Introduction
Moving a vehicle from Europe to the United States is one of the most common methods of shipping vehicles for use and sale to car enthusiasts, expatriates, and collectors. Yet the process may not always be easy, and information on the requirements for planning, logistics, regulations, and costs needs to be gathered. Here is the Ultimate Guide on Shipping a Car from Europe to the US, detailing everything you wish to learn about.
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Choosing a Shipping Method
When shipping a car internationally, there are two primary methods to consider: roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): This is also cheaper. The crew drives the vehicle onto a special ship and anchors it down for the trip. The crew transports the car off the boat at the next disembarking point.RoRo is beneficial for normal automobiles but does not have the level of security incorporated in containerization since automobiles are open to the vagaries of the weather during transport.
Container Shipping: If you’re transporting a luxury, classic, or high-end automobile, container shipping may be more suitable. In this method, the car is loaded into a giant shipping container, which may spare it from some natural elements and other physical abuses. Although this method costs slightly more than RoRo, it offers comfort because it secures valuable cars during the trip.
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Costs Involved
Freight charges also vary depending on the volume of traffic, shipping company, distance, size and weight of the automobile, and the final port in the United States.
Others are customs duty, insurance costs, port charges, and delivering goods to your doorstep. A situation must be avoided whereby one gets to a particular company and pays much more than expected, given that this is an important component of the total cost of transporting the products.
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Customs Regulation and Documentation
Custom issues must be observed, especially when Car shipping from Europe to the US. The US Customs agency requires that you provide several documents for clearance, including:
Title and Registration: This is to show that the person has the right to own the given car.
Bill of Lading: This official document from the shipping company shows that your car shipped.
Quality and Standards: Cars from the US must meet desired environmental quality and safety standards. Manufacturers produce cars for the European market with changes required before importing them to the US. Some models may be recalled or altered to meet these requirements or standards.
One should hire a trusted car shipment company that understands US customs regarding paperwork and documentation for the car to pass through customs.
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Selecting a Good Shipping Company
Finding a reliable shipping company with adequate experience is essential to avoid losing goods during shipment. Search for firms that specialize in shipping cars internationally, demonstrated by their previous encounters and verified by past customers. Firms shipping cars internationally should provide specific details about the complete procedures, duration, and costs involved in the entire process.
Ensure the company holds an insurance policy to cover damages to the products during transit. Reliable companies will also offer tracking options so that you can follow your car’s progress at every point.
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Delivery and Final Steps
Car shipping doesn’t end when your car reaches the automobile transport company. It continues until the vehicle is delivered to the United States. Some companies will provide the car directly to your doorstep, while others may drop it off at a nearby port/ terminal for you to pick up.
You should look at your car for signs of damage before you take it. This is especially true if you chose RoRo shipping because your vehicle will be in an open area during transport. Thus, reviewing it carefully before completing the deal is advisable.
Conclusion
Importing a car from Europe to the USA can be summed up into a few steps: choosing a suitable mode of transport, the cost, customs regulations in the USA, and finally, selecting the right shipping company. As you go through the above procedures, you will do the right research to plan your car shipment process well.
Are you ready to start your car shipping journey? Whether you’re planning your first international shipment or looking for expert advice, we’re here to help! Connect with us on Instagram for more tips, updates, and personalized assistance to make your car shipping process seamless and stress-free.
