicle Cost Considerations When Shipping A Car Between Countries
In addition to the vehicle shipping cost, there are some other financial considerations you should take into account while using a shipping cost calculator for shipping a vehicle to another country.
- Insurance - International automobile shippers must maintain current licensing and insurance to legally move cars between countries. Part of the insurance requirement covers damages to vehicles during car shipping, which is usually included in the price quote. In some cases mainly high-value cars or classic autos additional insurance is recommended and can be purchased. When requesting for a shipping quote, be sure to have insurance cost included.
- Vehicle Standards - Some countries have very specific vehicle specifications that must be met, though there is some consistency thanks to World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. For some countries, a vehicle may have to be under a certain engine displacement level or be a right-side driving vehicle.
- Parts - If you plan on staying in the country you're having a vehicle shipped to, it's a good idea to consider the possibility of having to find replacement parts. More common cars are not a problem to find parts for usually, but classic cars, electric vehicles and high-end models may be trickier in some locations.
- Import Taxes - This is the cost that can really vary from one country to another. The U.S. has agreements with some countries that allow for duty-free vehicle imports, but there is often a value added tax or another type of import fee. Make sure you speak with the auto carrier about this before signing anything so you get an accurate estimation of the cost of vehicle transport.
- Is your car operational? If your car is not operational, it will not be as cost-effective to ship. This is because of the extra work required on the part of the vehicle shipping company to transport your vehicle. Remember, the more work a car shipping company has to do to get your vehicle loaded and unloaded, the more it will cost. Non-operational vehicles also tend to be more expensive because you will be unable to use the “roll on, roll off” shipping method. This is one of the most common methods for loading and unloading vehicles because it requires the least effort.
- How remote is your destination? The less accessible your car's destination is, the more the car shipping cost there will be. For instance, if you need a car shipped to a town that is near a major freeway, a car shipping company can ship your car there fairly easily. However, not all vehicle shipping companies can ship a vehicle to, for example, a small town in the Canadian Rockies.
- How far is your destination? Planning to ship a car overseas can result in a wide range of quotes, depending on distance. Shipping a car from California to Mexico can absolutely cost less than shipping a car from California to Quebec.
- What are the dimensions of your car? When it comes to shipping a vehicle overseas, the size dimensions of your vehicle are important. While some transportation methods provide exclusivity, like exclusive shipping containers for overseas travel, in most cases you will be sharing space with other clients.
- How quickly do you need your car to arrive at its destination? Like most services, the quicker you need something done, the higher the price. The same is true for car shipping, both by land and overseas. There is a ton that needs to be done in order to get a car ready to ship. One thing to consider, especially for land shipments, is that cars are shipped by truck. These trucks are wider than your car, and longer as well. You may be using a trailer or open-air transport, for example.
Things you’ll need to consider for auto transport
- Preparing the vehicle for shipping
- Obtaining and filling out the documentation
- Planning a route
- Getting your car shipped according to your schedule
If you need your vehicle to be shipped fast, or you approach a international car shipping company at the last minute, expect to pay more. Some vehicle shipping companies have set base costs based on the amount of advance notice they receive from clients, much like sending mail at the post office (within 1-2 days/weeks/months, etc.).
If you want a more attractive price quote, consider providing the company with a larger time frame to ship a car overseas.
Lowering Your Transport Rates
These are just some of the factors that go into how automobile shipping and logistics companies determine your shipping rates. With the information gained in this article, you now know how to lower your vehicle shipping rates, or why they are higher as well.
Here's another transport option
Save yourself the hassle and call us. We don't beat around the bush when it comes to transporting your vehicles. We're going to find you the best vehicle shipping rates we can because we don't want to waste anyone's time.
If you want a no-hassle shipping experience, give us a call today for a free shipping quote.
International Auto Transport Resources
- Foreign Motor Vehicle Import Requirements (PDF) - A comprehensive listing of the vehicle requirements for importing a car to different countries around the world.
- International Driving Permit FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the international driving permit from the National Automobile Club. Find out about the benefits, costs, where to apply for one, and which countries recognize the permit.