Exploring International Car Shipping to Germany

Ship Overseas- Your Trusted Partner in International Car Shipping

Call 1-858-547-0840 For a Phone Quote

Shipping Car from USA to Germany

If you’re new to the world of car shipping and worried about how to move forward, fret not; this page is designed to answer all your queries!

Fortunately, Ship Overseas, Inc. has facilitated unified transportation of cars between the USA and Germany and International Shipping from Germany to USA for almost forty years. 

To simplify it,  you’ll cover crucial aspects such as Pricing, Documents, Departure, and Arrival Ports.

Read Our Germany Google Reviews Below!

Ship Overseas has great rates and staff! After using them to ship my car to Germany I knew I would use them when returning to the US as well. I did get quotes both times from numerous companies but no one could beat Ship Overseas. Shipping is a breeze with them and their staff are great at getting back to you in a timely manner!
Hallie Q.
Hallie Q.
17:41 10 Feb 22
I have worked with this company for many years. We started shipping cars overseas in 2004. They are the BEST! They take a serious interest in making sure your car gets where it needs to go and will walk you through all the steps to make it a smooth move! We have shipped many cars to the UK and Germany as well as several to Bahrain, I cannot imagine using anyone else. Jack, Paul, Miron and April all made my job a lot easier for over 18 years
Joanie D.
Joanie D.
18:26 17 Feb 22
Myron took great care of me on shipping 2 vehicles to Germany. Accurate quotes and great communications.
Michael Birlin (.
Michael Birlin (.
11:42 22 Feb 22
I shipped two cars from Savannah to Germany. Super easy process and the rates were better than anyone elses that i was getting for the same route. Would recommend them to anyone for their shipping needs. They helped along the way to get the documents needed and explained the process clearly so i knew exactly what needed to be done to have my cars on the boat that I needed them to be on. Pickup on the other side was easy as well with who shipoverseas was partnered with where my vehicles arrived. They were in contact with me often so i knew that the vehicles were on time and when to have everything ready. I will certainly be in touch again when it's time to return from my oversea travels. Thanks for the smooth process!
B H.
B H.
20:06 24 Feb 22
Used to ship from NY to Germany. Process was easy and straightforward. Saved money versus buying a second vehicle overseas. Would use again.Good communication throughout. Thank you.
John W.
John W.
19:19 15 Mar 22
ShipOverseas was a great partner in shipping a Chevy Bolt EV to Helsinki Finland. The representatives provided easily understood descriptions of the roll on-roll off process, required paperwork, payments, etc. We drove the car onto the Galveston, TX dock with an accompanying guide. It was 100% smoothly accomplished. The car was transferred in Germany without problems (it is an electric vehicle with some unique starting characteristics) and offloaded near Helsinki, Finland. The photo shows incredibly clean conditions at the destination despite weeks at sea. I can highly recommend ShipOverseas for safe, economical, and successful vehicle shipping.
Leora E.
Leora E.
20:05 15 Mar 22
Great and fast service. I ship my car from Baltimore to Wiesbaden Germany only took 5 weeks and the process was fast and easy
Carlos P.
Carlos P.
00:18 19 Mar 22
We recommend Shipoverseas for their top-notch international shipping services. They transported our Mazda 6 from California to Galveston, Texas, and onward to Derince, Turkey. The entire process was smooth, with the car arriving in perfect condition within few months. Jack, Gary, and Miron our contacts at the company, provided prompt communication and timely updates throughout. Their accessibility in addressing any concerns were valuable. With this positive experience, we plan to be regular customers!
Melisa D.
Melisa D.
22:39 04 Feb 24
