Why Ship Cars By Plane? Fast, Secure & Global Air Freight Explained

When time and precision matter, air freight remains the ultimate solution for moving cars and motorcycles across borders. While container and RoRo shipping are ideal for most international transport needs, shipping cars by plane delivers unmatched speed, precision, and protection for high-value, time-sensitive, or event-specific shipments.

Whether it’s a supercar needed for an international rally, a rare collector vehicle headed to auction, or a motorsport team requiring instant delivery, air freight ensures your vehicle reaches its destination in days—not weeks.

At West Coast Shipping, we provide white-glove global air freight services designed specifically for customers who want their vehicles handled with care and delivered on time. Learn more on our air freight page.

1. Speed Unmatched by Any Other Method

When every day counts, air transport remains the fastest shipping method available.
Compared to ocean transport, which typically takes several weeks, vehicles can arrive overseas in as little as 3 to 10 days after departure.

Why choose air freight for speed:

• Ideal for last-minute rallies, exhibitions, and auctions.

• Prevents the long waiting times associated with ocean containers.

• Ensures instant availability for time-sensitive events across continents.

For global brands, race teams, or private collectors who operate on tight deadlines, air freight eliminates downtime and ensures vehicles perform and appear when needed.

2. Precision and White-Glove Handling

Shipping vehicles by plane isn’t just about fast delivery—it’s about precision and professional handling from collection to arrival.

At West Coast Shipping, our air freight process includes:

• Door-to-door service: Vehicle pickup, enclosed transport, airport loading, and final delivery.

• Expert preparation: Fluid drainage, pallet loading, and crating tailored to each vehicle.

• 24/7 coordination: Tracking and management at every checkpoint.

Air freight provides the control necessary for handling rare, exotic, or high-performance vehicles with meticulous care, ensuring they arrive exactly as loaded.

3. Maximum Security Throughout the Journey

Every air freight shipment benefits from strict airport security standards and limited handling.
Vehicles are crated, sealed, and loaded under the watch of certified air cargo specialists, dramatically reducing exposure to potential risks during transit.

Key security advantages:

• Secure handling only by licensed aircraft operators.

• Dedicated crate or pallet loading for each vehicle.

• Limited human interaction minimizing possible mishandling.

This white-glove process provides elite-level security and peace of mind for collectors who require guaranteed delivery conditions.

4. Perfect for High-Value and Urgent Shipments

Air freight is the preferred choice for high-end and time-critical vehicles when precision and urgency outweigh cost considerations.

Common use cases include:

• Classic, super, or hypercars heading to international shows.

• Race cars needed at championship events or track days.

• Collector vehicles purchased at auctions requiring immediate delivery.

• Corporate fleets or concept vehicles displayed at global exhibitions.

For these scenarios, air freight offers both luxury and convenience—vehicles fly directly to the closest international airport and are delivered to your preferred location without delay.

5. Worldwide Door-to-Door Delivery

With hundreds of IATA-recognized airports serviced, West Coast Shipping operates a global logistics network supporting car air freight to and from 4,500+ international airports.

We manage every step:

• Collection from any address with enclosed carriers.

• Export customs clearance and EPA/DOT processing.

• Flight booking with leading global airlines.

• Import customs brokerage and final delivery to your door or event.

This extensive reach ensures smooth transport from pickup to arrival—no coordination stress, no missed connections, and no third-party errors.

6. Efficiency for Motorsports and Automotive Events

For motorsports teams and event organizers, efficiency and timing are critical. Air freight's minimal transit time allows for international race schedules, exhibition rotations, and press tours without logistical interruptions.

Why professionals prefer air shipping for events:

• Guaranteed arrival ahead of race weekends or shows.

• Faster turnaround between global events.

• Simplified customs processes through pre-cleared documents.

Teams benefit from our ability to coordinate high-value vehicle fleets seamlessly across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the U.S.

7. Competitive Value for Premium Service

While air freight costs more than container or RoRo methods, its value lies in time savings and risk reduction. Rates are calculated by vehicle size and flight distance, generally ranging from $8,000 to $16,000 per vehicle depending on specifications and destination.

For small, lightweight vehicles such as Porsche 911s or classic roadsters, the efficiency and direct delivery often outweigh higher freight costs—especially when global deadlines or premium event entries are on the line.

Air shipping also avoids port delays and storage fees associated with sea transport, often offsetting part of the cost difference. Contact West Coast Shipping for tailored rate estimates or bespoke route planning.

8. Experience Premium Global Air Freight with WCS

With nearly two decades of international vehicle logistics experience, West Coast Shipping delivers a premium air freight service trusted by manufacturers, collectors, and motorsport teams worldwide.

Our process covers every step of the journey from enclosed pickup through customs and worldwide delivery, ensuring vehicles are handled with precision, care, and on time.

Learn more about our air freight services and how our dedicated team can customize solutions for your transport needs.

Calculate Your Car’s Shipping Costs

Want to compare transit methods or determine if air freight fits your timeline and budget?
Use our car import calculator to get instant door-to-door cost estimates—including air, container, and RoRo shipping options—all in one place.

Let us help you decide on the perfect solution for your next international transport.