How Long Does It Take for BMW to Ship to the USA?

You bought a BMW overseas. Now you're anticipating the arrival of your new car from the BMW center. The question is: how long does it take for BMW to ship to the USA?

BMW is recognized for its on-road speed and accuracy, but its shipping process is another thing altogether.

This article will examine the steps in importing a BMW to the United States. From the factory to the port to your local dealership, we'll explore each step of the journey and provide you with an estimated timeline.

Continue reading if you are anxiously anticipating the arrival of your new BMW. You can discover more information and sate your curiosity about when it will arrive.

Can I Import a BMW from Germany to the USA?

Yes, you can import a BMW from Germany to the United States. The process involves registering your vehicle and obtaining the necessary paperwork. Then, you must arrange to ship with a logistics company and wait for it to arrive at the port.

Almost like a visa for cars, temporary imports are also allowed into the US for up to one year before the vehicle must be taken out of the country.

When importing a car from Germany, all relevant documents are collected. You must have proof of compliance with all regulations and have passed the necessary inspections, as these can often be additional steps required before legally bringing a vehicle into America for permanent sale or usage.

These additional compliances could also incur costs relating to safety specifications or taxes applied at the time of importation, so it's best to research thoroughly the costs and procedures involved beforehand.

That way, you won't be hit with hidden fees when delivering your vehicle into America for good.

Documents You Need to Have to Import a BMW in the USA

Ensuring that all necessary documents are present is crucial when importing a car into the United States.

These documents include the following:

• The original shipping Company's Bill of Lading (or Seaway bill or Airway bill)
• Driver's license or passport (if issued in the USA)
• The Bill of Sale
• The foreign registration and title
• Insurance documents
• Other documents concerning the vehicle

You will also need an EPA form (3520-1) and a DOT Form (HS-7).

As well as these forms being filled out correctly with accurate information and signed by the appropriate parties, you must also present a packed list and Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO) for customs.

Additionally, you'll need to provide documentation outlining compliance with all relevant US laws and regulations, such as safety standards or emissions testing.

Lastly, a Power of Attorney must authorize your customs broker to clear the vehicle with US customs.

How to Ship a BMW from Germany to the USA

Shipping a BMW from Germany to the USA requires careful consideration when determining the best method.

For those looking to ship their car from Germany to the United States economically, roll-on roll-off service (RO-RO) may be best.

The car is driven onto a large roll-on, roll-off shipping vessel and securely fastened into place with heavy-duty straps for protection during transit. This method requires no special packing or preparation and is generally much cheaper than air freight.

Full container load with cars (FCL) shipments are suitable for those wishing to ship multiple vehicles or a single automobile as part of a larger move overseas. With this method, all shipped items are loaded into one secure shipping container and secured in place according to weight distribution rules.

Alternatively, shared container shipping to USA (LCL) works similarly but allows emptier partial containers on shared voyages.

Air cargo is the most expensive option available, making it suitable mainly for those who need the vehicle quickly or wish to avoid long voyage times due to certain conditions such as hot weather that can affect the integrity of a vehicle over time.

Depending on which port you choose, Bremerhaven or Hamburg, you will likely want assistance from a customs broker who can provide necessary papers indicating appropriate payment of duties on products imported into USA territory.

Furthermore, if you ship personal items along with your vehicle, you will likely need assistance completing additional customs clearance paperwork before the shipping process can start.

The Route Reversal: Shipping a BMW from the USA to Germany

Comparing the reverse route can give you more insight into shipping times. So examine the time it takes for a BMW to get from the US to Germany.

Shipping times for a BMW from the US to Germany can take two to six weeks. Factors influencing this timeline are, among others, the type of model and transport method.

The average transit time for shipping a car from the USA to Germany is around twenty days.

There are a few key factors affecting the transit time, such as:

• Distance between major ports
• Marine traffic
• Delays at the port of entry
• Port schedules
• Vessel and carrier availability
• Importation requirements and inspection clearances
• Weather conditions
• Geographical restrictions or holidays

When you include these factors, you will have an idea of the complexities involved in shipping a car internationally.

Luckily, there are carriers responsible for coordinating all aspects of ocean shipments, including customs clearance, port-to-port transportation, and other possible delays in delivery timelines.

Furthermore, because the preparation process requires specialized handling expertise, these carriers can worry about them for us. This preparation generally takes five to seven days, depending on the supplier and origin location in the US.

In total, it may take about 20 days for a successful car shipment from the US to Germany. And now you can anticipate roughly the same timeline for the reverse journey.

Shortest Route from Germany to the USA

What's the shortest route a car can take from Germany to the US? The answer is Bremerhaven-New York City. It ordinarily only takes 15 days to transport a vehicle between the two cities. As this is a direct crossing to the nearest port, you can rest easy knowing that your car will reach its port of destination in no time.

This coast delivery also covers the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a very efficient option for those looking to transport their vehicle with the quickest delivery time.

On the other hand, another good option is the Bremen-Baltimore route which requires an average transit time of 20 days.

Though slightly longer than the Bremerhaven-New York crossing, this route is still an excellent option for customers looking for swift transportation across both sea and land.

Those opting for this path will have their autos securely transported over some of Europe's most well-established routes to reach America quickly and efficiently.

Longest Route from Germany to North America

Shipping a car from Germany to North America can be intimidating with its lengthy transit time. The longest transit to port is the route that dispatches vehicles from Hamburg, Germany, to Los Angeles, California, and can take 30 to 35 days.

This period is due to the vast distances covered by the sea voyage and land travel and trucks being routed carefully with additional safety checks ensuring they meet all standards and regulations.

For those looking to transport their vehicle from Wilhelmshaven, Germany, to Miami, Florida, this next longest route still takes 32 days of transit time.

Upon arrival in North America, all vehicles must undergo inspections to meet all required health and customs laws before release for further transfer or delivery.

Exporters planning a shipment like this must know about these requirements in advance.

Moreover, it's imperative for them also to equip their cars with extra security devices, such as reinforced alarms and steering wheel locks, before shipping them off throughout such a long journey.

Wrapping It Up

It's less simple than you first may think when answering how long it takes for a BMW to be shipped to the US.

Factors such as the chosen model, construction location, and transportation method contribute to its dependency.

But the moment you finally slide behind the wheel of your dream car, all that waiting will seem like a mere blip on the radar of life. It's worth the anticipation.

In A-1 Auto Transport's hands, transporting your prized car is a breeze. A-1 Auto Transport is the perfect choice for those looking to ship their car safely and efficiently.

Browse our website for our services and check out past customers' experiences. Then, get a no-obligation, free quote today.