Your dedicated account manager coordinates U.S. export procedures to help ensure your Bring-A-Trailer vehicle is approved for export.
Ship Your Bring-a-Trailer Purchase from the USA to France: Get Instant Shipping Rates
Ship your Bring-a-Trailer vehicle from the USA to France, door to door. A car in a shared container from New Jersey to Le Havre starts at $1,100, with 15 to 18 days in transit. We collect from the seller in any US state and load every car at our own warehouses in California, Florida and New Jersey.
Choose a shared or dedicated container, RoRo for oversized vehicles, or air freight to Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer. Our own team handles seller coordination, nationwide pickup and US export documents, and an import agent in France handles unloading and customs clearance (dédouanement). Use our car shipping calculator to see the rate for your lane and get an instant quote.
Frequent importer? Request wholesale container shipping rates below.
Calculate Your Car Shipping Rate to France from the USA:
Why Choose West Coast Shipping for Bring-a-Trailer Shipping to France?
We ship Bring-a-Trailer cars, motorcycles and project vehicles to France door to door, from our own warehouses in California, Florida and New Jersey, covering all of the US for imports and exports. Our own team loads every car and handles every document, and an import agent in France clears the car through French customs, so you can bid from anywhere in the world, on Bring-a-Trailer or at an overseas event or auction. It's your dream car. Let's bring her home.
- Bring-a-Trailer seller coordination and nationwide US pickup after auction close
- International car shipping via shared and dedicated container shipping to French ports
- Air freight available for cars and motorcycles
- Consolidated container service to Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer
- Shared containers split one container between up to 4 cars, so you pay for one slot
- US export documents prepared by our own team
- An import agent in France for unloading and French customs clearance (dédouanement)
- Classic, collector and modern cars, motorcycles and project cars
Calculate your Bring-a-Trailer to France shipping costs instantly with our international car shipping calculator, including shipping and port fees.
We collect your vehicle from anywhere in the US 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.
Our own team loads every car and secures it in the container for the journey overseas.
Our own team prepares the US export documents and clears each car for export.
In France, an import agent unloads your car and handles French customs clearance (dédouanement).
Learn more about our locations here.
International Car Shipping Methods
AIRPLANE
Need your vehicle fast? Air freight is the quickest way to move a car, but documents often decide the timeline, so plan up to two weeks for paperwork. Ask us for an air quote to France.
SHIPPING CONTAINER
Our containers fit 1 to 4 vehicles, running or non-running, and shared containers split the cost. 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
Have Questions?
What Vehicles Can We Ship from Bring-a-Trailer to France?
Vehicles
We ship all types of vehicles purchased on Bring-a-Trailer from the USA to France, including daily drivers, modern classics and collector vehicles, in shared or dedicated containers.
Motorcycle
Motorcycles ship from $600 by ocean, New Jersey to Le Havre in 15 to 18 days, or from $3,250 by air. We handle vintage bikes, sport motorcycles and custom builds from pickup at the seller's location to delivery at French ports.
Electric & Hybrid Cars
EVs and hybrids from Bring-a-Trailer need extra battery documentation for shipping. Our own team prepares it and loads your electric or hybrid vehicle for the trip from the USA to France.
Race & Rally Cars
We ship race and rally cars purchased on Bring-a-Trailer from the USA to France, in shared or dedicated containers, with optional Cargo Damage Protection.
Classic Cars
Classic and vintage vehicles are Bring-a-Trailer's specialty. We collect yours in an open or enclosed carrier and our own team loads it into a container at our warehouse for the trip to France.
Modern Supercars
From modern sedans to supercars purchased on Bring-a-Trailer, we ship high-value cars from the USA to France in shared or dedicated containers, with optional Cargo Damage Protection.
Salvage & Project Cars
We ship salvage, barn finds and project cars from Bring-a-Trailer to France. Running or not, we handle pickup, loading and all US export documents.
Oversized Vehicles
If your Bring-a-Trailer purchase exceeds standard dimensions, we can help. Our oversized shipping handles trucks, vans, large SUVs, motorhomes, and custom-built vehicles from the USA to France.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Bring-a-Trailer Vehicle from the USA to France?
The cost to ship a Bring-a-Trailer vehicle from the USA to France runs from $1,100 (New Jersey to Le Havre, 15 to 18 days) to $1,850 (California to Le Havre, 36 to 42 days) per car in a shared container. From Florida, Le Havre is $1,225 and 24 to 27 days. The calculator gives the price for your lane, which depends on the US departure location, French port, vehicle size and shipping method (shared container, dedicated container or air freight).
French destination charges are about EUR 950 per car at Le Havre, not including customs duties, VAT and registration fees.
Our container consolidation service splits one container between up to 4 cars, so you pay for one slot instead of a whole dedicated container.
Optional Cargo Damage Protection covers loss or damage in transit when shipping your Bring-a-Trailer purchase to France.
Get Instant Rates
Our France car shipping calculator provides instant quotes for shipping Bring-a-Trailer vehicles from the USA to French ports, including base ocean freight and destination charges.
