
Import Car From Brazil to the USA
Typical Freight Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Hauling a standard-sized vehicle from the United States to Brazil generally costs between $2,400 and $4,500 using a cargo container.
- Shipping containers can ship other goods besides a vehicle, and most can accommodate more than one car.

Cost & Time Examples For Hauling a Vehicle to Land of Parrots
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
San Jose, CA to (California port) to Sao Paulo | $200 | $3,200 | 5+34 days |
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Belo Horizonte | $400 | $2,900 | 5+23 days |
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Salvador | $450 | $2,900 | 5+25 days |
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Porto Alegre | $550 | $3,200 | 6+34 days |
Seattle, WA to (California port) to Rio de Janeiro | $550 | $3,000 | 6+32 days |
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Fortaleza | $575 | $2,500 | 6+29 days |
Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Itapoa port | $675 | $2,500 | 6+29 days |
Denver, CO to (California port) to Belo Horizonte | $775 | $3,600 | 7+31 days |
Miami, FL to (New York port) to Itapoa port | $925 | $2,500 | 7+29 days |
Denver, CO to (New York port) to Manaus | $1,175 | $2,400 | 8+23 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional ten days to process the documents.
*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Shipping Machinery & Vehicles to Brazil: What You Need to Know
Brazil is a major player in global ocean freight, exporting everything from heavy machinery—like wheel loaders—to destinations across North America, Argentina, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and beyond. With its booming manufacturing industry and nearly 5,000 miles of coastline, the country offers multiple ports for international shipping, making it a strategic hub for importers and exporters.
However, navigating the logistics of shipping to Brazil requires careful planning. Whether transporting industrial equipment, trucks, trailers, or camper vans, selecting the correct Brazilian port is crucial to minimize inland transport costs and avoid long, expensive drives after arrival.
How Vehicles & Machinery Are Shipped to Brazil
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is preferred for most vehicle and machinery exports. These vessels allow wheel loaders, trailers, and trucks to be driven on and off the ship, ensuring an efficient and secure loading process. However, classic cars, yachts, or non-operational vehicles require crane-assisted loading, similar to containerized shipping.
While container shipping offers additional protection, it comes at a higher cost due to the need for custom-sized containers. Expenses can be significant for those shipping from California to Brazil because of the distance and specialized handling requirements. However, shipping from Boston or other East Coast locations is often more cost-effective due to proximity and greater availability of freight services.
Shipping Machinery & Vehicles to Brazil: Key Considerations
Brazil is a significant hub for global ocean freight, exporting machinery like wheel loaders, trailers, and trucks to destinations worldwide, including North America, Argentina, Uruguay, and Puerto Rico. With a booming manufacturing sector and extensive coastline, the country offers multiple ports, making it a strategic choice for importers and exporters.
However, due to Brazil’s vast size, choosing the correct port is essential to minimize inland transport costs, especially for those shipping camper vans or motorhomes.
Best Shipping Methods for Vehicles & Machinery
Most vehicles and machinery are transported using Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ships, which allow drivable units to be quickly loaded and unloaded. Classic cars, yachts, or non-operational vehicles require crane-assisted loading, similar to container shipping, which is more expensive due to custom container sizing.
For those shipping from California to Brazil, costs can be high due to the long distance and specialized handling. However, shipping from Boston or other East Coast locations is generally more affordable and efficient.
Choosing a U.S. Port for Shipping to Brazil
The cost and convenience of shipping depend on the port of origin. Key U.S. ports include:
- West Coast: Oakland, Los Angeles, Seattle
- East Coast: Jacksonville, Norfolk, New York City, Miami
- Gulf of Mexico: Houston (a central commercial shipping hub)
Vehicles and machinery must first reach one of these ports, often using trailers or hauling services. Many companies offer door-to-terminal pickup, ensuring direct transport to the departure port. While this adds cost, it simplifies the process and ensures proper handling.

Popular Destinations
- Belo Horizonte
- Curitiba
- Distrito Federal e Enterno
- Fortaleza
- Manaus
- Porto Alegre
- Recife
- Rio de Janeiro
- Salvador
- Sao Paulo

Other Types Of Vehicles We Haul

The State Requirements
The Brazilian government will allow anyone to ship/import a vehicle into the country, but it also requires that only new machinery be allowed. The exception is machinery that is thirty years old or older because it is considered classic or antique. Another restriction is that all incoming vehicles, including trailers or yachts, must meet the country’s safety and emission control standards. Your shipping company should be familiar with these standards, or they will be able to contact the Ministry of Transport in Brazil to learn about them. Suppose you live in San Francisco and must ship your automobile to Brazil. In that case, you must familiarize yourself with these standards, or you can contact the Ministry of Transport in Brazil to learn about them. After familiarizing yourself with the standards, it's essential to ensure that your car meets all the requirements for shipment, such as obtaining the required documentation and adhering to any specific regulations set by the Ministry of Transport in Brazil.
Regarding paperwork, you will also need an import authorization permit for the vessel or vehicle and written approval from the Department of Environmental Affairs. You or your shipping agent must present these to the port city, or the car may sit in port for a while. Suppose you want to avoid the hassle of your car sitting in port for a while. In that case, it is recommended to engage the services of a reputable shipping agent who can handle all the necessary paperwork and logistics, ensuring a smooth and timely shipment of your car to Brazil from the port city you choose, such as Vermont. With the increasing demand for international vehicle transportation, choosing a reliable shipping company that offers convenient pickup services in states like Maryland for a hassle-free car shipment to Brazil is crucial.

