Ship Car San Bernardino to Europe Cost

Effortless Guide to Ship Car San Bernardino to Europe: Cost & Tips

Need to ship your car from San Bernardino to Europe? This guide offers you the crucial information and tips for a smooth and cost-effective transition. Understand your options for shipping, learn about the necessary preparations, and get insights into the costs involved, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and without unnecessary expense. Ship car San Bernardino to Europe with confidence, knowing you’ve made the right choice.

Key Takeaways

Shipping a car from San Bernardino to Europe involves straightforward steps, including choosing a reputable shipping company, determining shipping method (door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal), and completing the necessary documentation and pre-shipping preparations.

The cost of shipping varies based on factors such as choice between RoRo or container shipping, vehicle size and weight, and any additional import and customs fees. RoRo is generally more affordable, while container shipping is more secure.

Selecting the right auto transport company is crucial, as it should have a strong reputation, relevant experience, appropriate licensing, insurance coverage, and be able to guide you smoothly through the shipping process and customs clearance in Europe.

Shipping Your Car from San Bernardino to Europe: The Process

Contrary to what you might initially think, shipping a car internationally isn’t a complex process. It involves a set of straightforward steps, starting with obtaining a complimentary quote from a reputable auto transport company. In San Bernardino, the best auto transport companies, such as Greenline Van Lines and Sell & Auto Transport provide international shipping services. These companies can guide you through the regulations in your destination country regarding vehicles and vehicle importation.

Following this, you must determine your preferred shipping method. You can either deliver your car to the shipping company in San Bernardino, or arrange for a door-to-door service where the company picks it up from your location. Companies like A1 Auto Transport provide a cost-effective shipping preparation system to save you money on your shipment. If you plan ahead, brokers can identify carriers that can accommodate your specific needs at a reduced cost.

This process heavily revolves around convenience. That’s why the door to door shipping-to-door car transport service is a popular choice. The auto carriers bring the truck close to your location to pick up your car, making the shipping process convenient whether you’re in San Bernardino or beyond.

Documentation Requirements

Just like any other form of international transport, shipping a car from San Bernardino to Europe requires you to fulfill certain documentation requirements. One of the first things you’ll need is proof of ownership. This could be a clear copy of the vehicle’s title or a notarized letter from the lienholder granting the authorization for shipment.

If you have owned the car for more than 6 months, you should prepare a bill of sale. For classic or antique cars, you need to:

File an EPA form 3520-1

Provide two copies of a government-issued ID

Provide the vehicle title or a certified copy

Provide proof of ownership

Provide a consignee’s passport copy for customs.

Checking with your chosen used auto transport service company for any additional documentation requirements is always beneficial.

Pre-Shipping Preparations

It’s vital that your car is in a condition suitable for shipping. This involves a comprehensive cleaning of both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Any interior cleaning or shampooing should be done at least 14 days prior to shipment. Your vehicle needs to meet the cleanliness criteria established by the USDA for San Bernardino international car shipping regulations.

Personal belongings should be removed from your car before shipping it to Europe. This is important to mitigate the potential risk of damage or loss during transportation. The necessary documentation for shipping a car from San Bernardino to Europe includes proof of vehicle ownership and import and export documents. You must also provide two forms of identification, such as a passport and another form of ID.

Cost of Shipping a Car from San Bernardino to Europe

A few key factors determine the cost of shipping a car from San Bernardino to Europe. These include the shipping method you choose, the dimensions of your car, and any additional fees and taxes you may incur.

Different shipping methods come with different costs. For instance, RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) shipping is typically the most cost-effective method. Containerized shipping, though more expensive, provides the option to share the container for reduced costs.

The size and weight of your car also affect the shipping costs when it comes to shipping cars. Larger and heavier cars incur higher shipping costs due to the space they occupy on the shipping vessel, and their impact on fuel consumption. There are strategies to lower these expenses, such as:

Leveraging available discounts

Selecting terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door service

Making advance bookings for car shipment to secure the most favorable price.

Shipping Method Costs

The cost of shipping your car from San Bernardino to Europe largely depends on the shipping method you choose. If you opt for the RoRo method, you can expect to pay between $850 to $1350. This method involves your car being driven onto a ship at the loading port and driven off at the destination port.

Alternatively, you may choose container shipping, although the cost can vary depending on the size of the container, the destination in Europe, and the shipping company. The cost of RoRo shipping is influenced by the size and type of car shipped, as larger vehicles take up more space on the ship, potentially reducing the number of vehicles that can be transported. Moreover, larger or heavier vehicles may impact the ship’s fuel consumption and require special equipment or additional manpower, all contributing to the overall shipping cost.

The cost of container shipping can fluctuate based on the size and type of the vehicle. Larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs typically result in higher shipping costs due to the requirement for more space and potentially specialized containers.

Additional Fees & Taxes

In addition to the shipping costs, there are also potential additional fees and taxes that you may incur when shipping a vehicle from San Bernardino to Europe. These include import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and customs clearance fees.

The estimated cost of import duties for shipping a car from San Bernardino to Europe is typically around 10 percent of the car’s value. It is important to factor in these costs when calculating the total cost of shipping your car to Europe.

Choosing the Right Auto Transport Company

The selection of the correct auto transport company plays a critical role in shipping your car from San Bernardino to Europe, and San Diego-based companies, as well as those in San Jose, are no exception. The right company will provide dependable and professional service, guiding you through the process and making your shipping experience smooth and stress-free.

Top-rated auto transport companies for San Bernardino car shipping from San Bernardino CA to Europe include:

Montway

Sherpa

SGT

American Auto Shipping

AmeriFreight

uShip

Easy

These companies, acting as auto transport broker, have established reputations and extensive industry experience, making them reliable choices for your auto transport services needs.

Evaluating Reputation and Experience

Evaluating a company’s reputation and experience is a crucial step before selecting an auto transport company. Online reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into a company’s reputation and the quality of their services.

In addition to checking online reviews, you should also take into account factors such as the company’s track record, the quality of services offered, and their expertise in international car shipping, particularly from San Bernardino to Europe. Consistent positive feedback can indicate a reliable service provider.

Verifying Licensing and Insurance

Verifying a company’s licensing and insurance is also an important consideration when choosing an auto transport company. The company must possess the necessary licenses, permits, and insurances for lawful operations, such as:

Vehicle Transporter License

Motor Carrier Number

Department of Transportation (DOT) Number

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Registration

Insurance plays a crucial role in the selection of an auto transport company, as it provides protection for your vehicle while it is being transported. A reputable auto transport company should provide sufficient insurance options to safeguard your car from potential damages and losses.

Shipping Options: RoRo vs. Container Shipping

Two main options are available for shipping your car from San Bernardino to Europe: RoRo and container shipping. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice largely depends on your specific needs and preferences.

RoRo shipping, a method in which shipping vehicles are driven onto the ship using a ramp, is one of your options. It can accommodate a wide range of vehicles including:

cars

motorhomes

campers

trailers

buses

construction vehicles

boats

Alternatively, container shipping offers superior protection and meticulous care, making it a particularly advantageous choice for high-end vehicles like Bentleys, Ferraris, and Aston Martins, as well as non-operational vehicles when you need to ship cars.

RoRo Shipping Advantages and Disadvantages

RoRo shipping, despite being the most cost-effective method, has some disadvantages as well. For one, it provides less protection for vehicles because of the increased risks related to additional handling, exposure to weather, potential for theft or handling damage, absence of climate control, possible fluid leaks, and generally more limited insurance coverage.

However, RoRo shipping also comes with its perks. It offers:

More affordable rates compared to container shipping

Higher degree of flexibility in departure dates

Highly convenient process, as vehicles are driven directly onto and off the vessel, providing instant access to the car at the destination port.

Container Shipping Advantages and Disadvantages

Container shipping, while more expensive, offers significant advantages. It provides:

Protection against adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, and hail

Air and water tightness, providing safeguarding against elements like dust and sun

The ability to transport supplementary items alongside the car

However, container shipping does have its drawbacks. It is often more expensive than RoRo shipping, and may have less adaptable departure schedules. But if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle, the added cost and scheduling limitations may be a worthwhile trade-off for the additional protection container shipping provides.

