International Car Shipping
International Car Shipping
USDOT #3775668
MC-1349681
30,000+ vehicles shipped nationwide. Get your price in 60 seconds.
International Car Shipping — At a Glance
The essentials on pricing, timing, coverage, and what to expect. Tap any number on this page to get a live quote for your route.
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.
International Car Shipping
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.
Key Players in the Industry
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Internationally?
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.
What to Expect When You Ship a Car Internationally
Container Loading for International Vehicle Transport
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.
Secure Vehicle Transport
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.
Receiving Your Vehicle at the Warehouse
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.
Our International Auto Shipping Services Include:
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.
Get your car ready with our convenient International auto transport services!
Popular International Car Shipping Destinations
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 |
Requirements for Shipping a Car Internationally
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.
International Vehicle Transport Services
Container Car Shipping Overseas
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.
Consolidated Container Car Shipping
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.
Sole Use Container Car Shipping
Dedicated international auto transport for larger or high-value vehicles guarantee maximum security and protection.
RoRo (Roll-on Roll off) Car Shipping
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 Car Shipping
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.
International Car Shipping Tips
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
Why Choose Bold Auto Transport?
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.
FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car Overseas?
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.
2. Can I Load Goods Inside an International Car Shipment?
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.
3. Can I Ship A Car Overseas To My New Place Of Residence?
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.
4. When Should I Start Shipping My Car Overseas?
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.
5. How Much to Ship a Car Internationally?
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.
6. How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Internationally?
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.
7. When is My Vehicle Going to Be Picked Up?
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.
8. What Paperwork Will I Need to Provide to the Port or Airport for International Car Shipping?
Essential documents include:
Original title with notarized release
Valid passport copy
ISF-5 customs form (US exports)
9. Is My Vehicle Insured During International Transport?
Basic $100,000 marine coverage is included. We recommend supplemental insurance for vehicles valued over $50,000.
How Much Does International Car Shipping Cost?
One important thing up front: Bold handles the U.S. domestic leg only. That means we pick up your vehicle from your origin and deliver it to a U.S. port of export, or for inbound shipments we pick up from a U.S. port of arrival and deliver to your final address. Bold does not handle ocean freight, foreign customs brokerage, or international title transfer — your international freight forwarder coordinates those pieces. The pricing below covers Bold's domestic-leg portion of an international move.
Domestic-leg pricing depends on distance to the port, vehicle size, and route demand. A sedan moving from Dallas, TX to the Port of Houston runs around $480. A pickup truck from New York City to the Port of Baltimore runs about $620. Cross-country domestic legs to a port — say Los Angeles to the Port of Long Beach for a vehicle staged in inland California — are shorter and cheaper than full coast-to-coast moves.
| Route to Port | Estimated Cost | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX → Port of Houston, TX | $480–$620 | 2–3 days |
| NYC → Port of Baltimore, MD | $520–$680 | 2–4 days |
| Los Angeles → Port of Long Beach, CA | $380–$490 | 1–2 days |
These rates cover Bold's pickup and port delivery only — your freight forwarder quotes the ocean freight separately based on the destination country, port pair, vessel schedule, and whether you're shipping RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) or container. Get a live rate for the U.S. leg in under a minute, then share it with your forwarder so they can build the full international quote.
When Should You Choose International Car Shipping Coordination?
If your vehicle is crossing an ocean, the move splits into two distinct pieces: the U.S. trucking leg, and the international ocean and customs leg. Some customers try to drive the car to the port themselves, but that often means renting a one-way drop-off, paying for a flight back, and storing the car in port-area parking until the vessel is ready. Hiring a broker for the U.S. leg is usually cheaper and avoids the storage hassle. Bold handles the U.S. leg for shipments like these:
- Vehicle exports to Europe — Customers shipping to Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, France, and other EU countries. We deliver to the East Coast ports your forwarder selects (typically Baltimore, Newark, or Brunswick) timed to the vessel sail date.
- Military OCONUS returns — Active duty members returning from overseas duty stations whose vehicle arrived at a U.S. port. We pick up from the port and deliver to the new duty station or home of record. See military car shipping for PCS-specific paperwork.
- Expat home shipments — Americans returning home from international assignments and foreign nationals relocating to the U.S. permanently. We coordinate with the customs broker so pickup happens after the vehicle clears.
- Classic and exotic car exports — Collectors shipping to the UAE, Australia, the UK, and Japan. These almost always require enclosed transport on the U.S. leg, which we provide via our enclosed auto transport service.
- Returning citizens and government transfers — State Department, USAID, and contractor employees returning from overseas postings. We provide itemized invoices that work for federal expense reimbursement.
If your shipment is purely domestic — even a long route across the country — you don't need the international coordination layer. Standard open car transport is the right product. International coordination only matters when there's an ocean and a customs process involved.
How International Car Shipping Coordination Works at Bold
The international move has multiple parties — you, the freight forwarder, the U.S. carrier (us), the ocean carrier, and the customs broker on the destination side. Bold's job is to handle the U.S. piece cleanly so your forwarder can focus on the ocean and the destination. Here's how it runs:
- Coordinate with your freight forwarder — Before booking, get your forwarder's port of export, the cutoff date for vehicle delivery to the port, the vessel sail date, and any documentation requirements (some ports require a copy of the ocean Bill of Lading or booking confirmation before they'll accept a vehicle drop-off).
- Confirm port and arrival date with Bold — Share the port name, the cutoff date, and the address of the receiving terminal. We schedule the U.S. leg to deliver 5–7 days before the vessel sail date — enough buffer to handle weather delays without missing the boat.
