Shipping a car internationally from the United States is a complex yet increasingly common process. Whether you're relocating overseas, selling a car to an international buyer, or taking your prized vehicle abroad for a long stay, understanding how long international car shipping takes is essential for proper planning.
At Transportvibe, we’ve helped thousands of car owners navigate cross-border auto transport. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every factor that affects delivery times, from the port of origin to destination country, customs clearance delays, shipping methods, and more—so you know what to expect when shipping a car from the USA.
Overview: Average Shipping Time from the USA to Major Regions
The typical shipping duration for a vehicle from the U.S. to another country varies based on route, port traffic, and method of shipment. Here's a rough breakdown:
| Destination | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Europe (e.g., Germany, UK) | 2–4 weeks (roll-on/roll-off) |
| Middle East (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia) | 3–5 weeks |
| Africa (e.g., Nigeria, South Africa) | 4–6 weeks |
| Asia (e.g., Japan, South Korea) | 3–6 weeks |
| Australia/New Zealand | 4–7 weeks |
| Latin America (e.g., Panama, Chile) | 2–5 weeks |
| Canada & Mexico (via ground) | 5–14 days |
⚠️ These estimates include ocean transit and customs clearance but not pickup delays or unexpected port congestion.
Factors That Influence International Car Shipping Time
1. Shipping Method: Roll-On/Roll-Off vs. Container
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Fastest and most affordable option. Vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel. Less secure and less flexible for destinations without RoRo port facilities.
- Container Shipping: Offers added protection and allows personal belongings to be shipped inside the vehicle. Container services usually take longer to arrange and load.
2. Port of Origin and Destination
Ports with more frequent sailings and streamlined operations tend to offer quicker shipping:
- Popular U.S. export ports: Newark, Savannah, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Oakland
- Busy international receiving ports: Rotterdam (Netherlands), Bremerhaven (Germany), Jebel Ali (UAE), Durban (South Africa)
3. Documentation & Customs Clearance Delays
Shipping time also depends on how fast you can provide the following:
- Vehicle Title & Bill of Sale
- Export Power of Attorney (POA)
- Government-issued ID or passport
- EPA/DOT compliance letter (for some countries)
- Import permit (destination country-specific)
Customs clearance at the port of arrival may take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days, depending on the country.
4. Inland Transport Time to Port
If your car is located far from a major export port, domestic transport time must be factored in:
- Truck transport within the U.S. takes 2–7 days, depending on the distance.
- Expect extra time for rural or remote pickup locations.
5. Time of Year / Seasonality
International shipping can be impacted by:
- Peak seasons (June–August, November–December)
- Holiday delays in both USA and destination countries
- Bad weather and port congestion (especially winter storms or monsoons)
Step-by-Step Timeline for Shipping a Car Overseas from the USA
Here’s a typical international car shipping timeline:
- Get Quotes & Book Shipping – 1 to 3 days
- Vehicle Pickup and Delivery to Port – 2 to 7 days
- Customs Clearance (U.S. Export) – 2 to 5 days
- Vehicle Loading and Port Departure – 1 to 4 days
- Ocean Freight Duration – 7 to 30+ days (based on destination)
- Arrival and Import Customs Clearance – 3 to 10 days
- Final Delivery or Pickup Abroad – 1 to 5 days
Total: 3 to 7 weeks on average
Does Faster Shipping Cost More?
Yes. If you're in a hurry, you can choose:
- Expedited container loading
- Direct port-to-port shipments
- Priority customs clearance (through an agent)
However, expect to pay 20–40% more for urgent shipping. Planning in advance will always save money and reduce risk.
How to Prepare for International Car Shipping
Before shipping a vehicle abroad, ensure:
- The car is clean and empty (check with your carrier if personal items are allowed)
- Battery is charged, tires inflated, and gas tank under ¼ full
- You remove all toll tags, GPS devices, and valuables
- All documents are notarized and submitted to your carrier or freight forwarder
What About Insurance?
International car shipping typically includes basic carrier liability, but this may not cover:
- Natural disasters
- Theft or total loss
- Damage during loading/unloading
We recommend purchasing marine cargo insurance valued at 100% of your car’s worth for peace of mind.
Top U.S. Ports for International Car Shipping
| Port | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Port Newark, NJ | East Coast | High volume, fast turnarounds |
| Port of Houston, TX | Gulf Coast | Great for Latin America routes |
| Port of Miami, FL | Southeast U.S. | Caribbean, Central America |
| Port of Los Angeles | West Coast | Best for Asia, Australia |
| Port of Oakland, CA | West Coast | Alternative to L.A. |
Choose a port closest to your location or most efficient for your route.
Expert Tips from Transportvibe
- Get multiple international car shipping quotes to compare timelines and costs.
- Work with licensed NVOCCs and FMCSA-certified transporters.
- Choose container shipping for classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles.
- Plan for potential delays at customs or destination port.
- Track your shipment in real time using GPS or vessel tracking tools.
Why Use Transportvibe?
Transportvibe is your trusted source for:
- Verified international auto transport reviews
- Export/import guides by country
- Recommended carriers for international car shipping
- Quote comparison tools for container vs RoRo
We’ve helped thousands of customers ship cars from the USA to Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East with confidence.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to ship a car internationally from the U.S.? The answer depends on your shipping method, destination, and planning. On average, it ranges from 3 to 7 weeks, but with the right partner, it can be a smooth, stress-free process.
Whether you're sending a Toyota to Tokyo or a Mustang to Munich, Transportvibe helps you ship smart—by providing verified shipping options, expert resources, and step-by-step support.
