Ship a Car to Sweden from USA
Ship a Car to Sweden from USA
Ship Overseas- Your Trusted Partner in International Car Shipping
If you need to ship a car to Sweden, you probably have a lot of questions about the process. No worries. We are here to go over:
Shipping Car from the USA to Sweden
Choosing Ship Overseas, Inc. as your partner in car shipping to Sweden is a wise choice, as we have been doing this for more than 40 years. We understand that the process may seem a bit confusing, especially if this is your first time, but with us behind you, it’s easier than it looks. All your questions will be answered in this guide about the shipping process to Sweden, including Pricing, Documents, Departure, and Arrival Ports.
For the most accurate price quote and to help you budget, we will ask for the Year/Make/Model of your car, Pickup Zip Code or Departure Port, and Destination Country (in this case Sweden).
Pick Up
Most people ask us to pick up their car from their home for an extra fee rather than hassle with bringing their own car to the port. Sometimes the nearest port is far away and you have to factor in the cost of gas, lodging, meals, and time off work. It’s more cost-effective to pay us a couple of hundred dollars to fetch your car from your residence and bring it to the port.
Departure Shipping Ports
The USA departure shipping ports for Sweden include:
You can take your car to one of these ports or we can pick up your car and transport it for you, at an additional cost.
Arrival At Shipping Terminal in Sweden
The sole arrival port in Sweden that we service is Gothenburg, the largest port in the Nordic countries. It receives more than 11,000 ship visits per year from more than 140 destinations around the world. This is where you will have your designated person pick up your car on arrival.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Sweden
It’s natural to then ask: how much will it cost to ship my car to Sweden? Keep reading!
Starting costs to ship a car to Sweden are $1050 from Baltimore, MD to Gothenburg, Sweden
Starting costs to ship from Newark, NJ to Gothenburg is $1190.
These costs are only for port-to-port shipping. If you want us to pick up your car for you and take it to the port, that will be an additional cost. If you want to save your money and take your car yourself, consider the cost of gas, hotel, airfare, etc.
Departure & Arrival Ports, Starting Costs, & How Long Shipping Takes
The starting cost to ship a car from the USA to Sweden is outlined below:
The Estimated Time in Transit kicks in when your car arrives at the shipping terminal and does not include the transit time when the trucker picks up the car at your home.
It takes approximately five weeks with the RoRo method from the East Coast and six to seven weeks with the RoRo method from the West Coast.
There are other things that will factor into your final cost, such as the departure port you choose, the car’s year/make/model, and if you drop off the car at the port yourself vs. having us do it.
Shipping a car to Sweden also involves these considerations:
The name of the broker we will assign for you will be listed on the Doc Receipt
Vehicle Import Tax & Duty & Destination Handling Charge
To ship a car from the USA to Sweden, be prepared to pay 20% Import Tax and 9% VAT (Value Added Tax). We will provide you with the Clearing Agent’s information, so please contact us. There is a destination handling charge of approximately $300 for RoRo and $500 for a shared container.
If you are in the USA, contact the Embassy of Sweden by phone if you need the latest information.
Embassy of Sweden
2900 K St NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 467-2600
Ship Overseas doesn’t collect the import duty. You pay it at the time of vehicle pickup.
US Military
As authorized shippers for the US military to Sweden, we work frequently with members of the military and government to get their cars to their new base. The military usually will cover the cost of your shipment but if you want to ship a second car (such as your spouse’s) you have to pay for that shipment.
POV Transfer Requirements for Military
The vehicle MUST:
- Be owned or leased by a member of the military or a dependent.
- Be self-propelled and legal on public highways.
- Have four wheels or more, with mopeds and motorcycles being the exception.
- Have written consent for transport from the third party if leased. For more information, read about military car shipping.
Travelers (Temporary Imports)
Anyone traveling to the EU can bring their car for up to six months, known as a temporary import. A deposit for the temporary import will be due on arrival of the car but this fee will be refunded when you leave.
Relocating
Are you an EU citizen who has lived outside the EU for 6 months? You are allowed to bring your car back without having to pay import fees.
New/Used Car Purchase
You will pay 20% Import Tax; 9% VAT (Value Added Tax) on cars owned for less than 1 year and if the final destination is an EU member country. There are no limits on the age of vehicles and salvage titles are accepted.
Classic Car Purchase
The duty for importing classic cars is 7%. On all other cars, it is 20%.
Storage Fees
In the event you fail to arrange for timely pick up upon the vehicle’s arrival at the Port of Gothenburg, they will charge you a storage fee. We can let you know what those latest fees are when you contact us.
Optional Marine Insurance
This is optional but we highly recommend it. Accidents happen on the open sea that is beyond our control, particularly during hurricane season (June 1 through November 30). However, please note that damage and loss are very rare. You can choose to get our full coverage of Marine Insurance against Loss or Damage, which lasts from the time your car is loaded onto the ship until you take possession of it. The cost is 1.75% of the value you want to insure the car for. This option is recommended if you wouldn’t be able to afford out-of-pocket cash for repairs or losses. Here’s where you can learn more about Marine Insurance here.
