Car Shipping to United Kingdom (UK) from USA

02/4/2017 | How Import Your Car

Shipping Cars to United Kingdom (UK) from the USA

Shipping Cars to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

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Whether you need to ship a car to the United Kingdom (UK) or multiple vehicles, the process is straightforward and simple. Depending on the service you choose, there are different options to lower your costs or send a vehicle to the United Kingdom (UK) fast. 

If you are just looking for rates or car shipping costs to the United Kingdom (UK), there a multiple options to choose from including our cost effective shared container service, as well as sole use 20ft and 40ft containers for those considering a household removal with your vehicle.

With 5 locations across the U.S. near major departure ports and one in Suffolk, England, we can pick up anywhere in the USA and deliver directly to your flat in the United Kingdom (UK) reliably and easily. You’ll always have options to choose from for departures, domestic transport and arrivals.

In the next few sections we’ll cover the different car shipping options from the USA, important documentation when importing a car to United Kingdom (UK) and the mutual recognition policy.

How to Ship Your Car to the UK

There are two main ways to ship a car from the USA to the United Kingdom (UK): via a containerized service or roll-on roll-off. We will explain the benefits of both and the service options.

Containerized
You can ship cars two ways with a container; consolidated or individually. As we are consolidation experts, this is the method that we recommend to clients. 

Using this service, your vehicle is shipped inside a 40ft container with others bound for the United Kingdom (UK) not only reducing the ocean transport costs but the destination and unloading fees as well.

We can also move your auto inside its own 20ft container just as easily. The fees will be more, but arrival and departures times will be less and if you’re bringing household goods they can go inside the container as well.

US Departures

• Miami, FL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles/Long Beach
• New York/New Jersey
• Savannah, GA

Our port of entry for containers in England is Felixstowe.

Roll On Roll Off
Shipping a vehicle via Ro-Ro to the United Kingdom (UK) is a second option. All cars must me in running condition to use this method, as they must be driven into the hull of the shipping vessel.

Depending on departure locations and which arrival port you use, single vehicle rates may be less, however nothing is allowed inside the car and sail times can be longer.

If you elect this service for shipping a car to the United Kingdom (UK), departure and arrival ports are different.

The primary U.S. RoRo departures ports we ship from are:

• Baltimore, Maryland
• New York, New York

Arrival ports for autos using RoRo include Liverpool and Southampton with the latter being more frequented.

Documentation

To ship a car to the United Kingdom (UK), international auto transporters will need original documents for both exporting the vehicle from the U.S. and importing it into the United Kingdom (UK). These include:

• original title
• certificate of origin
• bill of lading
• dock receipt

You won’t have to worry about anything on the exporting side, as it is included in our service. We will need the paperwork from you in order to prepare it for customs. Once the vehicle is with us, we’ll take care of the rest.

For automobile shipping to Ireland, Northern Ireland in this case, a good starting point is determining whether or not you can ship a car at all.

We recommend contacting either the DVLA in Great Britain or the DVA if you intend to import a motor vehicle that is over 10 years old. This is to insure that it meets the requirements for approval.

United Kingdom (UK) Entry Ports:

• Aberdeen
• Belfast
• Dublin
• Liverpool
• London
• Southampton (leading vehicle-handling port)

Import a Car from US to United Kingdom (UK) 

Mutual Recognition and Why It’s Important

Mutual recognition only applies to those who are shipping a car to the United Kingdom (UK) that was originally registered in the EU.

It is important because it will save time and a lot of extra work in assessing the cars conformity status to United Kingdom (UK) roadways.

When importing the car, there are different scenarios that will dictate what charges you incur upon arrival.

These depend on whether you’re relocating and changing primary residency, you are importing a previously exported vehicle or it’s a temporary import. Specifics are listed below.

Instances Requiring VAT and Vehicle Tax

• You are importing a new vehicle, less than 6 months of drive time
• Staying for a period of time over 12 months and you normally live outside the EU
• You received a refund on the VAT or sales tax of the vehicle prior
• You purchased the vehicle under a duty or tax free scheme

Instances NOT Requiring VAT and Vehicle Tax

• You live in the EU and it is only a temporary import
• You are moving to the United Kingdom (UK) and meet the qualifications for residency transfer
• Someone from outside the EU imports it for temporary individual use – Requirements:
  • Must be visiting
  • Only use the car for a 6 month period
  • Vehicle must be registered and taxed in its home country
• Students and workers that live outside the United Kingdom (UK) are eligible for a slightly longer period

*It’s important to contact the HMRC to obtain proper documentation for proof of customs relief

United Kingdom (UK) Vehicle Import Taxes:
If the above mentioned scenario does not apply to your situation, then you will have to pay the import duty and VAT tax to customs. You must also make sure that you have valid car insurance.

