International Shipping to France Simplified For Vehicles
Ship Overseas- Your Trusted Partner in International Car Shipping
If you would like to know more about shipping a car from the USA to France, you will appreciate this in-depth guide. We will cover:
Shipping Car from USA to France
If you’re considering shipping your car from the USA to France, Confer Ship Overseas, Inc. is your reliable partner.
With 40 years of industry expertise, we’re dedicated to making the process smooth for you, addressing concerns about pricing, required documents, departure options, and arrival ports in France.
Convenient Pick-Up Options
For added ease, many clients choose our pick-up service, saving them the trouble of transporting their vehicle to the port.
While there’s an optional pick-up charge, it proves cost-effective, eliminating expenses like gas, food, time off work, and accommodation. We handle the pick-up, ensuring your car is transported to the nearest French port.
Departure Ports Across the USA for International Shipping to France
You can choose departure ports across the USA, including:
Alternatively, we can pick up your vehicle at your doorstep.
Arrival Terminal for International Shipping to France
All shipping lines lead to Le Havre, the second-largest commercial port in France, with three terminals for car pick-up.
Cash payments for Tax or Duty can be settled in person. Refer to the section below for details on Vehicle Import Tax & Duty.
Affordable Costs for Shipping to France
Contrary to assumptions, shipping a car to France is cost-effective, starting at $1055 from Baltimore, MD. Factors affecting costs include pick-up preferences, car size, drop-off location, and departure from the East or West Coast.
Initial Costs and Shipping Duration of International Shipping to France
The Estimated Time in Transit is approximately five weeks from your car’s arrival at the shipping terminal, excluding pick-up time.
Initial costs differ by port, ranging from $1055 to $1670, with the final price depending on car details, departure port, and pick-up preferences.
Vehicle Import Tax & Duty and Handling Charge
Shipping incurs a 20% Import Tax, 9% VAT, and a handling charge of around $300. Ship Overseas do not collect import duty and must be settled during car pick-up.
US Military Authorization
As authorized shippers for the US military to France, we handle payments for car shipments. If shipping a second car simultaneously, you’re responsible for associated costs.
POV Transfer Requirements for Military
For military POV transfers, the car must have four wheels or more, be owned or leased by a military member or dependent, be self-propelled and legal on public highways, and include written consent for transport if leased.
Travelers (Temporary Imports)
For EU travelers, temporary imports are allowed for up to six months, requiring an upfront deposit refunded upon departure. EU citizens returning after six months outside the EU can return their cars without paying import fees.
Relocating without Import Fees
EU citizens returning after six months outside the EU can return their cars without paying import fees.
New/Used Car Purchase Requirements
Cars owned for less than a year destined for an EU member country incur a 20% Import Tax and 9% VAT. Salvage titles are accepted with no age restrictions. Import duty for classic cars is 7%, contrasting with 20% for other vehicles.
Classic Car Import Duty
Import duty for classic cars is 7%, contrasting with 20% for other vehicles.
Storage Fees
In cases where immediate pickup isn’t feasible, Le Havre port may charge storage fees. Contact us for the latest fee information.
Recommended Optional Marine Insurance
Opt for our optional marine insurance, covering loss or damage from loading to possession, costing 1.75% of the insured value. It’s a wise choice, especially during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30).
Shipping to France for Military and Government Contractors
Only US Military members and government employees with lender authorization can ship a car overseas with an existing lien, subject to clearance from US Customs.
US Military Offloading at French Ports
Only US Military members and government employees with lender authorization can ship a car overseas with an existing lien, subject to clearance from US Customs.
A $300 destination offloading fee applies to the French port for sedans and SUVs. Prices may change, and military personnel can obtain vehicle release by visiting their Base Officer for Military Tags. For delivery to your Base, request our service for forwarding at an additional fee.
Government Contractors
Government contractors follow a similar procedure as US military active-duty personnel.
Documents Required to Ship Car to France
If you want to ship a car to France, you’ll need to gather the Original Title and Valid Identification.
US Military
A1. If there is a Lien recorded on the vehicle, and you are in the Military, Government, or State service, the Lien Holder must provide permission to export the vehicle, in the form of an Original Letter from the Lienholder. You will also need three certified copies of the Certificate of Title and will have to present your Military orders or a letter from the Government or State authority. Bring a copy of the Title Record History obtainable from the Department of Motor Vehicles in the State in which the vehicle is registered.
EU Citizens
A2. You must provide Everything in (A) The original Certificate of Title of Ownership of the vehicle without a Lien recorded on the Title.
Non-EU Citizens
A3. You will need the following:
Vehicle Registration in France
Get your International Driver’s License from the AAA Automobile Association in your area. Your American Driver’s License will cover this throughout Europe. Are you a tourist or a temporary resident? You may drive with your American license plates in a foreign country until your registration expires for that year.
Vehicle Registration For Military & Government Contractors
This will be taken care of at the military base. Be sure to speak with your Officer in Charge. You will also get your military tags for your base.
Vehicle Registration For EU Citizens
Now that your car has passed French Customs, it should meet all safety standards. Take your car to the local DMV, bringing your:
Note, Ship Overseas Inc. does not provide any guidance from this step on.
Shipping Methods
RoRo (Roll On Roll Off)
RoRo shipping is available from these ports:
This type of shipping is for anything with tires that can Roll-On and Off the ship. These ships are made specifically for vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, as well as motorhomes, campers, trailers, buses, construction vehicles, and boats. Most people use RoRo when shipping one vehicle. The inside of a RoRo ship resembles a big parking garage.
