International Car Shipping: An Overview
Planning to ship your car overseas? This guide covers RoRo vs. container shipping, costs, documentation, and how Web Auto Transport can handle the U.S. domestic leg.
Important Note About Web Auto Transport
Web Auto Transport specializes in domestic 48-state continental U.S. auto transport. We do not directly offer international or OCONUS shipping.
However, we can:
- Transport your vehicle to any U.S. port of departure
- Coordinate timing with your freight forwarder for a seamless handoff
This article provides an overview of international shipping to help you plan the full picture.
Two Methods of International Car Shipping
RoRo (Roll-On / Roll-Off)
Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized vessel and secured to the car deck for ocean transport.
- Lower cost than container
- Best for operable standard vehicles
- No personal items allowed inside
Container Shipping
Your vehicle is loaded into a 20-ft or 40-ft shipping container, alone or shared.
- Higher cost but fully enclosed
- Best for luxury, classic, or modified vehicles
- Some destinations allow personal items in the container
Typical International Shipping Costs
| Route | RoRo Estimate | Container Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. West Coast to Hawaii | $1,500–$3,000 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| U.S. East Coast to UK/Germany | $1,200–$2,500 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| U.S. to Australia | $2,000–$4,000 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| U.S. to UAE / Middle East | $1,500–$3,000 | $2,500–$5,000 |
Key Documents for International Shipping
- Original vehicle title (no outstanding liens)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (passport preferred)
- Bill of sale or original purchase invoice
- AES/EEI filing (your freight forwarder handles this)
- Destination country import forms
The International Shipping Process
- Get a quote from a licensed international freight forwarder
- Clear any liens (financed vehicles need lienholder authorization to export)
- Web Auto Transport delivers your vehicle to the U.S. departure port
- Freight forwarder loads the vehicle onto the vessel
- Ocean transit (7-45 days depending on destination)
- Customs clearance at destination port
- Inland delivery at destination
Q&A
Q: How long does international car shipping take?
Hawaii: 7-14 days. Europe: 14-21 days. Australia/Asia: 25-45 days. Add customs clearance time.
Q: Does my vehicle need to be operable for international shipping?
For RoRo, yes. Container shipping can accommodate inoperable vehicles.
Q: Will Web Auto Transport help me get my car to the port?
Yes, this is exactly our role. We handle domestic transport to any U.S. port of departure.
Getting your car to a port for export? Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, use LiveChat or email info@webautotransport.com | USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded.