International Car Shipping & Auto Transport
International auto transport helps move vehicles into or out of the United States. It can include transportation to and from a port, paperwork and the international shipping itself.
Heights Transport Solutions works with customers shipping imports, classic cars, purchased vehicles and other vehicles between the U.S. and other countries.
International Shipping Is More Than the Ocean Crossing
Shipping a vehicle internationally usually involves more than one step.
The vehicle may first need to travel from its pickup location to a port or shipping facility. After the international part of the trip, it may need additional transportation to reach its final destination.
Heights helps coordinate these different parts of the shipment so you have one transportation plan from pickup to destination.
International Car Shipping Requires Paperwork
International vehicle shipping requires more paperwork than a normal shipment within the United States.
Before transportation begins, Heights researches the requirements for the shipment and helps coordinate the paperwork needed to cross the border or ship the vehicle overseas.
Requirements vary by country and may depend on the vehicle's type, age, condition and ownership. Some countries may also require specific import approvals or other documents.
Getting Your Vehicle to or From the Port
The U.S. portion of the trip may use either open auto transport or enclosed auto transport.
Open transport is usually the more economical choice for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport may be a better option for classic, collector, luxury or other vehicles that need extra protection.
How Are Vehicles Shipped Overseas?
The best overseas shipping method depends on the vehicle, destination and available shipping services.
Common options include roll-on/roll-off shipping, often called RoRo, and container shipping.
Heights helps determine which options are available for your particular vehicle and destination.
How Heights Coordinates International Transport
We start with your vehicle information, pickup location, destination, operating condition and expected timeline.
Once the shipment is approved, Heights begins coordinating the international requirements and the carrier needed to move the vehicle within the United States.
When the carrier is confirmed, we provide available carrier, dispatcher and driver information along with estimated pickup and delivery dates. International shipments may also have a separate shipment number or other tracking information.
The vehicle's condition is documented at pickup and again at delivery.
Each Country Has Different Requirements
There is no single set of rules for shipping a vehicle to every country.
Required documents, vehicle restrictions and import rules depend on the destination. These requirements should be researched before the vehicle begins its trip.
Missing paperwork or other requirements can cause delays and additional expenses at the port or border.
This is one of the biggest differences between international and domestic vehicle transport. Getting the vehicle from one place to another is only part of the process.
How Much Does International Car Shipping Cost?
International car shipping costs depend on more than mileage.
Distance, vehicle type, transportation to and from the port, paperwork requirements and the international shipping method can all affect the total price.
Taxes, duties and other fees may also apply at the destination. These costs vary by country and shipment, so they should not be assumed to be included unless they are specifically confirmed.
For more information about the factors that affect transportation rates within the U.S., see our auto shipping cost guide.
How Long Does International Car Shipping Take?
The total timeline depends on more than finding a carrier within the United States.
Port schedules, paperwork, border requirements and international shipping schedules can all affect how long the shipment takes.
International vehicle shipping should be planned as early as possible, especially if the vehicle needs to arrive by a certain date.
Our guide to auto shipping timelines explains what affects the domestic portion of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements depend on the destination and shipment. Ownership and vehicle documents are commonly required, and some countries require additional import or compliance paperwork. Heights researches the requirements for each shipment.
Heights helps coordinate the paperwork and requirements for the shipment. The exact process depends on the countries involved, the vehicle and the shipping method.
Timing depends on the destination, transportation to and from the port, paperwork, port schedules and international shipping method. International shipments generally need more planning than domestic auto transport.
Options depend on the route and vehicle. Overseas shipping may include roll-on/roll-off service or container shipping. Transportation within the U.S. may use open or enclosed auto transport.
Not necessarily. Duties, taxes and other destination fees vary by country and shipment. Any additional charges should be confirmed while your shipment is being planned.
Possibly. A non-running vehicle may need special loading equipment or have additional shipping requirements. Let Heights know that the vehicle does not run before planning begins.