International Car Shipping Blog

Ship Salvage Cars to Georgia: Profitable Repair & Export Guide

Written by Felix Cater | May 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM

Georgia has emerged as a top global destination for salvage car imports, with 40% of US vehicle exports to the country being rebuilt or salvage titles. At West Coast Shipping, we’ve streamlined the process of shipping damaged vehicles from US auctions to Georgia, where low repair costs and strong regional demand create profitable opportunities for importers.

Documentation Requirements for Salvage Car Imports

Shipping salvage vehicles to Georgia requires precise documentation to clear customs efficiently. Key paperwork includes:

  • Salvage Title: Must show “rebuilt” status or include a salvage certificate (non-repairable titles not accepted)

  • Commercial Invoice: Declare “as-is” condition and purchase price for customs valuation

  • Bill of Lading: Specify non-operational status if shipping via container

  • Export Declaration: Required for all US-origin vehicles

Our team assists with preparing these documents and navigating Georgia’s 5% import duty and 18% VAT requirements. For a complete checklist, refer to our Georgia car shipping documentation guide.

Georgia’s Repair Ecosystem: Turning Salvage into Profit

Cost Advantages

Georgia’s auto repair industry offers significant savings compared to Western markets:

Service Georgia Cost US/EU Average
Labor Rate (Hourly) $15 $45–$65
Front-End Collision $2,800 $6,500+
Engine Replacement $4,200 $8,000+
 
Data from Tbilisi Auto Repair Association (2024)
 

Certified Repair Network

Over 120 certified shops near Poti Port specialize in:

  • Frame straightening and structural repairs

  • EV battery replacement/refurbishment

  • OEM parts sourcing from UAE and Turkey

Popular refurbishment targets include 2018–2022 Toyota RAV4s and Ford F-150s, which resell for 45–60% above salvage purchase prices after repairs.

Market Demand Drivers in Georgia

Domestic Buyers

  • Affordability: Rebuilt 2020 Honda Accords sell for $14,500 vs. $22,000 new

  • Fuel Efficiency: 58% of buyers prioritize hybrids/EVs like rebuilt Tesla Model 3s

  • Customization Culture: 63% of purchasers modify US imports post-repair

Regional Re-export

35% of refurbished vehicles move to:

  • Azerbaijan: Ford Transits for commercial use

  • Kazakhstan: Luxury SUVs like Range Rover Sports

  • Kyrgyzstan: Toyota hybrids for ride-sharing fleets

For insights into cross-border trade, see our market analysis of Georgia’s auto hub status.

Why Importers Choose Georgia

Competitive Advantages

  • No Age Restrictions: Unlike neighboring countries, Georgia allows imports of any vehicle year

  • Fast Customs Clearance: 1–3 days at Poti vs. 5+ days in Batumi

  • Strategic Location: Access to Central Asian markets via rail/truck routes

West Coast Shipping Services

  • Salvage-Specific Containers: Moisture-controlled units from NJ/FL

  • Auction Pickups: Coordination with Copart, IAAI, and others

  • Wholesale Programs: Ship 6–8 vehicles/container from $1,100 each

For personalized salvage shipping solutions, use our instant quote calculator or explore our complete Georgia import guide.