The thrill of discovering your dream German vehicle online—scrolling through Mobile.de listings to find that pristine 1995 BMW M3, winning a Collecting Cars auction for a rare Porsche 993, or negotiating an AutoScout24 deal for a classic Mercedes-Benz—represents just the beginning of international vehicle acquisition. The moment you click "Buy Now" or shake hands (virtually) with a German seller, a complex international logistics journey begins spanning German export procedures, transatlantic ocean shipping, U.S. customs clearance, and final inland delivery. Without experienced import partners managing these intricate phases, your exciting online purchase can transform into a frustrating maze of unfamiliar regulations, language barriers, documentation challenges, and coordination headaches across multiple countries and service providers.
West Coast Shipping eliminates this complexity through complete door-to-door import management, taking over the entire post-purchase process from the moment you finalize your German vehicle acquisition. Our comprehensive service model means you never coordinate with German export authorities, communicate with ocean carriers, navigate U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, or arrange multi-state inland transport—we handle every phase while keeping you informed through regular updates, providing a single point of contact from German pickup through final U.S. driveway delivery.
This detailed guide walks through exactly what happens after you find and purchase a vehicle on German import websites, demonstrating how West Coast Shipping's expertise transforms complex international logistics into streamlined, predictable processes.
The transition from "interested buyer" to "vehicle owner" requires careful attention to documentation, payment processing, and export preparation—critical foundations preventing customs delays months later.
Finalize Pricing and Terms: Negotiate final purchase price with seller (whether Mobile.de private party, AutoScout24 dealer, or Collecting Cars auction house), establishing payment method, timing, and pickup coordination window.
Secure Purchase Contract: Obtain written purchase agreement documenting vehicle specifications (VIN, year, make, model, engine), agreed price, seller information, and transaction date. German sellers typically provide Kaufvertrag (purchase contract) for private sales or professional invoices for dealership transactions.
Arrange Payment: Transfer funds via international wire transfer (most common), currency exchange services, or escrow for high-value transactions. German sellers generally require full payment before releasing vehicles.
Contact West Coast Shipping: As soon as purchase is confirmed, provide our team with seller contact information, vehicle location, and preliminary documentation—initiating our coordination process while you handle payment.
Comprehensive Document Verification: Our team reviews all seller-provided documentation ensuring completeness before vehicles leave German territory:
Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (modern German registration certificate, often still called Fahrzeugbrief by sellers): Verifies legal ownership and vehicle specifications
Purchase contract (Kaufvertrag): Confirms transaction details for customs value declaration
Manufacturing date evidence: Critical for 25-year rule eligibility—we verify factory build sheets, data plates, or VIN decoding confirms age qualification
Service records (Serviceheft): Documents maintenance history supporting condition claims
TÜV/AU certificates: German inspection certificates demonstrating mechanical condition
Documentation Gap Identification: We identify missing paperwork while vehicles remain in Germany—much easier to obtain from sellers before shipping than to request via international communication after vehicles depart.
Seller Communication: Our German-language-capable European logistics partners contact sellers directly, establishing:
Optimal pickup timing accommodating seller availability
Exact vehicle location and access procedures
Export documentation requirements and processing
Special considerations (keys, accessories, spare parts included)
Export Preparation Guidance: We advise sellers unfamiliar with export procedures about required documentation, customs declarations, and deregistration from German vehicle registry (Abmeldung).
Timeline: 2-5 business days for complete documentation review, seller coordination, and pickup scheduling.
Coordinating vehicle collection across Germany—from Munich dealerships to rural Bavarian private sellers—requires local expertise, flexible scheduling, and professional vehicle handling.
Share Seller Information: Give us complete seller contact details (name, phone, email, address) and vehicle precise location.
Communicate Special Circumstances: Inform us of any unique situations—vehicles stored in private garages requiring appointment scheduling, multiple key sets, included spare parts needing separate packaging, or accessibility challenges.
Remain Available for Questions: Occasionally sellers raise last-minute questions or requests—we'll contact you if anything requires your input or decision.
