International Car Shipping: What you Need to Know

Moving abroad can be exciting, but it also comes with plenty of logistical challenges, especially when it comes to your car. If you’re relocating internationally, you might wonder whether it’s better to bring your vehicle along or purchase a new one once you arrive. 

While U-Haul and U-Box do not currently offer international car shipping services, we’re here to help you understand how the process works, what to expect, and how U-Box can make the rest of your international move easier, safer, and more affordable. 

How International Car Shipping Works 

Shipping a car overseas involves more than just loading it onto a ship; it requires careful planning, paperwork, and preparation. Generally, you’ll work with an international auto transport company that specializes in shipping vehicles by sea or, in rare cases, by air. 

Shipping Methods  

1. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) 

This is the most common and affordable method for shipping your vehicle overseas. Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized ship, secured for transport, and driven off upon arrival. For this type of shipping method, your car is usually parked indoors or outdoors on a cargo ship. This option is cost effective but leaves your car exposed to outdoor conditions. 

2. Container Shipping

Your vehicle is placed inside a sealed shipping container, either shared (stored with two to three other vehicles) or exclusive (stored in a separate container just for your vehicle). This method is more expensive than RoRo but provides greater protection from weather and handling damage. 

3. Air Freight

Reserved for luxury or high-value vehicles, air freight is the fastest option but can cost several times more than sea transport. This option is also the most flexible when it comes to last-minute car moves.  

Average Cost of Shipping a Car Overseas  

According to recent data from international shipping provider Schumacher Cargo, the average cost to ship a car internationally ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 for ocean freight, depending on distance, vehicle size, destination, and method of transport. 

Keep in mind that additional costs such as insurance, port fees, import taxes, and customs clearance may apply. Shipping by air can exceed $5,000. 

If you’re relocating from the U.S. to destinations like Europe or Asia, sea transport typically takes 7 to 60 days port-to-port. Inland transport and customs inspections will likely take additional time. 

What You’ll Need to Prepare  

Before shipping your car overseas, it’s important to plan ahead and gather all required documents. While exact requirements vary by country and carrier, most shippers will ask for the vehicle’s original title and registration, a copy of your ID or passport, the bill of sale or purchase of invoice, export and import forms, and proof of insurance. 

You’ll also want to prepare your vehicle for inspection and transit.  

• Clean the car inside and out (for easier customs inspection) 
• Remove all personal belongings (they’re not permitted inside vehicles) 
• Check fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure 
• Disable alarms 
• Add moisture-absorbing packs if shipping in a container 

Is International Car Shipping Safe?  

Yes, when handled by service providers, international car shipping is generally safe. Cars are secured during transport, inspected at multiple stages, and insured against potential damage. However, as with any large-scale move, there are always risks such as delays, weather-related issues, or customs complications. 

Understanding International Car Shipping Insurance  

No matter how reliable your carrier is, it’s important to understand the types of insurance coverage available for international vehicle transport. Most companies include a basic level of protection, but it’s often limited. Here’s what you need to know before signing your shipping contract. 

1. Basic Carrier Liability

This is the minimum level of insurance most transport companies are required to provide. It typically covers a set amount per pound of the vehicle’s weight or a small percentage of its declared value. It is included in the shipping price at no extra cost, but offers limited coverage, typically ranging from $0.10 and $0.30 per pound. However, it’s not full coverage, which means it only applies if the carrier is proven negligent. For example, if the ship experiences a storm and damages occur, this coverage might not fully reimburse you. 

2. Marine Cargo Insurance 

This is the most comprehensive and highly recommended option for international shipping. Marine insurance protects your vehicle against loss, theft, damage, or natural disasters from the time it’s loaded at the port until delivery at the destination. It usually covers incidents like storm or water damage, fire or explosion on board, accidents during loading/unloading, theft, or vandalism during transit.  

Depending on your provider, you can purchase marine insurance as either total loss coverage (pays out only if your vehicle is completely lost or destroyed) or all-risk coverage (provides full coverage for partial or total damage, including scratches and dents). 

3. Third-Party or Supplemental Insurance 

You can also choose to purchase coverage independently through your own auto insurance provider or a third-party insurer that specializes in overseas shipments. If you already have comprehensive coverage at home, check whether it extends to international transport. If not, a supplemental policy can fill any gaps left by your carrier’s insurance. This can cost between 1% and 5% of vehicle value. Here is the breakdown table.  

Coverage Type	Protection Level	Typical Cost Range
Basic Marine	Limited liability	1-2% of vehicle value
Full Coverage	Comprehensive	2-4% of vehicle value
Total Loss	Complete replacement	3-5% of vehicle value

Before finalizing your shipment, always request a certificate of insurance from your provider detailing exactly what’s covered and any exclusions (such as pre-existing damage or personal items inside the vehicle). 

Simplify Your International Move With U-Box Portable Storage Containers 

While U-Haul doesn’t offer services for international car shipping, U-Box is one of the best and most flexible options for everything else you need to ship or store internationally. 

Whether you’re relocating across the border or moving overseas, U-Box containers make packing and shipping your belongings simple and stress-free. By choosing U-Box, you can simplify the hardest parts of your move, such as packing, shipping, and storage, while leaving your car shipment to a specialized provider.