Ship Car Illinois to Europe Cost

How to Ship a Car from Illinois to Europe: International Transport Options

Navigating the intricacies of international auto transportation can be daunting, especially when moving your vehicle from Illinois to Europe. But no worries! With the right tips and a reliable transport partner by your side, this seemingly complex task can turn into an easy ride. Our guide will shed light on various international transport options, helping you conquer logistical challenges and ensure a safe, foolproof journey for your car across the Atlantic. Buckle up as we journey together in demystifying the ins and outs of shipping a car from Illinois to Europe!

Shipping a car from Illinois to Europe can be done through various auto transport services. At A1 Auto Transport, we specialize in international car shipping and can assist you with the process. You would typically need to choose between container shipping or RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping based on your preferences and budget. Our experienced team will handle all the necessary paperwork, logistics, and ensure the safe transportation of your vehicle to Europe. It's important to consult with us for a personalized quote and further guidance on the specific requirements and regulations for shipping a car from Illinois to Europe.

Ship a Car to Europe from Illinois: Process Outline

Shipping a car overseas can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and assistance, it can be a stress-free experience. The process of shipping a vehicle from Illinois to Europe typically involves several crucial steps that are essential in ensuring the car arrives at its destination without any hiccups. It's necessary to engage the services of a reputable shipping company to make this journey possible.

Think of shipping a car overseas as embarking on an adventure; thorough preparation goes a long way in ensuring its success.

• As per the data available in 2020, car shipping industry in U.S. was valued at approximately $12 billion.
• According to the American Moving & Storage Association, roughly 0.7% of all moves in 2019 were international, with a significant portion of these including vehicle transport.
• A study by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics indicates that over 15 million vehicles were shipped overseas from the United States in the year 2022, illustrating the increasing trend of automotive shipping.

Crucial Steps of Shipping a Car Overseas

Once you've hired a reputable shipping company to handle your vehicle's transport, you must take the necessary steps to prepare the car for shipment. One crucial step involves removing all personal items from the vehicle, including electronics and other valuables. It would be best if you then washed and thoroughly cleaned both the exterior and interior of the car. This makes it much easier for inspectors to examine the vehicle upon arrival.

The following table highlights some critical steps when shipping your car from Illinois to Europe:

After adequately preparing your vehicle for export, it's time to carry out temporary changes such as emptying fuel tanks and disconnecting alarms before boarding the ship at the port. During embarkation, ensure that all documents like registration papers, billing statements or an invoice for taxes paid are provided.

Choosing an appropriate transport method for shipping your vehicle is also important. The available options for shipping cars to Europe from Illinois include Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) transportation wherein vehicles are driven onto and off a specialized ship, containerized shipping which involves the car being placed within a container, or airfreight transportation which is much more expensive.

Lastly, you'll have to facilitate customs clearance procedures before your car can be released at the port of destination. These procedures include filing necessary paperwork such as Import Declarations, Certificate of Origin, Bill of Lading, among others.

Be sure to engage your shipping company in every step of the process - they have the experience and expertise to ensure everything goes as planned.

Now that we've explored some crucial steps involved in shipping a car overseas let's dive into understanding import duties and regulations specific to Europe.

• When shipping a car overseas, it is essential to hire a reputable shipping company and prepare the vehicle for transport. This involves removing all personal items, cleaning both the exterior and interior, and implementing temporary changes such as lowering fuel levels. Providing important documentation, choosing an appropriate transportation method (RoRo or container), and completing customs clearance procedures are also crucial steps. Engaging the shipping company throughout the process is highly recommended. Additionally, understanding import duties and regulations specific to Europe is necessary for a smooth shipping experience.

Import Duties and Regulations in Europe

Before shipping your car from Illinois to Europe, it is crucial to understand the import duties and regulations that apply to your destination country. The European Union's (EU) regulations are designed to protect the environment, consumer safety and ensure fair competition. All shipments must comply with these guidelines.

Let us now discuss European customs requirements and how they affect the shipping process.

European Customs Requirements

To ship a car from Illinois to Europe, you need to follow various documents. The first document is a copy of the vehicle title showing proof of ownership, an environmental protection agency certificate confirming that the car meets emission standards, and a bill of sale to prove that the vehicle belongs to you.

