International Car Shipping: Cost and Companies (2024)
Key Takeaways
- For international auto transport, roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping is the cheapest method.
- International auto transport can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days from start to finish.
- The best international auto transport companies are Montway and SGT Auto Transport due to their reputation, reliability and affordability.
International auto transport is a major undertaking, but the process shouldn’t be particularly difficult. The best way to receive a safe and efficient overseas vehicle delivery is by researching shipping providers and following all the necessary procedures.
We at the MarketWatch Guides team have researched and ranked the best international car shipping companies to give you a full view of the vehicle transport industry. Keep reading to learn about overseas car shipping and to find out how to get seamless and speedy auto transport services around the world.
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
How to Ship a Car Internationally
International transport is more complicated than domestic transport, with the main differences relating to carrier availability and car shipping costs. With that said, if you plan ahead and gather the necessary documentation needed to ship a car between two ports of entry, the process will be smooth and easy. Follow the tips below to begin your international vehicle shipping journey. The information you find is very similar to our tips on how to ship a car within national borders.
Plan ahead for Shipping Complexities
Depending on your origin and destination, you may need to piece together multiple types of shipments and shipping companies. For example, you might need one company to move your vehicle from an inland state in the U.S. to a port city. Another company could load the car onto a vessel and transport it overseas. Then, you might have a third provider in that country move the car to the final destination.
Ideally, you’d have at least a couple of months to plan the shipment. It’s possible to ship your car internationally on a tighter schedule, but you may have to pay higher rates for expedited transport.
Research and Pick a Company
Look for companies that offer reasonable rates, adequate insurance and strong customer service. Keep in mind that many car shippers aren’t willing to haul vehicles abroad, and your destination port may not be serviced by every company that provides international vehicle shipping.
Get Quotes and Book the Shipment
It’s best to get quotes from a few legitimate providers — Montway Auto Transport and SGT Auto Transport have tools on their websites that allow you to get free, instant quotes. Remember to budget for any additional fees or for the quote to change. Quotes are just estimates and not a guarantee of the final price. Next, book your shipment to lock in your estimated pick-up date.
Gather the Necessary Documents
Since your vehicle will cross international borders in transit, it’s important that you gather documents such as your driver’s license, passport and the car’s title and registration. For overseas car shipping, you typically must provide the following materials:
- Two forms of government-issued identification: Usually a driver’s license and passport
- Vehicle title and registration: Carriers need the original title to pass through ports
- Bill of sale: You’ll need to provide this if you recently purchased a new car
- Notarized letter from lender or lessor stating knowledge of the shipment: If under a lien, your vehicle may not be allowed through some ports
- A set of keys: For the carrier to use during the shipment
While these are the standard requirements for international car shipping providers, your hauler may ask for more. Do homework on your car transporter’s rules and on what’s required at the car’s final port of entry.
Prepare Your Car
Wash your car before you drop it off. This way it’ll be easier to see any pre-existing dents, dings or scratches that you’ll need to note with the driver when your vehicle is picked up. Also, make sure you have a spare set of keys, remove personal items from the vehicle and empty it of all but a quarter tank of gas so you aren’t charged for any extra weight.
Drop Off Your Vehicle
On the day of the move, you’ll need to drop the car off at its terminal or meet the driver at your agreed upon address if you’re using door-to-door transport services. Inspect the vehicle for pre-existing damages before the hauler takes your car away so it’s easier to document any damage that may happen during transport.
Wait for Your Vehicle To Arrive
Transit times for international car shipments typically range from 30 to 60 days. The exact time frame depends on distance between ports, your chosen car transport method, the frequency of shipping routes and the amount of time it takes to prepare and load your vehicle. Your car can also take a while to get through customs, as certain countries have strict inspection procedures.
Since long-distance car transport isn’t fast, it’s important that you factor the timeline for delivery into your overall relocation plan. After all, it might be difficult to get settled into your new country if there’s still a week or two before your vehicle arrives.
Pick up Your Car
It could take a while to get your car through customs, so you may want to pay an agent to help you navigate the process. Your car shipping company may also help with the customs process, which is why it’s important to research companies thoroughly. Once the car reaches its final destination, you’ll need to inspect the car for new damages, sign the bill of lading and then drive away.
MarketWatch Guides Tip
The bill of lading is a piece of paper that documents any pre-existing damage your vehicle may have. In the event that your car incurred some damage during shipping, you would note this in the bill of lading upon delivery.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Internationally?
For standard RORO shipping, international vehicle shipments average between $1,500 and $5,000. Shipping via air freight can cost as much as $40,000. It’s likely that you’ll pay a higher rate to ship heavier vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks than standard sedans. Rates may be lower if you’re shipping a motorcycle, or higher with specialized vehicles like a recreational vehicle (RV) or a form of heavy equipment.