Nationwide Pickup Network: Our European logistics partners operate throughout Germany, coordinating professional vehicle collection from any location:
Major Cities: Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Cologne
Regional Centers: Smaller cities throughout Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and all German states
Rural Locations: Private residences, farm storage, remote garages anywhere in Germany
Flexible Scheduling: We accommodate seller availability—coordinating pickups around business hours, personal schedules, and any timing requirements ensuring convenient handoffs.
Professional Vehicle Inspection: Upon pickup, our logistics partners conduct thorough photo documentation recording vehicle condition from all angles, capturing existing damage, special features, and overall state—protecting both you and seller with clear evidence of pre-shipment condition.
Secure Transport to Port: Vehicles transport via professional carriers to departure ports (typically Bremerhaven for North American shipments, occasionally Hamburg):
Enclosed transport available for high-value vehicles requiring weather protection
Open transport standard for most classic vehicles
GPS tracking throughout German inland transit
Approximately 1-3 days German inland transport depending on pickup location distance from ports
German Export Processing: While vehicles transport to port, we coordinate German customs export clearance:
Customs Export Declaration: Required documentation declaring vehicle's departure from EU customs territory
Deregistration (Abmeldung): Removal from German vehicle registry—required before export, prevents ongoing tax/fee liability for sellers
Commercial Invoice Preparation: Proper invoicing meeting both German export and U.S. import requirements
Port Storage and Preparation: Upon port arrival, vehicles enter secure storage awaiting vessel departure:
Climate-protected warehouse facilities
Security monitoring
Pre-loading inspection ensuring readiness
Container assignment coordination
Timeline: 5-10 days from German pickup through port arrival and export documentation completion—varies based on pickup location distance from ports and export processing speed.
Transatlantic shipping requires careful container selection, vessel booking, proper vehicle securing, and customs filing before departure—all coordinated by West Coast Shipping without your involvement.
Container Preference: Decide between shared consolidation (most economical, vehicles share containers with other shipments) or dedicated exclusive containers (maximum protection, single vehicle or your vehicles only).
Destination Port: Confirm your preferred U.S. arrival port based on final vehicle destination:
New York/New Jersey: Optimal for Northeast deliveries, fastest from Germany (18 days)
Florida: Best for Southeast destinations (33 days from Germany)
California: West Coast deliveries (43 days via Panama Canal/Suez)
Texas: Gulf Coast regional access
Shared Container Consolidation: Most customers choose consolidated shipping for optimal economics:
Multiple vehicles (typically 2-4 depending on sizes) share 40-foot containers
Professional securing prevents movement during ocean transit
Costs split among shippers reducing per-vehicle expenses by 30-60%
Same transit times and protection as dedicated containers
Weekly departures from German ports maintaining regular schedules
Dedicated Containers: Reserved for high-value vehicles, seven-figure collectibles, or situations where exclusive space justifies premium pricing:
Complete 20-foot or 40-foot container exclusive to your vehicle(s)
Maximum space and positioning control
Ideal for extensively modified vehicles, oversized dimensions, or investment-grade classics requiring isolated transport
Experienced stevedores load vehicles into containers at German ports
Custom securing systems prevent shifting during Atlantic crossing
Proper weight distribution ensuring container stability
Photo documentation before container sealing
Weather-tight container sealing protecting against salt spray and ocean conditions
Vessel booking with established transatlantic carriers
Bill of lading preparation documenting containerized cargo
Route optimization based on destination port
Transit time confirmation and vessel tracking setup
Importer Security Filing (ISF): Required U.S. Customs filing submitted no later than 24 hours before vessel departure from German port:
Contains shipper, consignee, cargo details, manufacturer information
Known as "10+2" filing for 10 data elements plus 2 additional carrier requirements
West Coast Shipping files ISF on your behalf as standard service, managing all timing and accuracy requirements
While importers of record technically remain liable for ISF compliance under CBP regulations, our proactive filing and verification processes prevent issues—we've never had a client face ISF penalties through our professional handling
Germany to Florida: 30-35 days direct transatlantic routes
Germany to New York: 18 days direct transatlantic routes
Germany to California: 40-45 days via Panama Canal or Suez Canal depending on seasonal routing
Germany to Texas: 35-40 days Gulf Coast routing
Real-Time Tracking: Once vessels depart, we provide access to vessel tracking showing current position, estimated arrival dates, and any route or schedule changes.
