How to Ship a Car from the USA to Europe: Step-by-Step Guide

21.04.2025

Shipping a car from the United States to Europe might sound complicated—but with the right partner and a clear process, it’s surprisingly manageable. Whether you're relocating, buying a car overseas, or selling internationally, here’s your step-by-step breakdown of how it works.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need:

  • Original Vehicle Title (or lienholder authorization)

  • Bill of Sale (for newly purchased vehicles)

  • Passport copy / ID

  • Shipping Instructions (from your freight forwarder)

Tip: Make sure there are no liens on the title or unresolved ownership issues before proceeding.

Step 2: Choose Your Shipping Method

There are two main shipping options:

???? 1. Container Shipping (Most popular)

  • Fully enclosed and secure

  • Ideal for luxury or classic vehicles

  • Option to consolidate with household goods

???? 2. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

  • Vehicle is driven onto the ship deck

  • Lower cost, but vehicle must be operational

No personal items allowed inside

Step 3: Select the Destination Port in Europe

Top European ports include:

  • Bremerhaven (Germany)

  • Rotterdam (Netherlands)

  • Antwerp (Belgium)

  • Barcelona (Spain)

  • Southampton (UK)

The choice depends on your final delivery location, customs requirements, and transit times.

Step 4: Get a Shipping Quote

At All Cargo Export, we provide transparent pricing based on:

  • Vehicle dimensions & weight

  • Departure and arrival ports

  • Chosen shipping method

  • Documentation and insurance

Request your quote online in minutes — no hidden fees.

Step 5: Prepare the Vehicle

  • Remove all personal belongings

  • Clean the car (inside and outside)

  • Leave 1/4 tank of gas or less

  • Disable alarms and fold in mirrors

  • Check battery and tire condition (especially for RoRo)

Step 6: Export & Customs Clearance

All Cargo Export handles export clearance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We also help coordinate the import process in Europe, which includes:

  • VAT & duty (depends on country and purpose: personal use vs resale)

Local registration & inspection requirements

Step 8: Delivery or Pick-Up in Europe

Once your vehicle arrives, you can:

    • Pick it up at the destination port

    • Or request door delivery to your final address via local carrier

Why Choose All Cargo Export?

10+ years of international shipping experience
Fast customs clearance & paperwork support
Fully insured & trackable shipments
Ships to over 20 European countries

Ready to Ship?

Let’s make your vehicle export simple and stress-free.
Request a Free Quote from All Cargo Export today!