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YOUR CLASSIC DESERVES THE WORLD STAGE. LET'S GET IT TO ESSEN.

Ship Your Car to Retro Classics Essen With the Industry Leaders

We specialize in transporting classic cars and youngtimers by ocean container for Retro Classics Essen. Our team has shipped hundreds of collector vehicles to Germany's premier classic car fair, helping exhibitors and buyers navigate international logistics with confidence.

From secure container shipping to complete customs documentation, our California, Florida, and New Jersey facilities streamline the entire process of getting your vehicle to Messe Essen. Get a tailored quote today.

Essen Shipping Calculator

West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us?

For nearly two decades, we have worked with local and international owners to ship collector cars across the globe. With export facilities in California, Florida, and New Jersey, West Coast Shipping is ideally positioned to streamline the entire process of shipping your classic car to Germany. From cost-effective ocean container freight to rapid air transport, our experienced team ensures your vehicle arrives at Retro Classics Essen safely and on schedule so you can focus on Europe's most exciting new classic car fair.

Once your car arrives at one of our leading facilities, we guide it through customs and documentation, then secure it in a container for ocean transit to Bremerhaven or Hamburg. Our track record proves we know how to handle rare classics, German youngtimers, American muscle, and everything in between with the care and efficiency these vehicles deserve.

We collect your car from anywhere across the United States using open or enclosed carrier. 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 car yourself.

With nearly 2 decades of experience in loading containers, we make sure that your cars are safely secured for their journey overseas.

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

From air to ocean freight, we specialize in moving collector cars worldwide. Using our California facility, we are ideally positioned as the nearest import/export location to Essen.

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Export Locations

We load and ship cars from our warehouses in CA, FL, and NJ.

Learn more about our locations here.

Retro Classics Events 2026

Retro Classics Essen 2026: The Premiere Edition

Germany's newest classic car fair debuts at Messe Essen from April 8 to 12, 2026. With eight halls showcasing over 2,500 vehicles from international dealers, collectors, and clubs, Retro Classics Essen brings driving culture to the heart of the Ruhr region.

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Retro Classics Stuttgart 2026: The Flagship Show

The original Retro Classics returns to Messe Stuttgart from April 29 to May 2, 2026. As Europe's largest spring gathering for classic car enthusiasts, this five-day event draws 90,000 visitors and 1,600 exhibitors just minutes from Stuttgart Airport.

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Retro Classics Bavaria 2026: The Season Finale

Retro Classics Bavaria closes the driving culture calendar at Nuremberg Exhibition Center from November 6 to 8, 2026. This intimate pre-Christmas gathering offers collectors a final opportunity to buy, sell, and celebrate automotive heritage before winter arrives.

Learn More

West Coast Shipping in the News

Germany Car Shipping Cost

Cost to Ship Your Classic Car to Germany, From Anywhere in the USA

The cost to ship a classic car to Retro Classics Essen can vary from around $1,050 for shared container shipping up to $8,000 -- $16,000 for dedicated air freight. These figures typically cover port-to-port transport and do not include additional services such as door pickup, German customs duties, inland delivery to Essen, and cargo damage protection.

We handle everything from secure container loading to final delivery coordination in Germany, ensuring your car arrives at Messe Essen on time and in pristine condition.

  • The cost to ship a car to Germany starts at approximately $1,050 to $1,800 per vehicle for ocean freight.
  • Exact pricing depends on your departure port, container type, and final delivery requirements.
  • Shared container consolidation from our California, Florida, or New Jersey facilities offers significant savings for standard-sized classics.
  • Optional Cargo Damage Protection is available - learn more about Cargo Damage Protection

By leveraging our nationwide pickup network and European delivery partners, we help you plan the optimal route to Retro Classics Essen so you can focus on the show. Use our online rate calculator or request a personalized quote for exact pricing.

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Get Instant Rates

Our car shipping calculator provides instant rates from anywhere in the USA to Bremerhaven and Hamburg.

How We Ship Cars To Germany

AIRPLANE

Need your car there fast? Air freight generally delivers in just 4 to 7 days from major US airports to Germany, making it the fastest shipping option, though pricier than container shipping. Because of its speed, air freight is often chosen for high-value classics or time-sensitive arrivals at Retro Classics Essen. Exact timing may vary based on customs clearance and final scheduling.

SHIPPING CONTAINER

We can load multiple cars into a single container for cost-effective consolidation, with transit times typically 30 to 45 days from US ports to Bremerhaven or Hamburg. Although it takes longer, container shipping offers a more economical alternative to air freight. Once your car clears German customs, our European partners coordinate inland transport from the port to Messe Essen, ensuring it arrives safely and on time.

“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

Protect Your Vehicles During Transport

Protect your classic car during international shipping to Germany with Cargo Damage Protection. This coverage safeguards your vehicle from its arrival at our warehouse through overseas delivery to Bremerhaven or Hamburg by our trusted agents. Most standard auto policies don't cover international shipping, leaving collector vehicles exposed during ocean transit. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, please note that our liability is capped at $500 per the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.

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Documentation Required to Ship Cars from the USA to Germany

Shipping your car to Germany involves clearing US export customs and German import customs, which requires submitting several documents to prove vehicle ownership and comply with international regulations. 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)
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Dedicated Export Team

Your dedicated account manager completes all US export procedures to ensure your vehicles are approved for export.

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Wholesale Car Export Solutions for Germany

We provide high volume dealers, auctions, wholesalers, and Retro Classics Essen exhibitors turn-key shipping solutions for their vehicles.

  • End-to-end solutions between the US and Germany
  • Vehicle collection and 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 in Germany when shipping dedicated containers
  • Expedited Air Freight options
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