Timeline: 30-45 days ocean transit depending on destination port—the longest single phase of German import process.
Explore our container shipping services and compare transatlantic routing options.
U.S. arrival triggers the most complex import phase—customs brokerage, entry filing, duty calculations, and CBP clearance under federal vehicle import regulations.
Customs Broker Authorization: Sign power of attorney form enabling West Coast Shipping's customs brokerage division to file entries, pay duties, and interact with CBP on your behalf.
Value Declaration Confirmation: Verify vehicle purchase price for customs value declaration—accurate declarations prevent CBP issues while ensuring proper duty calculations.
Respond to CBP Questions (if any): Occasionally CBP requests additional information about vehicles, manufacturing dates, or modifications—we'll coordinate any requests requiring your input.
CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary): Official customs entry declaration filing listing:
Complete vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model, country of origin)
Declared value for duty calculation
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification codes
Importer of record information
Entry type and port of arrival
HTS Code Classification: Critical coding determining duty rates and tariff applicability:
Base Code: Standard passenger vehicle classification (typically 8703.23.xxxx or similar based on engine displacement and type)
Additional Code: HTS 9903.94.04 for 25-year-old vehicles claiming Section 232 tariff exemption
Proper coding prevents incorrect 25% Section 232 tariff assessment on eligible classics
DOT Form HS-7 (Vehicle Safety Compliance Declaration):
Declares vehicle's compliance status with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
For 25-year classics: Check Box 1 ("Vehicle manufactured at least 25 years ago")
Confirms exemption from NHTSA safety compliance requirements
EPA Form 3520-1 (Engine and Vehicle Importation Declaration):
Declares emissions compliance status
For 25-year classics: Check Box E ("Vehicle is at least 25 years old")
Confirms exemption from EPA emissions standards
For 25-year-eligible classic vehicles properly coded under HTS 9903.94.04:
Base Import Duty: 2.5% of declared value
Harbor Maintenance Fee: 0.125% of cargo value
Merchandise Processing Fee: 0.3464% with $33.58 minimum / $651.50 maximum per entry
Section 232 Tariff: Exempt (avoided through proper HTS 9903.94.04 coding)
Example Calculation (€40,000 / $44,000 vehicle):
Base duty: $44,000 × 2.5% = $1,100
HMF: $44,000 × 0.125% = $55
MPF: $44,000 × 0.3464% = $152.42
Total: $1,307.42
Duty Payment: We calculate all duties and fees, paying CBP on your behalf and invoicing you for customs charges with complete transparency.
CBP Release: Once entry processed and duties paid, CBP releases vehicle from customs hold—typically 2-5 business days after vessel arrival for properly documented imports.
Physical Inspection (if selected): CBP randomly selects approximately 2-5% of vehicle imports for physical inspection verifying VIN matches documentation, checking for undeclared modifications, and confirming age evidence. If your vehicle is selected:
We coordinate inspection timing at port facilities
Provide all required documentation to CBP officers
Address any questions or concerns
Typical inspections add 1-3 days to clearance timeline
Timeline: 2-5 business days for routine customs clearance after vessel arrival; 3-7 days if physical inspection required.
Review complete U.S. import duty structures in our comprehensive import duty guide.
CBP release initiates the final logistics phase—transporting your German import from U.S. port facilities to your driveway anywhere in America.
Confirm Delivery Address: Provide complete residential or business address where you want vehicle delivered.
Specify Delivery Timing: Let us know any scheduling constraints, preferred delivery windows, or timing flexibility.
Arrange Vehicle Reception: Be available (or designate someone) to receive vehicle, inspect condition, sign delivery documents, and collect keys.
