Cost of Shipping an RV Overseas
Since they are so much larger and heavier than other types of vehicles, you can expect to pay more when you ship an RV to another country. Much of the cost will be based around the size, weight, and shipping dimensions of your RV, as well as the distance and location being shipped. These two factors, which we’ll go explain further in the section below, will be the primary indicators of cost when transporting a recreational vehicle overseas.
Size & Weight
As you’re probably well aware, RVs can range in size from no larger than a truck to the size of a yacht. For the most part, there’s a direct relation to the weight and the shipping costs, although size can play a role as well. This is especially true if there are any tricky or unusual dimensions to the RV that require special accommodation during transport.
Distance & Location
As far as shipping costs, the distance involved is right up there with the weight of the RV. The longer the transport distance, the more it will cost and it’s important to keep in mind that you will first need to get your RV to an appropriate shipping port. This means that if you plan on shipping on RV to Europe from the Midwest, it’s a good idea to take into account the cost of first getting it to a port on the East Coast.
Other Considerations When Shipping An RV Internationally
- Taxes - Import taxes can vary pretty significantly depending on the country in which you plan on using your RV. There is some consistency among countries in the European Union, but even then, you may be in for quite a surprise if you don’t find out beforehand. In some countries, it can cost upwards of 50% of the value of the imported vehicle, which is a substantial amount when considering the value of an RV. We strongly suggest contacting the appropriate U.S. Embassy for import and duty regulations as they change from time to time.
- Documents - As with taxes, it’s a good idea to contact the U.S. Embassy for the country you’re heading to regarding the necessary documents. Again, there is some consistency to these requirements (passport, bill of lading, proof of insurance, etc.), some countries have much more stringent requirements than others. Not having everything in order can easily cause long delays and even more money if storage costs are applied while paperwork gets sorted out.
If you’re planning to ship an RV overseas, we can help! As an experienced international shipper, we can help you figure out what’s needed, how to go about it, and how to get your RV there affordably! All cost estimates are FREE of charge and we can be reached over the phone and by email—contact us today!