How to Ship a Car to Germany?

Shipping your vehicle from the United States to Germany requires careful planning, documentation, and an understanding of international shipping processes. Whether you're relocating to Germany, sending a classic American muscle car to a buyer, or moving your prized vehicle for a European tour, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the shipping process.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

The first decision when shipping a car to Germany is selecting the appropriate transportation method for your vehicle and budget:

Container Shipping

Container shipping offers the highest level of protection and security for your vehicle:

• Dedicated Container: A 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your vehicle provides maximum protection and allows for personal items to be shipped inside the car

• Shared Container: Save up to 50% on shipping costs by sharing container space with other vehicles through West Coast Shipping's container consolidation service

• Benefits: Protection from weather elements, reduced handling, and greater security throughout transit

Container shipping is ideal for luxury vehicles, classic cars, and high-value automobiles that require maximum protection.

Air Freight

For urgent timelines, air freight provides the fastest transit option:

• Delivery time: Just 3-10 days from door to door

• Cost premium: Significantly more expensive than ocean freight options

• Best for: Extremely valuable vehicles or urgent shipping needs

Shipping Costs and Timeline

Understanding the costs and timeline helps you plan your car shipment effectively:

Base Shipping Costs

• Container shipping: $1,050–$1,800 for port-to-port service

• Destination fees: Starting at $600, depending on the receiving agent in Germany

• Additional services: Door-to-door service includes vehicle pickup and final delivery

Import Duties and Taxes

When importing vehicles to Germany, you'll need to budget for:

• Standard import duty: 10% of the vehicle's declared value

• Value Added Tax (VAT): 19% of the combined value (vehicle + shipping + duty)

Special Exemption for Classic Cars

Vehicles over 30 years old qualify for significant tax advantages:

• Import duty: Completely exempt from the 10% duty

• Reduced VAT: Only 7% instead of the standard 19%

This makes importing classic American cars to Germany particularly attractive, as detailed in our guide to top cars imported from Germany in 2025.

Shipping Timeline

Plan for the following timeframes when shipping to Germany:

• Preparation and loading: 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading

• Transit time:

  • East Coast to Bremerhaven: 2–3 weeks

  • West Coast to Bremerhaven: 5–10 weeks

• Additional time: Add one week if using shared container service

• Total duration: 12–45 days from pickup to delivery, depending on your location

Required Documentation

Proper documentation is essential for a smooth shipping process:

Vehicle Export Documents

• Original vehicle title: Must be clear of liens or include lien release documentation

• Bill of sale: Showing proof of ownership and purchase price

• Original Bill of Lading: Created during the shipping process

• Completed shipping form: Provided by your shipping company

Personal Identification

• International citizens: Copy of passport

• US citizens: EIN Letter from the IRS

German Import Requirements

For registration in Germany, you'll need:

• Customs clearance certificate: Obtained during the import process

• TÜV inspection certificate: Vehicle must pass German safety inspection

• Vehicle insurance certificate: German coverage required before registration

• Proof of ownership: Original title and purchase documentation

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping

Proper preparation ensures your vehicle arrives in Germany safely:

Pre-Shipping Checklist

• Clean your vehicle: Thoroughly wash the exterior and interior

• Document condition: Take detailed photos of your vehicle from all angles

• Remove personal items: Most shipping methods prohibit personal belongings

• Secure or remove loose parts: Prevent damage during transit

• Check fluid levels: Ensure they're at appropriate levels (not empty, not full)

• Disable alarm systems: Prevent battery drain during shipping

• Leave minimal fuel: Approximately 1/4 tank is ideal

Special Considerations for Classic Cars

When shipping vintage vehicles to Germany, additional preparation may be necessary:

• Documentation of age: Gather proof of the vehicle's build date for the 30-year rule

• Originality verification: Documentation supporting the vehicle's original condition

• Special handling instructions: Provide detailed notes for classic car handling

These preparations are particularly important for vehicles qualifying under Germany's classic car import advantages, as mentioned in our article about shipping classic cars to Germany.

The German Car Import Process

Once your vehicle arrives in Germany, several steps are necessary before you can drive it:

Customs Clearance

Your vehicle must clear German customs with:

• Import declaration: Filed with German customs authorities

• Payment of applicable duties and taxes: Based on vehicle value and age

• Inspection: Possible physical examination by customs officials

Vehicle Registration

To register your imported vehicle in Germany:

• TÜV inspection: Mandatory technical inspection for roadworthiness

• Registration office: Visit the local Kfz-Zulassungsstelle with required documents

• Insurance verification: Proof of German auto insurance coverage

• License plates: Issued after successful registration

H-Kennzeichen for Classic Cars

Vehicles over 30 years old can apply for historic vehicle registration (H-Kennzeichen):

• Lower annual tax rate: Significant savings on road tax

• Exemption from certain emissions zones: Easier access to city centers

• Special historic vehicle license plates: Distinctive appearance

Why Choose West Coast Shipping for Your German Car Export

West Coast Shipping specializes in vehicle transportation to Germany with comprehensive services:

• Door-to-door service: Complete management from pickup to delivery

• Documentation assistance: Expert handling of all required paperwork

• Customs clearance: Navigation of both US export and German import processes

• Consolidation options: Cost-saving shared container services

• Specialized classic car handling: Expertise in vintage vehicle shipping

• Nationwide pickup: Service from all major US cities

• Established German partnerships: Reliable delivery and support in Germany

Conclusion: Shipping Your Car to Germany Made Simple

Shipping a car from the United States to Germany involves multiple steps, but with proper planning and the right shipping partner, the process can be straightforward and stress-free. 

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