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Ship Car To Europe From USA - How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Europe?
Published by Joe Webster.
Car Shipping Europe - Ship Vehicle To Or From
Are you planning to ship a car from the U.S. to Europe? Here are guides and steps to follow for hassle-free shipping:
A1 Auto Transport offers premier car shipping services across Europe, ensuring your vehicle's safe and timely delivery to any destination on the continent.
With years of experience in the industry, A1 Auto Transport has built a reputation for reliability, efficiency, and exceptional customer service. Our state-of-the-art hauling fleet and highly trained personnel handle each vehicle with the utmost care, whether you're relocating, purchasing a car from abroad, or need to ship a luxury vehicle.
A1 Auto Transport's comprehensive services include:
- Door-to-door delivery.
- Real-time tracking.
- Customized logistics solutions tailored to meet your specific needs.
When you choose A1 Auto Transport, you're choosing a reliable partner for your car carriage needs in Europe. We're committed to providing a seamless and stress-free experience, ensuring your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and on time.
Typical Car Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Car transport costs to Europe from the U.S. can range from $1,200 to $5,000, depending on where the vehicle is shipped.
- Distance and the destination country significantly affect the price range of the international haulage company. So, car haulage from anywhere on the East Coast to Western Europe has the lowest international moving cost.
Car Shipping To Europe From The USA By A1 Auto Transport
Auto tourist visa
No matter what type of clearance you have, your vehicle will be on a visa of its own: an auto tourist visa. Therefore, you must own it outright with a title or have documentation from the lien-holder stating that importing the motors overseas to your preferred destination country is okay.
Temporary holiday insurance
Suppose you want to legally drive your vehicle in any European Union country like the Netherlands. In that case, you need to buy temporary holiday insurance from a European business in addition to international car shipping insurance. All hauler firms that operate globally adhere to this rule.
Custom vehicles and luxury shipping attract extra fees in Europe.
Are you transmitting a custom vehicle in an enclosed shipping container? Transporting a car will cost roughly $2,000 more than traditional hauling vehicles.
Are you moving your car or SUV via air freight for quicker vehicle shipping? Then, be prepared to pay up to $10,000 more for international auto conveyance services, depending on the weight of your vehicle and where it is going in the EU.
International carriage fees may be higher for luxury autos. For instance, when shipping to Germany, rare or expensive vehicles incur a more significant import duty tax than traditional vehicles.
However, it's important to note that this import duty fee is often refunded upon leaving the EU country, providing some relief from the initial cost.
Looking for a Car Shipping Company in Europe? We Can Help with Your Car Transport!
Hauling cars overseas can be much more nerve-wracking than shipping domestically. Often, it is hard to schedule auto moving at the same time of travel, which means your vehicle is traveling and arriving well before or after you.
We can make the international carrying method much more seamless and help put you at ease when finding a company and seeing the vehicle process from start to finish. We'll work things out for you regardless of your vehicle's type, size, brand, or model.
International Car Shipping
An international conveyance method that can be used when moving a vehicle to the EU is Rolling On and Rolling Off (RoRo Shipping).
This occurs when auto shipping is done via boat, and the car in question is driven onto the ship rather than being loaded onto a container, which is then loaded onto the boat. Think of it as ferry-style transport.
Required Documents To Ship Your Cars To Europe
- Passport
- Proof of ownership
- Registration certificate & copy of title
- Vehicle license
- Invoice
- Proof of insurance
- Commercial invoice
- Declaration
Process of registering a vehicle in Europe.
Financials on Shipping Cars to Europe: International Taxes and Fees
You must be prepared to pay taxes when you ship an automobile from the USA to Europe. As of 2022, the fee breakdown for getting your car delivered is as such:
- New cars: Shipping to the EU for a new vehicle is 19% of the value-added tax (VAT)
- Dutiable rate: 10%
* You can rest assured that motors owned for at least six months in the U.S. will not be charged a value-added tax.