We shipped our vehicle from Hawaii to Belgium. We contacted several companies online. Miron from Ship Overseas was the first to get back to us. This was our first time shipping a vehicle internationally and we had no idea what the entire process was going to be like. Some of the reviews we read said the company wasn't very responsive or communicative. We had quite the opposite experience. Miron communicated with us every step of the way. Communication was extremely important to us as this was quite a complicated process. Miron answered all our questions and provided all necessary details of the process. He was also very upfront with the fees and even advised us of what fees to expect here in Belgium. Our car made it to Belgium on schedule without any hassle. Miron's contact here in Belgium was also very thorough. I recommend Miron from Ship Overseas 100%.
Kakay T.
Kakay T.
11:01 29 Aug 23
Highly recommended. Paul, Miron, and team were very thorough/detail oriented. It was my first time having a car shipped from Europe which I purchased. He made sure I had all the paperwork needed. They also arranged transportation both to and from the ports.
Dave M.
Dave M.
13:11 03 Jul 23
I feel bad as I see a lot of people writing bad comments about this company. I've NEVER had a problem with them. NEVER.(Regarding the negative reviews..)Ship overseas is not an insurance provider, but rather a shipping company -- you must make sure to get insurance when shipping your vehicle so that no damages occur to it. They don't own the ship, nor workers, and of course as a result cannot guarantee the people on the ship won't damage your car.ShipOverseas is my go-to when I have to ship my cars. Which sounds funny to say, but I've actually shipped my car multiple times with them.Jack, one of the agents and owner is always very helpful, and does a great job of putting in trust in clients by making sure you understand the process in detail.I've transported my CLA45 AMG from the US to Belgium, without a problem, and have shipped it back, and am now buying a new car and shipping it back!You could say I'm somewhat of a (very happy) repeat customer – Photos for reference!
Emil H.
Emil H.
23:21 24 Apr 23
We highly recommend Shipoverseas services! Not only are they specialized in shipping gas/diesel motor operated cars but also specialize in shipping EV vehicles as well. We used there International shipping services to ship a 2022 Porsche Taycan to Dubai. The car arrived in less than a month in perfect shape, same as leaving our location. We worked with both Jack and Gary, both were great communicating and providing a timely status update. We will definitely be a regular customer! Thank you Jack and Gary!
Sam K.
Sam K.
15:51 09 Feb 23
Thank you Miron and Ship Overseas Team for helping me ship my car to Finland. I appreciate your response when I needed answers. Also many thanks for helping me find an agent in Kotka, Finland.I will definitely refer your company to my friends and colleagues.
Yacine M.
Yacine M.
08:01 14 Oct 22
This Company’s dedicated professionals helped me sort through the all of paperwork and I had my vehicle within the timeframe promised.
L. C.
L. C.
03:08 19 Sep 22
Very professional when it comes to shipping my vehicle to Central America
Kendra G.
Kendra G.
19:39 12 Aug 22
We got a really good services. Jack always answers your so many questions with a short delay , for sure in the day , most of the time in the hour ( and in the minute too ). Really good communication. That's why we choose Ship Over Seas from the other company quotes we received. Good services , good prices , that's the criteria for our choice we don't regret at all. Thanks again.
JF G.
JF G.
18:10 03 Jun 22
The company made it easy to ship my car overseas. No fuss and no problems!
Abe R.
Abe R.
08:40 18 Apr 22
Shipped my car to Nigeria . It was fast and easy . Best part they handles majority of the work . Very convenient and definitely will go through them again .
Heather :.
Heather :.
14:24 12 Apr 22
Very reliable agents. Thanks for being there for us!
Shipped my car from NC to Puerto Rico. They took care of the transport of my car from NC to the port in FL, and then on the ship from FL to PR. The staff was very responsive to all communications I sent, especially while my car was in transit. I always knew exactly where my vehicle was. Very kind and helpful staff, especially when I was just calling to inquire in the beginning. Will use them again if I ever need to ship my car back stateside.