For vehicles older than six months, it is essential to apply for a Certificate of Conformity (COC). The COC confirms that your vehicle meets EU technical standards. Be prepared to provide engine capacity, fuel type, chassis number or VIN as well as emissions data. Any deviation from this standard could result in your vehicle being turned away at the port.

Vehicles arriving in Europe from outside the EU must be cleared through customs before they can be driven on public roads. You will have to pay Value Added Tax (VAT), which is calculated based on the car's value and varies by country. Additionally, you may also have to pay registration and road tax fees in some countries.

For instance, if you are importing your car into Italy, you must submit your invoice along with other required documents within 180 days from when the car arrives in Italy.

It would help if you also remembered that different countries have distinct custom requirements. Familiarize yourself with what applies in your destination country before shipping your car.

Now that we know about European custom requirements let us transition into picking a suitable company to handle your shipment.

Choosing the Appropriate Shipping Company

Shipping a car to Europe can be a daunting task, but hiring a reputable shipping company can make the process significantly easier. The first step in choosing the appropriate shipping company is to research your options thoroughly. Look for companies with experience in shipping vehicles overseas and determine whether they offer services that fit your needs.

For example, suppose you need to transport a luxury vehicle. In that case, it's essential to choose a company that specializes in handling high-end cars to ensure it arrives at its destination without any damage.

Once you have a list of potential companies, check their references and reviews from previous clients to gauge their reputation. You can also refer to online marketplaces like Transport Reviews or Angie’s List for additional feedback.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best choice when it comes to shipping a vehicle overseas. Look for companies that offer comprehensive services and provide insurance coverage during transportation.

Comparison of Rates and Services

After narrowing down your list of potential shipping companies, it's time to compare rates and services offered by each one. Get quotes from each company and compare them side-by-side to identify the best value for money.

When comparing rates, it's essential to understand what each service includes. For instance, RORO shipping may be less expensive than enclosed container shipping, but it doesn't offer as much protection from external factors like weather or potential theft.

When comparing services, consider the shipment duration and whether it aligns with your timeline. For example, if you need your vehicle to arrive quickly, air freight may be the best option.

Ultimately, the choice of a shipping company will depend on your budget and requirements, but careful research and comparison can help you make an informed decision.

Preparations Before International Transport

Shipping your car overseas to Europe is a significant undertaking. Before initiating the international transportation process, it's important to prepare your car adequately for the journey. This entails a detailed inspection of your car's condition, checking for any pre-existing damages or leaks, and ensuring that all parts are working correctly. Based on the inspection results, you might consider performing necessary repairs.

It's also crucial that you remove all personal belongings from the vehicle before shipment. Shipping companies aren't liable for damaged or lost personal items.

Once you have confirmed that your car is in an optimal condition for shipping, it's time to shift focus to securing the required documentation.

Documentation and Vehicle Condition Checks

Documentation plays an essential role in facilitating successful transportation procedures. As such, ensure that you secure all necessary paperwork before shipping your car from Illinois to Europe. Your vehicle will require a set of specific documentation based on both your origin and destination countries' regulations.

Commonly required documents include insurance certificates, licenses, purchase agreements, and proof of ownership. Some international shippers may request additional information related to customs clearance processes.

In addition, conducting vehicle condition checks is critical when preparing for international deliveries. It would be best if you documented every scratch or dent on your car before transport so that you can compare its exact state upon arrival at the destination port.

Once these preparations are complete and proper documentation has been secured, it's time to choose a reliable auto shipping company that will take care of the rest. There are various reputable auto transport providers with many years of experience in moving vehicles overseas.

For example, West Coast Shipping has been transporting classic cars to Europe safely for over 10 years. They specialize in collecting vehicles from anywhere in the states, loading them safely into a container before delivering them right to your door in Europe.

So whether you're shipping a new or classic car abroad, completing thorough pre-transportation preparations and securing proper documentation can make a world of difference. Don't forget to choose a reliable transportation provider to give you peace of mind during one of the most significant undertakings in your life.