Door-to-Door International Shipping

Shipping a car internationally is a significant endeavor, and choosing the right service can make the difference between a seamless experience and a logistical nightmare. 

While port-to-port shipping might seem like a cheaper option upfront, door-to-door international car shipping offers unparalleled convenience, security, and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll explore why door-to-door shipping is the preferred choice for thousands of customers worldwide and how West Coast Shipping ensures a hassle-free process from start to finish.

What Is Door-to-Door International Car Shipping?

Door-to-door shipping means your vehicle is picked up directly from your home or specified location and delivered to your chosen address overseas. This end-to-end service eliminates the need for you to coordinate transportation to and from ports, saving time and reducing stress.

Key Features of Door-to-Door Shipping

• Convenience: No need to drive your car to a port or arrange inland transportation.
• Reduced Risk: Fewer handling points minimize the chance of damage or theft.
• Customs Assistance: The shipping company handles all documentation and customs clearance.

For a deeper dive into costs and logistics, check out our International Car Shipping Costs Guide.

Top 5 Advantages of Door-to-Door Shipping

1. Time-Saving Convenience

Coordinating multiple steps in the shipping process—like driving your car to a port, arranging temporary storage, or hiring a customs broker—can be overwhelming. Door-to-door shipping simplifies this by managing every step for you.

For example, if you’re shipping a car from Los Angeles to Germany, West Coast Shipping will:

1. Pick up your vehicle from your home.
2. Transport it to the port and load it into a secure container.
3. Handle all customs paperwork and duties.
4. Deliver it directly to your doorstep in Germany.

This streamlined process saves you days of effort and coordination.

2. Enhanced Security

Every time your vehicle changes hands or locations, the risk of damage or theft increases. With door-to-door shipping, your car remains under the care of a single provider from pickup to delivery.

• Fewer Handling Points: Unlike port-to-port services, your car isn’t left unattended at ports or transferred between multiple carriers.
• Secure Container Shipping: Most door-to-door services use sealed containers for added protection against weather and tampering.

Learn more about container shipping benefits on our International Car Shipping page.

3. Customs Expertise

Navigating customs regulations is one of the most complex aspects of international car shipping. Door-to-door providers like West Coast Shipping handle all documentation, including:

• Import/Export Declarations
• Duty and Tax Calculations
• Vehicle Compliance Certifications

For example, shipping a car to France requires compliance with EU emissions standards and payment of 20% VAT. Our team ensures everything is filed correctly to avoid delays.

4. Cost Transparency

While door-to-door shipping may have a higher upfront cost, it includes all fees (port charges, customs, and delivery). Port-to-port services often come with hidden costs, such as:

• Port Storage Fees: $100–$300 per day if delays occur.
• Last-Mile Delivery: $500+ to transport your car from the port to your home.

Our International Car Shipping Costs Guide breaks down these expenses by country for full transparency.

5. Protection for High-Value Vehicles

Luxury and classic cars require extra care during transit. Door-to-door providers like West Coast Shipping offer:

• White-Glove Service: Custom packaging and climate-controlled containers.
• Insurance: Optional cargo damage protection covering up to the vehicle’s full value.

Door-to-Door vs. Port-to-Port: Key Differences

For example, port-to-port shipping to Australia might cost $2,150 upfront, but you’ll pay extra for inland transportation, customs brokers, and port storage. Door-to-door services bundle these costs, providing transparency and predictability.

Door-to-Door Shipping Costs by Country

While costs vary based on distance, vehicle size, and destination, here’s an overview of door-to-door pricing to popular locations:

Germany

• Cost: $1,050 --- $1,800
• Includes: Pickup, container shipping, customs clearance, and delivery.
• Additional Fees: 10% import duty and 19% VAT (reduced to 7% for classic cars).

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

• Cost:  $1,100 --- $1,400
• Includes: Door-to-door delivery, 5% import duty, and 5% VAT.
• Transit Time: 25–37 days from the USA.

United Kingdom (UK

• Cost: $1,100 – $2,200 USD
• Includes: UK destination charges (£475), 10% import duty, and 20% VAT.
• Classic Cars: 5% VAT only for vehicles over 30 years old.

For a full breakdown of costs across 8+ countries, visit our International Car Shipping Costs Guide.

Why West Coast Shipping Excels at Door-to-Door Services

With nearly two decades of experience, West Coast Shipping has mastered door-to-door international car transport. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Global Network of Partners

We work with trusted agents in over 100 countries to ensure smooth pickups and deliveries. Whether you’re shipping to rural France or downtown Dubai, we handle the logistics.

2. Customs Expertise

Our team has nearly 20 years of experience and stays updated on changing regulations, such as:

• EU Emissions Standards: Required for cars entering Germany or the Netherlands.
• Asbestos Bans: Mandatory inspections for vehicles shipped to Australia.

3. Customer Support

From pickup to delivery, our team provides real-time tracking and 24/7 support. One customer, John M., shared:

“West Coast Shipping delivered my Porsche to Dubai without a scratch. Their team handled everything—even the UAE customs paperwork!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is door-to-door shipping available worldwide?

Yes! West Coast Shipping offers door-to-door delivery to most countries, including Germany, France, UAE, Australia, and the UK.

Can I ship personal items in my car?

No. Customs regulations prohibit personal belongings in vehicles during transit.

Is door-to-door car shipping more expensive?

While door-to-door shipping has a higher upfront cost, it includes all fees (port charges, customs, and delivery), making it more transparent and cost-effective in the long run.

What’s included in door-to-door shipping?

Door-to-door services include pickup, port-to-port shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery to your specified address.

How do I prepare my car for door-to-door shipping?

Remove personal items, clean the vehicle, and ensure it’s in working condition. For a full checklist, visit our International Car Shipping Guide.

International Car Shipping

Door-to-door international car shipping is the smart choice for anyone prioritizing convenience, security, and peace of mind. By letting experts handle the logistics, you avoid hidden fees, customs headaches, and the risk of damage during transfers.

Ready to get started? Visit our International Car Shipping page for a free quote or explore our homepage to learn more about our services. For cost comparisons across 8+ countries, check out our Country-by-Country Cost Guide.

Let West Coast Shipping turn your international car shipping experience into a seamless journey.