Temporary Car Import to the US: EPA 3520-1 and HS-7 | 2026
By Alex Naumov on June 12, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Updated October 24, 2026, from the current NHTSA HS-7 declaration, EPA Form 3520-1 and the customs rules for nonresidents in 19 CFR 148. A visitor can drive their own foreign-registered car in the US for up to one year without converting it, without paying duty and without meeting US …
HMF, MPF, DTHC & Customs Bonds: Key Fees for US Car Imports Explained (2026)
By Alex Naumov on May 28, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Importing cars to the US involves navigating a maze of fees and compliance requirements. From harbor maintenance charges to customs bonds, understanding these costs is critical for budgeting and avoiding delays. This guide breaks down the four most critical terms: HMF, MPF, DTHC, and …
How Many Cars Fit in a Shipping Container? | West Coast Shipping
By Alex Naumov on April 28, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Determining how many vehicles fit into a shipping container requires balancing precision engineering with real-world logistics expertise. At West Coast Shipping, we load containers so every shipment maximizes space while protecting vehicles from sedans to SUVs. This guide breaks down …
How Cars Are Loaded in Containers: Step-by-Step Guide
By Alex Naumov on April 27, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Shipping your car internationally in a container is the gold standard for safety, security, and peace of mind. At West Coast Shipping, we’ve spent nearly two decades perfecting the process to ensure every vehicle—whether it’s a daily driver, classic collectible, or high-value exotic—a …
Complete Guide to Container Shipping for Vehicles
By Alex Naumov on April 25, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Updated October 22, 2026, with rates and transit times from our shipping calculator, container sizes from Hapag-Lloyd's fleet specifications, and the CBP export rules in 19 CFR 192.2. One car in a container from New Jersey to Bremerhaven costs $1,100 and spends 30-33 days at sea. For …
1995 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 2026 Values and Export Costs
By Alex Naumov on March 27, 2025 at 7:40 AM
A 60,000-mile 1995 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am sold for $16,500 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January 2026, and a 45,500-mile Trans Am convertible stalled at an $8,000 bid on Hagerty Marketplace in October. We think that is about as cheap as an LT1 Trans Am will get, and with every 1 …
Impala SS Values: 1994-1996 Prices and What to Check | 2026
By Alex Naumov on March 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Three 1996 Impala SSs crossed the block at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January 2026: a 3,000-mile car sold for $36,300, a 7,000-mile car for $38,500 and an 89,000-mile car for $13,200 (CLASSIC.com). Mileage is now the whole market for this car, and our view is that the smart money s …
Mitsubishi Evo VI: Values, Specs and How to Import | 2026
By Alex Naumov on March 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM
A 1999 Evo VI GSR with 48,000 miles sold for $43,500 on Bring a Trailer in July 2026, and a 30,000-mile 2000 Tommi Mäkinen Edition went for $46,000 there a week earlier. CLASSIC.com still benchmarks the TME $22,256 above a GSR, but in this summer's US sales the gap was $2,500. Our vie …
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 Buying Guide: Rally Icon
By Alex Naumov on March 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 represents one of Japan's most celebrated performance cars—a vehicle that perfectly blends rally-bred engineering with everyday usability. Version 6 cars were built from late 1999 into 2000, so every one is now more than 25 years old and can be imp …
Honda S2000 AP1 Buying Guide: Iconic Roadster Now US Import-Eligible
By Alex Naumov on March 20, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Every 1999 and 2000 Honda S2000 AP1 is now past 25 years old, so a JDM car can enter the United States under the 25-year rule. Our view: a 9,000 rpm F20C with a six-speed manual is the strongest case for importing a Japanese roadster from this era, and early cars that stayed original …