How Does International Car Shipping Work?

Everything You Need to Know Before Shipping Your Vehicle Overseas

Shipping a car internationally may sound complex and overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. Whether you’re relocating abroad, buying or selling a vehicle across borders, or shipping a car for military or diplomatic reasons — understanding how international car shipping works is essential for a smooth, stress-free experience.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the entire international car shipping process, from planning and documentation to delivery and customs clearance.

1. Choose the Right Shipping Company

The first step is finding a reliable international auto transport company that specializes in overseas shipments. Look for a licensed and insured company with experience in your destination country.

What to Check:

FMCSA Registration (for U.S.-based companies)
FMC License (Federal Maritime Commission for ocean freight)
Customer reviews & testimonials
Transparent pricing and contract terms

Tip: Don’t just go with the cheapest option. Experience and reliability matter more than saving a few hundred dollars.

2. Decide on the Shipping Method

There are two main methods of international car shipping:

a) Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Shipping

Your car is driven onto a ship, parked in a large cargo area, and then rolled off at the destination.
Pros: Cheapest option, simple process.
Cons: You can’t ship personal belongings inside the car, limited to ports that support RoRo.

b) Container Shipping

Your car is loaded into a shipping container — either by itself or with other vehicles (shared).
Pros: More secure, allows for personal belongings, ideal for high-value or classic cars.
Cons: More expensive than RoRo.

3. Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Before your car can be shipped internationally, it needs to be properly prepared:

Basic Preparation Checklist:

Wash the vehicle and take detailed photos from all angles.
Remove all personal items (unless using a container).
Disable alarms and anti-theft devices.
Ensure the fuel tank is no more than 1/4 full.
Check for fluid leaks and tire pressure.
Provide a spare key to the shipper.

4. Complete the Required Documentation

Shipping a vehicle overseas involves significant paperwork. You’ll typically need the following:

Required Documents:

Original Vehicle Title (no liens or with lien-holder authorization)
Bill of Sale or Invoice (especially for new purchases)
Photo ID / Passport
Shipper Export Declaration (SED)
Power of Attorney (if someone else is handling it)
Customs Forms (specific to destination country)

Some countries may require additional documents such as emissions compliance or import permits.

5. Vehicle Inspection & Loading

Once documentation is submitted and approved, your vehicle will be inspected and loaded.

What Happens:

The car is checked for damage and a condition report is created.
It’s either driven onto the ship (RoRo) or secured in a container (container shipping).
GPS tracking or real-time shipping updates may be available depending on your provider.

6. Shipping & Transit Time

The time it takes to ship a car internationally varies by distance and shipping method.

Average Transit Times:

USA to Europe: 2–4 weeks
USA to Asia: 3–5 weeks
USA to Africa: 3–6 weeks
USA to Australia/NZ: 4–6 weeks

Weather, port congestion, and customs can cause delays, so always factor in some buffer time.

7. Customs Clearance at Destination

Once the vehicle arrives at the destination port, it must clear customs.

What’s Involved:

The consignee (you or your agent) submits required paperwork.
Customs officers inspect the vehicle.
Import duties, taxes, and fees are calculated and paid.
Some countries require vehicle modifications for local compliance (e.g. emissions, headlights).

Note: Different countries have different regulations for importing cars. Always research or ask your shipping company about destination-specific rules.

8. Pick-Up or Final Delivery

After customs clearance, you can either:

Pick up the car from the port or warehouse, or
Request home delivery (inland transport service)

Be sure to inspect the vehicle upon arrival and compare it to the condition report you received prior to shipment.

Bonus: Costs Involved in International Car Shipping

Here are some of the main cost factors:

Shipping method (RoRo vs container)
Distance and destination
Vehicle size and weight
Port fees and handling charges
Insurance (optional but recommended)
Customs duties and import taxes

Final Thoughts

International car shipping may seem intimidating, but with the right partner and proper preparation, the process can be smooth and efficient. Always plan ahead, stay organized with your documents, and choose a reputable company that guides you through every step.

At Roadline Carriers Inc, we make overseas auto transport simple and stress-free. Whether you’re shipping a single vehicle or multiple cars, we handle everything from pickup to customs clearance — with transparent pricing and world-class support.

Need a quote or have questions?
Contact us today and let our experts help you ship your car safely across the globe.