Transport Coordination: We arrange professional vehicle transport from port facilities to your location:
Open Transport: Standard method for most classic imports:
Multi-vehicle carriers transporting 6-10 vehicles simultaneously
Most economical option
Weather exposure during U.S. inland transit
Professional drivers with automotive transport experience
Enclosed Transport: Premium protection available for high-value vehicles:
Enclosed trailers protecting from weather, road debris, and visibility
Limited capacity (2-6 vehicles per trailer)
Higher cost but maximum protection
Recommended for investment-grade classics, show cars, extensively restored vehicles
Port-Adjacent Deliveries (within 50 miles): $200-400 typically
Regional Deliveries (50-300 miles): $400-800 depending on exact distance
Cross-Country Deliveries (1,000+ miles): $1,200-2,500 depending on specific route
Delivery Coordination: Our inland transport partners contact you directly 24-48 hours before delivery scheduling exact timing and confirming address details.
Condition Inspection: Upon delivery, inspect vehicle thoroughly before signing delivery documents:
Compare condition to German pickup photos
Document any transit damage immediately
Note any concerns on delivery paperwork
Photograph vehicle condition from all angles
Keys and Documentation: Driver provides all keys, German registration documents, and any accessories or parts that shipped with vehicle.
Timeline: 3-10 days for U.S. inland delivery depending on distance from arrival port to final destination—Northeast deliveries from New York ports complete fastest; West Coast deliveries from East Coast ports take longest.
Vehicle arrival marks your import journey's completion, but state registration and titling represent final administrative steps before enjoying your German acquisition.
CBP release paperwork proving federal import clearance
German registration documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II)
Bill of sale / purchase contract
DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1 filed with customs
VIN verification by law enforcement or AAA
State safety inspections (required in some states)
Emissions testing (varies by state—some exempt 25-year vehicles, others require testing regardless of age)
Title application and registration fees
California: Among strictest registration requirements; may require BAR referee inspections for certain imports and emissions testing despite federal exemption
New York: Comprehensive safety inspections and strict documentation review
Massachusetts, Connecticut: Detailed requirements with emissions and safety testing
Florida, Texas, Montana: Generally more straightforward processes with fewer restrictions
Important: Research your specific state's requirements before purchase—some states' requirements may affect vehicle selection decisions.
Provide Complete Import Documentation: We supply all customs clearance paperwork required for state registration:
Certified copies of CBP Form 7501 showing federal clearance
DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1
Duty payment receipts
ISF confirmation
Registration Guidance: While we don't provide DMV services, we advise on typical registration requirements and documentation state DMVs expect.
Ongoing Support: Questions about import documentation or process? Our team remains available after delivery helping resolve any documentation questions that arise during state registration.
Total German Purchase to U.S. Driveway: Approximately 50-70 days
Phase 1 (Purchase & Documentation): 2-5 days
Phase 2 (German Pickup & Port Transport): 5-10 days
Phase 3 (Ocean Freight): 30-45 days
Phase 4 (U.S. Customs Clearance): 2-5 days
Phase 5 (U.S. Inland Delivery): 3-10 days
Longest Single Phase: Ocean transit consuming 60-70% of total timeline.
Shortest Single Phase: Customs clearance for properly documented imports.
Greatest Variable: German pickup timing (depends on seller availability and location distance from ports) and U.S. inland delivery distance.
Ready to understand total costs from German purchase through U.S. driveway delivery? West Coast Shipping's car import calculator provides instant comprehensive estimates including:
Ocean freight from Germany to optimal U.S. ports
Complete U.S. import duty calculations (2.5% base for 25-year classics)
All federal fees (HMF, MPF)
U.S. inland transport from port to your ZIP code
Total door-to-door cost projections
Get personalized import estimates in under 60 seconds with complete transparency.
For complete information about German vehicle import websites and vehicle sourcing, see our comprehensive German import marketplace guide.
Found your dream German vehicle online? Let West Coast Shipping take over the complex international logistics from purchase completion through final U.S. delivery—providing single-point-of-contact coordination, expert customs brokerage, and complete door-to-door service transforming online discoveries into driveway reality.