Ship Car To Bordeaux
Car Shipping Bordeaux
The wine industry’s capital city, Bordeaux, is a port at Garonne River in France. It has the highest number of historic buildings apart from Paris and is situated in the southern France.
If you are moving here, you are sure to miss having your personal vehicle to explore the beautiful city or to commute to work. That is unless you import it from the USA. However, automobile imports require plenty of documentation and adhering to the French regulations. Additionally, it helps to learn more about the traffic and driving rules before you actually start driving, as the French laws are slightly different from the ones in the USA.
As per EU laws, the emission laws are stringent, and US-made cars and other motorcars might require modifications. To see if you need to get your automobile modified, discuss it with A1 Auto Transport service. We have been shipping many vehicles to France over the last two decades and will be able to assist you with all the procedures.
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Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Bordeaux
- Shipping a car from the U.S. to Bordeaux costs $1,200–$3,500+, with East Coast port departures averaging $1,800–$2,075 in ocean freight before domestic ground transport fees.
- Transit from U.S. ports to Bordeaux runs 4–8 weeks total, with Atlantic ocean freight taking 19–30 days depending on whether the vehicle departs from an East or West Coast port.
- EU emission standards require U.S.-built vehicles to be verified for compliance before import; vehicles over 4 years old also need a French Control Certificate, and registration must be completed within 4 months of arrival.
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| City limits to (New York port) to New York, NY | $275 | $1800 | 5+19 days |
| Bordeaux to (California port) to Los Angeles | $360 | $2900 | 5+30 days |
| Bordeaux to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $410 | $1800 | 5+19 days |
| Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to the area | $460 | $2900 | 5+30 days |
| Local delivery to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $550 | $2900 | 6+30 days |
| Bordeaux to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $575 | $1800 | 6+19 days |
| Chicago, IL to (New York port) to the area | $675 | $1800 | 6+19 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to Bordeaux | $775 | $2900 | 7+30 days |
| Memphis, TN to (New York port) to the area | $800 | $1800 | 6+19 days |
| Dallas, TX to (California port) to local area | $1,025 | $2900 | 7+30 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a motorcar internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*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.
Documents for verification before import
Verification and safety checks are essential to the import with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the French Customs Department. Before your vehicle is shipped from the USA and arrives in Bordeaux, these documents must be submitted and verified if you don’t want any delays.
- Social security number.
- Driving license.
- Vehicle insurance.
- Title and registration.
- Proof of Residence.
- Passport of the owner.
- Purchase invoice of the car.
- Certificate of Motorcar Conformity.
You will need to decide whether you need the door-to-port services of A1 Auto Transport service or intend to drive your motorcar to be dropped off at the nearest port in the USA. You can contact A1 Auto Transport to find the most affordable solution to the vehicle shipping services.
You have the option of shipping your automobile using RORO or Container hauling, which turns out to be the most practical way to import your motorcar to Bordeaux. Container moving allows you to ship your personal belongings along with the car in the 20 or 40-foot sealed containers, while RORO only allows an empty vehicle to be shipped. However, RORO is the cheapest way to ship your automobiles.
Planning is needed
As verification and other procedures take time and the vehicle sent by freight hauling takes about 2 to 3 weeks to reach Bordeaux, it is best to plan in advance. It is essential to take care of all documentation and ensure that the automobile adheres to the emission and other eligibility criteria. Another crucial aspect to consider is the submission of the French Control Certificate. This is only needed if the motorcar you are shipping is over 4 years old. You are only allowed to ship if the automobile is within the first six months after the completion of four years.
Getting your vehicle registered within 4 months after the customs clearances are available is essential. Only after that can you get the French license number plates. To get more information about the import duties, regulations, and laws, contact the Embassy of France.
Other Services
- Moving to Bordeaux
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does car shipping to Bordeaux cost?
Car Shipping Bordeaux rates typically range from $1,200 to $3,500+ for standard vehicles shipped from major U.S. ports. Final pricing depends on the vehicle's size, shipping method, departure port, season, fuel costs, and customs-related expenses. Roll-on/roll-off service is usually the most economical, while container transport offers added protection. You can compare factors that affect pricing through the international car shipping guide.
How long does it take to ship a car to Bordeaux from the United States?
Most vehicle shipments to Bordeaux take 4 to 8 weeks from pickup to final delivery. Transit time is influenced by the departure port, vessel schedules, customs inspections, weather conditions in the Atlantic, and inland transportation within France. Shipments departing from East Coast ports generally move faster than those originating on the West Coast. Booking several weeks in advance often improves carrier availability and scheduling flexibility.
Is enclosed transport available for shipping luxury or classic cars to Bordeaux?
Yes. Owners of luxury, exotic, and collector vehicles often choose enclosed transport before overseas loading because it provides additional protection from road debris, weather, and handling risks. This option is particularly popular for high-value European imports and classic automobiles headed to the Bordeaux region. Learn more about secure vehicle protection through enclosed vehicle transport.
What documents are required to ship a car to Bordeaux, France?
You will generally need the vehicle title, registration, photo identification, shipping authorization forms, and customs documentation. If the vehicle has a lien, additional lender approval may be required. French customs may also request proof of ownership and import-related paperwork before release. Accurate documentation helps prevent delays and ensures compliance with both U.S. export regulations and French import requirements.
Can my car be delivered directly to my address in Bordeaux?
In many cases, yes. After the vehicle arrives in France and clears customs, carriers can often arrange final delivery to residential or commercial locations in Bordeaux and nearby areas. Accessibility, street restrictions, vehicle size, and local traffic conditions may affect delivery options. Many customers prefer door-to-door vehicle transport because it minimizes coordination and reduces the need for terminal visits.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle to Bordeaux?
Yes, non-operational vehicles can usually be shipped to Bordeaux, but they require specialized loading equipment such as winches or forklifts. Because extra handling is involved, costs are often higher than for running vehicles. The vehicle's condition, weight, ground clearance, and port accessibility all affect pricing and logistics. Providing accurate condition details during booking helps carriers arrange the proper equipment and avoid delays.
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