How much does it cost to import cars from the UK?

Get an instant rate using our car import calculator. Typical costs range from $4000 - $5000 per container Costs include: 12.5% duty for UK-built cars 25 years or older 35% for pickups and light trucks 25 years or older, 50% for newer ones

What documentation is required to import cars to the US?

Required documents include: Original bill of lading Bill of sale Foreign registration or US title Letter of approval from NHTSA EPA Form 3520-1 DOT Form HS-7

Can I import classic cars to the US?

Import eligibility depends on vehicle age: 25+ years old: Exempt from DOT & EPA rules if unmodified Under 25: Must meet US standards Factory race cars: No age restrictions Show & display vehicles allowed for events

How long does it take to import a car from UK?

Transit times include: about 2 weeks to collect, export-clear and load your car additional week for shared container service about 26 days sailing from Southampton to New York about 48 days sailing from Southampton to Oakland.

What cities do you import cars from in UK?

We provide safe transport from: London Birmingham Leeds Liverpool Sheffield Manchester Bristol Edinburgh Glasgow Cardiff Belfast We cover all major cities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Car Imports from the UK with West Coast Shipping

Import Cars from the UK: Get Instant Import Shipping Rates

US Car Import services from the United Kingdom to the US with the car shipping leaders.

Bringing a car to the U.S. can be complex, but with the right expertise, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re importing an English classic car, a unique vehicle unavailable in the U.S market, or simply moving, our import car team ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. We handle all logistics, compliance, and customs clearance, so you can focus on enjoying your new ride.

Complete door-to-door import service from the UK to our US facilities in California, Florida, and New Jersey.

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Vehicle pickup in the USA

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Desired destination overseas

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West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us To Import Cars From The UK

We help customers import their dream cars from the UK to the USA. Our comprehensive door-to-door service includes:

Expert UK car import service via container or air freight
Shared containers, so you pay for your car's space instead of a whole container
US customs entry filed by our licensed customs broker
Nationwide pickup from all major UK cities
Door-to-door delivery through our US facilities
Specialist knowledge of US import regulations and requirements

We collect your vehicle from anywhere in the UK using open or enclosed car transporters. The car is then transported to our nearest export warehouse in California, Florida or New Jersey.

You always have the option to deliver/drop off the vehicle yourself.

We make sure that your cars are safely secured for their journey overseas.

Our team works closely with US Customs to clear cars for export.

For a seamless car import experience, we work with reliable partners worldwide to ensure your cars arrive safely and are properly cleared with import customs.

AIRPLANE

Need your vehicle fast? Air freight delivers in just 3-10 days, making it the quickest shipping option—significantly faster than container or RoRo shipping. Exact timing depends on customs and documentation.

SHIPPING CONTAINER

Our containers fit 1-4 vehicles—running or non-running—and offer cost-saving consolidation shipping. For high-value cars, we provide dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers.

RORO VESSEL

RoRo shipping requires vehicles to be operational and empty. Available ports and rates vary. Note: This method is only available for oversized cars

UK CAR IMPORT COSTS

How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from UK?

Base import costs from The UK start at $3,000 per vehicle.

Base import costs from UK include:

12.5% duty on a UK-built car 25 years or older (2.5% base plus 10% Section 301); pickups and light trucks pay 35% at 25 years or older and 50% if newer
Shipping costs vary by service type and location
Harbor Maintenance and Processing Fees (MPF)

Additional considerations:

Shared containers cost less than a whole container for one car
Optional Cargo Damage Protection available
Door-to-door service includes all handling and documentation fees

The UK's post-Brexit status means its vehicles are treated differently at US customs than EU-sourced cars, and since July 24, 2026 a UK-built car also pays a 10% Section 301 layer on top of the 2.5% base. Before booking your shipment, check what you actually owe in import duties on a car from the UK today to avoid any last-minute budget adjustments at port.

“Excellent communication and genuine interest in our vehicles well being throughout the whole process. Highly recommend them for all your vehicle shipping needs!”

Alexander

San Francisco, California

West Coast Shipping

UK Car Protection During Import

Protect your UK vehicle during international shipping with Cargo Damage Protection. This coverage safeguards your car from its arrival at our warehouse through overseas delivery by our agents.

Most standard auto insurance policies don't cover international shipping. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, please note that our liability is capped at $500 per the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.

Wholesale Car Import & Export Solutions

We provide high volume dealers, auctions, wholesalers and event organizers turn-key shipping solutions for their vehicles.

End-to-End solutions between the US and the world
Vehicle collection & export clearance
Private warehouses in CA, FL, NJ
Vehicle and parts consolidation
Use our carrier bookings or your own
Ability to choose your own import agent when shipping dedicated containers
Expedited Air Freight options

Documentation For UK Car Imports

Importing your UK car to the United States requires specific documentation for customs clearance. Here are the required documents:

Essential Documentation:

Original Bill of Lading
Bill of Sale
Foreign Registration or US Title
Letter of Approval from NHTSA
EPA Form 3520-1
DOT Form HS-7

Vehicle Age Requirements:

Vehicles 25 years and older: Exempt from DOT & EPA rules if unmodified
Vehicles under 25 years: Must meet US safety and emissions standards
Factory-built race cars: No age restrictions apply

Proper documentation is essential, but it's just one piece of the international shipping journey. Learn everything about international car shipping, from documentation to delivery, in our comprehensive guide.

Car Shipping Cost & Duties:

Base UK Import Cost

12.5% for UK-built cars 25 years or older (2.5% base plus 10% Section 301)
Duty follows where the car was built, not where you buy it: a German car bought in the UK pays the EU rate
35% for pickup trucks and light trucks 25 years or older (25% base plus 10% Section 301); 50% for newer ones (25% base plus 25% Section 232). The UK quota rate covers passenger cars only.

Exempt from DOT and EPA standards (duty still applies):

Vehicles 25 years and older (if unmodified)
Factory-built race cars (no age requirement)
US-built vehicles being returned

Calculate Cost

Car Import Process from UK to USA

Importing cars from the UK to USA involves a straightforward process .

Whether you're importing classic UK cars, modern vehicles, or special editions, our international car import service handles every detail.

Our container shipping solutions make importing UK cars simple and efficient. We handle everything from UK import paperwork to US customs clearance, ensuring a smooth import process.

Key Benefits of Our UK Car Import Process:

Door-to-door service from any location in the UK
Shared containers, so you pay for your car's space instead of a whole container
US customs entry filed by our licensed customs broker
Secure vehicle transport from pickup to delivery

Registering Your Car in the UK

Essential Documentation:

Original UK registration and proof of ownership
US Customs duty payment records
EPA/DOT compliance certificates
Original bill of sale and shipping documents

Key Registration Requirements:

Complete US vehicle registration forms
Pass state-specific inspections and emissions tests
For vehicles 25+ years old: Historic vehicle registration available
Obtain US auto insurance coverage

We guide you through the entire UK car import process, including all US registration and compliance requirements. Our team handles both US and UK documentation to ensure a smooth registration process.