Shipping Car to Sweden Military, Government Contractors
Members of the US Military and Government employees (or contractors) are allowed to ship a car overseas and still carry a lien on the car. However, they need authorization from the lender, which is required to pass US Customs. The car could be considered stolen if this step is skipped.
US Military and Dependants
At the Port of Gothenburg, you will be expected to pay a destination offloading fee of $300 for sedans and SUVs. (Prices can change, ask us for the latest.) To obtain a release of your vehicle, visit the Officer at your Base in charge of Transport. This officer will give you a document to complete for Military Tags, which will allow you to drive to your base. You will have to show your proper ID.
Want us to arrange the forwarding of your vehicle right to the base? Just contact us and request delivery service for an extra fee.
Government Contractors
Government contractors can be expected to follow a similar procedure as US military active-duty personnel.
Documents Required to Ship Car to Sweden
The two main documents you will need to ship a car to Sweden are the Original Title and Valid Identification.
US Military
If you are in the military, government, or state service, and have a lien on the vehicle, you must get permission from the Lien Holder to export the vehicle, as part of the Original Letter from the Lienholder. Also required will be:
- Military orders or a letter from the Government or State authority.
- Three certified copies of the Certificate of Title
- A copy of the Title Record History is obtainable from the Department of Motor Vehicles in the State where the vehicle is registered.
EU Citizens
You will be required to show the original Certificate of Title of Ownership of the vehicle with no Lien on the Title.
Non-EU Citizens
The following are required:
Vehicle Registration in Sweden
You should get an International Driver’s License from the AAA Automobile Association in your area. Your American Driver’s License will suffice in Europe. If you are a tourist or temporary resident, you are able to drive with your American license plates in a foreign country until your registration for that year expires.
Documents required include:
Vehicle Registration For Military & Government Contractors
Once at your military base, this will be settled when you connect with your Officer in Charge. They are the ones to supply you with military tags for your base.
Vehicle Registration For EU Citizens
Now that your car has passed Swedish Customs, it is assumed it has met all safety and Customs standards. Now it is time to take your car to the local DMV and bring with you the following:
Note: Ship Overseas Inc. offers no further guidance from this stage on.
Shipping Methods
RoRo (Roll On Roll Off)
RoRo shipping is available from these ports: Newark, NJ; Baltimore, MD; Long Beach; CA; and Tacoma, WA.
With RoRo shipping, your car has to be able to make it up and down the ramp with no assistance. This type of ship resembles a big parking garage and is designed to hold anything with tires that can Roll-On and Off the ship. Perfect for cars and motorcycles, as well as motorhomes, boats, campers, trailers, buses, and even construction vehicles, most people use RoRo when shipping one vehicle.
Your vehicle will be secured in its designated spot once loaded on the vessel.
This is a highly efficient and cost-effective method that runs on a reliable departure and arrival schedule — just like an airline flight schedule.
RoRo shipping gives you the assurance that your car will be protected from external elements. It’s also the preferred shipping method for new car manufacturers who wish to ship their products safely. All vehicles will be tied to the deck with no exposure to the ocean air or water.
Container Shipping
Container shipping is only available from Newark, NJ. Your car will share a container with other vehicles. It’s not as quick or reliable in terms of departure and arrival dates as RoRo shipping because the containers don’t ship until they are full.
You can ship additional items in the trunk or the backseat of your vehicle. Many people use this method to ship vehicles that do not work, such as broken-down classic cars.
Payment Methods / Options
Pay for the shipment only when your vehicle arrives at the departure shipping port.
Wire Transfer or Cashier’s Check
This is the most common payment method for customers not located in the USA. We will send you our bank information at the time you place your order.
Credit Card & Zelle
There are no service fees when using Zelle, but with credit card payments, a 3% service fee is charged.
Canceling Your Order
Need to cancel your order after you have placed it? Let us know ASAP via email. We will refund your payment in the same payment method you chose, minus a $300 cancellation fee.
Additional Information
USA Customs Clearance
Ship Overseas, Inc. will be responsible for clearing US Customs for you. Most of the time, US Customs agents will simply look in the car’s window and clear the vehicle. Sometimes, they look inside your trunk.
Preparing Your Car for Shipment to Sweden
Here’s what you can do to prepare your car for shipment to Sweden.
Who Can Pick Up The Vehicle in Sweden
You can appoint anyone you want to pick up the car at the port in Sweden. Just tell us their name and contact info a few days prior to the sailing date so we can list them as the Receiver or Consignee. They must provide proof of identification with a picture ID in order to take possession of the car, as well as provide the Title of Ownership and a letter of permission. If you notify us of any changes after your cargo has been loaded on the vessel, you will be charged a fee by the shipping line.