When planning to ship a vehicle from the Netherlands to the United States, understanding potential costs is essential for effective budgeting. This guide provides a sample cost breakdown based on a specific route from Rotterdam to New York, with delivery to Carteret, NJ. Please note that actual pricing may vary significantly depending on timing, season, destination, and vehicle specifications.
Get an instant rate using our car import calculator.
Typical total cost range from $2000 - $4500 per vehicle
Costs include:
The following breakdown represents costs for a specific case study and should be used for reference purposes only. Current rates may differ.
This example shows ocean shipping costs for a standard passenger vehicle on a specific Rotterdam to New York route:
Sample Total: $4,422.14 with approximate transit time of 39 days
| Service Component | Transit Time | Sample Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Trucking to Rotterdam Port | 15 Days | $575.00 |
| Ocean Freight | 18 Days | $2,750.00 |
| Trucking to Destination | 6 Days | $400.00 |
| Cargo Damage Protection (Optional) | - | $200.00 |
| Import Duties | - | $497.14 |
For comparison, this example shows potential air freight costs for the same vehicle:
Sample Total: $15,734.64 with approximate transit time of 28 days
| Service Component | Transit Time | Sample Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Trucking to Airport (FRA, Germany) | 15 Days | $875.00 |
| Air Freight | 7 Days | $13,750.00 |
| Trucking to Destination | 6 Days | $425.00 |
| Cargo Damage Protection (Optional) | - | $200.00 |
| Import Duties | - | $484.64 |
The sample pricing above may not reflect costs for your specific vehicle. Actual rates vary based on:
Vehicle Dimensions: Larger vehicles require more space and often incur higher charges
Weight: Heavier vehicles cost more to transport
Value: Higher-value vehicles may require additional insurance coverage
Condition: Non-running vehicles require special equipment for loading/unloading
While our example shows shipping to the New York/New Jersey area, costs to other US regions may differ substantially:
East Coast Ports: Generally the most economical for Netherlands shipments
Gulf Coast Destinations: May incur additional transit costs
West Coast Delivery: Significantly higher inland transportation costs
International shipping rates are affected by:
Fuel Prices: Fluctuations directly impact shipping costs
Container Availability: Shortages can drive up rates
Global Events: Trade disruptions, port congestion, or other factors
The sample pricing illustrates the substantial difference between shipping methods:
Ocean shipping ($4,422 in our example) remains the most economical option for most vehicles
Air freight ($15,735 in our example) offers faster transit but at significantly higher cost
As noted in our comprehensive Netherlands shipping guide, most customers choose ocean shipping unless time constraints justify the premium for air freight.
Import duties typically remain consistent regardless of shipping method, but can vary based on:
Vehicle classification
Country of manufacture
Declared value
Applicable trade agreements
The sample includes optional Cargo Damage Protection at 2% of the vehicle's value. Your actual insurance needs and costs may differ based on:
Vehicle value
Desired coverage level
Deductible options
Existing insurance policies
Because shipping costs vary widely based on the factors outlined above, we strongly recommend obtaining a personalized quote for your specific situation. West Coast Shipping provides:
Detailed Written Quotes: Outlining all applicable costs
Multiple Shipping Options: Allowing you to compare different methods
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or unexpected charges
Regular Updates: On current market rates and conditions
For the most accurate pricing for your specific vehicle and requirements, please use our car shipping calculator or contact our specialists directly.
When budgeting for importing a vehicle from the Netherlands, we recommend:
Request a Current Quote: Pricing from even a few months ago may no longer be accurate
Consider Timing Flexibility: If possible, schedule during non-peak seasons
Evaluate Insurance Needs: Determine appropriate coverage for your vehicle's value
Account for All Components: Include inland transport, duties, and potential storage fees
With proper planning and current information, you can effectively budget for your Netherlands to USA vehicle shipment.