Car Shipping to Guam
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Guam is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Guam, taking a vehicle out to a posting on the island, or shipping a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Guam’s import procedures and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Guam
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Guam – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Guam — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Guam – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 20–40 days (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
DOT/EPA compliance required for vehicles under 25 model years
Cost: $3,800–$8,000+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Port of Guam (Cabras Island)
Import tax: 4% on vehicles less than 3 months old; older vehicles are generally not subject to the import tax
Required inspection: Guam safety inspection before registration with the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation – Motor Vehicle Division
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork, including DOT/EPA compliance documentation.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Guam
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Guam
Our local broker handles all Guam customs paperwork, including any applicable import tax.
Delivered & Registered in Guam
Your vehicle passes the Guam safety inspection before plating at the Motor Vehicle Division.
Guam Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. mainland to Guam starts around USD $3,800, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. The Port of Guam on Cabras Island is the island’s sole deep-water harbor and handles around 90% of Guam’s imports. The estimated transit time is 20–40 days, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US West Coast → Port of Guam | $3,800 | N/A | N/A | Contact for Pricing |
US East Coast → Port of Guam | N/A | $3,700 | N/a | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Guam Destination Ports
LogisticsOur experienced agents at Guam Transport & Warehouse can arrange for port pickup and local delivery of your vehicle anywhere on the island.
Ports Served in Guam
Port of Guam
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesEven though Guam is a U.S. territory, vehicles still need to go through customs clearance procedures. Some of the costs you’ll need to budget for include:
Guam Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty as applied by the Guam government
4% import tax on vehicles less than 3 months old
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Safety inspection fee
Car insurance
Annual registration fee, based on gross vehicle weight
Compliance/conversion costs if the vehicle does not meet U.S. DOT/EPA standards
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. The 4% import tax applies only when the vehicle is less than three months old; most used vehicles will not be subject to this tax. The bigger cost considerations for Guam tend to be the international shipping rate itself and the DOT/EPA compliance requirements.
Guam Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsHere are some possible exemptions for import duties and taxes.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Older Vehicles (Not Subject to Import Tax) | The 4% Guam import tax applies only to vehicles less than three months old. Older used vehicles are generally not subject to the import tax, though customs clearance is still required. |
Vehicles Over 25 Years Old (DOT/EPA Exemption) | Vehicles over 25 model years old, with their original drive train, are exempt from U.S. motor vehicle safety, Department of Transportation, and EPA standards. This makes Guam a viable destination for classic vehicles that would not meet current federal standards. |
Temporary Import for Non-U.S. Residents | Non-U.S. residents visiting Guam may be permitted to temporarily import a vehicle for up to 12 months under special conditions. The vehicle must normally be exported before the permit expires. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Guam.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Guam, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Guam.
- Vehicles under 25 model years that were not already titled in the USA must meet U.S. motor vehicle safety standards, Department of Transportation, and EPA standards.
- Only vehicles over 25 years old with original drive train are exempt from U.S. DOT/EPA standards.
- Cars that don’t meet U.S. emissions standards can incur conversion costs as well as holding and detainment charges at the port.
- New and used vehicles may have different eligibility and tax treatment — confirm with your agent before booking.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Guam:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Signed DOT (Department of Transportation) / EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Form
DOT/EPA compliance documentation (compliance letter or sticker photos)
where required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Guam, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency
Proof of import tax payment
where applicable
Safety inspection certificate
Proof of Insurance
Passport or Other Identification
Application form for vehicle registration at the Motor Vehicle Division
Vehicle Registration in Guam (Department of Revenue and Taxation – Motor Vehicle Division)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Guam must be registered with the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation – Motor Vehicle Division before they can be legally driven on public roads. The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay any applicable import tax, complete the required safety inspection, take out a Guam liability insurance policy, and then register the vehicle at the DMV.
The annual registration fee is based on the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight. Once registration is complete, you’ll receive Guam license plates and can use the vehicle on public roads.
If your vehicle does not meet U.S. DOT/EPA standards and is not eligible for the 25-year exemption, conversion or modification may be required before the vehicle can be cleared and registered. Our agent can help you understand whether conversion is feasible.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Guam, the US mainland, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Guam Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Guam.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Guam?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
Do I need to meet DOT/EPA standards to ship a car to Guam?
Yes — for vehicles under 25 model years that weren’t already titled in the USA. The car must meet U.S. motor vehicle safety standards, Department of Transportation standards, and EPA emissions standards. Vehicles over 25 years old with their original drive train are exempt.
Can I drive in Guam on mainland U.S. license plates?
Vehicles imported from the U.S. mainland still need to be registered in Guam to be road-legal on the island. Plan to complete the safety inspection and Motor Vehicle Division registration shortly after arrival.
How long does customs clearance take in Guam?
Times vary, but with complete documentation (title, registration, DOT/EPA compliance) customs clearance is typically straightforward. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to holding charges, so it’s worth double-checking documents before shipment.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.