How to Ship a Car Overseas: All You Need to Know

Whether your international move is temporary or permanent, you may be considering bringing your car with you to your destination country.

Although an international shipping company will handle most of the logistics, it’s important to understand your role in the overseas car shipping process.

Shipping a vehicle internationally is a complex operation that requires careful planning, detailed paperwork, and proper preparation.

This complete guide on how to ship a car overseas walks you through every step of the international vehicle shipping process, helping you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare your vehicle for a smooth overseas journey.

Should You Ship Your Car Overseas or Buy One Abroad?

Before committing to international car shipping, take time to evaluate whether shipping your vehicle makes sense financially and practically.

1. Sentimental Value

• Are you emotionally attached to your car?
• Does it have a family history or memories associated with it?
• Is it a specific make or model that’s difficult or impossible to buy in your destination country?

Sentimental value can be important, but it shouldn’t outweigh major financial or legal drawbacks.

2. Time Constraints

Selling a car during the stress of moving overseas can be challenging.

• Do you have time to sell it without rushing?
• Will you get fair market value?
• Will you have the time, language skills, and local knowledge to buy a car once abroad?

Rushed decisions often lead to financial losses.

3. Overseas Car Shipping Costs

International car shipping typically costs between $700 and $4,000, depending on destination, shipping method, and vehicle size.

Compare that with:

• The cost of buying a similar car abroad
• Import taxes and registration fees
• Insurance and maintenance expenses

If your car is relatively new and in good condition, shipping it may be worthwhile.

You can get a no-obligation quote for shipping your car overseas in just a couple of minutes by completing this quick quote form.

4. Storage While You’re Away

If you leave your car behind, consider:

• Storage costs
• Insurance payments
• Long-term depreciation

If a friend or family member can safely store and occasionally drive your car, leaving it behind may make sense, especially for short stays abroad.

5. Maintenance and Repair Availability

Some vehicles are expensive or difficult to maintain overseas.

• Are replacement parts readily available?
• Are mechanics familiar with your car model?
• Will repairs cost significantly more?

U.S.-made vehicles can be costly to service in certain countries.

6. Length of Your Overseas Stay

If you’re relocating permanently, shipping your car can provide comfort and familiarity in a new country.

If your stay is only a few months, it’s usually better to leave your vehicle behind and use public transportation or purchase a temporary vehicle.

How to Find the Best International Car Shipping Company

Shipping a car overseas isn’t something you can do on your own. Hiring a licensed, experienced international auto shipping company is essential.

Steps to Choosing a Reliable Auto Shipper

1. Request international car shipping quotes.
2. Speak with licensed auto transporters experienced in overseas vehicle shipping.
3. Ensure companies are registered with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
4. Compare quotes based on:
   • Total cost
   • Shipping method
   • Transit time
   • Insurance coverage
5. Read verified customer reviews.
6. Choose a company offering reasonable pricing, transparent terms, and strong customer feedback.

You may also like to read: How to Choose an International Mover. In this guide, we take you step-by-step through the process of picking the best international mover for your particular move.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Overseas?

The cost of shipping a car overseas depends on several key factors.

1. Distance to the U.S. Port of Departure

If you don’t live near a major seaport, your car must be transported by truck to the port.

Estimated costs:

• Nearby states: a few hundred dollars
• Midwest or remote states: $1,000 or more
• Oversized vehicles: an additional $150–$250

Major U.S. car shipping ports include:

• Los Angeles & San Francisco, CA
• Miami & Jacksonville, FL
• New York, NY
• Norfolk, VA
• Charleston, SC
• Wilmington, DE
• Baltimore, MD

2. Distance to Destination Country

Longer shipping routes cost more.

Approximate prices:

• U.S. to Europe: $700–$2,000
• U.S. to Australia: around $3,000

3. Destination Taxes and Import Fees

Most countries charge:

• Import duties
• VAT or GST
• Customs inspection fees
• Port handling charges

Average destination charges: $500–$600, often not included in the base shipping quote.

4. International Car Shipping Insurance

Insurance typically costs 1.5%–2.5% of the car’s value.

Examples:

• $20,000 car: $300–$500
• $30,000 car: $450–$750

Always confirm coverage details and exclusions.

5. Vehicle Size, Weight, and Condition

Larger, heavier, or non-operational vehicles cost more to ship due to handling requirements.

You may also like to read: International Moving Costs. In this guide, we discover what affects the cost of your move, some average prices for moving to certain countries, budgeting tips, and more.

Required Documents to Ship a Car Overseas

International car shipping involves extensive paperwork. Your shipping company will assist, but you must supply key documents.

Commonly Required Documents:

• Original vehicle title and notarized copies
• Bill of sale (or notarized copy)
• Certificate of origin (for new vehicles)
• Shipper’s Export Declaration
• Dangerous Goods Declaration
• Copy of U.S. passport

Additional documents may be required depending on the destination country.
Notary fees typically cost around $10 per signature.

Tip: Submit documents as early as possible to avoid shipping delays.

You may also like to read: Moving Abroad Checklist. Precise planning ensures a smooth overseas home move. In this guide, we have created a checklist so that you do not forget any important home moving tasks.

International Car Shipping Methods

There are three main ways to ship a car overseas.

1. Roll-On / Roll-Off (RORO)

Your car is driven directly onto the ship.

Pros:

• Cheapest option
• Simple process

Cons:

• Vehicle exposed to weather
• No personal items allowed
• The car must be drivable

2. Shipping Containers (Most Popular)

Your vehicle is secured inside a 20ft or 40ft container.

Pros:

• Maximum protection
• Reduced risk of damage
• Option to share a container and lower costs

Cons:

• More expensive than RORO

3. Air Freight

Cars are transported via cargo aircraft.

Pros:

• Fastest and safest
• Minimal handling

Cons:

• Extremely expensive
• Usually exceeds the car’s value

Best suited for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles.

You may also like to read: Moving Pets Overseas. From preparing your pet, documentation, to settling your pet into their new home, if you are taking your pet with you overseas, then you will find the information in this guide invaluable.

How to Prepare Your Car for Overseas Shipping

Proper preparation prevents delays, damage, and extra fees.

Pre-Shipping Checklist:

1. Service your car and ensure it’s roadworthy.
2. Remove all personal items (except factory equipment).
3. Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly.
4. Remove detachable accessories (roof racks, antennas).
5. Take detailed photos of existing damage.
6. Ensure the battery is charged and secured.
7. Check tire pressure and parking brake.
8. Leave no more than ¼ tank of fuel.
9. Disable the alarm system.
10. Provide a spare set of keys.

You may also like to read: Car Shipping Checklist. In this guide, we look at how to prepare your car for shipping in far more detail, including a useful checklist.

Always verify current regulations with your shipping company and consult the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for updated international vehicle shipping guidelines. 

Shipping a car overseas makes sense as long as you plan, understand the costs, and work with a reputable international car shipping provider.

Good luck moving abroad. Be sure to visit our home move blog, which is packed with country guides and tips to make every aspect of your move easier, cheaper, and safer.