You may need to hire an agent to help get your car through customs, which could add as much as $500 to your total cost. Destination ports can also charge you a fee, depending on where you’re shipping your vehicle.
Factors That Affect International Car Shipping Costs
One of the biggest factors that can affect the cost of international car shipping is the method used to transport your car. There are three ways to ship your car overseas, two of which involve loading your vehicle onto a freight ship, which are the most affordable options. The other option for international car shipping involves transport via aircraft.
Here are some other factors that play a big role in determining international transport costs:
Vehicle type, weight and condition
Taxes and fees in the destination country
This is typically the cheapest international car shipping method. With roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping, your vehicle is secured inside of a freight ship headed to your destination. As with traditional open auto transport, if you use RORO shipping, your car could be exposed to the elements.
Using enclosed auto transport containers on freight ships is a great way to protect your vehicle during international moves, but you’ll pay more for the added protection. You can select a shared container as a way to lower rates, especially since enclosed shipping can be relatively pricey.
This is easily the most expensive international car transport method, but it’s also the fastest one. As you might expect, air freight is most often used for shipping rare, luxury or classic cars overseas. If you have the means and want a far faster delivery, air auto transport is the way to go.
How To Save Money on International Car Shipping
To get the best international car shipping rates, we recommend comparing free car shipping quotes online and booking as far in advance as possible. You can also save on your auto shipping expenses by using a popular departure port like New York City, Los Angeles or Miami. Shipping your car from a less popular port can be more expensive than using these busy hubs.
Even the most cost-effective international auto transport service will be somewhat expensive. After all, it takes far more time and work to get a car to Europe, Australia or Asia than to another spot in the U.S.
Best International Car Shipping Companies
It’s not always easy to find the best companies that specialize in international car shipping. That’s why we recommend Montway Auto Transport or SGT Auto Transport. These providers are known to offer cheap car shipping services and can safely and quickly get your vehicle across the globe.
Montway Auto Transport: Best Customer Experience
Montway Auto Transport has a strong reputation for customer satisfaction and offers competitive prices. The company works with a network of over 30,000 vetted carriers to move vehicles. Montway can haul cars to any U.S. port and has experience working with international carriers to move vehicles overseas.
Customers give Montway Auto Transport 4.5 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. The company’s wide variety of shipping services and industry expertise are additional reasons why it’s considered a top international car shipping option.
Keep reading: Montway Auto Transport Review
SGT Auto Transport: Price-Matching Guarantee
SGT Auto Transport is another good option for international car shipping, as it offers both closed and open car shipping abroad. The provider stands out with its price-match guarantee, meaning if you find a better price elsewhere for your shipping needs, it will match that price.
SGT Auto is also well regarded by customers, scoring a 4.6 out of 5 from customers on the BBB website, and a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot from over 1,000 reviews. Customers not only enjoy price matching, but they also get guaranteed pickup date options for international and domestic shipping.
Keep reading: SGT Auto Transport Review
Shipping Cars Overseas: The Bottom Line
Shipping a car to another country can be expensive and time-consuming, and it certainly requires more effort than car transport within the U.S. However, it’s possible to get a good deal on high-quality international car shipping services if you perform prior research and give yourself plenty of lead time.
Overseas Vehicle Shipping: FAQ
The following are some frequently asked questions about international car shipping.
On average, international car shipping via freight ship costs between $1,500 and $5,000. This price depends on the popularity of the shipping route, the type of vehicle you’re transporting and the distance of the move. Shipping a car overseas via air freight is much pricier and can cost anywhere from $5,000 up to $40,000.
Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping is the most preferred international car shipping method. It’s somewhat similar to moving your vehicle via an open trailer within the U.S. Although RORO is the cheapest choice, shipping your car this way could leave it exposed to bad weather.
We consider Montway Auto Transport the best car shipping company in the industry. It works with a wide network of vetted carriers, some of whom specialize in international auto shipping. Another strong option for international car shipping is SGT Auto Transport.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car shipping companies. We collected data on dozens of auto transport providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Cost (33% of total score): Auto shipping companies with affordable rates, locked-in pricing and discount opportunities score highest in this category.
- Customer Experience (25% of total score): This score is based on customer satisfaction ratings and the availability of extras like GPS tracking. We also consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each transporter’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
- Reputation (22% of total score): Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Shipping Methods (10% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for car transport and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Logistics (10% of total score): A smooth shipment is all about the details, which is why we look at how long it takes providers to pick up and ship vehicles, whether they include additional insurance coverage and more.
Our credentials:
- 200+ hours researched
- 20+ companies reviewed
- 2,000+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
link
