International Car Shipping
A good description of the industry of international car shipping services has attached people from one continent to another one, with good care to their vehicles. It doesn't matters if it is a military family moving overseas, a collector shipping a vintage car, or a global professional relocating for a job—the entire process involves much planning and execution. At Bold Auto Transport, we do specialize in turning these proverbial logistics hurdles into smooth transits, making sure your vehicle is delivered safely and efficiently to the destination. You are guided comprehensively through the whole international car shipping services journey.
Traditionally, international car shipping led to all kinds of difficulties—rather long process along with considerable damage risk. All these have been made better with advent technology in maritime and security systems. Today, vehicles are carried anywhere in the world by very advanced vehicles—centred safety and efficiency in their practices.
Over the years, much development was made in international car shipping services driven greatly by maritime technology advancement in security systems. This has broadened the kinds of customers served by the industry to military personnel, collectors, and global corporations. And through containerization, RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), and air freight, among others, the vehicle shipping process comprises those methods and many others, thus depending on the clients' requirements and budget.
Maritime Companies: Maersk and COSCO are some of the major players owning specialized international car shipping services through vessels with capacities reaching up to a thousand vehicles.
Logistics Providers: Bold Auto Transport delivers end-to-end solutions-from customs clearance to vehicle preparation.
Regulatory Bodies: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is among the organizations that sets standards for safety as well as environmental compliance.
International car shipping services continue to offer challenges. One such difficulty is navigating complicated customs laws between countries, which would involve a deep understanding of the differing laws in each country. Above them, there are risks of insecurity that require heavy-duty protection mechanisms for a vehicle against robbery and damage during transit. Likewise, environmental conditions, such as weather conditions, need consideration to avert damage during international car shipping services.
The price for international car shipping services varies greatly depending on the shipping method, the size of the car, and finally, the destination. Below are some typical price ranges for popular routes:
| Route | Container Shipping | RoRo Shipping | Air Freight |
| USA → Germany | $2,800-$4,200 | $1,900-$3,100 | $14,000+ |
| Japan → California | $3,100-$4,500 | $2,200-$3,400 | $16,000+ |
| UAE → UK | $3,500-$5,000 | $2,800-$4,000 | $18,000+ |
Dimensions of the vehicle is one of the most important factors while considering the cost of importing an automobile as larger ones such as SUVs do cost more space and thus have to be paid more. To add on, there are also fuel surcharges dependent on the price of fuel around the globe. The customs bonds are majorly included in the expense of most international car transport as it deals with such regulations on imports. If your journey also involves Shipping A Car To Another State before international transport, it's essential to factor in domestic shipping costs as well.
Several ways have been proven to mitigate such costs. Consolidated shipping, where the spaces provided by the container are shared with a certain number of vehicles, goes down with prices considerably. Booking during off-peak seasons also benefited from lower demand rates. And finally, the correct kind of coverage gives protection on sudden expenditure thus financially securing the shipper through the process of international car shipping services. Consider using the international Car Shipping Cost Calculator to get prices for your own.
This was my first experience getting a vehicle transported and Andrew made this experience smooth and easy despite all the problems I faced with the car dealership to a driver not showing up for pick up. Andrew was with me every step of the way and worked so hard to make my experience as great as it can be and even followed up. I will definitely be only dealing with this company for future transports and I'll always 100% recommend Andrew .
Nothing but good things to say about my experience. Told me how much, when they would pick up and when they would deliver. Spot on down to the penny and minute. A+
I had the absolute best most professional experience from start to finish with Bold auto Transport. From my agent Ted to the dispatcher to my Driver Tamerlan to the follow up representative Eve I was given such peace of mind and I couldn’t have entrusted a better company to handle my family vehicle getting safely from Texas to Arizona. They gave me an honest quote from the beginning, which of course it’s not cheap to get a vehicle safely shipped from one state to another across the country, as the shady companies outthere would lead you to believe but I was told from the beginning what it would cost and exactly when they would pick up my vehicle on time, and nothing worrisome ever arose, even though I was so stressed out entrusting my vehicle with anybody but all of my worries were alleviated as I was able to text and call the agent, the driver excetera with constant updates. They treated my vehicle just like they would their own, and it was shipped in an enclosed trailer with only one other vehicle, and received in the same condition They picked it up in. I literally had to organize this with Bold Auto Transport at the very last minute After dealing with so much uncertainty and unprofessionalism by other companies, especially knowing that this industry is full of fraud, etc. and Bold Auto came through above and beyond better than I could’ve ever expected. I can’t thank you all enough and I hope this review is able to help someone else in the same situation to know with complete certainty that they will be in the best hands out there! Thank you again Bold Auto Transport for everything!
Our container loading method is specifically programmed for safety and security in international car shipping services. This begins by performing a pre-load inspection, where a detailed 87-point condition report is completed and timestamped photos document the vehicle's condition prior to shipping. Next, battery - disconnection and tire pressure reduction prevents movement during transit will result in stabilization of the vehicle. Then, load optimization is laser-guided systems position vehicles in such a way to maximize loadability with minimal damage.
That is how robust security measures will protect your vehicle during international car transport. Environmental controls preserve optimal humidity levels within the containers and helps mitigate damage from sea waves with specialized cushioning systems.
