Expert car shipping to Germany with the industry leaders. Over 17 years of experience moving vehicles to Germany from the US by container and air. Complete car shipping solutions, with door to door coverage. Export locations across the US in California, Florida and New Jersey. We handle it all.

Ground Transportation: Safe and secure transport to our export shipping facilities.
Car Export & Import Solutions : Smooth and hassle-free shipping and customs clearance.
Shipping Methods: Shared container shipping, dedication containers and air-freight

The expert shipping team at West Coast Shipping is here to help.

Car Shipping to Germany

Shipping a car from the US to Germany has become an affordable option thanks to container consolidation. Due to the frequent demand for shipping cars to Germany, we have a steady stream of containers departing for Germany, allowing us to quickly consolidate single vehicles into shared containers, saving you over 50% on international car shipping costs.

Why Buy Cars from the USA?

German car buyers have turned to the US market for their classic cars. Why? Most cars are available in better condition due to the favorable weather, and lower prices due to more cars available for sale. Some buyers travel to the US to combine their search with a vacation, while others buy remotely from reputable dealers or use our escrow service.

Typical Costs Involved In Shipping a Car To Germany:

The cost to ship a car to Germany is around $1,000 to $1,800
Destination charges are approximately $550, and depend on the receiving import agent in Germany. We frequently work with trusted agents to handle our customer's vehicles.
Optional Cargo Damage Protection is available - learn more about Cargo Damage Protection

Get an Instant Quote

Get an instant quote to ship your car to Germany by using our shipping calculator.

We ship thousands of cars from the US to Germany each year. Whether you are moving to Germany, buying a vehicle from the US, or relocating your POV, we can help with US Car Import to Germany.

We pick up cars from anywhere in the US, clear US customs, and ship cars overseas. You have the option of shipping your car in a container via ocean freight, Roll-on/Roll-off, or Air Freight. When shipping to Germany in a container, the cheapest destination port is Bremerhaven. From there, we can arrange transport of your vehicle to any German city, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, or Cologne.

At The Destination

Use our shipping calculator to get an instant quote for shipping your car to Germany. We ship thousands of cars from the US to Germany each year, whether you are moving to Germany, buying a vehicle from the US, or relocating your POV. We handle the entire process, including pickup from anywhere in the US, US customs clearance, and overseas shipping. We work with trusted import agents in Germany who handle the vehicle upon it's arrival, and take care of unloading from the container, documentation clearance, and can even help register the car and get it to your door in Germany.

Shipping Options

Container Shipping via Ocean Freight
Roll-on/Roll-off
Air Freight

The cheapest destination port in Germany for container shipping is Bremerhaven. From there, we can arrange transport of your vehicle to any German city, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, or Cologne.

At The Destination

After shipping, your vehicle will take 14 to 30 days to arrive in Germany, depending on the US departure point. The agent in Germany will handle import customs clearance, container collection from Bremerhaven, and unloading. They will also prepare the vehicle for you, with the option of delivery to your door. Alternatively, you can collect the container yourself if you notify us to list you as the receiving party in Germany.

Fees at Destination

The destination agent will charge you directly for their services, including:

Terminal Handling Charge at the port
Trucking of the container to their unloading facility
Unloading and removal of dunnage
Return of the empty container to the port
Customs clearance procedure

Additional charges may apply for:

Delivery of your vehicle to its final destination
Customs inspection charges
Suction of R12 fluid in AC (if applicable)

For reliable and efficient car shipping to Germany, trust West Coast Shipping. Contact us today to get started!

GET THE GERMAN CAR IMPORT GUIDE

Where do I find American cars for sale?
How does the shipping process work?
How do I protect myself against risks during overseas shipping?
What type of cars am I allowed to import to Germany?

Download the German Car Import Guide to get answers to your questions about importing a car to Germany.

GUIDES

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR EXPORT

Vehicle documentation:

Original vehicle title
Bill of sale

International residents:

Copy of passport
Power of attorney form for intl. residents

US citizens:

EIN letter - read more
Power of attorney form for US citizens

READY TO SHIP?

Get an instant quote
Complete the online shipping form

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We accept wire transfers, checks, and ban deposits only. Read more about banking fees when paying from overseas.

We do not accept credit card payments.

The average cost to ship a car to Germany from the USA ranges between $1,000 and $1,800 per car. This port-to-port shipping cost does not include vehicle collection, destination fees, import duties, and cargo damage protection. For an accurate rate, use our instant shipping calculator.

Why Choose Us for Car Shipping to Germany?

Unlike other international car shipping companies, we manage everything in-house. From documentation to loading your vehicle, our experienced employees handle every step, ensuring the highest quality and care.

