Ship Cars to China: Get Instant Shipping Rates
Ship your car to China with West Coast Shipping, a trusted US-based international car shipping provider specializing in container shipping and air freight. With over a decade of experience in vehicle transportation to Asia, we handle every aspect of the process, ensuring your car arrives securely and on time.
As one of the largest car shipping companies in the USA, we offer cost-effective door-to-port services for individuals, dealerships, and importers. Our shipping warehouses in California, New Jersey, and Florida allow us to efficiently collect and ship vehicles from anywhere in the United States to major Chinese ports.
Popular shipping destinations in China include Dalian, Tianjin, and Xingang, which offer some of the most efficient processing times for imported vehicles.
Frequent Importer? Request wholesale container shipping rates below.
Calculate Car Shipping Rates To China:
Why Choose Us for Shipping Cars to China?
With over 17 years of experience in international car shipping from the USA to China, we have helped thousands of customers transport their vehicles safely and efficiently. Our expert team handles every aspect of the process, ensuring secure and timely delivery of your car.
Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, and Guangzhou serve as the primary entry points for vehicle imports from the USA, making China a key destination for shipping new, luxury, and electric vehicles.
Our Comprehensive Car Shipping Service Includes:
- International car shipping via dedicated and shared containers
- Secure vehicle transport to China’s major ports
- Customs clearance and documentation assistance
- Wholesale car shipping solutions for dealerships
- Loading services for sedans, SUVs, classic cars, and electric vehicles
Use our instant car shipping calculator to get an up-to-date shipping quote from the USA to China.
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.

Export Locations
We load and ship cars to Lagos from our US warehouses in California, Florida, and New Jersey, offering nationwide vehicle pickup.
INTERNATIONAL CAR SHIPPING:
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
Have Questions?
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to China from the USA?
The cost of shipping a car from the USA to China starts at $1,600 per vehicle for container shipping. Rates vary based on service type, container size, and vehicle condition.
Additional destination charges in China are not included in the base shipping cost. These may include customs clearance, import duties, unloading, and local port fees.
Our dedicated container shipping service provides secure transport from the USA to major Chinese ports, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, and Guangzhou, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
If you’re shipping new cars, luxury vehicles, or classic cars, we offer customized shipping solutions to meet Chinese import regulations.
Optional Cargo Damage Protection is available for added peace of mind.

Get Instant Rates
Our car shipping calculator provides instant rates from anywhere in the USA to major ports in China, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, and Guangzhou.
SHIPPING TIMES TO CHINA
Shipping a car from the USA to China takes approximately 17 to 35 days, depending on the departure port and the destination in China.
Vehicles shipped from California typically arrive in China in about 17 days, while those shipped from New York take up to 35 days due to the longer transit route.
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER
- Vehicle Collection: Additional fees may apply for picking up the vehicle from its location before shipping.
- Import Duties & Taxes: Import duty on cars in China includes a 25% import duty, 17% VAT, and potential consumption tax based on engine size.
- Homologation Fees: Vehicles must meet Chinese import regulations, and modifications may be required to comply with safety and emissions standards.
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.
Vehicle Protection for Shipping to China
Protect your vehicle during international shipping to China with Cargo Damage Protection. This coverage ensures your car is safeguarded from the moment it leaves our US warehouses until it arrives at major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, and Guangzhou, via trusted overseas shipping partners.
Standard auto insurance policies do not cover international shipping between the USA and China. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, liability is limited to $500 per the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.
For added peace of mind, we recommend comprehensive coverage for classic, luxury, and electric vehicles during transport.