Required Documents
- Valid passport.
- Passport.
- Bill of lading.
- REDA-E form.
- Notarized Brazilian tax card.
- Proof of ownership.
- Purchase invoice.
- Notarized power of attorney.

Other Requirements
Your shipping agent will likely be familiar with the U.S. requirements for international shipping, including those related to the importation of yachts, vessels, and trailers. Still, it's always a good idea to confirm this yourself. If you want to ship a car to Brazil from Chicago, you should know key steps and requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. A critical step in shipping your car is choosing a reputable and experienced shipping company in Dallas specializing in international vehicle transportation. This is essential to ensure that the car is adequately prepared for shipping, meets all requirements, and arrives safely at its destination in Brazil. Additionally, it is necessary to research and understand the customs and import regulations of the state to avoid any unexpected complications or delays in shipping a car. Additionally, hiring a reputable international shipping company specializing in transporting vehicles to Brazil may be beneficial to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
- Documentation must be submitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency at least 72 hours before the vehicle is exported. However, practically speaking, you will want to allow more time than that in the case of glitches.
- Ensure that your vehicle is eligible for international shipping. This means, for instance, that if there is a lien against it, you must have written approval from the lienholder to ship the vehicle out of the country. The eligibility laws can be found in Title 19 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.
- To present to Brazilian Customs, you’ll need copies of your driver’s license and passport and some proof of ownership.
Process of registering a vehicle in Brazil.

Hauling Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo To Land of the Holy Cross
A lot goes into international transport planning, especially when it is heavy equipment or oversized cargo that you’re trying to ship. That’s why many excellent transport companies nationwide await your call. A1 Auto Transport is one of the most reputable shipping companies around. We have access to the highest quality shipping equipment, the latest transport technology, and help from trained and experienced transport specialists. We are confident we can help you transport your heavy equipment to Brazil.
The limit to what we can ship is non-existent. We can ship any farm, mining, construction, industrial, or paving equipment. This includes but isn’t limited to:
- Tractors
- Backhoes
- Forklifts
- Skidders
- Excavators
- Pavers
- Skidders
- Loaders
- Cranes
- RVs and Motorhomes
- Large Vehicles and Dump Trucks
- Haulers and More…
No matter what type of heavy equipment or oversized cargo you must ship from the U.S. to Brazil, we can complete the delivery through one of our four overseas shipping methods. We’re so sure that we even offer insurance coverage to every single one of our customers.

The Methods of Transport You May Have to Choose From
We have only four transport methods to accommodate international heavy equipment and oversized cargo deliveries. Depending on your shipping needs and the cargo type, one or more of these methods may be an option. One option is shipping your car by sea using a reputable international shipping company. This method typically involves containerizing your vehicle and transporting it on a cargo ship to a major port in Brazil. Once your car arrives at the port, it will go through customs clearance, and you will need to pay import taxes and fees before retrieving it. Researching and hiring a reliable shipping company specializing in international car transportation is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the customs regulations and documentation required to ship a car to Brazil to avoid delays or complications. Our transport specialists will guide you through your options when you call to learn more and schedule your overseas transport. Nevertheless, if you’re curious about your choices, here is more information…
- Flat Rack—Your cargo is fastened to a flat rack or large metal frame and then carefully lifted onto the ship for transport. The rack is lifted off the boat in the same manner.
- Container Shipping—This is the priciest shipping method, but it provides your cargo the ultimate security during travel. Your cargo must fit into a 40-foot shipping container. If you wish to use this method, you can disassemble your heavy equipment to fit into the container (only if necessary).
- RoRo Shipping is the most inexpensive option. This open-air transport service is only available to those with running vehicles and equipment since the cargo must roll onto and off the ship using a ramp.
- LoLo Shipping—This method is suggested for customers with broken equipment or vehicles and those who choose to create their cargo. A crane operator will carefully lift the cargo onto and off the ship.

Relevant Statistics
- Over 10,000 cars are shipped to Brazil annually.
- Approximately 85% of car shipments to the South American Giant come from North America.
- The average cost to ship a car is $2,500.
- Around 95% of cars shipped to the Samba Nation are used vehicles.
- Shipping a car to Brazil takes an average of 30 days.

General Facts
- Shipping a car to Brazil requires following specific import regulations and procedures.
- The cost of shipping a car to this country can vary depending on the vehicle's size, weight, and value.
- It is necessary to hire a licensed shipping company or freight forwarder to handle the logistics of shipping a car to Brazil.
- Import duties and taxes are usually imposed on vehicles shipped to this state, which can significantly increase the overall cost.
- Before shipping a car, it is essential to ensure that all necessary documentation, such as proof of ownership and vehicle registration, is in order and readily available.

Other Services, Related Information & FAQs
- Overseas transport companies make it possible to ship your car from the USA to Brazil
- What is the cost of shipping a car to Brazil
- Is shipping a used car to Brazil permitted?