Tips to Move Your Vehicle to Europe (International Standards)
It is key that you don't make plans to move your vehicle to an overseas location until you have confirmed that you have a visa for yourself and an auto visa for your vehicle and that you have identified an international car shipping company that specializes in a move of this magnitude, and that it can provide adequate vehicle insurance.
The Federal Maritime Commission should license your chosen international transport company. This ensures the company has experience moving vehicles to the Western world and has the necessary monetary bond.
Customs and Border Protection
You must also know the rules on international auto transport from the U.S. For instance, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has a policy regulating the kind of products and shipments leaving the country to ensure they are legit and legal.
Check on requirements for exporting something out of the country to properly prepare you as a car owner.
Transporting a Vehicle to Europe
For example, you must know the nearest terminal when carrying a vehicle to Europe, say Italy. You should also know how much it will cost to get to your new home or where you will stay for your trip from the terminal.
Documentation for Transporting
Mapping out this auto shipping information well in advance can help you anticipate some of the added costs to the money charges as vehicle transport fees. Additionally, you must get documentation for transmitting a vehicle from the West Coast before theinternational car shipping company can ship your vehicle from Europe to the USA.
For example, you must complete a Declaration of Dangerous Goods and Shipper Export Declaration asked by the global car shipping companies.
How Long Does It Take for International Car Shipping to Europe?
Understanding the factors influencing the shipping time from the USA to Europe is crucial for making informed decisions. Typically, hailing from the United States to the Western world takes 2 to 6 weeks. This duration is affected by the departure and arrival ports, the chosen haulage method (container shipping or roll-on/roll-off), customs clearance procedures, and potential delays due to weather conditions or logistical issues.
Working closely with a reputable international hauling company is essential to get an accurate estimate and ensure your vehicle's smooth and timely transit to Europe.
Hire A1 Auto Transport for Safe and Reliable Shipping
Regarding international shipping to Europe from the US, no one does it better and at the best price in the market than A1 Auto Transport. Whether you carry luxury vehicles or motorcycles, we can handle all your concerns, from customs duties and paperwork to loading, shipping between ports, ground transport, and unloading at the final destination.
With us, our customers only need one agent for their haulage; our professionals will work out the details for you every step of the way. We have the equipment and a network of professionals across the Euro nations. We know international laws and can quickly work around shipping problems and bottlenecks. Call us today or fill out our online quote forms to get started.
Relevant Statistics
- Over 150,000 cars are shipped yearly from the United States to the Western world.
- The average cost of shipping a vehicle to Europe is $2,500.
- Approximately 85% of cars shipped to Europe are luxury or high-end vehicles.
- There has been a 40% increase in car conveyance to the Euro nations in the past five years.
- The most popular European destination for imported cars is Germany, receiving around 30% of all shipments.
General Facts
- Shipping a car to Europe requires proper documentation, including proof of ownership and vehicle registration.
- The cost of hauling a car to Europe can vary depending on factors such as the size of the vehicle and the destination.
- Cars are typically transported to Europe by sea using specialized car carriers.
- It is essential to thoroughly clean your vehicle before moving it to comply with customs regulations.
- Before shipping a car to the Euro States, it is advisable to research import duties, taxes, and other rules specific to the destination country.
Related Information & FAQs About Car Shipping To Europe
- Safely ship your car from the US to Europe with an overseas transporter
- How do you ship a motorcycle to Europe?
- Import vehicle into the USA from Western Europe
- How to import a car into Europe from the USA
- Can I drive a US-plated car in Europe?
- Car shipping to Europe price
- The cheapest way to ship a car to Europe
- Exporting a vehicle from the USA to Europe
- Ship a car to Europe for vacation
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of documentation do I need to provide to ship a car to Europe?
Shipping a vehicle to Europe requires proper documentation:
Bill of Sale
- Declaration of Dangerous Goods (this identifies whether your auto transport car contains specific items such as airbags, car battery, gasoline, etc.)