- Bold dispatches the U.S.-side carrier — Within 48–72 hours of booking, we confirm a vetted carrier (current USDOT, active insurance, clean FMCSA safety record). You get the carrier and driver info before pickup. Pickup happens at your home, dealership, storage facility, or wherever the vehicle is staged.
- Vehicle delivered to port with paperwork — At the port, the driver hands the vehicle to the receiving terminal staff with the Bill of Lading and any forwarder-supplied documentation. We send you and your forwarder confirmation that drop-off was completed and the vehicle is in port custody.
- For inbound shipments, port-to-door after customs — When the vessel arrives and your customs broker clears the vehicle, we pick up from the U.S. port of entry and deliver to your final address — home, dealership, storage, or duty station. You sign the POD and the move is closed.
Working With Your International Freight Forwarder
An international vehicle move is a relay race. The freight forwarder is your project manager — they own the ocean leg, the export documentation, and usually the destination delivery. Bold owns the U.S. leg only. The cleanest moves happen when both sides know exactly what the other is doing, and when the timing between handoffs is built with buffer. Here's how the work splits.
What your freight forwarder handles: ocean freight (RoRo or container), Shipper's Export Declaration and Electronic Export Information filings, vessel booking, ocean Bill of Lading, foreign customs brokerage, destination port handling, and OCONUS final delivery if you've contracted them for door-to-door. Most forwarders also handle the export title and lien-release verification with the lender if your vehicle isn't paid off.
What Bold handles: U.S. pickup at origin, U.S. domestic transport to the port, port drop-off with full documentation, and on inbound moves, port pickup and final-mile delivery. We carry $0 deductible full-value cargo coverage on the domestic leg. Once the vehicle is in the ocean carrier's custody, ocean cargo insurance — separately quoted by your forwarder — takes over.
U.S. ports we serve regularly: Baltimore (MD), Jacksonville (FL), New York/Newark (NJ), Los Angeles/Long Beach (CA), Tacoma (WA), Houston (TX), Brunswick (GA), Galveston (TX), Port Hueneme (CA), and Savannah (GA). If your forwarder uses a port we haven't listed, mention it when you book — we likely cover it.
Recommended timing: deliver the vehicle to the port 5–7 days before sail date. That's the window most forwarders prefer — enough time to clear the receiving terminal's check-in queue and stage for loading, but not so early that the vehicle sits exposed in port-area lots for weeks. Build in a 2-day weather buffer on top of that for transit delays during winter or hurricane season.
Documents the forwarder will request from Bold: our itemized invoice, the carrier's Bill of Lading with VIN and condition record, our USDOT and MC numbers (USDOT #3775668, MC #1349681) for FMCSA verification, and the Proof of Delivery confirming port hand-off. We send these directly to the forwarder when requested — most ask within a day of port drop-off so they can finalize export paperwork.
Why choose Bold for International Car Shipping
Six reasons operators and customers keep coming back — from the insurance that actually covers you to the one-person, one-phone-number model.
How Bold's international car shipping works
Four steps from quote to delivery. Most shipments are booked in under 15 minutes.
What customers say
Real reviews from real shipments — pulled live from our public review feed.
My story starts in Los Angeles, Mechanic says I was good to go on an across country move. Car packed up and I set out on the road. Welp I'm writing this review because about 10 miles south of Beaver Utah my check engine light came on and my car started smoking…
In short: Great service. Fair price. Delivered on their promises. TLDR: Having never shipped a car before I didn't know what to expect. I thought maybe I was falling victim to an internet scam. Bold hasn't been in business that long and only had a few reviews,…
I had a great experience working with Bold Auto Transport! I reached out to them on a late Monday afternoon, and had my car picked up Wednesday morning and dropped off in another state the SAME day before the drop off location business closed at 5 pm. They out…
International Car Shipping FAQs
The questions we get every week. Still unsure? Call (469) 942-5444.
How much does international car shipping cost?
International Car Shipping starts around $480 for short routes and scales by distance, vehicle size, and transport type. Enclosed transport runs 30–40% higher than open. Enter your pickup and delivery above — you'll see a firm quote in seconds, and it's the price you actually pay.
How long does transit take?
Most shipments are delivered in 1–9 days. Under 500 miles usually moves within 1–3 days; coast-to-coast is 7–9 days. Pickup itself typically happens within 1–5 business days of booking, depending on route demand. If you need a firm window, ask about guaranteed pickup or expedited transport.
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. Every shipment includes full-value cargo insurance with a $0 deductible at no extra charge. Your vehicle is covered from the moment it's loaded onto the carrier until it's unloaded at delivery. We can provide a Certificate of Insurance on request.
Open or enclosed — which should I choose?
Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option — this is what 95% of vehicles ship on, including new dealer inventory. Enclosed transport is recommended for luxury, classic, exotic, or show vehicles — anything where a pebble or rain would matter. Enclosed typically costs 30–40% more.
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
You or a designated adult (18+) needs to be there to hand over keys at pickup and inspect/sign the bill of lading at delivery. We can coordinate with family, coworkers, dealers, or property managers — just let your coordinator know who to expect.
What payment methods do you accept?
Credit card, debit card, ACH, Zelle, and certified check. A small deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due on delivery (typically to the driver in cash, certified check, or Zelle — your coordinator will confirm the specifics). No charges until a carrier is dispatched for your shipment.
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USDOT #3775668 · MC #1349681 · BBB A+ · $0-deductible insurance included