Brittany B.
Brittany B.
01:51 18 Mar 22
Nigeria. Thanks
Humphrey Osazee O.
Humphrey Osazee O.
08:51 17 Mar 22
Very helpful, quick response to questions. Shipped my car to Costa Rica, no issues what so ever. I had shipped cars previously with other companies but Ship Overseas helped with the best solution which for my needs was RORO. I will definitely ship with them again, thanks again SHIP Overseas..
Robert M.
Robert M.
00:03 17 Mar 22
Super business partner, fast and correct shipment of my car.ThanksDany
dany L.
dany L.
19:14 16 Mar 22
Shipped my vehicle from Newark, NJ to Southampton, United Kingdom safely and quickly. All the complicated paperwork was laid out clearly for me to figure out the process. I was able to drive my own car in England a few weeks after dropping it off in the US. Would recommend!
Cai Y.
Cai Y.
14:11 16 Mar 22
Very good service. I was shipping for the first time and they helped me with everything that needed to be done.
Luka B.
Luka B.
06:53 16 Mar 22
Thank you for shipping my car
Hareb A.
Hareb A.
04:34 16 Mar 22
We shipped our car to Uganda from California and the services were exceptionally good 👍, regular feedback and updates were excellent and provided a peace of mind.
Fred K.
Fred K.
01:34 16 Mar 22
I used Ship Overseas back in 2019 to ship my 2008 Harley Softtail from Galveston Texas to Belgium. I forget exactly how long it took, perhaps in the two month range. However, the bike did eventually arrive and was completely ready for me at pickup. They even handled all the import paperwork etc. My only complaint would be that somehow the bike had accumulated almost 100 extra miles on it from when I dropped in off, and picking it up. Perhaps they needed to run it around the boat a few 1000 times. Also, there were a couple of parts missing from my saddle bags. Lesson: NEVER leave anything that can't be bolted to the object you are shipping. Otherwise, great service and a very good shipping experience.
Vincent P.
Vincent P.
22:41 15 Mar 22
Shipped my car from the Netherlands to the US(via Belgium), everything went smoothly. The whole thing was relatively painless.
Daniel S.
Daniel S.
22:12 15 Mar 22
Everything was ok. Thanks!
Carlos Paz S.
Carlos Paz S.
20:24 15 Mar 22
Our company, Jackson Creek Mfg., Inc. has used Ship Overseas, Inc. numerous times to ship vehicles overseas and have always received excellent service. Great company to work with!
Warren B.
Warren B.
20:00 15 Mar 22
Vehicle was shipped without any issues, easy process.
Michal D.
Michal D.
19:16 15 Mar 22
If you never had your car shipped before, I can tell you that it can be a very fearful, and stressful event, but I can vouch 1st hand that this agency took all the thought fear and stress away! We moved my XT-5 from DFW to overseas (Bahrain). We didn't have any issues, and it was relatively fast considering it's been shipped across the seas. I will 100% recommend this company to anyone and everyone. Hassle-free and delivers what was promised. I'll definitely be using them whenever we decide to return stateside!
Ehte P.
Ehte P.
19:08 15 Mar 22
i shipped an 89' Land Rover Defender from italy to the US without troubles, they took care of all docs and around 60 days later the car was at the port in VA. i'd definitely use them again in the future.
Magnum Opus C.
Magnum Opus C.
19:07 15 Mar 22
Timely service and my car arrived in the same condition I dropped it off in. Great job!
Johnnie V.
Johnnie V.
18:42 22 Feb 22
It was an easy an quick process
Rudolf de J.
Rudolf de J.
09:19 22 Feb 22
Ship overseas helped me ship my car to senegal when some companies refused to do so in the heat of corona virus.thank you for your professionalism.
Kade M.
Kade M.
03:44 22 Feb 22
My car purchase and shipping to the Middle East was full of challenges and complications, however the one thing that was 100% smooth was the part handled by Miron from Ship Overseas. Great service and communication from beginning to end. Highly recommend.
William E.
William E.
03:35 22 Feb 22
