International Car Shipping Cost Calculator - International Car Transport Cost Calculator
International Shipping Rates Calculator
The fact that hauling often consists of two phases domestic and international methods makes it difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the total price involved in moving. When dispatching overseas, a car shipped from Chicago to Italy for instance must first be delivered to a U.S. port for export. This is the local leg of the process and also applies to the importing country if it needs to be delivered there. The second part of this article will discuss fees which account for the bulk of the total price tag. You will also be able to use our free cost calculator to estimate.
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When you haul domestically to a coastal port, the calculator will likely be around 50 cents per mile, though you can get a price break if you use the same company for both the domestic and international part of the process. If the auto you need to be hauled is near a terminal, driving it there yourself is also an option and can save you money on the total expense.
Get a FREE auto quote in minutes by using our calculator to the right! All estimates are given in real time by a certified mover! Call us at the number at the top of the page to learn more! Or make use of our calculator.
Overseas Prices To Different Countries
How Much Does It Move?
The are two main methods and they do affect the expenditure. The first is the ocean method, and the most common of these is “RORO”, which stands for roll on, roll off. Essentially, the automobile is driven onto a ship, where it is then secured, then driven off upon arrival. The other method is hauling in a large container (also aboard a ship). It is generally cheaper and it also allows for other items to be delivered along with it. There is a third option, air freight, which is a premium service and charges two to four times more than standard methods.
Here are some estimates from the cost calculator for charges to different countries from the U.S. Remember, these are only ballpark figures: they assume the cheapest method from a port to a destination port and do not include the price of domestic or overland delivery, or the import fees of specific countries.
- U.S. to Australia - $2,500
- U.S. to United Kingdom - $1,700
- U.S. to Europe - $2,000
- U.S. to China - $3,200
- U.S. to South America - $1,550
- U.S. to Africa - $2,200
- U.S. to Japan - $2,200
- U.S. to Canada - $1,350
- U.S. to Mexico - $1,100
Other Considerations
In addition to the fee, there are some other financial considerations you should take into account while using a cost calculator.
- Insurance - Movers must maintain current licensing and insurance to legally move between countries. Part of the insurance requirement covers damages to it, which is usually included in the price quote. In some cases mainly high-value cars or classic autos additional insurance is recommended and can be purchased. When requesting a quote, be sure to have insurance expenses included.
- Vehicle Standards - Some countries have very specific specifications that must be met, though there is some consistency thanks to the World Forum for Harmonization of Regulations. For some countries, a vehicle may have to be under a certain engine displacement level or be a right-side driving motorcar.
- Parts - If you plan on staying in the country you're having an auto moved to, it's a good idea to consider the possibility of having to find replacement parts. More common ones are not a problem to find parts for usually, but classic, EVs and high-end models may be trickier in some locations.
- Import Taxes - This is the expenditure that can really vary from one country to another. The U.S. has agreements with some countries that allow for duty-free imports, but there is often a value-added tax or another type of import fee. Make sure you speak with the auto carrier about this before signing anything so you get an accurate estimation.
- Is your motorcar operational? If it is not operational, it will not be as cost-effective to ship. This is because of the extra work required on the part of the company. Remember, the more work a company has to do to get it loaded and unloaded, the more it will cost. Non-operational ones also tend to be more expensive because you will be unable to use the “roll on, roll off” method. This is one of the most common methods for loading and unloading because it requires the least effort.
- How remote is your destination? The less accessible its destination is, the more the price there will be. For instance, if you need it delivered to a town that is near a major freeway, a company can dispatch there fairly easily. However, not all companies can move to, for example, a small town in the Canadian Rockies.
- How far is your destination? Planning to move overseas can result in a wide range of quotes, depending on distance. Moving from California to Mexico can cost less than hauling from California to Quebec.
- What are the dimensions? When it comes to delivering, the size and dimensions are important. While some methods provide exclusivity, like exclusive containers for travel, in most cases, you will be sharing space with other clients.
- How quickly do you need it to arrive at its destination? Like most services, the quicker you need something done, the higher the price. The same is true for dispatching, both by land and overseas. There is a ton that needs to be done to get an auto-ready. One thing to consider, especially for land shipments, is that cars are delivered by truck. These trucks are wider than it, and longer as well. You may be using a trailer or open-air method, for example.
Things You’ll Need to Consider
- Preparing the automobile
- Obtaining and filling out the documentation
- Planning a route
- Getting it moved according to your schedule
If you need it to be delivered fast, or you approach a company at the last minute, expect to pay more. Some companies have set base expenses based on the amount of advance notice they receive from clients, much like sending mail at the post office (within 1-2 days/weeks/months, etc.).
If you want a more attractive price quote, consider providing the firm with a larger time frame.
Lowering Your Rates
These are just some of the factors that go into how moving and logistics companies determine your rates. With the information gained in this article, you now know how to lower your rates, or why they are higher as well.
Here's Another Option
Save yourself the hassle and call us. We don't beat around the bush when it comes to hauling. We're going to find you the best rates we can because we don't want to waste anyone's time.
If you want a no-hassle experience, give us a call today for a free quote.
Resources
- Foreign Motor Vehicle Import Requirements (PDF) - A comprehensive listing of the requirements for importing to different countries around the world.
- International Driving Permit FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the driving permit from the National Automobile Club. Find out about the benefits, costs, where to apply for one, and which countries recognize the permit.