Stack of blue container boxes at cargo station

International Car Shipping

International car shipping is a complex process that can involve different types of transport and dealing with different customs agencies at borders.

Invalid Zip Code

GET A FREE ESTIMATE

From our #1 rated provider,

844-601-0286

Written by:

Dash Lewis , Writer

Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer

02/17/2024 07:49 PM

Key Points:

International car shipping may require working with multiple companies to ship the vehicle over land and sea.
Over the sea, you can pick between roll-on/roll-off, shipping container, or air freight services.
To find the best providers, plan your international shipment at least a couple of months in advance.

Having to ship a car across the globe can be quite an enormous task–but it doesn’t have to be. Since you’re ready to explore the best options for transporting a vehicle overseas, there are a few things you should know about international car shipping.

For a stress-free shipping process, it’s a good idea to learn about the ins and outs of international car shipping, how much it costs, and the companies to consider. To help with your decision, we have reviewed the best car shipping companies in the industry and made a few recommendations below.

How To Ship A Car Internationally

There are several ways you can have a car transported internationally. Most cars are carried across the ocean on a freight ship to their destination port, though others are shipped by air. When available, roll-on/roll-off shipping is the most affordable and convenient technique for those trying out international car shipping for the first time.

Here’s an overview of the three most common methods of international car shipping:

Roll-on/roll-off shipping (RORO): Available at select ports, RORO shipping allows cars to be driven onto a boat and transported from place to place. It’s the easiest method for cheap car shipping, but also less safe for your car.
Shipping containers: This is a much more protective–and expensive–choice than RORO shipping. Your car will be placed in a shipping container, which can be shared to cut down on costs. This is often the best option for expensive or classic cars.
Air freight: Easily the most expensive shipping method, however air freight shipping is also generally the safest and fastest. International car shipping by plane can quickly get your vehicle to its destination, though at a steep rate.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car Internationally?

The average cost of international car shipping ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 for standard transport services. For air transport rather than ocean transport, costs can range from $5,000 up to a maximum of around $40,000.

The cost of international vehicle transport will depend on a variety of factors, such as:

Distance between ports
Route popularity
Vehicle type
Transport company
Shipping method
Additional charges, taxes, and fees

If you have a luxury, antique, or classic car, you should probably opt for enclosed shipping over land, which can drastically increase your car shipping cost. Enclosed car transport is less common than open transport and requires more expertise, leading to increased prices.

Shipping your car from a popular port, such as New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, could also significantly reduce the car shipping rate compared to choosing a less common drop off spot.

Anyone considering international car shipping should be aware of destination port charges, as you might have to hire an agent to navigate your vehicle through customs. This could add hundreds to the price of your transport.

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car Internationally?

The time it takes to ship a car internationally depends on where the car is being shipped to and from. Shipping from New York to London might take a week and a half if you bring the car directly to the port. On the other hand, shipping from Sydney, Australia to London can take multiple weeks for it to arrive at its destination country.

You also have to factor in the time it takes to load and prepare cars for transport, as well as how long it takes for an agent to get your vehicle through customs.

For destinations that are farther apart, you may want to consider which vehicle shipping option will get your car to its specific location the fastest. If you’re using a shipping container to have your car transported overseas, booking a sole shipping container rather than a shared container will guarantee a speedier transit time since you don’t have to wait for the rest of the container to be filled.

International Car Shipping Requirements

To complete the paperwork necessary for international auto shipping, you will usually need to gather the following materials before your shipment can begin:

At least two copies of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
Personal information such as name, phone number, address, and email for both the shipper and receiver
Your vehicle’s year, make, and model, as well as your vehicle identification number (VIN)
Proof of ownership such as the original title, copies of the title, bill of sale, or notarized lien authorization
Payment information such as credit card or banking details

Having all of this basic information ahead of time should lead to a smooth and stress-free process. You could face delays or have added fees if you don’t meet initial requirements related to international vehicle shipping.

These essentials are standard for nearly every international car moving company, but to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements needed, you should do your research on what international auto transport companies require before booking.

International Car Shipping: Our Take

International car shipping is complex but doable. We covered some of the costs, time, and requirements of international car shipping in this article. If you have decided that this method of shipping is right for you, see some of the best companies below.

International Car Shipping Companies

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best international car shipping service, so we’ve researched the best car shippers in the market. For international auto transport, we recommend Montway Auto Transport and Easy Auto Ship based on cost, service standards, and overall customer satisfaction.

Montway Auto Transport: Best Overall

Montway Auto Transport is one of the most popular car shipping companies in the industry and has helped over a million customers get their vehicles to its final destination. Montway provides a free instant quote tool on its website and can transport cars to or from any U.S. port and assist in auto transport services outside the country, though you’ll work with another company. Montway has an A+ rating with accreditation from the BBB.

Keep reading: Montway Auto Transport Review

Easy Auto Ship: Excellent Service Selection

As one of the most respected auto transport brokers in the industry, Easy Auto Ship is an excellent choice for international car shipping. Easy Auto Ship works with some of the best car carriers to service your international car shipment needs and promises to provide cost-effective and efficient shipping options.

To deliver peace of mind, Easy Auto Ship has all-inclusive prices for each and every customer, no matter if the service is for local or international car shipping. You can contact Easy Auto Ship’s customer service to find the best solution for international car transport and use their instant quote tool as well.

Keep reading: Easy Auto Ship Review

International Car Shipping: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about international car shipping:

What is the cheapest way to ship a car internationally?

Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping is often the simplest and cheapest method of having a car shipped internationally. When it comes to enclosed versus open car shipping, enclosed will cost significantly more, sometimes up to 50 percent extra.

What should I look for when shipping a car?

You should do your research on which international car shipping company would best fit your needs. Make sure to consider factors such as international car shipping quotes (cost), reputation, and customer service when choosing the right company. Also, decide whether container shipping, roll-on/roll-off, or air freight would be best for your international car shipping needs.

Do you need insurance to ship a car internationally?

It is not a legal requirement to have shipping insurance when transporting a car internationally, but it would be a good idea to have a policy that covers any potential damages from transport. This can easily happen when shipping a car overseas, so even though insurance is not required, it’s still good protection to have for a seamless process.

How We Rate Auto Shipping Companies

Our review team extensively researches car shipping providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

Reliability: Providers that earn strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have a long history in the auto transport industry score well in this category.
Services: We take a look at what types of transport services are available through each company, including open and enclosed transport, door-to-door shipping, and more. Those with wider service selections are more likely to meet consumers’ needs.
Pricing: Our team performs a secret shopper analysis to get quotes for a variety of shipping routes and services. We compare each company’s costs to industry average prices to see how it stands up to the competition.
Customer Experience: We consider customer reviews on sites like the BBB and Trustpilot to better understand the consumer experience. Car shipping companies with convenient quote processes also perform well in this category.