Import Cars from UK to USA

Import Vehicle Into USA From The UK

In 2016, the United States overtook China as the largest importer of vehicles from the UK. The country has seen a record high in exports which is attributed to the international appeal of car brands manufactured in Britain. Some of the popular car brands exported into the US includes Range Rover, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Even so, getting a car imported into the US involves a unique process that needs to be well understood if it is to be successful. If you are to have a car shipped from the UK into USA, here are some facts to help your car shipment journey much smoother.

Cost & Time Examples for Import a Car from UK

1. *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
2. *Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
3. *Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
4. *Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle 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.

Ascertain eligibility of vehicle

Prior to shipping, it is important to confirm whether your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria. If followed, the criteria should give you an idea on whether importation is possible or if modifications need to be done beforehand. The safety as well as emissions standards in the US are quite strict, making it important to understand those that govern the type of vehicle being imported. You will also be required to give reasons for importation into the US as well clarifications on your personal status as well.

Understand car importation regulations

Vehicles manufactured outside the US have to adhere to the safety and emissions standards of the country. These regulations are stiffer for cars that are below twenty five years of age. However, a majority already conform to the standards before being allowed in. Most times, importation of such vehicles depends on your ability to have the required modifications done. These modifications are usually done with the guidance of a ‘Registered Importer’ (RI) or Independent Commercial Importer (ICI). These officials are registered by the government and are skilled in undertaking various types of adjustments so that your car meets the right standards for use in the US.

Hire registered importers

Registered importers are crucial when planning to import vehicle into USA from the UK. They are best placed to confirm whether your vehicle will have to be modified before being allowed into the US or not. These importers work closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency responsible for maintaining high standards of safety on roads and motor vehicles. The agency has a list of registered importers on their site, making it easy for you to contact genuine ones to assist with modifications. Even so, getting modifications done on your vehicle that is being imported into USA from the UK can be time consuming. It is therefore advisable to confirm eligibility through the NHTSA before starting the shipping process to the US.

Preparing your vehicle

Clean and remove any potentially harmful pests from your vehicle before releasing it for shipping. Pay particular attention to the dashboard, the floor, the corners, the wheel wells, the mudflaps, and the tires, especially the spare. Insects and cobwebs lurking in these nooks and crannies can cause a holdup at customs. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors will delay and add expense to the process if a truck fails to pass a cleanliness inspection.

Prepare Documentation For Shipping To US

Apart from working with a dependable shipping company to import vehicle into USA from the UK, there is some documentation you need to provide them. Most times, having these documents and following the required procedure makes it easy to import a vehicle from the UK into USA. The documents are usually provided as copies of the original and they include the license document of vehicle, passport, MOT certificate which is valid. In most cases, the MOT certificate is needed for vehicles that need to be picked up in an open or enclosed carrier from your residence in the UK.

Shipping

When your vehicle leaves the UK, it should be accompanied by a bill of lading from your shipping company. This document should have information about the vehicle being shipped to the USA which includes estimated arrival date and relevant contact details. Once the vehicle arrives in America, port shipping charges are cleared by making payments to receiving agents. These processes are handled by agents of the shipping company who have experience in handling such processes for their clients. Also, after clearance and the procedure of importation of the vehicle into USA from the UK are concluded, you will need to register your vehicle. This is done at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state.

To import vehicle into USA from the UK hassle-free, reach out to us through our Contact Us page.