<img height="1" width="1" alt="" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?ev=6015199818423&amp;cd[value]=0.00&amp;cd[currency]=USD&amp;noscript=1">
Get Rates
Get Rates
Get Rates
Get Rates
THE BEST GERMAN CAR IMPORT SERVICE TO USA

Import Cars from Germany: Get Your Instant Rate

We specialize in importing German cars to the USA by ocean and air.

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

Get your German car import rates, including duties, taxes, and customs fees calculated instantly.

Car Shipping Calculator

West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us To Import Cars From Germany

With decades of expertise in German car imports, we've helped thousands of customers import their dream cars from Germany to the USA. Our comprehensive door-to-door service includes:

  • Expert German car import service via container or air freight
  • Weekly container consolidation saving up to 50% on shipping costs
  • Complete customs clearance and documentation handling
  • Nationwide pickup from all major German cities
  • Door-to-door delivery through our US facilities
  • Specialist knowledge of US 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.

classic-jaguar-e-type-steering-wheel-1

Export Locations

We import cars from all major German cities including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and more to our US facilities in CA, FL, and NJ.

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

Have Questions?

monica

Schedule a Call with an Expert

Schedule a Call with an Expert
GERMAN CAR IMPORT COSTS

How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from Germany?

Base import costs from Germany include:

  • 2.5% duty for standard vehicles (25% for trucks)
  • Shipping costs vary by service type and location
  • Harbor Maintenance and Processing Fees (MPF)

Additional considerations:

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

Get Import Quote

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

SHIPPING TIMES FROM GERMANY

Transit times from Germany vary by US destination:
  • 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading
  • Additional week if using shared container service
  • 2-3 weeks sailing time to New Jersey
  • 5-10 weeks sailing time to California

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER

  • Vehicle Collection: Fees vary by pickup location in Germany
  • Import Duties: 2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks (Chicken Tax)
  • Cargo Protection: Optional insurance coverage available

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

German Car Protection During Import

Protect your German vehicle during international shipping 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
cargo-damage-protection-international-car-shipping

Documentation For German Car Imports

Importing your German car to the United States requires specific documentation for customs clearance. Here are the required documents:

Essential Documentation:

  • Original Bill of Lading
  • Bill of Sale
  • Foreign Registration or US Title
  • Letter of Approval from NHTSA
  • EPA Form 3520-1
  • DOT Form HS-7

Vehicle Age Requirements:

  • Vehicles 25 years and older: Exempt from DOT & EPA rules if unmodified
  • Vehicles under 25 years: Must meet US safety and emissions standards
  • Factory-built race cars: No age restrictions apply
ford-shelby-international-car-shipping (1)

Dedicated Export Team

Your dedicated account manager completes all US export procedures to ensure your vehicles are approved for export.

The US Car Import Process

Shipping Cost & Duties:

 

Base German import costs:

  • 2.5% duty for cars
  • 25% for trucks (Chicken Tax)

Additional mandatory fees:

  • Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value
  • Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of cargo value (minimum $31.67, maximum $614.35)
Duty Exemptions:
  • Vehicles 25 years and older (if unmodified)
  • Factory-built race cars (no age requirement)
  • US-built vehicles being returned
Calculate Cost

Car Import Process from USA to Europe

Importing cars from Germany to USA involves a straightforward process that we've perfected over decades.

Whether you're importing classic German cars, modern vehicles, or special editions, our international car import service handles every detail.

Our container shipping solutions make importing German cars simple and efficient. We handle everything from German export paperwork to US customs clearance, ensuring a smooth import process.

Key Benefits of Our German Car Import Process:

  • Door-to-door service from any location in Germany
  • Weekly container consolidation to save up to 50% on costs
  • Complete customs clearance and documentation handling
  • Secure vehicle transport from pickup to delivery

Registering Your Car in Germany

Importing a car from Germany to USA requires several key registration and documentation steps to ensure legal compliance.

Essential Documentation:

  • Original German registration and proof of ownership
  • US Customs duty payment records
  • EPA/DOT compliance certificates
  • Original bill of sale and shipping documents

Key Registration Requirements:

  • Complete US vehicle registration forms
  • Pass state-specific inspections and emissions tests
  • For vehicles 25+ years old: Historic vehicle registration available
  • Obtain US auto insurance coverage
We guide you through the entire German car import process, including all US registration and compliance requirements. Our team handles both US and German documentation to ensure a smooth registration process.

West Coast Shipping in the News

Frequently Asked Questions About Europe Car Shipping

How much does it cost to import a car from Germany to USA?

Import costs include:

  • 2.5% duty for cars (25% for trucks)
  • Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125% of value),
  • MPF (0.3464%, $31.67-$614.35 range).

Additional fees include shipping and destination charges.

What documents do I need to import a car from Germany?

Required documents include:

  • original bill of lading
  • bill of sale
  • foreign registration or US title
  • NHTSA approval letter
  • EPA Form 3520-1
  • DOT Form HS-7.
Can I import any German car to the USA?

Vehicles 25 years and older are exempt from DOT & EPA rules if unmodified.

Newer vehicles must meet US safety and emissions standards. Factory-built race cars have no age requirement and can be imported regardless of age.

How long does it take to import a car from Germany?

Transit times include:

  • 2 weeks for customs and loading
  • additional week for shared container service
  • 2-3 weeks sailing to New Jersey
  • 5-10 weeks sailing to California.
How can I save money on German car imports?

Our container consolidation service saves up to 50% on shipping costs.

We offer shared container options from Germany while maintaining dedicated container service when needed.

What cities do you import cars from in Germany?

We provide car shipping from all major German cities including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Dresden, Dusseldorf, and more locations through our trusted partner network.

Back to top
Related Articles

From Our Blog

Stay up to date with what is new in our industry, learn more about the upcoming products and events.

USD's Growing Buying Power for Classic Cars in Europe
bmw classic car us import
Classic Cars

USD's Growing Buying Power for Classic Cars in Europe

December 5, 2024 at 9:51 AM 1 min read
The Vibrant Classic Cars of the 1960s
mustang classic shelby gt350
Classic Cars

The Vibrant Classic Cars of the 1960s

November 12, 2024 at 7:15 AM 3 min read
Classic Trucks For Sale: Where to Buy in 2024
classic truck
Classic Cars

Classic Trucks For Sale: Where to Buy in 2024

October 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM 2 min read