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Importing a Car from Germany to USA - Ship Car From Germany

Published by Joe Webster.

Germany (DEU)

Importing a Car from Germany to USA - Ship Car From Germany

Import Vehicle from Germany to USA: Import Car from Germany

Germany is one of the busiest and most prominent car manufacturing countries in the world, especially for luxurious vehicles. Vehicle enthusiasts know Germany is responsible for BMW, Mercedes Benz, and the Maybach brand. These are no ordinary cars. Some Benzes may go for up to $450,000 while the some custom Maybach sells for up to $1,500,000. Americans with cash to spend love investing in German automobiles because they are on a class of their own.

The vehicle importation traffic from the United States to Germany is almost unbelievable considering it is a EU country and there are several prominent car manufacturers based in the US. Multiple vehicles are being shipped to all 50 states of the US every month. Due to the high dollar standard of most vehicles from Germany, shipping gets a tad more sensitive. As such, clients need auto shipping companies with the resources and the muscle to oversee safe vehicle import. That is why A-1 Auto Transport Inc. offers you incomparable services when it comes to import vehicle into USA from Germany.

Read on to learn more about importing vehicles to USA.

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Cost & Time Examples For Importing Cars from Germany to the USA

From/ToOceanGroundEstimated Time
Berlin to (California port) to San Jose, CA$3000$20027+5 days
Hamburg to (New York port) to Boston, MA$1500$40041+5 days
Hamburg to (California port) to Las Vegas, NV$2400$45029+5 days
Berlin to (California port) to Portland, OR$3000$47527+6 days
Hamburg to (California port) to Seattle, WA$2400$55029+6 days
Hamburg to (New York port) to Columbus, OH$1500$55041+5 days
Berlin to (New York port) to Detroit, MI$2200$57541+6 days
Hamburg to (New York port) to Chicago, IL$1500$67541+6 days
Berlin to (California port) to Denver, CO$3000$77527+7 days
Berlin to (New York port) to Houston, TX$2200$1,07541+7 days
  1. *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
  2. *Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
  3. *Allow an additional ten days to process the documents.
  4. *Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a car internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
  5. *Using 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.
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Why A-1 Auto Transport for Hauling Vehicle

For the past decade, we have specialized in transporting automobiles. We understand the auto import business thoroughly, down to the smallest of details. As the only company to provide coast-to-coast, interstate, and international auto transport services in the United States, our expertise is unmatched.

We have affiliations with the busiest ports in America and the biggest cargo airlines in America. Wherever you are, be rest assured, we shall deliver your car to your door step in perfect condition. Moreover, we offer real time car shipping GPS tracking so our clients can watch their shipment when they import vehicle into USA from Germany.

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Our Process for Importing an Automobile

Planning

We have to plan every step to get the vehicle(s) on American soil from Germany. We walk through the entire process of having cars imported to the USA with our clients, starting by identifying the vehicle make, model, year of manufacture (also known as the vehicle profile), and from which warehouse it’s coming from. The vehicle’s particulars will greatly determine how much the shipping process will cost.

The means of transport are selected before the start of the shipping process. While air freight is recommended for luxurious vehicle imports such as a classic car, ocean freight (in enclosed containers) is also an okay option. We offer both options to our clients, ensuring that the vehicle will be in perfect condition. While most car manufacturers will offer delivery services to a port of the client’s choice, some require clients to make personal arrangements. That’s why the location of the warehouse in Germany is important in planning to transport the vehicle to the most convenient port or airport.

The planning also involves deciding which US port the vehicle is being shipped to and the mode of delivery to the client. We offer both door-to-door & terminal-to-terminal services.

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Price estimation to Send an automobile

After the planning, we used our comprehensive car import costs calculator to give an estimated quote on how much it would cost to import a vehicle from Germany to the USA. The final figure is determined by the total distance covered during transportation, the vehicle profile, risk insurance, and, of course, the taxes, customs, and having to pay duties that come with car shipping. Generally, air freight is more expensive than ocean freight. Have a look at these in more detail here. Remember, this figure is just an estimate, so allow room for variations.

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Documentation for Hauling an automobile

The vehicle(s) must be cleared by German customs office authorities before they can leave the port. This is done by taking care of all relevant documentation, including customs, duties, import taxes, and any other fees as deemed fit by the German authorities.

We also ensure the car carries the International Registration Marker. If you are a foreign national working in the US, be prepared to use your foreign license tags and an international driving permit. For US residents, temporary license plates are issued by the DMW until their own national license plates are ready. Motorists who are from a country that is not a party to traffic conventions are required to secure permits in the U.S., preferably before they import a car.

Documentation requirements also dictate that all vehicles bear the manufacturer's label on the engine compartment in English to reflect correspondence with US emission requirements. Where these requirements are not met, the vehicle will have to be imported by an independent commercial importer unless otherwise exempted or excluded. Note that the vehicle will not be released until work is complete and the fees are relatively high.

Also included in the documentation is a detailed pre-shipping car hauler inspection report which records the vehicle’s profile and condition it is in at the moment our personnel receive it.

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Automobile Moving

Once the car is cleared, it starts making its way to you. The client is provided with a travel schedule so that they can be brought up to speed on the ETA. Air transport normally takes several hours to a day, while transport by ocean takes longer—a week or more.

Vehicle Delivery

Upon arrival on US soil, the relevant documentation (customs import duty, safety inspection, emissions checks, bill of lading, etc.) is taken care of, and our team will deliver the vehicle to you. Door-to-door delivery will see your vehicle delivered at the address you provide, while terminal-to-terminal delivery involves dropping off your vehicle at a designated pick-up point.

Need to import a car into the US from Germany? Talk to us today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

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