- Title/Certificate of Origin
- Registration of own vehicle
- License Plates – if possible, submit the plate to the European regulatory authority where your car is arriving.
- Lien Release – if you don’t own your vehicle in full, you’ll need written authorization from your lienholder that allows you to take the car out of the country via shipping container.
How should I prepare my car for shipping to Europe?
- Get your car serviced to ensure that it’s in good condition before your ship a car to Europe.
- Remove all personal items if you’re transporting car to Europe using the RoRo method (FAQ #5). If you’ve chosen the shipping container method for vehicle haulage, you will be allowed to leave non-hazardous goods inside.
- Leave all standard car equipment (spare tire, emergency kit, etc.)
- Leave the license plates on the vehicle before the car shipment
- Clean your vehicle and take out personal belongings before shipping a car to Europe
- When beginning the journey to the European country, take photos to document its condition, i.e., pre-existing dings, dents, and scratches.
- Make sure the battery is fully charged and well-secured while shipping a car
- Leave ¼ tank of fuel in the tank while carrying a car
- Ensure the emergency brake works correctly before getting the car shipped
- Make sure tires have proper pressure while shipping a car
- Disable the alarm system while moving a car.
How do I get my car to the port for vehicle transport?
There are two ways to get your car to the port for international car shipping – drive it yourself or hire a delivery transport service (pickup truck) to pick it up and deliver it.
Check with your transport service of choice or broker to determine which way is best for you.
Ways for Importing a Car From Germany to USA?
Bringing a car from Germany to the USA can be an exciting but complex. Whether you're importing a classic German car or relocating with your vehicle, it's essential to understand the regulations, costs, and logistics involved. Every step, from customs clearance to EPA and DOT compliance, requires careful attention to avoid delays and extra expenses.
The cost of shipping a car from Germany to the USA depends on several factors, such as the shipping method, vehicle size, and destination port. On average, standard shipping options cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Steps to Import a Car from Germany to the USA
Check U.S. Import Regulations
Not all cars meet U.S. safety and emissions standards the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set. If your vehicle doesn’t comply, modifications may be required, which can be costly.
Choose a Shipping Method
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping – A more affordable option where cars are driven onto a vessel but remain exposed to weather conditions.
- Container Shipping – Offers better protection, especially for luxury or classic cars, but comes at a higher price.
Calculate Import Taxes & Fees
- Import duty: 2.5% of the vehicle’s value
- Additional state taxes and registration fees may apply
Complete the Necessary Paperwork
You'll need to submit key documents like:
- Bill of Lading (shipping confirmation)
- HS-7 Form (DOT compliance)
- EPA Form 3520-1 (environmental standards)
Customs Clearance & Delivery
Once your car arrives at a U.S. port, it must go through customs inspection. After clearance, you can either pick it up or arrange for home delivery.
If you're also considering shipping a car to Germany from the USA, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on the port and shipping type. No matter which direction you're shipping, working with a reliable international car shipping company will make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Do I need special international car shipping insurance to ship a car to Europe?
Yes, you will need international car shipping insurance to European countries. The overseas auto transport company you select should offer (by law) you adequate vehicle insurance through their insurance program. But, if they don’t have it to ship cars, they can offer it through a third-party company with whom they partner.
On average, you can expect to pay 1.5% - 2.5% of the estimated value of your car for international insurance.
Are there any special shipping costs I should be aware of to import my car to Europe?
Yes, there will be import duties, import tax, and miscellaneous charges related to destination fees. These charges vary depending on the carriage method and will be higher for containers than for RoRo shipping. Your transport company or broker can help you determine what these fees will be to ship a car via consolidated container, ocean container, or RoRo shipping.
One thing worth noting here is that you should only work with the best car shippers to ship your car internationally as they offer competitive rates and excellent service.
Will I need insurance to drive my car in European Countries?
Yes, you will need insurance to drive in foreign countries. Once your car arrived in a shared container, this kind of insurance can be bought at your destination port when you pick up your own car. You can also arrange insurance for your compact car before shipping from the west coast.
