If you are considering hauling your vehicle to Mexico, you must be aware of the requirements and specifications of shipping from Mexico to the USA cost that must be met to successfully transport. Some papers must be filled out to start the process.
Mexico offers international haulers that offer to ship to the United States from anywhere in Mexico or other parts of the world. While there is a shared border and the proximity is to be taken into consideration, when shipping a car to the United States from Mexico is easy. Both Mexico and the United States have complex import eligibility and safety and emissions requirements.
Transporting your vehicle
The most common way to ship from Mexico to the USA cost is calculated based on a carrier truck. Many auto shipping companies will offer door-to-door pick-up and delivery service as well as terminal-to-terminal shipping. The cost of hauling to the United States from Mexico will vary and will depend on where the vehicle is picked up and where it is going.
It is critical to consider that motor vehicles that are imported need to adhere to any safety standards as per the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 which was later updated to the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988. Other laws about the safety and stability of vehicles are the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972 which actually became active in 1978. The standards for air pollution control are enumerated as per the Clean Air Act of 1968 and were amended in 1977 and later in 1990.
Foreign-made Vehicles
Any car not made in Mexico that meets U.S. safety, pollution, and bumper standards can legally enter and travel within the country. Having a car that satisfies all applicable regulations imported from overseas is highly unusual. Be wary of any claims that these standards have been met by international merchants. Vehicles that do not meet U.S. safety requirements are subject to being repaired at the owner's expense, sent back to Mexico, or destroyed once they enter U.S. territory.
Documentation Needed
For your vehicle to pass through clearance, you need to have the following documentation with you:
- The shipper or carrier's original Bill of Lading.
- Bill of sale.
- Foreign registration.
- any other documents that cover the vehicle details.
- Complete the EPA form 3520-1.
- Complete the DOT form HS-7 - this is a declaration that emissions and safety provisions are followed.
- The manufacturer's label can be found in the engine compartment in English if it meets all of these requirements.
Duties and taxes
Any foreign-made vehicle that is imported into the United States will be charged duty, whether it is new or used or if you are going to drive it for personal use or sell it. Duties will be charged at a rate of 2.5%. If you are returning to the United States after living abroad, you could qualify for $800 CBP exemption for your vehicle and any family member’s vehicle driving with you as long as they are with you at the time. Once the exemption is applied, you will be charged a flat duty rate of 3% toward the next $1,000 of your vehicle's value. The remainder of the amount is subject to duty at the regular rate.
Car shipping rates can fluctuate at certain times of the year, it's important that shipping lines can vary for different reasons. You need to take into consideration, factors such as changes in oil pricing, rates of exchange, and the number of cars shipped out at the same time of yours.
While it's not easy to put a price on shipping a vehicle without the proper information on it, you can always count on import taxes being included. You can figure that importing your vehicle will cost you a minimum of $2,000 but this is a small amount compared to buying a new vehicle once you are in the country.