Arriving at the site, vehicles undergo rigorous inspection and preparation for delivery. A decontamination wash removes salt and biological contaminants accumulated during international car transport. To ensure all functions are operational, certified technicians from international auto shipping companies will reactivate the vehicle's electrical systems. Last, there would be a post-transit inspection that includes a comparison of the vehicle's condition against the pre-shipment report to verify that no damage occurred during transit.
White Glove Container Service: Ensures that sensitive vehicles are cared for using climate-controlled 40' HQ containers to maintain proper conditions during international car transport.
Military Move Program: Includes STARS-compliant documentation handling and DoD-approved chain of custody protocols in all military moves. This ensures that they deliver military moves with utmost professionalism and compliance.
Collector Car Concierge: Our Collector Car Concierge service utilizes museum-grade padding materials to meticulously cover every element of the vehicle.
Top international car transport destinations in emerging markets in 2025:
| Region | Popular Destinations | Reasons for Shipping |
| Europe | Germany, UK, France, Italy, Netherlands | Expat relocation, classic car imports, luxury car purchases |
| Asia | Japan, South Korea, UAE, China | Used car markets, luxury car demand, specialized vehicles |
| North America | USA, Canada, Mexico | Relocation, classic cars, cross-border trade |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar | Luxury car demand, specialized vehicles (e.g., off-road) |
| Africa | South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya | Growing economies, used car markets, aid/NGO vehicles |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand | Relocation, classic car imports, specialized vehicles |
Your Keys: Ensure you have a spare set of keys available for customs and delivery purposes.
Title and Registration: Original documents are required, along with any necessary lien holder releases.
Creditor/Lessor Notarized Statement: If your vehicle is financed, a notarized statement from the creditor is necessary.
Photo ID: A valid passport or government-issued ID is required for customs processing.
Country-Specific Car Export Requirements: Individual countries have different requirements for importing cars. For example, the UK requires a C388A Certificate for clearance in customs.
There are mainly two types of container shipping offered by international auto shipping companies: consolidated shipping and sole use container shipping. The main advantage of consolidated containers is low cost; the model for medium cars such as sedans and coupes, which fall into the category of consolidated containers. On the other hand, for larger cars or high-value vehicles, sole containers will cost $3,800-$6,500 and offer a dedicated space for the vehicles.
This method saves money; space is shared with other vehicles for cost reductions. It is recommended by international auto shipping companies for standard sedans and coupes. To check how much money you saved, use our international car shipping cost calculator.
Dedicated international auto transport for larger or high-value vehicles guarantee maximum security and protection.
RoRo car shipping is cheaper around $1,900-$4,000, and transit times usually run from 18 to 35 days. Vehicles should not exceed 20 feet in length.
Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in 2-5 days, but it's expensive ($14,000-$18,000) and limited to vehicles under 16'6" in length.
Timing: Book 6-8 weeks pre-departure for optimal pricing for your international auto transport.
Insurance: When having international auto logistics, it's advisable to purchase separate marine insurance coverage.
Cultural Compliance: Right-hand drive conversions for 58 countries and headlight beam pattern adjustments
Bold Auto Transport stays as the one of the best amongst international auto shipping companies the competition with a thorough 54-Point Service Guarantee encapsulating every element of the shipping chain, right from the first forms to the last delivery. This means that our clients have a smooth and stress-free experience.
We can handle shipments across continents thanks to a network certified partner facilities in the world. And within this network, every stage of your vehicle's journey is handled with care and professionalism. For those looking to estimate costs before booking, our international car shipping cost calculator provides accurate pricing based on destination, vehicle type, and shipping method.
We also incorporate advanced technology in our jobs. The proprietary tracking program provides near-real-time status updates, so you can have peace of mind knowing where your vehicle is and its status at any given time during the shipping process.
Average transit times provided by international car shipping companies range from as little as 18 days (between countries West EU to East US) and sometimes take up to 42 days-long for greater distances, such as Asia to South America, excluding any time needed for customs processing.
When working with an international car company, customs regulations generally restrict personal items to those stored in the glovebox. However, if you need to transport additional cargo, a complete container can be used, provided it is accompanied by proper documentation. Working with international vehicle shipping companies can help streamline this process by ensuring all necessary paperwork is in order.
Yes, 68% of such international shipments are for household relocation. Choosing the best international Car Shipping Company ensures a smooth process, with expert handling, proper documentation, and reliable transport options tailored to your needs.
The process with international car movers should be started about 10-12 weeks before moving to the new destination. Certification for export alone requires a 21-business-day waiting period in G7 countries.
2025 averages: $2,800 (RoRo) to $18,000 (air freight). Request our interactive pricing calculator for exact quotes. To get a more precise estimate tailored to your specific route and vehicle type, use our international car shipping cost calculator, which factors in distance, shipping method, and additional fees.
Similar to the previous question, costs vary by method and route. Contact us for a personalized quote. If you’re also looking to Ship a Car Across the Country before its international departure, we can arrange seamless domestic and international transport for a hassle-free experience.
Picking up the vehicle will be done per your timing and that of our logistics schedule. On average, vehicles would actually be picked up within 24-48 hours from the time of booking.
Essential documents include:
Original title with notarized release
Valid passport copy
ISF-5 customs form (US exports)
Basic $100,000 marine coverage is included. We recommend supplemental insurance for vehicles valued over $50,000.
