Ship a Car to Germany

Practical Tips for Hassle-Free Car Shipping from USA to Germany

Typical Car Shipping/Import Prices – How Much Does It Cost For Shipping Vehicles?

The typical international car shipping costs to Germany from The USA are $1,800 to $3,900, depending on the escrow service and which part of the U.S. you're hauling from. Over 10,000 cars are shipped to Germany annually from various countries worldwide.

Both container and RORO carriage are generally available to Germany within the cost range mentioned above. However, it is also essential to determine the shipping costs.

Average Price & Time Examples For Importing Cars to Germany From USA

How Much Does It Cost?

• Shipping a car from the U.S. to Germany costs $1,200–$3,900, with RoRo running 20–40% less than container service through Bremerhaven or Hamburg.
• Total door-to-port transit averages 4–7 weeks, with ocean crossing alone taking 2–4 weeks; summer peak demand and port congestion can extend timelines.
• German customs imposes a 10% import duty plus 19% VAT on vehicle value; a mandatory TÜV inspection and emissions compliance are required before registration.

*Car moving costs and times are estimated. These charges can vary depending on the season, requirements, and the type of car. Determine the shipping service costs from the moving company before hiring the one.

*Save the North America ground shipping service cost by delivering the automobile to its final destination before shipping it to Germany from the USA. You can deliver the vehicle to the nearest major ports with an oversized parking garage.

*Allow the company an additional ten days to process the bill of sale and other documents to comply with local regulations and marine insurance company.

*Moving one classic car in a dedicated 20-foot shared container service costs. This is the safest and most reliable way to ship. Other items may be included in the import containers to help save your charges when moving.

*The RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) move method costs less, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for free RoRo charges and an instant quote for a container shipping service.

It can be complicated to ship a vehicle internationally. Still, the importation and export laws are more or less consistent with those of the United States, making the shipping process a little easier than it would be for other parts of the world.

Generally, the duty on imported autos is 10%, and there's also a VAT tax of 20%. For motorcycles, the duty is usually between 6% and 8%. This resource has a good explanation for more cost information and about the value-added tax.

*Note that the value-added percentages on car imports can fluctuate slightly depending on several factors and requirements.

Environmental Concerns

Germany has strict environmental standards, which can cause additional charges for people shipping a classic car to the USA. The country also has restrictive ecological zones, requiring a sticker if you're operating a vehicle.

Residency advantage

If you're becoming a permanent move resident and forfeiting residence in the U.S., you can move a vehicle without paying any duty or terminal handling charges. This is contingent on being a new resident and having been consecutively outside the country for 12 months.

Road width concerns

Something that shouldn't be overlooked when transporting cars to Germany is that many roads are smaller and narrower than in the U.S., making it challenging to navigate with the larger, wider motor cars that are more common in the German States.

Popular German Shipping Services Destinations

• Berlin
• Bremen
• Dortmund
• Hamburg
• Frankfurt
• Stuttgart
• Munich

Required Document

The paperwork required to ship a German car from the USA is pretty standard regarding vehicle importation and export laws. You must ensure everything goes as planned for customs clearance when transporting a new car, truck, or motorcycle to the German country. The shipping process typically requires paperwork, such as proof of ownership, insurance documents, and customs declarations, most of which can be handled by your customs broker for an additional fee.

Here's what you need to ship a car overseas

• Original title & registration.
• Passport.
• Export permit (from The U.S. - US Customs)
• Proof of car insurance.
• Bill of lading.
• Value of vehicle + import taxes.
• German driver's license.
• Proof of ownership.
• Following of all emissions standards to meet German standards.
• German registration (Anmeldebestätigung)
• TÜV inspection - Vehicle inspection
• Import turnover tax

Suppose you have questions about required forms or vehicle documentation before shipping a car to Germany or other international shipping destination country. In that case, car shipping services should be able to provide a checklist and explain the details and requirements and give you any assistance you might need along the way before giving you service, including forms, documents, location laws, import duties, permits, licensing, and taxation as well as let you know the time frame to move your motor vehicle + personal items or personal belongings. We're there every step of the way.

