SEAMLESS VEHICLE IMPORTS™
LIMA® Automotive has redefined the vehicle import experience. Our white-glove, all-in-one service blends classic cars & modern logistics.
Customs, shipping, delivery — handled end-to-end for a seamless import
Our Services
We arrange pickup from anywhere - auctions, private sellers or dealerships. Your vehicle is in safe hands right from the start, fully insured and ready for transport to port from anywhere across the UK or Europe
Our export agent handle local pre-shipping inspections and customs clearance. Your vehicle is processed and positioned on port terminal
Wheels up! Your car leaves port either via container or tied down securely to the RORO deck. Tracked & insured every single nautical mile.
Upon arrival, our team oversees unloading and customs formalities. We manage duties, inspections, and ensure the smooth release of your vehicle.
The wait is over. Your vehicle arrives at your door or preferred location, ready for new roads and new adventures. Keys in hand, where to first?
Classic Vehicle Sourcing
Heart set on a classic, but no idea where to begin?
Our team can help!



Ready to Import your Vehicle?
Congratulations on taking the first step!
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following important US vehicle admissibility requirements:

Age
On arrival, the vehicle must be at least 25 years old from the date of manufacture; check the vehicle was registered prior to:

Condition
The vehicle has to be in the manufacturer’s original and unmodified condition- most importantly the chassis and engine must be original to that vehicle.
What expertise looks like:
Our top routes
Ready for a quote? Request an Import Quote
One of our representatives will get back to you very shortly.















Testimonials What our Clients Say about Us
Randy Snyder2025-03-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Levi and his crew did an excellent job transporting a car Transatlantic for me. I was well informed at every stage and could even track the ship. They made things easier than I had anticipated and that relieved a lot of stress. The car got to me in very good shape and all the custom documents were properly done. Thank you. I highly recommend. Leticia Salvador2025-03-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guys to work with! We look forward to work with you again! :) Simeon Olsberg2025-03-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m working on my second Defender through LIMA. Loved the first one, but wanted something a little newer (1999 to a 2007), and with seat warmers (if you know, you know 😉). LIMA has been fantastic; advising on what makes sense cost wise, things to know about the process of importing, as well as on the trucks themselves. Fast turnarounds and clear on communication, no surprises and a pleasure to work with. 5 stars all the way. Jaka Hartman2025-03-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found a truck in Germany and messaged Levi at LIMA about the import with a ton of questions. Got a very quick response and a breakdown of the process so I decided to pull the trigger on importing it. The entire experience was very smooth. They organized everything and there was a steady stream of communication till the very end. Levi was really helpful with setting up all the paperwork and delivering the vehicles practically to my door step. Overall a very good experience and if I end up importing another vehicle in the future, I’m 100% working with Lima! Sally David2025-03-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very late for this review which is more of a gratitude post. When my father passed away November 2023, I couldn’t help but search for his favourite vehicle which was the older versions of the Landrover Defender. After liaising with many other dealers and people who owned such vehicles, Lima Auto Sales quickly and efficiently allowed us to rent it for my father’s funeral. In such hard moments, it gave me hope to know that some people still care to help others. Thank you again. Marius Puiu2025-02-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just shipped my Mazda from Bucharest to Toronto, and the experience was excellent. Levi was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process, keeping me informed at every step. The car was first transported by trailer to Zeebrugge, Belgium, then shipped to Halifax, and finally delivered by trailer to Toronto. It arrived in perfect condition. The pricing was fair, and I appreciated the detailed breakdown of costs for each stage of the journey. The service was fully door-to-door, but I also had the option to handle parts of the transport myself (driving to Zeebrugge or from Halifax to Toronto). While that could have saved a bit of money and been a fun road trip, I opted for the full service due to the weather and long distances. The entire process took about a month, and everything went smoothly. I highly recommend them for international car shipping! 🚗🌍 Oliver Brown2025-02-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. LIMA automotive makes buying a car from another country very easy and stress free. I highly recommend them. James Ketchum2025-02-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Levy made a very scary process quite easy. Will def be moving more vehicles to the states with him! Alex Balikoti2025-01-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Massive thanks to Levi and LIMA Automotive for arranging transportation and custom clearance of my Land Cruiser which was purchased in Bulgaria and shipped to Canada. Levi was there every step of the way ready to assist 24/7. Thank you very much Levi! I strongly recommend LIMA as a shipping partner!
Need assistance with a more complex import?
Book a call with a member of our team today!
FAQ
Learn More About us
Sailing times can be as fast as 10 days, but we recommend planning for about 3.5 weeks for door-to-door delivery to east coast ports and approximately 4.5 weeks if your car is heading to the west coast.
The two most popular methods are Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) shipping or secured container shipping. The best choice depends on your car’s type, final destination, and budget.
Car shipping rates generally range from $2,800 to $4,800 USD. The price depends on factors like your vehicle’s size, shipping method, and the distance from the departure port to the final destination.
Yes, provided that marine cargo insurance is added. We always recommend this coverage to fully protect your vehicle from potential damage or loss while in transit.
Yes. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires cars to be free of soil, plant debris, or pests. A thorough cleaning is essential to avoid delays or additional cleaning fees.
You will typically need the bill of sale, the original title of the vehicle, and a valid government-issued photo ID.
You will typically need the bill of sale, the original title of the vehicle, and a valid government-issued photo ID.
The 25-year rule allows cars that are at least 25 years old to bypass U.S. DOT and EPA compliance requirements, making them much easier to import.
Yes. Most imported cars are subject to a 2.5% import duty based on the declared value of the vehicle. However, some exemptions apply depending on trade agreements or other factors.
Generally, no. RORO shipping prohibits personal items inside the car. While container shipping may allow personal belongings, it is subject to CBP inspection, and additional fees may apply.
Yes, we fully handle the customs clearance process with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on your behalf.
The major U.S. ports for receiving imported cars include Newark (NJ), Baltimore (MD), Brunswick (GA), Galveston (TX), Los Angeles (CA), and Tacoma (WA).
Yes, both LHD and RHD cars can be imported. However, RHD cars must still meet applicable U.S. safety requirements if they are under 25 years old.
No, you don’t. We can coordinate a transport service to deliver your vehicle directly from the port to your home or business.
Both methods are secure. RORO cars are securely tied down inside enclosed decks aboard the ship. The only time they’re exposed to the elements is while waiting at the terminal. Container shipping, however, offers a fully enclosed transport environment for additional peace of mind.
You will receive a secure online login to view shipment progress, track vessel movement, and access your shipping documents and updates.
An all-in quote includes everything: ocean freight, marine insurance, customs clearance, port fees, and inland delivery to your destination in the U.S.
No booking deposit is required upfront. Your invoice for freight and customs services will be sent after the vessel’s departure.