Car Shipping to Europe
Shipping your car to Europe? Car shipping to Europe can start at $749, but car shipping prices vary based on the port of origin, port of destination, type of vehicle shipped, international car shipping method (private container shipping, shared container shipping, and RoRo shipping), and more.
We internationally ship an average of 2,000+ cars every month from USA, Europe, and other parts of the world. In addition, we ship hundreds of motorcycles, boats, RVs, and general cargo to European countries.
Our own domestic trucking department allows us to provide you with an effortless auto transport experience from pick-up to delivery! Shipping your car to Europe from your location is easy- all we need is the address and contact information of where the car needs to be picked up from, and our team gets right on the job. Once the car arrives at one of our port terminals, we prepare to ship the car to Europe. First time with international car shipping? Don’t worry! Our expert car shipping agents are ready to assist you every step of the way as you ship your car to its destination country. With more than 25 years of experience in the international vehicle shipping services business, we are here to help you throughout the overseas shipping process for your added peace of mind.
THE LEADER IN CONTAINERIZED INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHIPPING
How Does Shipping Cars to Europe Work?
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo shipping): RoRo shipping is typically the cheapest way to ship a car to Europe in terms of car shipping rates, but least secure. In the roll-on roll-off process for shipping vehicles, the car is physically driven onto the ship and physically driven off the ship. With this method of shipping a car to Europe, make sure you do not place additional items in your vehicles as other parties have access to your vehicle. Also, make sure your car can run and drive or you will incur additional costs for the handling of vehicles that cannot be driven.
Shared Container Shipping: Although shared container car shipping may take more time due to waiting for the ocean container to be filled, it allows you to share the costs of shipping a car to Europe. With shared container shipping, the trucker does a condition report when the vehicle is picked up, and CFR does one when the car is received. The process of loading the vehicle into the shipping container is also photographed and recorded, and the shipping container is then shut and sealed and not opened until delivered, with the exception of a customs inspection. The car does not have to run and drive, you can also store additional items inside the vehicle so long as you create a packing list.
FCL Container (Private): This exclusive container shipping service allows you to have a private container to fill at your own time, allowing for faster transit in getting your car to Europe versus needing to wait for others, like in a shared container. The container may be filled with autos and other cargo, so long as you create a packing list. The exclusive container shipping option for shipping a car to Europe is also the most expensive, as all shipping costs will pertain to you.
Trust your vehicle transport to the car shipping company that major car manufacturers worldwide trust – CFR Classic.
CFR is the premier international car shipping company in the USA using the industry-leading R-RAK vehicle loading system, and is doing so in partnership with Trans-Rak International, a UK company that designed the vehicle loading system and also holds the patents.
This system allows for the loading of up to five vehicles in one container, and is the safest vehicle shipping method available.
With other international car shipping companies, the traditional method of stacking cars for container shipping is to construct wooden ramps, and load the cars onto those ramps; this method of shipping vehicles is not only much more complicated and decreases safety, but is also an environmentally unfriendly way to go about shipping a car.
Europe Car Shipping Rates & Turnaround Times
Estimates Based on a Compact Car to/from Ports in the USA
Destination |
Export Cost Estimate |
Export Time Estimate |
| Austria | $1,195 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Belgium | $749 | 14 – 28 days |
| Czech Republic | $1,395 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Denmark | $1,295 | 18 – 28 days |
| Finland | $1,225 | 14 – 28 days |
| France | $750 | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Germany | $749 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Ireland | $1,495 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Italy | $849 | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Netherlands | $749 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Norway | $1,295 | 18 – 28 days |
| Portugal | $1,595 | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Romania | $1,495 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Spain | $1,395 | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Sweden | $1,295 | 21 days |
| Switzerland | $1,195 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| United Kingdom | $849 | 14 – 28 days |
Checklist for Shipping Cars to Europe
You can use the below checklist to get an idea of what you can expect and need in order to ship a car to Europe. This may vary depending on which country you are shipping your vehicle to.Â
Check out international car shipping guides for a per country breakdown of requirements, to learn the answers to questions like “How much does it cost to ship your car?” and other fees and duties you can expect to pay, and other information to ship a vehicle to Europe from the United States.
If you need additional information or quotes for international auto transport, we’ve prepared these convenient online international auto shipping guides with info specific to each country, including steps when shipping your car overseas, as well as customs and vehicle homologation info.
Ready to ship your car?
International Car Shipping Guides
Don’t see the country you’re looking for? We work with car shipping agents all over the world and can assist you with car shipping to Europe and all your international vehicle shipping needs. Request a quote to ship a car above, or give us a call at 1-888-886-6683.
FAQs for International Car Shipping Companies
At CFR Classic, we understand that international car shipping can be complex, and you may have questions about the process. We have compiled a list of FAQs to address some of your common questions.
Do You Need a Title for Shipping Cars to Europe or Overseas?
Not the car owner yet? You will need to provide a copy of the original title and bill of sale in order to ship a car overseas to Europe or another country from the United States, so make sure that you have the ability to obtain them. Our Europe & international vehicle shipping agents are available to assist you with acquiring the necessary documents in order to allow you to get your own car shipped.
For a per-country breakdown of car export requirements, car shipping options, car shipping to Europe quotes and duty amounts, vehicle destination ports, and more, you can check out our Europe & international car shipping guides above.
Can I Bring My Car to Europe?
Each country has its own set of vehicle import regulations. Your vehicle must comply with legal and technical regulations in order to be imported into that country. Check out our international shipping guides for country-specific information.
Can I Ship a New Car?