Shipping Resources

U.S. Embassy - Information and resources for U.S. citizens, including citizenship, visas, security, and general assistance with living in the country for residents of the United States. Moreover, specific information about shipping vehicles is also discussed, ensuring comprehensive guidance for U.S. residents.

Import Of Heavy Equipment & Oversize Cargo

Shipping heavy equipment or oversized cargo requires precision and a logistics aptitude with decades of overseas car shipments and helping people with all their shipping needs.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we've helped import cars for business or personal use using decades of accumulated experience to get your delivery to Germany and help you through all the permitting and regulatory processes to move securely.

Depending on what you are moving, location, and requirements, there will be different shipping service procedures to get it there. Size, weight, and industry all play a part in the shipping process, and we are happy to have a wide array of successful transport services in our history. Based on our expertise in moving, we have the following list of resources:

• Pile drivers
• Pavers
• Cranes
• Large trucks, heavy automobiles or any larger vehicles
• Engineering equipment
• Agricultural equipment & machinery
• Forklifts
• Hydraulic equipment
• Engines
• Tractor combines & other farm equipment
• Backhoes and excavators
• RVs and motorhomes
• Industrial equipment shipment

There are several ways to ship your oversized cargo and/or heavy equipment with things being a little easier from an East Coast location such as New Jersey compared to West Coast Shipping ports such as San Francisco or Long Beach. The following methods are the most popular, yet we are open to exceptional cases and welcome a call concerning those.

Shipping Cars Method

Vehicle Lift On/Lift Off

Lift On/Lift Off (LoLo) is a common form of car transport for inoperable cargo like boats, crated equipment, or machinery. This conveyance service method is a bit more expensive than containers and RoRo shipping due to the use of a crane and the precision involved.

Roll-On/Roll-Off

Roll-on/Roll-Off, known as RoRo Car Shipping, is the most inexpensive way to transport heavy equipment or oversized cargo overseas. Since your cargo is wheeled and operable, it will be stored within the ship's hull.

This international haulage car method requires using a ship's ramp and height restrictions depending on the vessel and hull size.

Flat Rack Car Shipping

Flat-rack transportation is the most adaptable when hauling oversized items internationally or in long-distance locations. It is available as a flat rack or a transport container without partition walls, allowing your cargo to be secured to the four corners.

Heavy Cargo and Car Shipping

Your heavy cargo will be secured and then placed on the back of the ship. Since this type of car shipping exposes your load to the elements, you may want to consider your car shipped to Germany while shrink-wrapped.

Container Import/Shipping (Including Cars)

Container hauling is the most preferred shipping method for moving from one location to another. It's easy to see ships stacked high with shipping containers. However, regarding oversized cargo, 40-foot containers may be too small for your purposes.

This is the most expensive and costs high. Also, a secure form of shipping classic cars is available at our company. It will protect your cargo from the outdoor elements while shipping from one location to another. In the case of shared container carriage, you'll exclusively be paying for a single car with no hidden fees.

Other Non-Vehicle Services

• Overseas moving services
• Container shipping
• Household goods

Relevant Statistics

• Over 10,000 cars are shipped to Germany annually from various countries worldwide.
• More than 90% of cars shipped to the country arrive in excellent condition.
• The average cost of shipping a car is €1,500 including customs duties.
• Approximately 80% of imported vehicles come from European Union member states.
• The Port of Hamburg handles around 60% of all vehicle shipment entering the country.

General Facts

• Shipping a car to Germany involves transporting a vehicle from one country to Germany, usually by sea or land.
• Importing a car typically requires paperwork, such as proof of ownership, insurance documents, and customs office declarations. No such thing as free imports.
• Researching and choosing a reliable conveyance company specializing in international vehicle shipping + inland transport is essential.
• When moving a car overseas, it is essential to comply with the country's emissions and safety standards regulations.
• The shipping cost can vary depending on factors such as the size and weight of the vehicle, the chosen carriage method, and any additional services required.