Wholesale Car Import & Export Solutions
We provide high volume dealers, auctions, wholesalers and event organizers turn-key shipping solutions for their vehicles.
- End-to-End solutions between the US and the world
- Vehicle collection & export clearance
- Private warehouses in CA, FL, NJ
- Vehicle and parts consolidation
- Use our carrier bookings or your own
- Ability to choose your own import agent when shipping dedicated containers
- Expedited Air Freight options
Documentation Required to Ship Cars from the USA to China
Shipping your car from the United States to China requires clearing US customs and complying with Chinese import regulations. Below are the essential documents needed for export and import clearance:
- A Bill of Sale is required to prove ownership of the vehicle.
- The Original Vehicle Title must be provided. If there is an active lien, a lien release letter is also necessary.
- A Power of Attorney Form is required for both international residents and US citizens to authorize the export process.
- International residents must provide a copy of a passport.
- US citizens must provide a copy of an EIN letter from the IRS.
- The Completed Online Shipping Form must be submitted along with the Import Declaration for Chinese Customs and Vehicle Registration Records.
Our dedicated export team will guide you through every step to ensure all documentation and customs requirements are met for seamless shipping to China.
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Dedicated Export Team
Our dedicated account manager handles all US export procedures and documentation requirements to ensure your vehicle is approved for shipping to China.
Car Import Process in China
Shipping Cost & Duties
Shipping your car from the United States to China requires clearing US customs and complying with Chinese import regulations. Below are the required costs and duties associated with importing a vehicle to China.
Mandatory Fees in the USA
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of the cargo value, excluding air freight.
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of the cargo value, with a minimum charge of $31.67 and a maximum of $614.35.
Import Duties & Taxes in China
- Import Duty: Varies depending on the vehicle’s engine size, type, and emissions.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 13% applied to the total customs value.
- Consumption Tax: Ranges from 1% to 40%, depending on engine displacement.
- Luxury Car Tax: May apply to high-end vehicles exceeding a certain price threshold.
Additional Considerations
- Used cars can only be imported under specific conditions, such as for diplomatic purposes or personal relocation.
- Homologation requirements may require modifications to comply with Chinese vehicle safety and emissions standards.
- Import restrictions vary based on vehicle type, and some older models may not be allowed entry.
Click Calculate Cost to get the latest pricing for shipping your car to China.
Car Import Process from USA to China
Shipping your car from the USA to China is a streamlined process backed by years of experience. Whether you're shipping classic cars, luxury vehicles, electric cars, or motorcycles, our door-to-door international car shipping service ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Due to strict Chinese import regulations, vehicles must meet compliance standards to be legally registered. This includes import duties, emissions compliance, and customs documentation. Our local partners in China ensure your vehicle meets all necessary import requirements.
China Car Shipping Service
Our China Car Shipping Service includes:
- Door-to-door vehicle transport from any US location.
- Dedicated container shipping for secure vehicle transport.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping for eligible vehicles.
- Air freight options for urgent vehicle shipping.
- Customs clearance and documentation handling for both export and import.
- Secure vehicle transport at both the origin and destination.
- Compliance assistance for Chinese import regulations.
- Special handling for high-value, classic, and luxury cars.
Our consolidated container shipping service offers a cost-effective solution, saving importers and dealerships significant costs compared to other methods. We manage every step of the process, from pickup in the USA to final delivery in China.
Registering Your Car in China
After shipping your car from the USA to China, you must complete several steps to legally register and drive it in the country. Chinese import regulations require compliance with emissions, safety, and tax laws before your vehicle can be officially registered.
To register your vehicle, you need:
- A foreign registration certificate and proof of ownership.
- Customs duty and VAT payment records.
- Approval from the China Transport Bureau.
- Vehicle approval certificates to comply with Chinese import laws.
- The original bill of sale, shipping documents, and an import declaration form.
Classic Car Restrictions
China has strict regulations on classic car imports. Currently, classic cars can only be imported temporarily for exhibitions, shows, and special events. Permanent importation is restricted due to government policies.
Additional Compliance Considerations
Chinese authorities require homologation modifications to ensure compliance with local safety and emissions standards. Adjustments may include upgrading headlights for Chinese roads, emissions system modifications, and other necessary compliance updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping to China
The cost of shipping a car from the USA to China starts at $1,600 per vehicle for container shipping. Rates depend on factors such as service type, container size, and vehicle condition. Additional costs may apply for Chinese import duties, customs clearance, and local port fees.
The transit time for shipping a car from the USA to major Chinese ports like Dalian, Tianjin, or Xingang is approximately 17 days via container shipping. Air freight options can be faster, with estimated transit times ranging from 3 to 10 days, depending on documentation and customs processing.
To export a car from the USA to China, you need the original vehicle title, a bill of sale, a copy of your passport (for international residents), or an EIN letter from the IRS (for U.S. citizens). You also need to submit a Power of Attorney form and complete the online shipping form.
China imposes significant import duties on vehicle imports. The tax rate varies based on the vehicle’s engine size and type. New cars are subject to higher tariffs, while used cars are restricted unless the owner is relocating to China. Diplomats have fewer restrictions and can import vehicles duty-free.
The most common shipping method for cars to China is container shipping, with both single-car and consolidated shipping options available. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is available at select ports but requires the vehicle to be in running condition. Air freight is the fastest but also the most expensive option.
China does not allow permanent classic car imports. Classic cars can only be imported temporarily for exhibitions, events, and rallies. Many Chinese classic car collectors choose to store their collections overseas due to these restrictions.
Yes, motorcycles can be shipped to China via container shipping or air freight. The most cost-effective method is shipping multiple motorcycles in a consolidated container. A custom crate may be required for air freight shipments.
No, China does not allow personal belongings to be shipped inside vehicles due to customs regulations. All vehicles must be empty before being exported.
Yes, cargo damage protection is available for shipping cars to China. Standard auto insurance policies do not cover international shipping, so it is recommended to purchase a comprehensive shipping insurance plan based on the vehicle’s value.
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