Shipping Your Car from the UAE to the USA? Shipping a Car from the UAE to the USA starts at a cost of $2,749 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20-35 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in the United Arab Emirates and whether the destination in the USA is on the east or west coast. Below, our 2024 guide will explore everything you need to know about shipping a car from the UAE to the USA.
UAE to US Vehicle Shipping Checklist
Determining Vehicle Eligibility for Shipping to the USA
Conforming vs. Nonconforming Vehicles
UAE to US Car Shipping Costs & Time Frame
UAE to US Vehicle Shipping Options
Additional Services
Ports Served in the US and UAE
Cleaning Your Vehicle’s Undercarriage
Driving Your Vehicle in the United States
Other UAE/US Shipping Options
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Want more information on car shipping services to the USA from UAE?
Read on below for our UAE to US Vehicle Shipping Checklist, Determining Vehicle Eligibility for Shipping to the USA, UAE to US Car Shipping Costs & Time Frame, UAE to US Vehicle Shipping Options, Ports Served in the US & UAE, and other details on Car Shipping from UAE to USA.
UAE to US Vehicle Shipping Checklist
Here’s a rough breakdown of the process you’ll need to go through to ship your vehicle to the United States.
More information on the process of shipping a vehicle to the United States can be found here.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.
Determining the Eligibility of Your Vehicle for Shipping to the United States
As you engage in the vehicle shipping process, some of the most important questions to consider include:
These questions and more will determine the costs to ship the vehicle to the US, whether your car is eligible for shipping to the United States, and finally, whether you will need to go through additional steps to make your vehicle eligible for shipping. In some cases, such as temporary import for racing or other purposes, the usual standards may not apply. CFR Classic can help you through the process of determining what will be required to import your vehicle.
Conforming vs. Nonconforming Vehicles
Generally, if a vehicle already meets the requirements for shipping to the United States, it is because that model was originally designed for export and sale in the United States, or was manufactured in the United States for domestic sale. As such, nonconforming vehicles are required to be modified to meet all applicable FMVSS and EPA emissions standards prior to import into the USA.
Things to Consider
If your vehicle conforms to these standards, it will bear a manufacturer’s label on the engine compartment attesting to its compliance to emissions standards in English, as well as a certification label near the driver’s side door confirming that it complies to safety, bumper and theft prevention standards. You will need to complete EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 attesting to your vehicle’s compliance. Additionally, you will need the shipper’s or carrier’s original bill of lading, bill of sale, foreign registration, and other documents covering the vehicle, to be provided to your Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) inspector.
If your vehicle is nonconforming, it may still be eligible for import with modifications by a DOT-registered importer, who modifies the vehicle and certifies that it conforms to all applicable FMVSS and emissions standards. Additionally, the importer must post a bond equivalent to one and a half times the dutiable value of the vehicle (in addition to the normal CBP entry bond). A copy of the bond must be provided with the HS-7 form. The same is applicable for EPA, the list is here: EPA Independent Commercial Importers.
A nonconforming car may be shipped from UAE to the United States under certain conditions, such as re-importing a previously exported vehicle, shipping a vehicle for personal use not exceeding one year, shipping a vehicle as a member of foreign armed forces, diplomatic personnel, or other exceptions authorized by the US State Department, bringing a vehicle into the country for testing, demonstration, or competition, or other special circumstances. CFR Classic can help you identify if your vehicle falls into one of these categories for Car Shipping from UAE to USA.
UAE to US Car Shipping Costs & Time Frame
Using a baseline of a compact car being shipped using the roll-on/roll-off method from the Port of Jebel Ali to the Port of Los Angeles, our estimate for Car Shipping from UAE to USA starts at a cost of $2,749 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20 – 35 days.
However, the cost to ship a car to United States can vary according to factors such as the model and make of your vehicle, your current location, the nearest departure port in UAE, your shipping method of choice, availability of your chosen services and your final destination. Additionally, you’ll need to consider costs such as storage, cleaning, other vendor fees, and American taxes & duties.
Duties are levied by Customs and Border Patrol before your vehicle is delivered; if you are staying in United States and the vehicle is imported concurrently with your arrival in the country, you are permitted to import a car for up to 12 months without having to pay duties.