This company and team were tremendously professional & also the least expensive company I found. I researched quite a few before settling on ShipOverseas. I’m glad I chose them, they were able to deliver my vehicle to my destination port in Korea when others said they could only deliver to one port in Korea and for less money. I will definitely use them again and recommend anyone shipping anyone to consult with ShipOverseas.com. Well done!
Robert Gibson (.
Robert Gibson (.
03:06 22 Feb 22
These guys are super, fair priced and very helpful.
Mike C.
Mike C.
00:28 22 Feb 22
I have used them few times and they on point great service and always answer all my request in timely manor.
Moe A.
Moe A.
14:09 21 Feb 22
Hello Tere! Last summer I sent my car to Estonia. I was scared little bit because it was my first time ( maybe even last!) to do this kind of thing. But it went very smoothly - unexpectedly . Most difficult thing was driving myself to the port, but I did it! I could order somebody from Ship Overseas, but it cost money. And paperwork was pretty normal. The same day, I left to the airport, I got phone call that they sent car title to my old address. Wow! I thought that this title goes directly to the Estonian port, but I was wrong. They sent this very important paper over to my son.It arrived on time when I was ready to show car documents to the toll office. Everything ended very well ! Thanks to Ship Overseas. And , by the way, sending my car to Estonia was much, much cheaper than other companies offered. I am thankful !!!
Lydia K.
Lydia K.
13:24 21 Feb 22
Ship Overseas did a great job. There's no reason to use anyone else.
Taylor B.
Taylor B.
13:22 18 Feb 22
Ship Overseas is a 6 star organization. They have answered all my shipping questions and provided rapid thorough service each and every time. Look no further, Your overseas shipper search is over.
VanniGio V.
VanniGio V.
08:20 18 Feb 22
Very trustworthy company, they were always available to resolve issues with the correspondant at destination, no surprises, my Boat arrived as promised
HSA
HSA
03:51 18 Feb 22
Overseas is the best definitelyNo complaints i received my suv without scratch no missing parts
Donald B.
Donald B.
00:59 18 Feb 22
First time I sent a vehicle with this company, and I will be using them to sent another one, they were very helpful.
Joash E.
Joash E.
00:14 18 Feb 22
Shipped several cars with this company to Nigeria.Exceptional service. Drawback is the vehicle hauling that wasn't reliable. Granted no fault of ship overseas.Ship Overseas is my go to shipper.
sylvanus M.
sylvanus M.
22:17 17 Feb 22
Great and reliable service. Thank you. Will always use your company.
Ricardo Q.
Ricardo Q.
18:59 17 Feb 22
Used this company 3 times for an overseas PCS. Would do it again if I had to.
Michael M.
Michael M.
18:33 17 Feb 22
Great service at a reasonable cost !!!
Ronald R.
Ronald R.
18:28 17 Feb 22
Shipped twice with them. No idea what I was doing, but they were helpful, always available to answer questions, and made it very easy.
J J
J J
18:14 17 Feb 22
It has been a great and exciting experience to have our car being shipped from New Mexico to Spain.
Fernando M.
Fernando M.
18:03 17 Feb 22
everything is fine, gladly again
Beat Thomas S.
Beat Thomas S.
15:27 11 Feb 22
Om my GOSH! Words can't express how grateful I am for the experience I had with Ship Overseas. Living and working overseas can be a challenge but when I called they knew exactly what to do. Other shipping companies gave a long list of the things I needed, the paperwork, questions, and the costs. Overseas got me situated in one phone call. It was fabulous!!
Vitania Q.
Vitania Q.
18:21 10 Feb 22
So far, I'm well pleased with the service I've received from Ship Overseas. Whenever I had a question, it was answered quickly and thoroughly. Thanks!
Christopher M.
Christopher M.
16:55 10 Feb 22
Everything went very smoothly with no problems!
John O.
John O.
15:28 10 Feb 22
They handled my car's transport 100% positive. It was not their fault that my radio was stolen somewhere along the path, port houston, Sirius leader, or port Limon, God only knows.
Tim P.
Tim P.
15:27 10 Feb 22
Excelente experiencia en todos los aspectos
Jorge Luis L.
Jorge Luis L.
15:09 10 Feb 22
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Vehicle Pickup Service

