Moving a classic across oceans takes more than booking a ship — it demands airtight paperwork, methodical preparation, and a clear understanding of every checkpoint between your garage and the foreign port. This comprehensive guide breaks down the exact documentation you’ll need, the smartest transport methods, and the step-by-step process that ensures your vintage pride and joy arrives safely, on time, and free of customs headaches.
Why Does Shipping a Classic Car Overseas Require Extra Documentation?
Which Shipping Method Should You Choose: Container, RoRo, or Air Freight?
What Key Documents Are Mandatory for International Classic Car Shipping?
How Do You Complete and Notarize a Limited Power of Attorney?
Why Is the Bill of Lading Your Most Important Shipping Document?
How Do You Prepare Your Vehicle for Overseas Transport?
What Customs Paperwork Must You File at Your Destination Port?
How Can Supplemental Insurance Protect Your Vintage Car in Transit?
What Happens Upon Arrival — Inspections, Duties, and Delivery?
Why Working with a Reputable Car Shipping Company Changes Everything
Unlike a modern car, a classic car carries historical value and often unique parts that can complicate inspections. Countries may ask for proof of originality to apply age-based duty discounts or environmental exemptions. Missing paperwork can trigger inspection delays, storage fees, or, in the worst case, denial of entry. Proper documentation is the single most effective way to ensure your vehicle clears customs swiftly and without surprise tax assessments.
Because many classic owners seldom ship their cars internationally, they overlook critical items: correct bill of lading wording, an export title release, or a limited power of attorney granting the car shipping company permission to sign customs forms on their behalf. Treating paperwork as a pre-shipping milestone rather than an afterthought is the first step toward a stress-free journey.
Container service remains the gold standard for classic transport. A sealed box isolates your vehicle from salt spray, theft, and potential road debris while it rides to the port. Containers also let you ship spare parts or memorabilia safely inside the same unit, saving future freight costs.
RoRo is cost-effective for running cars but exposes paint to sea air and high-traffic decks. If you choose this method, factor in extra detailing and a higher risk of damage from tight parking spaces.
The quickest — and most expensive — method. It’s ideal for concours deadlines or last-minute sale deliveries. Air cargo limits fluid levels and battery condition; your company must prepare the car to aviation standards.
For detailed cost comparisons, review our container vs. RoRo guide, which breaks down transit times, insurance implications, and port schedules.
Original Title (or transferable registration for states without titles on older cars).
Bill of Sale showing purchase price — crucial for customs to verify declared value.
Power of Attorney (POA) — lets your forwarding agent sign export & import papers.
Bill of Lading — issued by the ocean carrier; acts as the shipment’s passport.
Export Declaration (AES filing in the USA) — federal law for any car valued over $2,500.
EPA & DOT Forms (if the vehicle is newer than 25 years).
Insurance Certificate showing in-transit coverage.
Photo Inspection Report with VIN, odometer, and the vehicle’s condition.
Keep both digital scans and hard-copy originals. Many ports still demand wet-ink signatures and may detain the car if only photocopies arrive.
A limited POA grants your car shipping company the right to endorse export titles and customs forms.
Fill out owner name, VIN, and shipping company details.
Specify a single transaction — “export of VIN XXXXX to Hamburg.”
Notarize locally; overseas consulates can witness signatures if you’re already abroad.
Failing to notarize can stall the car at the dock because customs brokers cannot legally sign without proof of agency.
The bill of lading is simultaneously a receipt, a contract, and a title substitute while the car is at sea. It proves the vehicle is on board, establishes liability in case of damage, and is surrendered to release the car at destination.
Verify chassis and container numbers.
Check “Freight Prepaid” vs. “Freight Collect” to avoid surprise costs.
Confirm consignee information matches the importing party to prevent release delays.
Wash & Document – Clean exterior and shoot detailed photos, capturing any existing scratch or dent for your pre-loading report.
Remove Loose Items – Rally boards, speakers, and spare chrome can fly loose in transit.
Reduce Fuel – Under a quarter tank is mandatory; air freight caps at 1/8.
Disable Alarms – Prevent dead batteries and false triggers.
Protect Wheels – Ask for soft ties only; metal chains can scar alloys.
Seal Convertible Tops – Moisture creeps in at sea; new weather-stripping pays dividends.
For a deeper checklist, visit our classic car pre-shipping tips.
Each country sets unique requirements, but you’ll almost always need:
Import Entry Form (e.g., C88 in the UK, SAD in the EU).
Original Bill of Lading endorsed to the local broker.
Foreign Registration Application with translation if non-English.
Duty & Tax payment — many nations grant reduced rates for cars older than 30 years.
Failing to file within mandatory time frames can lead to storage fees that quickly eclipse your shipping budget. Partnering with a broker early keeps paperwork moving while the vehicle is still afloat.
Standard carrier liability covers roughly $500 total — far less than any vintage car’s market value. Supplemental insurance scales coverage to full declared value, shielding you from repair costs if the vehicle suffers storm damage or crane mishaps.
Confirm coverage window — from warehouse gate to overseas unloading.
Examine deductible levels; lower deductibles cost more but pay faster on small claims.
Verify that aftermarket parts and bespoke paintwork are included, not just OEM replacement value.
Our Cargo Damage Protection program details customizable tiers, including gap coverage if the vehicle appreciates before arrival.
Upon arrival, port officials will:
Inspect Documents – Cross-check VIN, engine number, and value.
Assess Duty/Tax – Classic cars older than 30 years often pay reduced tariffs; younger cars may require emissions compliance.
Physical Inspection – Look for leaks, soil, and undeclared personal items.
Release to Broker – After payments clear, your company arranges local delivery or storage.
Always schedule local transport in advance; last-minute bookings face port congestion and higher costs. West Coast Shipping maintains partnerships with bonded carriers to dispatch your classic within 24 hours of clearance.
A reputable car shipping company:
Tailors quotes by method, destination, and value, preventing surprise surcharges.
Specializes in classic paperwork, ensuring EPA/DOT exemptions are filed correctly.
Provides detailed photos at each hand-off so you can verify condition.
Offers 24/7 tracking, customs liaison, and on-dock troubleshooters to avert delays.
Choosing an inexperienced forwarder may shave a few dollars off the quote but can cost thousands in port penalties or damage claims. Our customers rely on West Coast Shipping because we’ve shipped over 12,000 classic cars without a single lost title or impound.
Start the documentation process early; missing forms cause delays and storage fees.
Decide between container, RoRo, or air freight based on budget, timeline, and climate concerns.
Secure a notarized power of attorney so your company can sign customs papers.
The bill of lading is the shipment’s passport — double-check every field.
Prep your vehicle: clean, photograph, remove loose items, and reduce fuel.
Buy supplemental insurance that covers full market value.
Clear customs by paying duties promptly and supplying all documents in original form.
Partner with a reputable classic-focused car shipping company to handle logistics, paperwork, and foreign regulations.
Ready to ship your classic car safely across the ocean? Use our instant calculator below for real-time rates, scheduled sailings, and a customized documentation checklist — then let our team handle every mile and signature from driveway to destination.