Yes, CFR Classic can ship new cars internationally. However, it is essential to note that certain documents are required to clear customs. One such document is the title or the manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MSO). These documents verify the ownership and authenticity of the vehicle and are essential for the customs clearance process.
Sometimes, shipping the car using an MSO instead of the traditional title is possible. An MSO is a document that comes with the car when it is delivered from the manufacturer to the dealer, serving as the title. However, it can only be transferred once. To proceed with the shipment using the MSO, the dealer needs to sign off on the back of the document and have it notarized. Additionally, you will need a notarized bill of sale for the car and proof that the payment was made in full. Once these requirements are met, the car will be cleared through customs.
Remember that in most cases, you will need to wait for the traditional title to clear customs. So, it’s essential to plan accordingly and ensure all necessary documents are in order before shipping your new car with CFR Classic.
Are There Special Considerations When Shipping Electric Vehicles?
As they are now considered hazardous goods due to safety concerns related to the transport of batteries, electric vehicles require a hazardous goods declaration before shipping. This will make the shipping process slightly more expensive. Some carriers may also have specific requirements or restrictions for shipping certain electric vehicle models, particularly those with a history of battery-related problems.
Furthermore, certain carriers may insist on using a “reefer” (refrigerated) container for electric vehicles to minimize the risk of overheating or fire during transport. You should be aware of these considerations and work with a reputable shipping company experienced in handling electric vehicles to ensure a smooth and safe transportation process.
How Long Does It Take for an International Car Shipping Company to Ship a Car to Europe?
Shipping a vehicle to Europe can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on which European country you are shipping to and what shipping method you have chosen.
Can I Drive My Car as Soon as It Gets to Europe?
Vehicles must be registered to legally operate in the European country of destination. Certain countries will have their own set of regulations to ship cars – reach out to your shipping specialist for more information.
Do I Need Marine Insurance?
We recommend investing in marine insurance when shipping your vehicle overseas. There are specific scenarios where this additional level of protection becomes essential. For example, many people assume that if a ship sinks due to a captain’s negligent error, they will be compensated for their cargo, but this is not always the case. A non-negotiable legal liability limit of $500 exists, which may not adequately cover the value of your vehicle in the event of damages or losses caused by the ship operator.
We advise obtaining marine insurance on top of the standard liability coverage to safeguard your vehicle and ensure comprehensive protection. This additional insurance is typically priced at 2% of the car’s value, offering peace of mind throughout the shipping process. With marine insurance, you can rest assured that your vehicle is covered in case of unforeseen incidents, providing you with the utmost security during its journey across the seas.
Can I Put Things in My Car When It Is Shipped to Europe?
Yes! When shipping with a shared and/ or private shipping container, you can place items within your vehicle so long as you provide the auto transport company with a packing list. There are certain items such as alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, perfumes, food, and livestock that cannot be shipped within your vehicle. If shipping RoRo, we recommend not placing any items within your vehicle due to different parties having access to your vehicle.
Can I Use Air Freight/Air Cargo for My Car Shipment? How Much More Is It?
Air freight is an option for car shipments, providing a faster alternative to ocean freight. The cost of air freight, however, can vary depending on the destination, size of the vehicle, and other factors. As an example, a rate out of Atlanta going to London might cost about $12,000 versus around $1,500 from Savannah to London in a container on a ship.
Generally, air freight is more expensive than ocean freight. Still, it offers the advantage of expedited delivery, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive shipments or when quick transportation is crucial.
How Do Departure and Arrival Ports Affect the Cost of Shipment? Can My Agent Help Me Find the Cheapest Option?
The cost of a shipment can be influenced by several factors related to the departure and arrival ports. One significant factor is the popularity of the route, which can impact the overall cost of shipping a car internationally. The more popular the route, the cheaper the shipment will likely be. This is because popular routes often have higher volumes of shipments going to and from the destination, providing more opportunities for shipping companies to reuse containers and reduce costs.
On the other hand, less popular routes with lower shipment volumes may result in higher shipping costs. With fewer shipments to particular destinations, shipping companies may have fewer opportunities to reuse containers on outbound journeys, increasing expenses.
Is It Cheaper to Import a Car or Buy a New One Locally?
The cost-effectiveness of importing a car versus buying a new one locally depends on several factors, including taxes, duties, and homologation requirements in the destination country. In some cases, car import can be a more advantageous option, particularly for classic or antique cars. It is crucial to consider the specific regulations and financial implications of both options to determine the most cost-effective approach for your unique situation.
For instance, buying a new BMW in the U.S. may be tempting if you live in Germany, as prices are 30-40% lower. However, remember you’ll still have to pay 30% taxes once you bring the car to Germany. Additionally, you’ll need to handle the necessary homologation processes, such as changing license plates to meet German road standards.
On the other hand, if you reside in the US and plan to move to Germany with your brand-new Porsche, you can import it tax and duty-free. This exemption is applicable when you’re relocating, and you can avoid paying taxes if you keep the car for at least one year after moving.
Each country may also have tax reductions or special arrangements for importing classic or antique cars, making it a viable option for enthusiasts looking to bring unique vehicles to Germany or other overseas destinations.
What Is Mutual Recognition in the EU?
Mutual recognition in the EU refers to the acceptance of vehicle-type approval certificates across member states. Once a vehicle type is approved in one EU country, it can be sold and registered in any other EU country without further testing. This principle streamlines manufacturing processes, promotes market access, and benefits consumers with a broader choice of safe and compliant vehicles.
While mutual recognition eases market entry, compliance with EU regulations remains essential. At CFR Classic, we have extensive expertise in international car shipping and can assist you with navigating regulatory requirements for seamless cross-border transportation. Feel free to reach out to our team for further assistance.
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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.