SHIPPING TIMES TO FRANCE
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER
- Vehicle Collection: Additional fees may apply for nationwide U.S. pickup from the Bring-a-Trailer seller to our export warehouses.
- France Import Duties & VAT: EU duty on cars is normally 10%, plus 20% VAT. Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 allows 0% on US-built cars from July 1 2026, but the customs office handling the import decides, and current guidance ties it to a certificate of origin, usually available for new cars, not for a 30-year-old classic. Original cars over 30 years old can enter as collectors' items (heading 9705) with no duty and 5.5% VAT.
- Cargo Damage Protection: Optional cover for loss or damage during international transport.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We accept wire transfer, ACH, check or Zelle. Read more about banking fees when paying from overseas.
Pay from any country by wire transfer.
Ports & Cities We Serve
We ship Bring-a-Trailer vehicles from the USA to two French ports, Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer.
Le Havre is the main port for our container service to France. A shared container from New Jersey takes 15 to 18 days and starts at $1,100 per car. Fos-sur-Mer, on the Mediterranean, is $1,200 and 25 to 29 days from New Jersey. Our own team handles loading and US export documents, and an import agent in France unloads the container and clears the car through French customs.If you need help with port pickup or local delivery for your Bring-a-Trailer purchase, our team can coordinate it with the agent in France.
Get Import Quote
Protect Your Bring-a-Trailer Purchase During Shipping to France
Protect your Bring-a-Trailer vehicle while it's being shipped from the USA to France with our optional Cargo Damage Protection. It covers your auction purchase from the moment it is loaded at our US warehouse until it arrives at the French port and is handed over to our import agent.
Most standard auto policies do not cover international car shipping, so we recommend coverage for classic cars, collector vehicles and high-value cars commonly purchased on Bring-a-Trailer. Our policy covers container and RoRo car transport to French ports.
If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, our liability is capped at $500 per package under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act.
Wholesale Bring-A-Trailer Import & Export Solutions for France Dealers
We help France-based dealers, traders, auctions, and wholesalers move vehicles in bulk after buying on Bring-A-Trailer in the United States. Our service covers the full flow, from post-auction seller coordination and pickup to ocean freight and arrival support in France.
- End-to-End solutions between the US and the world
- Vehicle collection from Bring-a-Trailer sellers & export clearance
- Our own 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
RoRo Shipping to France for Oversized Vehicles
RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) shipping from the USA to France is often a practical option for transporting oversized vehicles and heavy machinery purchased on Bring-A-Trailer that may not fit inside a standard container. Vehicles are driven on and off the vessel under their own power, which can simplify port handling for certain shipments.
Key RoRo Details
- Best suited for oversized trucks, buses, motorhomes, construction equipment, tractors, and heavy machinery purchased on Bring-a-Trailer
- Drive-on/drive-off loading minimizes crane handling, but vehicles are not enclosed in their own container
- Schedules and pricing depend on unit size, port pair, and vessel availability; RoRo service to France may run less frequently than container options on some routes
- For high-value or low-clearance classic vehicles from Bring-a-Trailer, enclosed container shipping may still be recommended despite higher cost
Interested in RoRo shipping to France?
Visit our RoRo service page to compare RoRo vs container options and request a personalized quote for shipping oversized Bring-A-Trailer vehicles from the USA to France ports.
Documents Needed to Ship a Bring-A-Trailer Vehicle from the USA to France
What paperwork do I need to import a Bring-A-Trailer car into France?
Shipping a vehicle purchased on Bring-A-Trailer from the USA to France typically involves U.S. export clearance and French import customs (dédouanement). Below are the key documents commonly needed to complete bring a trailer shipping to France and move toward clearance and registration.
Vehicle Documentation for Shipping a Bring-a-Trailer car from USA to France:
- Original Vehicle Title (with lien release letter if applicable)
- Bill of Sale for the vehicle
- Power of Attorney form
- Completed Online Shipping Form
- Copy of Passport (for non-US citizens)
- Copy of EIN Letter (for US citizens)
For classic cars: Original cars over 30 years old can enter the EU as collectors' items (heading 9705), a separate route from standard cars. Keep documents that show the build date and that the car is in its original condition, and check whether the FFVE route applies for registration. The 0% EU duty on US-built cars is not automatic: the customs office decides, and it usually needs a certificate of origin, which a 30-year-old classic rarely has.
Our own team prepares the Bring-A-Trailer international shipping France export documents, and an import agent in France handles French customs clearance (including the 846A) and the papers you need for carte grise registration via ANTS.
