Is It Worth Shipping Your Car Overseas? [Every Aspect Discussed]
The average cost of shipping a car internationally ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. The process of international shipping auto can be extremely expensive and complicated, but sometimes it makes so much sense. There are many options available for overseas auto transport, including sea freight and air shipping. While determining the worthiness of shipping your car internationally could be difficult, we can lay out cases in which moving your car internationally is better and more preferable.
When Is Shipping Your Car Internationally Worthy?
When you are preparing to move, you can calculate the current blue book, typically referred to as Kelley Blue Book (KBB), which provides an estimated value on your car both at the place you will be moving to and in the US. If your car is a current domestic transport, you will be able to ship your car and pay the duties in your destination country at a very inexpensive cost.
To determine the worth of overseas auto transportation quotes, you will have to view it from your perspective. Many times people own cars which have been passed down through generations or own limited edition cars which they won’t be able to find at the place of moving. However, if none of the above cases are relatable to you, you can calculate the financial aspect of the shipping.
Is International Car Shipping Right For You? 5 Key Considerations
The demand of car shipment has grown by 15% in the year 2024, which is driven by international auctions and car purchases. To determine whether shipping internationally is worth the hassle or not, you will have to consider a few factors, such as the shipping method, your vehicle size, destination, and most importantly, your global vehicle transport company.
Shipping Cost And Options
If you have recently brought the car, it may be worthy enough to ship it to another country. But, the cost of shipping starts from $900 and goes up to $16,000. There are many different methods to ship a car internationally. You can choose what suits your car.
| Shipping Method | Typical Cost Range | Best For |
| RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) | $900 to $2,000+ | Standard cars |
| Shared Container | $1,000 to $2,500+ | Multiple cars to same destination |
| Sole Use Container | $2,000 to $4,000+ | Luxury, classics, or non-running vehicles |
| Air Freight | $5,000 to $16,000 | Luxury, rare, urgent shipments |
Will You Be Able To Maintain Your Car Abroad?
International auto freight can be increasingly complicated and costly for larger vehicles, including SUVs and trucks as they require more space and weigh more than an average car which leads to higher shipping costs. And sometimes, maintaining a car could be too difficult and expensive in your destination country.
If your car is a common model, maintaining a car overseas will not be as expensive. However, if your car is an older or specialized vehicle, it may get difficult to find parts and a qualified mechanic to keep the car maintained. Apart from that, you may have to bear additional charges if your car does not meet the emission and safety standards of the new country and you may have to modify the car which will be even more costly.
What Is The Destination Of Your Shipment?
If you are moving to another part of the world, chances are your car shipping cost may be more than your car’s actual value. If you have an old car, paying a hefty sum to ship it to a different continent may not be the best decision. Furthermore, if you want to move your car to another continent, you will have to bear some additional charges such as custom handling and compliance fees.
| Destination | Estimated Charges |
| Europe | $749 to $4,200 |
| Africa | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Asia | $1,200 to $3,500 |
| Australia | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| North America | $800 to $5,000 |
| South America | $1,200 to $3,000 |
How Long Are You Going To Stay At The Destination?
If you are planning to stay in the new country for an indefinite period and you have no place to store your car in the United States, moving your car to the new country would certainly be the better option. However, if you are only going to the new country for a shorter time, booking a rental car would be a smart option. It offers flexibility and frees you from the hassle of finding a good overseas car shipping company.
How Soon Can You Find A Reliable International Car Shipping Company?
Sometimes choosing a terrible auto car shipping company which can make the moving process a painful experience. However, if you look for companies with strong online presence and some real reviews on sites, you may find a trustworthy company.
To make your shipping process worthwhile, you must always take care of the insurance coverage. Many reputable companies offer comprehensive insurance coverage, especially for international shipping methods. You can verify the company’s active insurance state and licensing to make sure you are in safe hands. Before shortlisting your shipping company, do review the shipping contract and understand the terms and conditions fully to ensure a smoother shipping process.
How Much Time Do You Get In The New Country?
Buying a new car in a new country could be a complex process, which involves different challenges, such as regulations and standards, import procedures, and higher cost.
Purchasing a car can be different in each country. The differences include variations of buying processes, prices, market preferences, and regulations. For example, the vehicle registration process differs in each country. If you think of purchasing a car in the new country, you will have to take out time to learn the process, tax laws, and find a car that fits your requirements.
In this regard, international shipping auto process seems somewhat easy. It also preserves your car’s value by preventing the additional mileage (if you are driving the car via land routes) and wear and tear.
