Importing cars from Europe to the USA is very popular for a variety of people. From classic and antique vehicles to returning expats, we facilitate all European car imports.
Schumacher Cargo Logistics has experience importing thousands of different cars from countries throughout Europe and that number is growing every day. With over 40 years of shipping experience, you can be confident that your European car import is in good hands.
Read our guide below on how to import a car from Europe into the US and use our Online Form to start your shipment today!
How to Import A Car from Europe with Schumacher
When shipping a car to the US from Europe, start gathering the details particular to your shipment. A few of the things you should know are the vehicle eligibility, origin, and destination. With this info we can begin to work with you on completing your import.
Eligibility to Import Cars from Europe
The United States restricts certain vehicles from entering the country. Before shipping a car from Europe to the USA, it is best to check the eligibility of your import. It is best to start with this step since it dictates whether you can ship or not. The vehicles that can be imported normally are returning US vehicles or ones made to US specifications. This is because they already manufactured for the EPA and DOT rules required. If the vehicle does not fit this, you will need to pass one of the special import eligibility rules.
Special Cases For Importing Cars from Europe
Importing a Classic or Antique Car from Europe (25 Years Old)
Classic car collectors can buy and import European classic and antique cars at better prices than ever before. For collectors there are many great cars only ever produced or sold in Europe. Though with restrictions not all of these are eligible for import.
This is only true until the cars become 25 years old from their manufactured date. Then they are eligible to be imported as a classic car and no longer have to conform to the EPA requirements or the DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. By importing a classic car from Europe, you don’t need to modify the vehicle to enter the US.
Temporarily Importing Cars from Europe
Non-residents or visitors can temporarily import a car from Europe for up to one year. This import has to correspond with the car owner’s arrival into the country to be valid. Cars imported this way do not have to conform to US standards, but sale is prohibited. A major restriction is the car must leave the country before the year expires. In many cases this type of import is used for events, tours, or races as they don’t need to be in the country for long.
Import a Car from Europe with Foreign Government or Military
Official orders from a government will allow the import of a foreign vehicle. The European government needs to approve this entry and is duty-free. The vehicle does not need changes or modifications, but sales are prohibited and must leave with the owner when they go back.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car from the Europe to USA
The cost to ship a car from Europe to USA depends on the specifics of the shipment.
The following are factors that affect import shipping prices:
- The overall dimensions of the vehicle
- The selected origin/destination ports
- The travel distance of your vehicle to and from the ports
- The shipping service used for ocean transit
Those are some of the factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Europe to the United States.
To get a quote for shipping your car from Europe to the US, fill out our Online Quote Form.
Ports to Export Cars from Europe
With our extensive network we can export vehicles out of any port in Europe. This means that no matter where your car is, we can get the best rates for the shipping. If your car is not near a port, we can transport it to the nearest port by land first.
Most Popular Ports for Vehicle Shipping from Europe
Main Container Ports for Vehicle Shipping in Europe:
| West Europe | North Europe | Mediterranean |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam, Netherlands | Felixstowe, UK | Barcelona, Spain |
| Le Havre, France | Dublin, Ireland | Genoa, Italy |
| Bremerhaven, Germany | Oslo, Norway | Marseille, France |
| Antwerp, Belgium | Aarhus, Denmark | |
| Gothenburg, Sweden |
Destination Ports for Importing Cars from Europe to the US
We have major facilities in California, Texas, New York, Georgia, and Florida. Our transportation network spans from these ports to all over the country. This allows us to receive and deliver cars anywhere in the United States. No matter where you live, we’ll be able to deliver your import car from Europe right to your door. If choosing a RoRo service to ship your car from Europe, there will be select receiving ports depending on service at the time. We’ll find the port with the best rate for you and transport it right to your door in the USA. Alternatively you can also pick up the vehicle from the selected port to save on transportation costs.
Start Your Car Import from Europe with Schumacher
For more information on import rules for European cars, visit US Customs and Border Protection’s Page.
To start shipping a car from Europe to the US, please fill out our online quote form or call in at 1-562-408-6677.
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