Dedicated Export Team
Bring-A-Trailer to France Import Process
Shipping Cost & Duties:
Base Costs:
- Shipping cost: starts at $1,100 per car in a shared container from New Jersey to Le Havre (15 to 18 days)
- France destination charges: about EUR 950 per car at Le Havre (excluding duty and VAT)
Import Duties & VAT:
- Standard cars: EU duty on cars is normally 10%, plus 20% VAT, paid in France as part of customs clearance (dédouanement). Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 allows 0% on US-built cars from July 1 2026, but the customs office decides, usually on a certificate of origin
- Original cars over 30 years old: can enter as collectors' items (heading 9705), with no duty and 5.5% VAT
- Duty and VAT are generally calculated on the "landed" value (vehicle price plus transport-related charges), but the exact taxable base can depend on the import file
Duty Exemptions Available For:
- Permanent relocation to France (when eligible under applicable relief rules)
- Temporary imports (often time-limited and purpose-specific)
- Original collectors' vehicles over 30 years old (heading 9705)
How to Ship a Bring-A-Trailer Car from USA to France: Import Process
Shipping a vehicle purchased on Bring-A-Trailer from the USA to France follows a few clear steps: pickup from the seller after the auction closes, U.S. export paperwork, ocean transport, and import clearance in France (dédouanement). Our own team handles the US side of bring a trailer shipping to France from our warehouses in California, Florida and New Jersey.
Our container and RoRo shipping options make Bring a Trailer international shipping France simple for buyers who want one contact for the shipment. We coordinate with sellers and prepare U.S. export documents, and an import agent in France handles unloading, duty, VAT and the 846A, routing your vehicle to Bring-A-Trailer shipping USA to Le Havre or Fos-sur-Mer.
Key Steps in Our Bring-a-Trailer to France Shipping Process:
-
Door-to-door vehicle transport from any U.S. location to France (or door-to-port if preferred)
- Container consolidation to Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer
- French customs clearance (dédouanement) and the 846A by an import agent in France
- Optional Cargo Damage Protection
-
Practical guidance on next steps toward registration in France, including carte grise via ANTS, and whether homologation or the FFVE route may apply (often depending on vehicle age and specs)
Registering Your Bring-A-Trailer Car in France (ANTS & Carte Grise)
Registering your Bring-A-Trailer vehicle after importing from the USA to France usually requires a few key steps and documents to meet French registration requirements. Once your shipment clears customs (dédouanement), the next stage is preparing the file for carte grise registration through ANTS, with the right compliance path based on the vehicle's age and specifications.
Essential Documentation:
- U.S. title and purchase paperwork (Bill of Sale)
- Proof of French customs clearance and import tax payment records (often including the 846A)
- Shipping documents (Bill of Lading and related transport paperwork)
- Vehicle identification details (VIN confirmation and supporting photos as needed)
- Compliance documentation depending on the vehicle:
- Homologation / conformity documentation where required
- FFVE attestation route for eligible collector vehicles (often 30+ years old)
- Submit the registration application via ANTS for carte grise issuance
- Provide supporting customs clearance documentation and proof of ownership
- Complete any required conformity steps before registration can be finalized (varies by vehicle and age)
The import agent in France handles the customs file, and we send every US document they need for your Bring-A-Trailer car delivery to France, so the customs papers line up with the carte grise file and the homologation or FFVE step.
Frequently Asked Questions About France Car Shipping
After you win on Bring-a-Trailer, we coordinate pickup from the seller in the U.S., handle export preparation and ocean booking, and route the vehicle to France for import clearance. You can choose container shipping for most vehicles, or RoRo when it’s appropriate for the vehicle type. We keep the process organized from seller pickup through arrival support in France.
Timelines vary based on seller release timing, pickup location, export documentation readiness, sailing schedules, and the shipping method selected. In most cases, plan for a multi-step process where inland pickup and export clearance happen first, followed by ocean transit and arrival handling in France. We’ll confirm realistic timing once we have the vehicle location and shipment plan.
Most shipments require the U.S. title (or equivalent proof of ownership), a bill of sale, and shipping documents. France import clearance typically also involves customs documentation that reflects the vehicle’s declared value and import status (often including the 846A after clearance). Requirements can vary by vehicle and situation, so we review your paperwork early to avoid delays.
Yes. We coordinate directly with the seller (or their designated contact) to schedule pickup, confirm vehicle access, and align timing with export requirements. If the seller has specific release conditions, we adapt the pickup plan around them.
In general, the process includes U.S. export steps, ocean transport, and customs clearance in France (dédouanement). After clearance, the next steps depend on your vehicle’s age and specifications, including how it will be registered in France (carte grise via ANTS) and whether a standard compliance route or an FFVE route may apply for eligible collector vehicles. We keep the workflow clear without turning it into a legal or tax process.
Yes, optional Cargo Damage Protection is available for complete peace of mind during transit to France ports.
Import duty and VAT may apply in France, and the calculation can depend on the vehicle type, age, and how it is classified at import. Collector vehicles (often 30+ years old) may be treated differently than standard vehicles, but it depends on documentation and how the vehicle is cleared. We can help you understand the typical workflow and connect you with the right resources for the import side without presenting it as formal advice.
Shipping from the USA to France starts from $1,050 in a shared container (example: New York to Le Havre in 15-18 days). Final cost depends on vehicle size, departure location, and shipping method.
Yes, in many cases. Non-running vehicles often require special handling for pickup and loading, and the shipping method may be limited depending on condition and carrier acceptance. Share the listing details and known condition, and we’ll confirm the best plan before booking.
Yes. We can collect your car from homes, dealerships, and auctions across the USA and move it to our export facilities in California, Florida, and New Jersey for container loading.
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