Arrival and Customs Clearance in Europe

Upon your car’s arrival in Europe, there are a few actions you must undertake before you can start driving. Firstly, you’ll have to go through the customs clearance process. All goods imported into the European Union, including vehicles, are required to be declared to customs authorities.

The necessary documents for customs clearance in Europe include a valid car title as proof of ownership, a copy of the vehicle’s purchase document or receipt, and proof of customs clearance. There may also be fees related to customs clearance in Europe, generally consisting of a 20% import turnover tax based on the vehicle’s value, in addition to customs duty and import VAT.

It is worth considering that customs clearance procedures may differ based on whether the vehicle is being cleared under an individual’s name or a company’s name, potentially resulting in variations in VAT and customs duties. Therefore, it’s recommended to seek precise information from local customs and VAT authorities.

European Import Regulations

If you’re shipping your car to Europe from San Bernardino, it’s important to familiarize yourself with European import regulations. These include emissions standards and import duties. Europe’s emission standards for imported vehicles, particularly Euro 6, feature varying pollutant limits compared to the US Tier 3 standards.

As for import duties, in the majority of cases, they will not be applicable for the import of classic cars from the USA or any other non-EU country, as long as the purchased vehicle was manufactured in a European Union member state. To demonstrate the car’s origin, you will need a Movement Certificate EUR. 1, which can be obtained at a Swiss customs office.

Vehicle Registration and Insurance in Europe

Upon clearing customs, you’ll need to:

Register and insure your vehicle in the destination country according to local laws and regulations.

Note that the requirements for vehicle registration in Europe vary by country, and there are no common EU rules.

Check if the country you are relocating to provides tax exemption on registration for individuals relocating within the EU.

In Europe, it is a legal requirement to obtain third-party liability insurance for your vehicle when registering it in any EU country. This mandatory insurance is recognized across all EU countries and usually offers coverage for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days. The necessary documentation for vehicle insurance in Europe may include:

Roadworthiness certificate

Registration certificate

Proof of ownership

VAT payment proof

Proof of insurance

Tips for a Successful Car Shipping Experience

Having guided you through the process of shipping your car from San Bernardino to Europe, let’s conclude with some final tips that will help ensure a successful car shipping experience, even if it’s not as flashy as Las Vegas or as iconic as San Francisco.

Primarily, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your auto transport company. This involves utilizing phone, email, and online chat to stay informed and address any concerns. Regular updates are crucial during the shipping process, and drivers are trained to make contact a day before pick up, before delivery, and an hour before the actual pick up.

Moreover, prior to shipping, make sure to gather all vital details from your auto transport company, including your vehicle’s insurance proof, required documents like the bill of lading, and cost estimates for the shipping process.

Communication with Your Auto Transport Company

Keeping clear and effective communication with your auto transport company is fundamental to ensure a smooth shipping process. It enables you to stay on top of any changes, understand the steps involved, and easily address any queries or concerns you may have.

Regular communication with your auto transport company also ensures that you have all the essential details you need, such as the proof of insurance for your vehicle, necessary documentation, and the cost estimates for the shipping process. This way, you can make informed decisions and have peace of mind throughout the shipping process.

Tracking Your Shipment

By tracking your car shipment from San Bernardino to Europe, you can keep an eye on your car’s status in real-time. Many companies provide a real-time vehicle tracking system or car tracker to keep you informed about your shipment’s location.

If you don’t receive regular updates on your car shipment, it’s recommended to directly contact the dealership or car company for an updated delivery date and further information regarding any potential delays. Remember, ensuring thorough cleaning of the vehicle to meet customs inspection requirements, choosing a reputable shipping company with positive feedback, and familiarizing yourself with the tracking procedures are all key to a successful car shipping experience.

Summary

Shipping a car from San Bernardino to Europe is a process that involves careful planning, understanding the various shipping methods, selecting the right auto transport company, and fulfilling the necessary documentation and customs requirements. By following the guidance in this comprehensive guide, you can navigate this process with ease and confidence.

Whether you choose RoRo or container shipping, whether you’re shipping a classic car or a family SUV, rest assured that with the right preparation and a reputable auto transport company by your side, your car will safely make its journey from San Bernardino to your destination in Europe. It’s time to embark on this exciting journey and open up a world of new adventures on the roads of Europe.