When you receive a quote for Shipping Car from USA to Germany, take note of the optional fee for our suitable car pickup service.

While you can handle the pickup yourself, it’s worth considering factors like gas, food, time off work, and accommodations against a modest fee for us to simplify the process.

Departure Ports for International Shipping to Germany

The fourth-largest container port in the world, Bremerhaven port in Germany, will be where your car departs. It will land at one of the six American ports;

  • New York, NY
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Charleston, SC
  • Brunswick, GA
  • Galveston, TX
  • Port Hueneme, Ventura County CA

You can deliver your car to one of these ports or let us handle the logistics.

Arrival Terminal for International Shipping to Germany

All roads lead to Bremerhaven, Germany, the arrival terminal where a designated person can pick up the vehicle for Shipping Car from USA to Germany. It’s crucial to note that our quotes cover the transport of your car only. The person collecting the vehicle in Bremerhaven should be prepared with cash to cover in-person Tax or Duty payments.

If you ship your cars to Bremerhaven, Germany, you can send them to various cities, including Wiesbaden, Kaiserslautern, Mannheim, and more.

If you ship your cars to Bremerhaven, Germany, you can also send them to the following cities:

  • Wiesbaden
  • Kaiserslautern
  • Mannheim
  • Heidelberg
  • Schweinfurt
  • Vilseck
  • Grafenwohr
  • Spangdahlem
  • Hohenfels
  • Geilenkirchen
  • Stuttgart
  • Baumholder
  • Ramstein
  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • Munich
  • Berlin

Costs of International Shipping to Germany

The costs of international shipping to Germany vary based on factors such as the car’s year/make/model, departure port, and the choice of car pick-up or drop-off at the shipping port. 

A destination handling charge of E150 ($165 USD) applies, influenced by the type of car, shipping origin, and your choice of service for Shipping Car from USA to Germany.

Departure & Arrival Ports, Initial Costs, & Shipping Duration

The Estimated Time in Transit for international car shipping to Germany from various U.S. cities to Bremerhaven, Germany, ranges from 11 to 40 days, with corresponding costs.

Shipping To/FromEstimated Time in TransitCost
New York, NY, to Bremerhaven, Germany11-21 DaysFrom $781
Baltimore, MD, to Bremerhaven, Germany11-21 DaysFrom $781
Charleston, SC, to Bremerhaven, Germany11-21 DaysFrom $781
Brunswick, GA, to Bremerhaven, Germany11-21 DaysFrom $781
Jacksonville, FL, to Bremerhaven, Germany11-21 DaysFrom $781
Newport News, VA, to Bremerhaven, Germany11-21 DaysFrom $781
Galveston, TX to Bremerhaven, Germany11-21 DaysFrom $781
Long Beach, CA to Bremerhaven, Germany21-33 DaysFrom $791
Tacoma, WA, to Bremerhaven, Germany28-35 DaysFrom $1,175

Import Tax & Duty and Destination Handling Charge

A destination handling charge of E150 ($176 USD) applies. Ship Overseas does not collect import duty and must be paid during car pick-up.

Special Considerations for EU Citizens

For private individuals, international car shipping to Germany with a final destination in another country, a 30% tax on the vehicle’s value is applicable, refundable upon car registration. German citizens face a 10% customs tax and 19% VAT unless residency outside Germany exceeds one year.

US Military

Active military personnel generally have their car shipment expenses covered, except for a second car, where the individual incurs the cost.

POV Transfer Requirements for Military

  1. A military member or dependent must own or lease the car.
  2. The vehicle must be self-propelled and road-legal.
  3. Written consent for transport from the third party is required if leased.
  4. Must have four wheels or more, with exceptions for mopeds and motorcycles.

Special Provisions for Travelers

Travelers to the EU can temporarily import their cars for up to 6 months, requiring a deposit upon arrival, refundable upon departure.

Relocating

Returning EU citizens who have lived in the USA for a year or more can return their car duty-free, provided there are no liens on the vehicle.

New/Used Car Purchase

A 10% duty and 19% German VAT apply to cars owned for less than a year destined for an EU member country.

Classic Car Purchase

For international car shipping to Germany for classic cars (30 years or older), a lower duty of 7% is applicable, compared to 10% for vehicles less than 30 years old.

Storage Fees

Failure to pick up a car on the scheduled date may result in port storage fees. For the latest fees, please contact us. 

Recommended Marine Insurance

For added security, we recommend considering marine insurance, providing full coverage against loss or damage from loading onto the ship until arrival, especially during hurricane season. The cost is 1.75% of the insured car’s value. Learn more about Marine Insurance on our website.

Shipping Car to Germany Military, Government Contractors

US Military and Government employees  (or contractors). For those people, a letter of authorization from the lender will need to be issued to pass US Customs. Otherwise, the car may be considered stolen.

US Military and Dependents

At the Base ports of Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, you will be required to pay a destination offloading fee of $280.00 per car and $350.00 per SUV. These prices are subject to change but not by much. To get a release of your vehicle, you will need to Identify yourself, and before that, you will go to the Officer at your Base in charge of Transport, who will give you a document to complete which will act as Military Tags and will enable you to drive to your base.