Your car has to be able to make it up and down the ramp without assistance. Once loaded on the RoRo vessel, each vehicle is tied down securely in a designated spot.
Highly efficient and cost-effective, this method provides reliable departure and arrival dates, almost like an airline flight schedule.
RoRo shipping is also the preferred shipping method for new car manufacturers who wish to ship their products. All vehicles are tied to the deck and are not exposed to the ocean. You get peace of mind and additional protection against external elements.
Payment Methods / Options
You only have to come up with payment once your vehicle is at the departure shipping port.
Wire Transfer or Cashier’s Check
This is the most common method of paying for your shipment if you are not in the USA. We will send you our bank information once your order has been placed.
Wire Transfer or Cashier’s Check
This is the most common method of paying for your shipment if you are not in the USA. We will send you our bank information once your order has been placed.
Credit Card & Zelle
If you are paying with Zelle, you don’t have to pay service fees (bank-to-bank transfer).
For credit card payments, you will be charged a 3% service fee.
Canceling Your Order
Need to cancel your order? Email us as soon as possible. Payment will be refunded via the same payment method you chose, less a $300 cancellation fee.
Additional Information
USA Customs Clearance
Ship Overseas, Inc. will clear US Customs for you. While sometimes US Customs agents will look in your trunk, they usually just look through the car’s window and that’s that.
Preparing Your Car for Shipment to France
Here are some helpful tips for prepping your car for shipment.
Who Can Pick Up The Vehicle in France
You can choose anyone to pick up the vehicle at the destination port. Tell us their name and contact info a few days prior to the sailing date so that they are listed as the Receiver or Consignee in plenty of time. They will have to provide proof of identification with a picture ID, offering the Title of Ownership, and a letter of permission to pick up the vehicle. If you notify us of any changes after your cargo has been loaded on the vessel, you will be charged by the shipping line.
Hassle-Free Car Shipping to France with Our Expert Services
Are you planning to move or travel abroad and need car shipping to France services? Transporting your vehicle internationally can be a complex task, but with the right help, it can be stress-free. Whether you need to ship a car to France for a temporary stay or permanent relocation, our experienced team is here to assist. We specialize in car transport to France, offering affordable, reliable, and efficient solutions tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Our Services to Ship a Car to France?
When you need to transport a car to France, there are several things to consider: customs regulations, paperwork, shipping options, and ensuring the safety of your vehicle. We take care of all these details to make the process as smooth as possible. With years of experience in the industry, we offer comprehensive services to handle everything from start to finish.
- Reliable and Secure Shipping Safety is our top priority when it comes to shipping car to europe. We use only trusted shipping methods and have partnerships with reliable carriers, ensuring your vehicle arrives in France in the same condition it left.
- Affordable Pricing Car shipping to France doesn’t have to be expensive. We offer competitive pricing to make sure your car transport to France fits within your budget. Contact us for a free quote and see how affordable it can be to ship a car to France.
- Efficient Service Our team is dedicated to delivering fast, efficient service. Whether you’re moving abroad or simply need to transport a car to France for business or pleasure, we’ll get your vehicle there quickly and safely.
- Full Customs Assistance Navigating customs can be tricky when you’re shipping a car to France. Our team is well-versed in international regulations and will handle all the necessary paperwork to ensure your vehicle passes through customs smoothly.
- Tailored Solutions Every customer’s needs are different, which is why we offer customized car transport to France solutions. Whether you’re looking to transport your car to France temporarily or permanently, we can tailor our services to fit your specific requirements.
How to Ship a Car to France?
Shipping a car to France may seem like a daunting task, but we make it simple with our step-by-step process. Here’s how we help you transport your car to France with ease:
- Get a Free Quote: The first step in car shipping to France is to request a quote. We offer free, no-obligation quotes for anyone looking to ship a car to France. Simply provide us with the details of your vehicle and your desired shipping timeline, and we’ll give you an accurate estimate.
- Choose Your Shipping Method: We offer several options for car transport to France, including Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. Each method has its own benefits, and our experts will help you choose the best one for your needs. RoRo is ideal for standard vehicles, while container shipping provides added protection for high-end or classic cars.
- Prepare Your Car for Transport: Once you’ve decided to ship your car to France, you’ll need to prepare it for transport. This includes cleaning the vehicle, removing any personal items, and ensuring the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full. Our team will guide you through these steps to ensure your car is ready for car shipping to France.
- Documentation and Customs: We handle all the paperwork required to ship a car to France. This includes preparing customs documents and ensuring your vehicle complies with French import regulations. With our help, you won’t have to worry about any bureaucratic hurdles.
- Vehicle Pickup and Delivery: On the day of transport, our team will pick up your vehicle and load it onto the shipping vessel. We’ll keep you informed throughout the journey and let you know when your car arrives in France. Whether you need door-to-door service or port-to-port delivery, we offer flexible options to meet your needs for car transport to France.
Conclusion: Start Your Car Transport to France Today!
If you’re looking to ship a car to France, trust our experienced team to provide top-notch service. We make international car shipping simple, affordable, and stress-free. With our comprehensive services and dedicated team, we’ll handle every aspect of the process, from preparing your vehicle to navigating customs and ensuring safe delivery.