Taxes & Duties for Shipping Cars to the United States
Generally, foreign-made vehicles imported for personal use or sale are dutiable at the following rates:
Duty rates are based on price paid or payable, and most Canadian-manufactured vehicles are duty-free. If you are a resident of the United States returning to the country from travel, work, or study abroad, you may apply your $800 CBP exemption, and those of accompanying family members, towards the value of the vehicle under the following circumstances:
To obtain an estimate of the cost to ship a car to the United States, fill out our free quick quote form. We guarantee a response within 24 hours.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.
UAE to US Vehicle Shipping Options
Car Shipping from UAE to USA can be performed using a shared container, a sole container or a roll-on/roll-off service.
Roll-On/Roll-Off – Our most cost-efficient option! The only added fees are port and customs clearance charges. Best for vehicles in working condition – your car will be driven onto a large cargo area on the shipping vessel and secured for transport.
Shared Container Service – Several vehicles are shipped together in one 40ft. container. Although there are more fees involved than with our roll-on/roll-off service, these are divided between the multiple vehicle owners using the container. A terminal handling charge, trucking and unloading charges, as well as custom clearance fees are included in the additional fees.
*There might be a longer wait before your vehicle ships out, since we have to wait until there are enough vehicles to fill up the container. However, you have the added benefit and security of a fully enclosed container.
Full Container Load – Like our shared container service, you have the safety of an enclosed 20ft container, yet it is dedicated to a single vehicle. Since we don’t have to wait for other cars to ship, you’ll enjoy the advantage of a shorter wait between departure and arrival. However, you’ll end up paying more in fees.
Fully enclosed containers offer a high level of safety, since vehicles aren’t exposed to the elements. When we receive your vehicle, we’ll document the car’s condition and loading process with photos. All cars are loaded using our environmentally friendly steel loading system, instead of outdated wood ramps used by other companies. This modern system not only reduces the environmental impact of shipping but adds security against damage to your vehicle.
Once loaded, we’ll ensure the container door is locked and secured. This will safeguard against anyone gaining access to the vehicle before it reaches its final destination. Upon entrance to the United States, our agent will access the container and photograph the unloading process, as well as document the vehicle’s condition. Due to the vehicle being in a fully enclosed and secure container throughout the shipping process, clients may pack and transport other items inside the car. Though, all items must be loaded securely, as we will not be responsible for loss or damage of any kind.
Compared to our roll-on/roll-off service, container shipping is a faster method thanks to our frequent weekly departures.
Additional Services
Sourcing Vehicles – With over twenty years’ experience in the car shipping business, we have an extensive network of car buyers and are ready to assist overseas clients purchasing vehicles, for a nominal fee.
Other Services – Some of the auto transport services we offer in overseas territories include domestic pickup, vehicle import assistance, tracking of your shipment, customs clearance in the USA and a full vehicle inspection report.
Ports Served in the US and UAE
Departure Ports – UAE
The location your vehicle will depart from depends on the method of car shipping to the United States, where your vehicle is located, your budget and which services the nearest port offers. Here are the United Arab Emirates ports we can ship your vehicle from:
Destination Ports – United States
We are able to import into any port in the USA, with CFR facilities in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Miami, Oakland, and Charleston.
Cleaning Your Vehicle’s Undercarriage
Before shipping your vehicle to the United States, the undercarriage must be cleaned and free of foreign soil to prevent the introduction of invasive plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. This can be accomplished through steam cleaning or other thorough cleaning methods.
CFR Classic can assist with finding an appropriate cleaner to help ensure you comply with this requirement.
We do not recommend washing the interior of the vehicle as it can cause mold during transport. Vacuuming the interior is usually more than sufficient.
Driving Your Vehicle in the United States
Before driving your vehicle in the United States, ensure that both you and your vehicle comply with US licensing and registration laws. Requirements differ based on your citizenship status and the length of your stay in the United States.
Your imported vehicle should bear the International Registration Marker, and you may wish to consider acquiring an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you are a foreign national. UAE is a party to the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949, meaning that UAE citizens can acquire an IDP and use their driver’s license in the United States.
Other UAE/US Shipping Options
This information was updated in January 2024. All information, time frames, pricing, and regulations are subject to change. Please contact a sales representative for the most current rates and information.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.