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The Best Car Shipping Service to Germany

Ship Cars to Germany: Get Your Instant Rate

We specialize in shipping cars from the USA to Germany by container or air freight.

Complete door-to-door car shipping service to Germany through our US facilities in California, Florida, and New Jersey. Over 16,000 vehicles shipped worldwide each year.

Get your car shipping costs to Germany, including destination fees, import duties, and taxes, calculated instantly.

International Car Shipping Calculator

West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us to Ship Your Car to Germany?

With decades of expertise in international car shipping, we’ve helped thousands of customers ship their dream cars to Germany. Our comprehensive door-to-door service includes:

  • Expert car shipping services via container, RoRo, or air freight
  • Weekly container consolidation saving up to 50% on shipping costs
  • Complete customs clearance and documentation handling
  • Nationwide vehicle pickup from all major US cities
  • Door-to-door delivery through our trusted partners in Europe
  • Specialist knowledge of German import regulations and requirements
Get Your Germany Shipping Rate

We collect your vehicle from anywhere in the US using open or enclosed car transporters. The car is then transported to our nearest export warehouse in California, Florida or New Jersey.

You always have the option to deliver/drop off the vehicle yourself.

With nearly 2 decades of experience in loading containers, we make sure that your cars are safely secured for their journey overseas.

Our team works closely with US Customs to clear cars for export.

For a seamless car import experience, we work with reliable partners worldwide to ensure your cars arrive safely and are properly cleared with import customs.

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Export Locations

We ship cars from all major US cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, New York, and more, to ports in Germany like Bremerhaven.

Learn more about our locations here.

International Car Shipping Methods

AIRPLANE

Need your vehicle fast? Air freight delivers in just 3-10 days, making it the quickest shipping option—significantly faster than container or RoRo shipping. Exact timing depends on customs and documentation.

SHIPPING CONTAINER

Our containers fit 1-4 vehicles—running or non-running—and offer cost-saving consolidation shipping. For high-value cars, we provide dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers.

RORO VESSEL

RoRo shipping requires vehicles to be operational and empty. Available ports and rates vary. Note: This method is only available for oversized cars

RORO VESSEL

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GERMAN CAR IMPORT COSTS

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Germany?

Base shipping costs to Germany include:

  • $1,050–$1,800 for port-to-port container shipping
  • Destination fees starting at $600, depending on the receiving agent in Germany
  • Import duties of 10% plus 19% VAT

Additional considerations:

  • Our container consolidation service saves up to 50% on shipping costs
  • Door-to-door service includes all handling and documentation fees
  • Optional Cargo Damage Protection is available for added peace of mind
Porsche 911 GT3 cup car

Get Import Quote

Our car shipping calculator provides instant rates for importing cars from France, including all duties, taxes, and fees.

SHIPPING TIMES FROM USA

Transit times to Germany vary depending on the shipping method and destination:
  • 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading
  • An additional week if using shared container service
  • 2–3 weeks sailing time to Bremerhaven from the East Coast
  • 5–10 weeks sailing time to Bremerhaven from the West Coast

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER

  • Vehicle Collection: Fees vary by pickup location in the USA
  • Import Duties: 10% for cars, plus 19% VAT in Germany
  • Cargo Protection: Optional insurance coverage available for added peace of mind

 

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We accept wire transfers, checks, and ban deposits only. Read more about banking fees when paying from overseas.

We do not accept credit card payments.

