Ship Car To Bremen
Car Shipping Bremen
Situated in north-western Germany, Bremen is an industrial and commercial center with a port on the scenic River Weser. Contributing to the economy and culture of Germany, Bremen is home to many expatriates. If you intend moving here for business or other reasons, being able to drive around your own vehicle can be an asset.
Though most people believe that importing a vehicle can be a complex procedure but when A1 auto Transport walks you through the processes, you don’t have to worry. With decades of expertise in shipping vehicles all over the world, including Germany, we understand the details. As the import-export law sin Germany is similar to those in USA, the process becomes easy.
There is a lot of information available about German import taxes and VAT so it is best to stay updated about the procedures and associated costs. Currently, there is a standard duty of 10% on the vehicle along with 20% VAT. Though it si cheaper to import motorcycles as there is 6% duty and VAT of 8%.
As Germany follows the EU regulations on imports, the emission standards are high and if you are importing a vehicle made in USA, chances are high that you will need to get the requisite modifications done in USA on the headlights, tires and emission control. But before that is done, you will not be able to import the vehicle. Additionally, there are restrictive zones that require a special sticker to ensure and drive through. With stringent vehicle inspections before the German Customs Administration clears it you have to have orange vests first aid kits and the special stickers in the car to ensure proper safety for the passengers.
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Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Bremen
- Shipping a car from the U.S. to Bremen costs $1,200–$2,800 for ocean freight, with East Coast departures via New York reaching Bremerhaven faster than West Coast routes.
- Most vehicles arrive at Bremerhaven port — 65 km from Bremen — within 3–7 weeks total, including ocean transit, North Sea port discharge, customs clearance, and inland delivery.
- Germany applies a 10% import duty plus 19% VAT on imported vehicles; U.S.-made cars also require headlight, emissions, and tire modifications to pass the mandatory TÜV inspection.
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY to (New York port) to Bremen | $275 | $2100 | 5+30 days |
| Los Angeles to (California port) to Bremen | $360 | $3300 | 5+30 days |
| Bremen to (California port) to Las Vegas, NV | $460 | $3300 | 5+30 days |
| Bremen to (California port) to Portland, OR | $465 | $3300 | 6+30 days |
| Seattle, WA to (California port) to Bremen | $550 | $3300 | 6+30 days |
| Bremen to (New York port) to Columbus, OH | $550 | $2100 | 5+17 days |
| Bremen to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $2100 | 6+17 days |
| Atlanta, GA to (New York port) to Bremen | $700 | $2100 | 6+17 days |
| Bremen to (California port) to Denver, CO | $775 | $3300 | 7+17 days |
| Bremen to (New York port) to Houston, TX | $1,075 | $2100 | 7+17 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.
Eligibility for tax exemptions.
Not everyone has to pay taxes on importing their vehicles as tax exemptions are available under some categories. These include:
- If you are renouncing US citizenship and moving to Germany to avail German citizenship
- If you are returning citizen, having spent over 12 months abroad
In addition there are many documents that have to be submitted and cleared by the Customs in advance of the vehicle delivery. From your driving license, passport, work permits, Bill of Lading and residential stay/visas, export permit everything has to be shown. Your vehicle title deed insurance certificates and registration documents are necessary for legalizing the shipment.
It would help to know about the driving rules and traffic regulations before you actually start driving in Bremen. If you have questions of queries about the vehicle shipment to Germany, it is best to contact A1 Auto Transport service or to know about the current laws and import regulations; Embassy of Germany might be able to assist you.
Other Services
- Moving to Bremen
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ship car to Bremen from the United States?
To Ship Car To Bremen, the usual process is U.S. pickup, export paperwork, ocean booking, customs clearance, and delivery through the Bremen or Bremerhaven port area. Most vehicles move by RoRo or container service, depending on value, condition, and protection needs. Bremen is inland, so many ocean arrivals use Bremerhaven first, then move south by carrier. Start with an international car shipping plan that confirms title documents, sailing schedule, insurance, and German import requirements.
Is Bremen or Bremerhaven the right port for car shipping?
Bremerhaven is usually the practical port for vehicle arrivals serving Bremen because it is a major automotive handling hub on the North Sea, about 65 kilometers from Bremen by road. The Bremen to Bremerhaven route is commonly handled by inland carrier after ocean discharge. For Bremerhaven car transport, allow time for vessel unloading, customs processing, and terminal release before final delivery. This setup works well for personal cars, dealer units, classics, and relocating owners moving into northern Germany.
How long does car shipping to Bremen usually take?
Car shipping to Bremen commonly takes 3 to 7 weeks door to destination, with the ocean portion often taking about 2 to 5 weeks depending on U.S. port, carrier schedule, transshipment, and German clearance. East Coast sailings are usually faster than West Coast routings. Weather in the North Sea, peak export volume, and missing paperwork can add days. A car shipping tracker helps monitor pickup, port arrival, vessel movement, and delivery milestones.
What documents are needed to ship a car to Bremen?
Most Bremen vehicle shipments need the original title or ownership proof, bill of sale, photo ID, export authorization, shipper information, and German customs paperwork. If a lien exists, written lienholder permission is normally required before U.S. export. German registration may also require technical inspection, proof of insurance, and compliance documents after arrival. The Federal Maritime Commission advises shippers to understand both U.S. export rules and destination-country import requirements before booking overseas vehicle transport.
Should I use RoRo or container shipping for Bremen?
RoRo is usually the best value when the vehicle runs, steers, brakes, and can be driven onto the vessel. Container shipping is better for non-running vehicles, classics, high-value models, motorcycles shipped with a car, or customers sending approved spare parts with the vehicle. Bremen ocean liner service through Bremerhaven often favors RoRo because the port is built for large-scale automobile handling. Compare both options through RoRo car shipping before choosing.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Bremen?
Shipping a car to Bremen is priced by U.S. pickup location, departure port, vehicle size, service type, ocean route, marine insurance, and destination handling. RoRo is generally cheaper than container shipping, while enclosed inland pickup, oversized vehicles, and urgent sailings increase the quote. German taxes, customs clearance, port storage, and registration work are separate from freight. Use an international car shipping rates calculator to estimate freight before adding German import-side costs.
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