If you would like your vehicle delivered to your Base, then you can request a delivery service from us, and we will arrange the forwarding for you at an additional fee.

Government Contractors

Government contractors follow a similar procedure as US military active-duty personnel.

Documents Required to Ship Car to Germany

US Military

If you are in the Military, Government, or State service and there is a Lien recorded on the vehicle, the Lien Holder needs to give permission to export the vehicle. This permission must be an Original Letter from the Lienholder together with 3 certified copies of the Certificate of Title. You will also need to present your Military orders or a letter from the Government or State authority and a copy of the Title Record History obtainable from the Department of Motor Vehicles in the State the vehicle is registered.

EU Citizens

You will need the original title of the vehicle and your ID.

Non-EU Citizens

  • Copy of Passport
  • Power of Attorney Form for international residents.

Vehicle Registration For Military & Government Contractors

This will be taken care of at the military base. Talk to your Officer in Charge. You’ll also be getting your military tags for your base.

Shipping Methods

RoRo (Roll On Roll Off)

These ships are made specifically for vehicles.
RoRo ships are built so anything with tires can Roll On and Off the ship. Automobiles and motorcycles are the most common vehicles. Other types of vehicles that can be shipped are motorhomes, campers, trailers, buses, construction vehicles, and boats. RoRo Car shipping to Germany from the USA is normally used when you only ship one vehicle. The car MUST be able to make it up and down the ramp without any assistance. The inside of a RoRo ship looks like a big parking garage. Once loaded on the RoRo vessel, each vehicle is tied down securely in its designated spot (as shown in the picture)

This shipping method has proved highly efficient and extremely cost-effective. When compared to container shipping, it has an additional advantage: it provides reliable departure and arrival dates. The ship’s departure and arrival schedule run almost like an airline flight schedule.

Also, RoRo shipping is the preferred shipping method for new car manufacturers to ship their own vehicles. All vehicles are tied to the deck and are not exposed to the ocean. That way, the vehicles have all the protection against external elements.

Payment Methods / Options

Payment doesn’t have to be made until your vehicle is at the departure shipping port.

Wire Transfer or Cashier’s Check

This is a very common way to pay for your shipment if you are not in USA. We will send you our bank information once your order is placed.

Credit Card & Zelle

There are no service fees if you choose to make payment with Zelle. Basically, Zelle is bank-to-bank transfer.

There is a 3% service-fee if payment is made with credit card.

Canceling Your Order

If for some rare reason you need to cancel your order, let us know by email. Normally payment is refunded via the same payment method you chose. If you cancel your order, there is a $300 cancelation fee

Additional Information

  • Destination handling charge E150.
  • If final destination is an EU member country, you also pay 10% duty and 19% German VAT if the car is owned for less than 1 year.
  • If in transit through an EU country, leave a deposit of 30% of the value of the car which is refunded after the car is registered at the final destination country.
  • A clear Title of Ownership with no Liens on the Title.If you bought a car new, then your name must be listed on the front of the Title as the registered owner.
  • If the vehicle has been sold, then both the Seller and Buyer have to sign the back of the Title in the spaces as detailed on the back of the Title.
  • For safety reasons, the vehicle cannot have more than a ¼ tank of gas.

Car shipping to Germany from the USA – US Customs Clearance

Ship Overseas, Inc. will clear US Customs for you.

When your car is shipped via RoRo ship, US Customs agents simply look through the window. At most, they will open the trunk and peek inside.

When it comes to container shipping, the US Customs agent may sometimes need to open the container to check whatever is inside the container. This process takes longer than the RoRo method, but either way, Ship Overseas, Inc. will clear customs for you.

Who Can Pick Up The Vehicle in Germany

For car shipping to Germany from the USA, you can designate any individual to retrieve the vehicle at the destination Port. You must advise us of this a few days prior to the sailing of the date so that we can enter their name as the Receiver or Consignee. They will be required to identify themselves with a picture ID as well as produce the Title of Ownership and a letter of permission to pick up the vehicle. There is a charge by the shipping line if you notify us of any changes after your cargo has been loaded on the vessel.

Ready to ship your car from USA to Germany? Contact us now for a seamless Shipping Car from USA to Germany experience!