“Excellent communication and genuine interest in our vehicles well being throughout the whole process. Highly recommend them for all your vehicle shipping needs!”
Alexander
San Francisco, California

Protect Your Car During Shipping to Germany

Protect your vehicle during international shipping to Germany with Cargo Damage Protection. This coverage safeguards your car from its arrival at our warehouse through overseas delivery by our trusted agents. Most standard auto insurance policies don't cover international shipping. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, please note that our liability is capped at $500 per the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.
Learn More
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Required Documents to Ship Cars to Germany

Essential Documentation

  • Original Bill of Lading
  • Bill of Sale
  • Original Vehicle Title or Lien Release Letter (if applicable)
  • Completed Online Shipping Form
  • Copy of Passport (for international citizens)
  • EIN Letter (for US citizens)

Vehicle Age Requirements

  • Vehicles 25 years and older: Exempt from DOT and EPA regulations if unmodified.
  • Vehicles under 25 years: Must comply with US safety and emissions standards.
  • Factory-built race cars: No age restrictions apply.
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Dedicated Export Team

Our experienced team handles all US export procedures, ensuring your vehicle is approved for shipping to Germany.

The US Car Export Process

Car Shipping Cost & Duties:

Base Import Costs

  • 10% import duty for cars
  • 19% VAT applied to the total value (vehicle cost + shipping + duty)

Additional Fees

  • Terminal Handling Charge: Varies by port in Germany
  • Customs Inspection Fee: If applicable, based on vehicle type and condition

Duty Exemptions

  • Vehicles over 30 years old: No import duty, and VAT is reduced to 7%
  • Returning US-built vehicles: Duty-free if previously exported
Calculate Cost

Car Shipping Process to Germany

Shipping cars to Germany from the USA is a straightforward process when working with experienced professionals. At West Coast Shipping, we handle every step to ensure your car arrives safely and on time.

Transit Times for Car Shipments to Germany:

  • 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading in the USA
  • An additional week for shared container service
  • 2–3 weeks sailing time from the East Coast to Bremerhaven
  • 5–10 weeks sailing time from the West Coast to Bremerhaven

Car Shipping Services to Germany:

  • Container, RoRo, and Air Freight options
  • Secure container loading with crating options available
  • US export and German customs clearance handled by our team
  • Short-term and long-term secure storage options available

Registering Your Car in Germany

Importing a car to Germany requires several key registration steps and documentation to ensure compliance with local laws.

Essential Documentation

  • Original bill of lading
  • Bill of sale
  • Original vehicle title or foreign registration
  • Customs clearance certificate
  • TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) inspection certificate
  • Vehicle insurance certificate

Import Car Restrictions

  • Vehicles 25 years and older: Exempt from DOT and EPA regulations if unmodified.
  • Vehicles under 25 years: Must comply with German safety and emissions standards.

Vehicles Over 30 Years Old

  • Classic cars are eligible for reduced VAT at 7% and are exempt from import duties.

Our team will guide you through the entire car registration process in Germany, ensuring compliance with all local regulations.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping to Germany

How much does it cost to ship a car to Germany?

Get an instant rate using our car import calculator.

The cost to ship a car to Germany ranges between $1,050 and $1,800 for port-to-port container shipping.

Additional fees include destination charges starting at $600, import duties of 10%, and 19% VAT.

How long does it take to ship a car from the USA to Germany?

Shipping times vary based on the departure location. It typically takes 30–45 days from the USA to Germany, including customs clearance and transit time.

Can I ship classic cars to Germany?

Yes, classic cars over 30 years old are eligible for reduced VAT at 7% and are exempt from import duties. This makes shipping vintage vehicles more affordable.

What documentation is required to ship a car overseas?

You will need the original vehicle title, bill of sale, EIN letter (for US citizens), or a copy of your passport (for international citizens). Additional documents may include a power of attorney form and a completed shipping form.

How much are the import duties on cars in Germany?

Import duties for cars in Germany are 10% of the vehicle's value, plus 19% VAT. Classic cars over 30 years old qualify for reduced VAT at 7% with no import duties.

Can I import a car to Germany duty-free?

Duty-free imports are possible if you meet specific criteria, such as moving permanently to Germany and owning the vehicle for more than six months prior to importation.

How do I register an imported car in Germany?

To register your car, you must pass a TÜV inspection and provide documents like the customs clearance certificate, bill of sale, vehicle insurance certificate, and proof of German residency.

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