Birmingham is one of the most populated cities after London. It is a major commercial hub, considered by Globalization and World Cities Research Network as a beta-world city.
Irrespective of the reasons for your extended stay in this city, if you intend importing your car from USA, it certainly does not have to be a complex procedure. As there are no language barriers and well-defined laws, information is clear and regulations adhered to.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Birmingham
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY to (New York port) to Birmingham | $275 | $2600 | 5+23 days |
| Los Angeles to (California port) to Birmingham | $350 | $3400 | 5+35 days |
| Birmingham to (California port) to Las Vegas, NV | $450 | $3400 | 5+35 days |
| Birmingham to (California port) to Portland, OR | $475 | $3400 | 6+35 days |
| Seattle, WA to (California port) to Birmingham | $550 | $3400 | 6+35 days |
| Birmingham to (New York port) to Columbus, OH | $550 | $2600 | 5+23 days |
| Birmingham to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $2600 | 6+23 days |
| Atlanta, GA to (New York port) to Birmingham | $700 | $2600 | 6+23 days |
| Birmingham to (California port) to Denver, CO | $775 | $3400 | 7+35 days |
| Birmingham to (New York port) to Houston, TX | $1,075 | $2600 | 7+23 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.
Specific import laws of United Kingdom.
Your vehicle has to meet all of the required eligibility criteria as per the Road Vehicle Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989. If the vehicle is being imported permanently, it is essential to meet all safety and environment regulations. You can get it done by getting more information under the Individual Vehicle Approval scheme.
As with any import, there are duties and taxes that have to be paid while there is VAT on the imported vehicles. However, exemptions on the taxes are available if your vehicle is eligible. The criteria include:
- Moving to UK permanently.
- Re-importing a vehicle exported from UK in the past.
- If you are a U.S citizen and don’t intend staying for more than 6 months in Birmingham.
However, if you are not eligible for any of these, you will be required to pay all the taxes and VAT when the vehicle is imported to UK. It is essential that the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are notified before the import by filing the “Notification of Vehicle Arrivals” form. After the process is completed, you will be required to pay the VAT. If you don’t pay VAT, there are additional penalties. Some of the important documents that you have to submit include:
- Title deed of the vehicle.
- Insurance certificate.
- Emission and other safety inspection certificates.
- Proof of ownership- passport, photo ID/driving license.
- Bill of Lading.
You are allowed to ship the vehicle from USA using RORO or container shipping. When you work with an experienced shipping service like A1 Auto Transport, they will be able to guide you best about the method of shipping to opt for.
Contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency as it is essential to have the “Vehicle Import Pack”. If you are shipping a vehicle that is older than 10 years, you might face issues as there are restrictions placed on it. After the vehicle has been imported, it is essential that you register and insure it as quickly as possible. Your vehicle might require to be transported to Birmingham from the port as you cannot drive it unless it is registered and insured. As you will be required to present the documents and receipts of the tax paid at the time of registration, keep them safe.
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.
