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Thinking about shipping a car abroad? Whether you’re relocating or selling a vehicle abroad, international car shipping does not need to be an overwhelming process. Learn how overseas car shipping works, what it costs for different destinations worldwide, the difference between RoRo and container shipping, and how to prepare your car for export.
When shipping a car overseas, you can choose between RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) and container shipping. The right option depends on your budget, vehicle type, and destination.
With this transportation method, your car is driven onto a special ship, secured in place, and driven off. It’s common, fast to (un)load, and cheaper than container shipping. The downside is that it’s only suitable for operable vehicles and your car is not protected from the weather.
Here, your car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft sealer container. You can share a container (Less than Container Load shipment) or use a dedicated container for your car only (Full Container Load shipping). Container shipping is best for high-value or classic cars.
The cost of shipping a car overseas from the US depends on the destination, shipping method, vehicle size, and additional services. Car shipping costs are calculated based on:
The major ports in the States are New York and New Jersey, Baltimore, and Savannah on the East Coast. On the Gulf Coast, it’s Houston and Galveston. On the West Coast, the main ports are located in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland.
Let’s look deeper at the international car shipping rates to different worldwide destinations:
| Destination | RoRo | Container | Major Port |
| United Kingdom | $950 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $3,500 | Southampton, London |
| Germany | $950 – $2,800 | $2,200 – $3,700 | Bremerhaven, Hamburg |
| Australia | $2,000 – $4,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 | Sydney, Melbourne |
| Japan | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $4,000 | Yokohama, Kobe |
| South Africa | $1,800 – $3,500 | $2,800 – $4,500 | Durban, Cape Town |
| UAE | $1,100 – $3,200 | $2,600 – $4,200 | Jebel Ali |
| Brazil | $1,400 – $2,800 | $2,200 – $3,800 | Santos, Rio de Janeiro |
| Nigeria | $935 – $3,200 | $2,800 – $4,500 | Lagos, Tin Can Island |
| South Korea | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $4,000 | Busan, Incheon |
| New Zealand | $2,200 – $4,500 | $3,200 – $5,200 | Auckland, Wellington |
| Italy | $1,300 – $2,800 | $2,200 – $3,700 | Genoa, Livorno |
| France | $1,300 – $2,700 | $2,200 – $3,600 | Le Havre, Marseille |
| China | $1,700 – $3,500 | $2,700 – $4,500 | Shanghai, Tianjin |
| Mexico | $1,000 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 | Veracruz, Altamira |
* Disclaimer: The prices above for shipping a car from America to UK, Europe, and other countries are estimates and may vary.
Sirelo makes it easy to find the best international car shipping company. In the moving companies database, you can filter for international movers that handle vehicle shipping. From there, you can check ratings and location, before clicking through to the individual profiles.
On each profile, you’ll find the company’s contact information, services, certificates, and reviews from previous customers. Browse different auto shipping companies and find your perfect match.
To get you started, here are the best car shipping companies.
Find the cheapest way to ship your car abroad by requesting free quotes to your inbox and comparing prices. Fill out the form below and Sirelo takes care of the rest, no strings attached!
If you’re shipping a car overseas using a moving company, the entire process will usually be taken care of. However, it’s good to know how to ship a car overseas, including all the steps included. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare to ship a car abroad.
Request and compare quotes, read reviews on Sirelo, and check credentials. Look for international car shipping companies with experience in your destination country and ask if they handle customs paperwork on your behalf.
Before shipping a car overseas, check the condition of the vehicle. Look for cracked windows, scratches and dents. Check the tire pressure and brakes. Take pictures if necessary.
It’s recommended to clear out personal belongings before the journey. Remove add-on car alarms too, but keep any permanent installations. Depending on the international vehicle shipping company, you might need to wash your car upfront on the inside and outside to avoid spreading agri-related diseases.
Prepare all documentation for the international car shipping company and make copies. These documents include your registration, title, EPA form, driver’s license, purchase invoice, vehicle appraisal, and bill of lading.
Vehicles that are shipped internationally have a connected battery and some fuel. It’s common practice to leave the tank at around a quarter full (no more). This is enough fuel for the car to be loaded and unloaded, but prevents leaking and minimizes weight.
Once your vehicle is prepped and documents are in order, the shipping company will take over. Your car will be driven onto a RoRo vessel or loaded into a container. You’ll receive a bill of lading and tracking info so you can follow your car in transit.
When your car arrives, it will need to clear customs. Depending on the country, this may require proof of ownership, import paperwork, and payment of duties or VAT. You’ll either pick it up from the port or have it delivered to your address. As delays can happen, have a backup plan for local transportation until your vehicle is released.
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