Ask your international auto transport company or broker to help you with this. They’re the experts and know exactly what is required!
Are there any limitations for car shipping to Europe?
There may be. Each country in Europe has its own power to implement their own import rules and regulations for car shipping. You should check these out through the Embassy, your transport company, or broker who helped to transport your vehicle overseas in their own container. A1 Auto Transport has shipped cars to Europe since 1998. Contact us today at the phone number on the top of this page to know more information.
How much does it cost to ship my car to Europe via international car shipping companies?
In general, shipping a car to Europe can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Here are some of the most common shipping methods and their average costs:
- Container shipping: This is the most common method of shipping cars internationally. It is also the most affordable option, with average costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.
- Roll-on/roll-off shipping: This method involves loading the car onto a ship and securing it in place. It is a more expensive option than containers, with average costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.
- Air freight: This is the fastest method of shipping a car internationally, but it is also the most expensive option. Average costs range from $5,000 to $10,000.
The time it takes to ship a car to Europe will also vary depending on the shipping method. Container shipping typically takes 2-4 weeks, while roll-on/roll-off shipping takes 1-2 weeks. Air freight can take as little as 2-3 days, but it is the most expensive option.
To get an accurate estimate of the cost of shipping your car to Europe, we recommend getting quotes from multiple international car shipping companies. You can also use a car shipping calculator to get an estimate based on the specific details of your move.
What is the cheapest way for car transportation to europe?
Shipping a car to Europe can be a significant expense, but there are ways to minimize costs. If you're looking for the cheapest way to ship your vehicle, consider the following tips:
1. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Service:
- RoRo is often the cheapest method to ship a car overseas. Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized ship, secured, and then driven off upon arrival at the destination port.
- This method doesn't offer protection against the elements or potential damage from other vehicles. However, it's generally safe and widely used for haulage.
2. Compare Shipping Ports:
- Costs can vary depending on the departure and arrival ports. It might be cheaper to drive or transport your vehicle to a different port in the U.S. and then have it arrive at a more major port in Europe, such as Rotterdam in the Netherlands or Antwerp in Belgium.
- Always compare prices for different port combinations to find the most cost-effective route.
3. Avoid Peak Seasons:
- The cost to ship can increase during peak seasons. If you can, try to ship during off-peak times when demand is lower.
4. Consolidation:
- If you aren't in a hurry, some companies might offer consolidation services where your car is placed in a container with other vehicles. This method can save money but can be slower, as you'll need to wait for the container to be filled.
5. Get Multiple Quotes:
- Always obtain quotes from several shipping companies. Prices can vary widely between providers. But ensure you're comparing like-for-like services and consider the reputation of each company.
6. Insurance:
- While looking for the cheapest option, don't skimp on insurance. However, do shop around for the best rate and make sure you understand what's covered.
- Some personal auto insurance policies might offer international shipping coverage, so check with your provider.
7. Limit Extra Services:
- Some companies offer door-to-door service, but it's generally cheaper to opt for port-to-port. This means you'll be responsible for getting your car to the departure port and from the arrival port to your final destination.
8. Prepare Your Vehicle:
- Ensure your car contains only a minimal amount of fuel (typically a quarter tank or less).
- Remove personal belongings, as these can increase weight and are not typically covered by shipping insurance.
- Clean the car inside and out. This helps prevent quarantine delays or additional cleaning fees at the destination.
9. Check for Discounts:
- Some companies offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, students, or repeat customers. Ask about any available discounts when obtaining quotes.
10. Understand Taxes and Import Duties:
- While not directly related to shipping costs, don't forget about potential taxes and import duties when bringing a car into Europe. Each country has its regulations, and these costs can add up. Research in advance to avoid surprises.
Lastly, while looking for the cheapest option, remember that reliability, reputation, and safety are crucial. Always ensure you're working with a reputable haulage company.
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