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Shipping a car by air from Switzerland to the U.S. is an elite-level move—a service chosen for its near-instant transit, white-glove logistics, and assured vehicle safety. Whether it’s a concours classic, an auction acquisition, or an urgent executive relocation, air freight offers unrivaled speed compared to ocean shipping. Understanding every included cost, and what to expect at each stage, makes for a transparent, stress-free experience.
Plan your full import journey and compare all transit options using the WCS Switzerland-to-USA cost, VIN, and compliance guide, or get your own exact quote with our car import calculator.
Switzerland to U.S. (New York) Air Freight: Actual Cost Breakdown for 2025
When you get a quote using the WCS calculator, these are the exact services and fees you’ll see:
| Item | Transit Time / Details | Cost ($USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Route | Switzerland (center) > FRA (Frankfurt, Germany) > JFK (USA) > New York, NY | Included in below |
| Enclosed Trailer | Yes | Included |
| Trucking to Airport (411 miles) | 16 Days | $2,425.00 |
| Air Freight (FRA to JFK) | 7 Days | $13,750.00 |
| Trucking to Destination (20 miles) | 6 Days | $400.00 |
| Cargo Damage Protection (Optional) | 2% of value (example: $10,000 car = $200) | $200.00 |
| Import Duties | Calculated by value (here $150.38) | $150.38 |
Total Route:
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Pick-up at Swiss origin using an enclosed trailer
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411-mile ground journey over 16 days to Frankfurt airport
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7 days of international air freight to New York (JFK)
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Last-mile delivery to a local address (within 20 miles of JFK, 6 days)
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Inclusive of standard handling and airport customs processing
Every line above is factored directly into your calculator quote, ensuring there are no surprise extras for what’s clearly itemized.
What’s Included—And What’s Not
Included:
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Professional enclosed trailer for secure vehicle pickup at the Swiss address
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All trucking, crating, and transfer to Frankfurt airport
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Air freight on a scheduled international carrier (subject to airline acceptance of vehicle type)
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Basic U.S. airport terminal handling, customs entry, and local delivery to a nearby address
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Optional additional cargo protection
Not Included or Variable:
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Export paperwork/services above standard Swiss documentation, if special processing is needed
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Significant additional ground delivery (quotes assume a 20-mile local delivery from airport—greater distances increase cost)
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Special handling for non-standard, oversized, or electric vehicles (may require airline pre-approval)
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Any fees from customs storage or bonded warehouses if there is a VIN or documentation issue
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U.S. state-level registration, titling, taxes, or emission-related modifications after arrival
Key Air Freight Details for 2025
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Why Air Freight? High-value classics, rare exotics, or urgent auction purchases where time lost is value lost.
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How Fast? Total transit (Swiss pickup to U.S. delivery) typically 7 days for air, plus transfer time to/from the airports (16 days to Frankfurt, 6 days local in NY in this example).
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Is It for Everyone? No—this option is best for buyers whose vehicles are worth four to five figures or for businesses and events with immovable deadlines.
Extra Considerations
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Swiss VAT Refund: Your calculator quote is exclusive of VAT, but reclaiming Swiss VAT can be complex. Proper export paperwork is required; process and timing may vary based on seller, canton, or transaction.
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Duty/HTS Classification: The “Import Duties” box reflects standard passenger cars at 2.5% (e.g., HTS 8703.23 for many gasoline engines 1,500–3,000cc). Check for possible 25% “chicken tax” or diesel/EV adjustments per your vehicle.
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EVs or Lithium Batteries: Modern EVs must meet IATA lithium battery flight rules; if you’re shipping an electric vehicle, ask your carrier for requirements and approval timelines before booking.
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VIN & State DMVs: Swiss/EU vehicles may have non-standard VINs. U.S. customs or your DMV may request extra history or documentation to prove authenticity before titling or registration.
Air vs Ocean: Which Is Right?
| Shipping Mode | Typical Cost | Transit Time | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air (Switzerland–NY) | $13,750 | 7 days (plus trucking) | High-value, urgent |
| Ocean (Switzerland–NY) | $2,750 | 18+ days (realistically 3–7 weeks including pre-port handling) | Most classic, routine, or non-urgent imports |
For nearly all buyers, ocean offers unbeatable value and reliability. Air is the gold standard for those rare, urgent cases.
Sample Cost Summary Table
| Step | Days | USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Pickup & Trucking | 16 | $2,425 | 411 miles via enclosed trailer |
| Air Freight | 7 | $13,750 | FRA-JFK standard service |
| US Local Delivery | 6 | $400 | 20-mile ground delivery |
| Cargo Damage Protection | - | $200 | 2% of declared value |
| Import Duties | - | $150.38 | Example for $6,000 car value |
Final Thoughts: Transparency & True Cost
WCS’s calculator model lays out each element so buyers know exactly what’s included, up front. For high-value or speed-sensitive imports, air delivers unmatched results. For most projects and classics, our ocean options provide efficiency and value.
Learn about every compliance requirement, DMV challenge, and real logistics difference with the experts. For more, see the complete import guide and try the car import calculator for your custom scenario.
Get your own exact quote with our car import calculator.
