How Are Foreign Cars Shipped to the US?

Have you ever wondered how imported vehicles reach showrooms and dealerships in the US? So how are they shipped securely over the world?

When shipping cars to the US, the process of importing them can be surprisingly long and complicated, especially when dealing with government procedures and rules.

In this article, we'll outline some common ways that foreign cars are shipped within and beyond the United States so that you can understand more about this process.

How the Shipping Process Works for Importing a Vehicle

Understandably, getting a car from another country into the United States is a multi-step process.

First, the car has to be inspected and certified by the country of origin in order to meet US safety standards. This includes ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted.

Once the vehicle has been given permission to leave the country, it must be ready for shipment.

To get the car ready for shipping, you have to do more than just clean and polish it. You also have to drain fluids and disconnect any electrical parts.

The car is then loaded onto a shipping container or vessel for transport. Most of the time, there are two main ways to ship cars from other countries: air freight and ocean freight.

Air freight

The quickest method of shipping a vehicle from one nation to another is by air freight, which means putting the car on an airplane and flying it straight to where it needs to go. This method is often used for luxury vehicles or cars that need to be delivered quickly.

However, because of the price of fuel, import duty, and other related taxes, it's usually very expensive compared to ocean freight.

Ocean freight

Ocean freight is the most common way to ship a vehicle from one country to another using Ro-Ro or cargo ships. To do this, the car has to be put on a cargo ship and sailed across the ocean.

Ocean transport is cheaper than air freight, but it can take weeks for the car to arrive as opposed to hours if you use air freight.

Getting clearance

The next step is to arrange for customs clearance in the US. This involves submitting paperwork to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The car must go through customs clearance and a Department of Transportation inspection after it has landed in the country. This procedure includes delivering the required documentation and paying any appropriate taxes or fees.

The vehicle can then be delivered to its destination after this is completed.

Other factors

In some cases, foreign cars may need to be transported via truck or train after they have been shipped from their country of origin. This is often needed when cars need to be delivered to remote areas or driven long distances.

Importing cars from other countries into the United States takes time and goes through a number of steps. To make sure the vehicle gets through customs and arrives safely, it's important to fill out and send in all the necessary paperwork.

Which Foreign Cars Are Most Commonly Shipped to the US?

There are plenty of foreign-made cars currently driving on American roads. People buy cars all over the world, but the largest imports of cars primarily come from Europe and Asia.

Here are some of the most common car brands imported to the US:

Mercedes-Benz

When it comes to foreign cars imported to the US, there is perhaps no brand more popular than Mercedes Benz. Americans have always wanted luxury cars made by the German company, and its cars are some of the most common ones shipped to the US each year.

From classic models like the S-Class and C-Class sedans to SUVs like the GLE and GLA, there is something for everyone in a Mercedes vehicle.

Nissan

Nissan has long been one of the top Japanese automakers in terms of exports to the US. Americans have loved its iconic designs for decades, especially the Altima sedan, the LEAF EV hatchback, and the GT-R performance car.

BMW

The ultimate driving machine is also one of the most common imports from abroad.

From premium sport sedans like the 3-series and 5-series to SUVs such as the X3 and X5, BMW's extensive lineup offers something for every kind of driver on any budget level. It even offers hybrid electric options with its iDrive range of cars.

Toyota

Toyota remains one of Japan's biggest automobile exporters to the United States in terms of the number of units sold overseas.

Its impressive lineup includes both practical family cars like the Corolla and creative crossovers like the Highlander Hybrid SE or LX V6 or AWD RVX Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Audi

Audi is another well-known brand of car that is often shipped from Europe to North America.

They lead this market and are mostly available as hatchbacks (A3 Series), sedans (A4 Series), and SUVs. This makes them a popular choice for people who want to buy an imported luxury car.

Rules and Regulations for Importing Cars to the United States

It's critical to understand the laws surrounding bringing a car into the US from another country. Guidelines for the importation of automobiles into the United States have been set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The goal of these rules is to make sure that all vehicles that are sold in the US meet safety and environmental standards.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency has rules that importers must follow before their goods can land in American ports.

Aside from these rules, the CBP also has rules about bringing cars into the US. Some of these rules are that you have to show proof of ownership, pay any taxes or fees, and get a valid title and registration.

Before you try to bring a car from another country into the U.S., you should know about all of these rules.

Is it Safe to Bring a Car into the United States?

It's usually safe to bring a car into the United States, as long as all the paperwork and inspections are done.

Trustworthy shipping companies will take extra steps to make sure the car gets there safely and in good shape. This means using secure containers and taking steps to keep the car from getting damaged by the weather.

Is Importing a Vehicle to the United States Worth It?

Importing a vehicle to the United States can be a costly and time-consuming process, but it can also be worth it in the long run. Depending on the make and model of the car, it may be cheaper to import it from another country than to buy one in the U.S.

Also, foreign cars often have features that U.S. cars don't have, like more advanced safety systems or engines that get better gas mileage.

Furthermore, some cars from other countries may be more reliable and need less maintenance than their U.S. counterparts.

Overall, bringing a car into the U.S. from another country can be a good idea if you want a car with unique features or better value for your money.

However, it's vitally important to do your research and make sure that everything is in order to ensure the car meets safety standards and can be driven legally on U.S. roads.

Final Thoughts

With the right knowledge and tools, you can bring a car from another country into the United States. Depending on where the car is coming from and where it is going, the process usually involves either air freight or ocean freight.

Also, all of the necessary paperwork must be filled out, and the car must be inspected by US authorities to make sure it meets safety standards.

A-1 Auto Transport has experience shipping all types of vehicles, and our expert team can help guide you through the processes for importing a car to the USA.

Get a free quote from our shipping experts today.