Shipping Methods to Germany

Container Shipping:
- The preferred method for classic car shippers.
- Secure and protected environment.
- Ideal for all vehicle types.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Service:
- Alternative to container shipping.
- Note: Not all ports accept RoRo ships.
- Vehicles must be driven on and off the ship.
Air Freight:
- The most expensive shipping method.
- Prices range from $10,000 to $20,000 and are based on vehicle size and weight.
- Cost depends on season, flight route, and vehicle size.
- Calculated by the volume the vehicle occupies.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Vehicle Collection: Additional fees apply for picking up the vehicle from its location.
Destination Fees: Charges at the destination port in Germany.
Import Duties: Taxes and duties levied by the German government.
Cargo Damage Protection: Optional insurance for added peace of mind.

For a detailed breakdown of all charges and to learn more about the import process, see our German Car Import Guide. Get started today by using our shipping calculator to find the best rates for shipping your car to Germany.

IMPORTING A CLASSIC CAR?

Germany ranks among the top destinations for classic cars exported from the United States. Yet, the higher import tariffs deter many enthusiasts from sending their vintage treasures directly to Germany. A savvy strategy to circumvent these steep fees involves importing your classic vehicles through France, where the VAT is a mere 5.5%, or Belgium, boasting a 6% VAT. As members of the European Union, these nations allow the seamless transfer of your classic car into Germany, bypassing any additional import charges.

As of 2018, the import duty on cars to Germany is 10% plus 19% VAT. However, when importing classic cars over 30 years old, there is no import duty, and the VAT is reduced to just 7%. If you are moving to Germany, you can potentially avoid paying import duties on your car entirely. Here’s how:

Duty-Free Car Import to Germany

You can import a car to Germany free of charge if you meet the following requirements:

Lived outside the EU for at least the past 12 months
Plan to permanently move to Germany
Plan to register the vehicle in your name
Owned the vehicle for at least the past 6 months
Will not re-export or sell the vehicle within 12 months

How to Register a Car in Germany

To register a car in Germany, follow these steps:

Ensure Compliance with German Safety Standards:
- Your car must meet all German safety standards.
- Pass the local TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) inspection.
Register Your Vehicle:
- Go to the local Motor Vehicle Registration Office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle).
- Bring the following documents:
  - Customs clearance certificate
  - TÜV certificate
  - Passport
  - Official German registration (Meldebestätigung)
  - Vehicle insurance certificate
  - Bill of sale
  - Original license plate
Apply for German License Plates:
- After registering your vehicle, you can apply for German license plates.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and compliant process for importing and registering your car in Germany.

Import Cars To Germany

Our goal is to make car shipping to Germany as simple as clicking a button. We provide a full-service car import solution, including purchasing the car via escrow in the US, collecting the vehicle, loading it into a container, and shipping it by ocean, air, or RoRo. We deliver the car directly to your door in Germany. Unlike brokers, we employ our own loaders, own our warehouse, and work directly with ocean carriers to ship your cars to Germany.

Comprehensive Car Shipping Services

Using our online car shipping to Germany calculator, you can get the most competitive rates on vehicle transport and international shipping. We import cars, motorcycles, boats, and auto parts from the USA to Germany. We collect your vehicle from any location in the USA and ship to Germany from both US coasts.

Popular Shipping Methods

The most popular method of car shipping to Germany is in a shipping container. Our expert shipping team meticulously loads your cars, motorcycles, boats, auto parts, and household goods into containers from either California or New Jersey. The containers are then shipped to the port of Bremerhaven, Germany. Transit time is approximately 30 days from the West Coast and about 14 days from the East Coast.

Specialty in Classic Cars

We specialize in classic cars and utilize specialty loading methods to ensure no part of your car is scratched or damaged during shipping. Every step of the loading process has been meticulously tested to ensure your car arrives overseas in the same condition it departed in.

Why Choose Us for Car Shipping to Germany?

Full-Service Import Solution: From purchasing to delivery, we handle every step.
Direct Operations: No brokers involved; we manage our own logistics.
Expert Handling: Specialized in classic cars with tested loading methods.
Competitive Rates: Use our online calculator for the best rates.

Experience hassle-free car shipping to Germany with West Coast Shipping. Contact us today to get started!

Documents Required for Export

Shipping your car from the United States involves clearing US customs, which requires submitting several documents to prove vehicle ownership. Here are the required documents:

Bill of Sale for the vehicle
Original Vehicle Title (If there is a lien on the car, a lien release letter is also required)
Power of Attorney form
Completed Online Shipping Form
Copy of Passport (if you are an international citizen without a US passport)
Copy of EIN Letter (if you are a US citizen)

Please note that certain states do not issue titles for classic cars. For example, Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont do not issue titles for older vehicles. Ensure you check the requirements specific to your state before proceeding.