Shipping a car overseas from the US costs $1,100 by container from New Jersey to Rotterdam and $10,900 by air from New Jersey to Amsterdam, on our rates table this week. The method sets the price, but the departure port and the paperwork decide whether the car leaves on time.
Our view after loading cars in our own warehouses in California, Florida and New Jersey: pick the port first, the method second, and have the title ready 72 hours before the ship does.
From the WCS calculator rates table (HubDB), October 24 2026, car by ocean container unless noted:
US Customs wants the title plus 2 copies at least 72 hours before export by vessel or aircraft (19 CFR 192.2), and every used vehicle needs an AES filing regardless of value (15 CFR 30.2).
The same car to the same port can cost $750 more and take twice as long depending on where it starts. New Jersey to Rotterdam is $1,100 and 17-20 days; California to Rotterdam via Antwerp is $1,850 and 32-43 days. For the Gulf the math flips: Texas to Jebel Ali takes 34 days against 65-70 from New Jersey, at $4,850 against $1,350.
We pick up door to door anywhere in the US and route the car through whichever of our warehouses gives the better lane, so the car bought in Arizona does not have to sail from California.
Delays usually come from transshipment and port congestion, not from the ocean leg. Read what delays car shipping from the USA and how transshipment changes transit times.
The car is strapped inside a steel box, alone or shared with up to 3 other cars. It is the method behind most of the rates above, and the one we pick for classics, project cars and anything that should stay out of the weather. Our own team loads and secures every car in our warehouses.
The car is driven aboard a vehicle carrier and parked on a deck. It suits running cars on the big lanes to Europe and the Middle East. Lanes and sailings are on our RoRo shipping page, and the calculator prices each one.
Air is about 10 times the ocean price: $10,900 to Amsterdam against $1,100 by container. The flight is the fast part. The 72-hour Customs window and airline paperwork still apply, so a car with documents not yet in order loses most of the head start. We ship by air when a car has to make a show, a concours or a sale date. See our air freight service.
The documents are where cars sit at the port, not the ship. US export needs:
Our own team handles every document for the US side. Duty, VAT and registration at the other end follow your country's rules; our Europe, UK and Australia pages list them by market.
Photograph the car on all four sides before pickup, note any damage, and tell us about anything left inside. Insurance is separate from freight: read how to protect your car when shipping overseas, and use our classic car shipping checklist for the rest.
On our rates table on October 24 2026, a car by ocean container from New Jersey costs $1,100 to Rotterdam, $1,200 to Southampton and $1,350 to Jebel Ali. Air from New Jersey to Amsterdam is $10,900. The calculator prices other ports.
It depends on the lane: 14-16 days from New Jersey to Southampton, 17-20 days to Rotterdam, 30-33 days from California to Sydney and 65-70 days from New Jersey to Jebel Ali. Air to Amsterdam is 10-14 days.
The original title or a certified copy plus 2 complete copies, a lienholder letter if there is a loan, and an AES filing. Customs needs them at least 72 hours before export by vessel or aircraft.
Yes. Export information must be filed for every used self-propelled vehicle regardless of value under 15 CFR 30.2.
Container keeps the car enclosed and lets it ship without being driven aboard, which suits classics and non-running cars. RoRo suits running cars on the main lanes.
Shipping a car overseas comes down to three numbers: the lane price, the transit days and the 72 hours Customs needs before the car sails. Get the port and the title right and the method follows. Bought a car in the US, or at an auction or show overseas? Price it in our shipping calculator, and we will ship it door to door by ocean or air.
It's your dream car. Let's bring her home.