Ship Car from Germany to USA
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Shipping Car From Germany to the USA
Are you thinking of shipping a car from Germany to the USA? Well, let Ship Overseas handle the logistics for you. We make it easy and affordable to ship any kind of vehicle from Germany to anywhere in the USA. We have compiled this guide to let you know what’s involved in the process.
For a free, no-obligation quote, we will need the Year/Make/Model of your car, Pickup Zip Code or Departure Port in Germany, and Destination Country, in this case, USA. Ship Overseas offers weekly sailings from one port in Germany to six in the USA.


What to Know When Shipping a Car to the USA From Germany
First of all, you will need to provide this documentation and possibly more:
- Bill of Lading
- Bill of Sale
- Registration from country of origin
- Proof of ownership
- EPA Form 3520-1 showing emissions compliance
- DOT Form HS-7 showing safety compliance
- Manufacturer’s label on engine showing emission requirements have been me
In addition: Temporary auto imports into the USA are available for other vehicles for up to one year. Non-residents can no longer import a private use vehicle into the USA for up to 1 year WITHOUT pre-approval from the EPA in advance of arrival. The vehicle must have less than ¼ tank of gas.
Vehicles must pass United States EPA & DOT standards so it can pass U.S. Customs. Motor vehicles less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in order to be imported permanently into the United States
Departure and Arrival Ports
Your car will leave the Bremerhaven port in Germany, the fourth-largest container port in the world.
It will arrive at one of six ports in the USA:
- New York, NY
- Baltimore, MD
- Charleston, SC
- Brunswick, GA
- Galveston, TX
- Port Hueneme, Ventura County CA
How Long Does it Take?
The on-water voyage time is as follows for each U.S. port, with the number range representing DAYS:
NewYork | 12-19 |
Baltimore | 15-21 |
Charleston | 16-24 |
Brunswick | 16-25 |
Galveston | 18-25 |
Port Hueneme | 27-31 |

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car From Germany to the USA?
- The cost to ship a car from Germany to the U.S. is $1,498.
- The cost to ship an SUV from Germany to the U.S. is $1,627.
Your final price will be determined by:
- Whether you’re shipping a car or an SUV/truck (it’s cheaper to ship a car than a larger vehicle).
- Whether the car is driven to the Bremerhaven port by yourself or a friend, or if you need one of our truck drivers to get it there for you. Those who live far from the port may not find it worth it to spend money on gas, lodging, time off work, etc. The same goes on the other end when receiving the shipment in the U.S. (it’s more expensive to have a truck driver bring it).
- Whether you’re shipping to the East Coast USA from Germany or the West Coast USA (it’s cheaper to ship a car to the East Coast).
Documents Required to Ship a Car to Germany
The passport of consignee is required when shipping a car from Germany to the USA. The consignee is the one who receives the goods at the destination port.
Salvage Titles
No salvage titles are accepted.
Customs Broker Information
Your customs broker/agent is Paul Alpren. His services will cost you $280.
Destination Handling Charge
The destination handling charge (DHC), or Terminal Handling Charge (THC), for shipping a car from Germany to the USA is $215 to $275.
Do Returning Citizens Have to Pay Import Fees (Terminal Handling Charges)?
Returning citizens pay THC+US Customs Entry (Duty only if applicable).
Duty is applicable only for vehicles entering the USA for the first time, not returning vehicles.
Vehicle Age Limits
For US Spec vehicles, there is no age limit. For non-US Spec vehicle, cars must be a minimum of 25+ years old, generally applying to classic cars.
How Much is Import Tax?
Import tax is 3% (this number includes 2.5% Duty + HMF & MPF fees). HMF is the Harbor Maintenance Fee and MPF is the Merchandise Processing Fee.
Weekly sailings from Bremerhaven Port in Germany to USA

Shipping Method for Shipping a Car to Germany
We only offer RoRo shipping from Germany to the U.S. — not container shipping. Our shipping vessels depart weekly from the Germany port to sail into the United States.

RoRo Shipping (Roll On/Roll Off)
RoRo is for when a vehicle can make it up the ramp and onto the ship on its own power. Our most popular and cost effective option, RoRo is not only efficient but reliable as well. That’s because you can be assured of set departure and arrival dates (just like an airport). You can use RoRo to transport wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, motorhomes, campers, trailers, buses, construction vehicles and boats.
Your car will be secured to the deck with no exposure to the ocean water and air.
Do You Need Marine Insurance?
We highly recommend you do purchase it, but you don’t have to. We offer 1.75% of the value of the vehicle for FULL coverage of theft, vandalism, damage and total loss with a $500 deductible. Note: coverage starts at the time your car is loaded onto the ship in Germany and lasts until it is collected and signed for at the arrival port in the USA. Total Loss is 1.25% charge for the value of the vehicle.
If paying for 100% coverage is not something you’re willing to do, you may purchase partial coverage of 50% to 75% of the value. But if damage or loss occurs, you would have to pay for any damage that exceeds the covered amount.
When shipping a car from Germany to the USA, you need the professionals at Ship Overseas on your side. Get in touch to learn more when you call toll free at 888-805-4994 or 858-547-0840
Should I purchase Marine Insurance?
We think it’s a wise idea. Ship Overseas offers FULL COVERAGE Marine Insurance against Loss or Damage from the time your car is loaded onto the ship. The cost is 1.75% of the value you wish to insure the car for. You can purchase optional insurance through us that gives you extra protection in the event your car suffers damage or loss.
Keep in mind, the chance of damage or loss while transporting a car from Germany is very slim. The only time this would be a problem would be during hurricane season, lasting from June till November, when the ocean is rougher. Learn more about Marine Insurance by clicking on the link below.
We hope this page put your mind at ease. If you’re ready to get going on the international car shipping process from Germany to USA, give us a call toll free at 888-805-4994 or 858-547-0840.