Exporting a vehicle from the United States can seem complex, but Schumacher Cargo makes the process straightforward and transparent. Our comprehensive FAQ is designed to answer your questions and provide helpful information about shipping your automobile internationally. Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle abroad, or sending a car to a family member, this international vehicle shipping FAQ will walk you through many questions you may have about the vehicle export process, from documentation requirements to shipping timelines and payment options.
When should I begin the process for shipping my vehicle?
We recommend starting the process at least 30 days before your desired shipping or pickup date. PRESS HERE FOR BOOKING
When do I pay?
Payment is not required at time of booking unless shipping via Ro/Ro or Air Freight.
Once your Automobile or Original Title is received, we will issue and email you our service invoice which will is due upon receipt.
How do I pay?
We offer four payment methods:
- Credit card – Via secured safe integrated STRIPE web link on our service invoice.
- USA Check only.
- Wire transfer
- ACH Bank Deposit
How long will it take to ship my car?
These are average timelines provided as indication and can vary depending on Origin/Destination and mode of Transport
- Vehicle collection: 3-7 business days from receiving the original title and full payment.
- Shipping Timeframes
Via shared consolidation container between 20-45 days from warehouse receipt to departure.
Port-to-port Ocean Freight transit times depends on Origin, Destination, Routing as well as mode of transportation, between 20 to 60 days.
- At Destination: Unloading, import customs clearance typically take about 7-14 business days.
Can I deliver my vehicle to Schumacher’s warehouse to avoid the pickup fee?
Yes, delivering your vehicle to our designated Schumacher warehouse will help avoid pickup costs.
What documents maybe required?
Original Title/Passport Picture Page/or EIN are must for all exports
- Original Title
- Bill of Sale (if Original Title is not in current owner’s name)
- Copy of owner’s passport for overseas customers, or EIN Number for US Citizens
- Power of Attorney (Supplied by Schumacher)
- Proof of Automobile Purchase Payment (copy of check/wire transfer) required for vehicles built within the past three year (shipments from NY/NJ ports only)
- Import Permit Approval (for Australia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait)
- Saudi Arabia & Kuwait: Vehicles over 5 years old and under 30 years old require import approval. No age restriction for Motorcycles.
- Decommissioned Military Vehicles: US Export License
- Electric/hybrid vehicles: MSDS – Supplied from Manufacturer
- Packing/Inventory list: If vehicle contains items.
What if my car is Financed?
Please contact your Schumacher representative for up-to-date departure options.
- Letter from Lienholder –Original letter on letterheading clearly authorizing said vehicle can be exported from the USA. Letter must be signed and legally notarized.
- Copy of Title (front and back) with an “ORIGINAL NOTARY WET STAMP”. Notaries signature must be in BLUE ink only. US Customs will not accept electronically filed Titles; You must supply Original Title from the Lienholder.
- Copy of the owner’s passport.
- Military Personnel exports from any US port must supply current military orders
Can I leave items inside the vehicle?
Yes, personal effects can be left inside your vehicle if it is shipped in a container. A $270 surcharge applies for items inside the vehicle. For Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) shipping, personal effects are NOT allowed inside vehicles.
Is insurance included in my quote?
Insurance is not included but can be purchased at time of Booking.
Without purchasing separate marine insurance your vehicle is only covered for Total Loss up to US$500 per Bill of Lading by carrier. For more information on insurance options, please contact your Schumacher sales representative.
My Service Quotation excludes destination fees. What fees should I expect?
Destination fees typically include terminal handling charges (THC), import customs clearance, local agent handling fees.
These fees vary by service & destination, please contact your Schumacher Cargo sales representative regarding your actual Destination Fees.
When will I receive my original documents back?
Your original documents will be returned to you by our overseas agent after vehicle arrival. Our overseas agent will use these documents for import customs clearance at the destination. Once customs clearance is completed the overseas agent will send original documents back to you, or you can pick them up with your vehicle.
For further assistance, please contact your sales representative
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