Those numbers are:

• Import Duty: | 10%
• VAT: | 20%
• Import Duty for Collector’s Vehicles: | 5% | with no VAT

For further information or to find out how much it costs to ship your vehicle to United Kingdom (UK), Contact us or Ask a Car Quote

Car Shipping to UAE from USA

02/4/2017 | How Import Your Car

Shipping Cars to UAE from the USA

Looking to ship a car from the USA to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or another destination in the United Arab Emirates?

The actual process is simple and after more than 20 years shipping cars from the USA, we are able to offer some of the most competitive container rates in the industry.

Fortunately, there are no age limits for vehicles when importing a car to the UAE. The main difference will be in the form of duties and taxes.

However, as of 2015, conditions have changed slightly when importing vehicles in UAE from the USA and non GCC countries. Read the section below for up to date requirements.

Importing a Car to UAE from USA

The items that we will need from you in order to ship your car include:

• An invoice (bill of sale)
• Identification
• Valid title
• Valid UAE residence Visa

If you are a resident of the following AGCC countries, then you will not need the residence Visa listed above:

1. Bahrain
2. Kuwait
3. Oman
4. Qatar
5. Saudi Arabia
6. UAE

If you are importing cars in Dubai from the USA, and are not a resident of the above listed Arab GCCs, then you will need to obtain a valid UAE residence visa prior to importing your car.

Our car shipping specialists can best direct you how this can be done.

Three Ways to Ship a Car to the United Arab Emirates

Each and every shipment is different, and the methods used for transporting vehicles are more appropriate in some situations compared to others.

Container Services

Our expertise is in consolidated container shipments and this is the method we recommend. Transporting a car to the UAE using this method offers very competitive rates.

If you would prefer to ship a car to Dubai in its own container, we provide this service as well. It costs more but it can cut down the arrival time.

If you are moving to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, this would also allow you to put a reasonable amount of your belongings inside the container.

Ro-Ro

The port in Dubai does offer this service although not every port does. It stands for roll-on roll-off. Cars are transported inside the shipping vessel and secured within the hull. Car shipping to the UAE via RoRo will involve transhipping.

Air

Shipping a car to the United Arab Emirates via air freight is by far the quickest way to get it overseas.

So if you absolutely must deliver a vehicle short notice, this is a possibility. However, it is very expensive and you’re better off selecting a container service.

*All the cars we ship via ocean container will arrive in Dubai where your vehicle will be unloaded and inspected by customs.

Our UAE Car Shipping Services

If you’ve already decided to ship your car, then you know that there are two different aspects: exporting the vehicle and importing the vehicle.

For the export side here in the USA, we offer:

• US customs clearance
• Domestic pickup (if you need it)
• Inspection at our warehouse with images
• 24/7 online tracking

We’ll also make sure that you have all the necessary documents for importing your vehicle to the UAE before it leaves the U.S.

Once it arrives, our agents will help you with the import process and the associated destination fees.

Costs, Importation and Customs in Dubai

Costs are calculated using space and also vary depending on the method of transport. Since it’s impossible for us to know these, we can’t supply an accurate cost until we’ve got your location and vehicle information.

We can however give you an idea of what you’ll have to pay once it arrives. Dubai has favorable duties on cars. You’ll have to pay 5% of the total value including insurance and transport.

They’ll base this amount on the invoice of the vehicle.

How Long Will it Take to Ship a Car to UAE?

Car shipping to the UAE entails transshipments which mean slightly longer sail times. If you want to move a car from New York or another east coast location, sail times are between 3 and 5 weeks. From the west coast, cars will be on the water between 5 and 7 weeks.

For further information or to find out how much it costs to ship your vehicle to UAE, Contact us or Ask a Car Quote

Car Shipping to Turkey from USA

02/4/2017 | How Import Your Car

Shipping Cars to Turkey from the USA

In line with the custom regulations of Turkey, the only way a foreigner can ship their car to the country and import it is if they are moving to Turkey for work, retirement or education.

Should you fall into one of these categories, the next step would be to obtain an alien vehicles temporary entry card, or blue card as it’s referred to. The only place that you can get this special entry card is from the Turkish Touring and Automobile Union.

Customs Tax on Cars Shipped to Turkey

The customs fee for cars depends on the vehicle’s engine size and age and also whether you are obtaining temporary status or applying for a residence permit.

Obtaining Temporary Entry for Your Vehicle

To obtain the entry card, you need to first pay a fee and present the following documents:

• Residence permit (for work, education or retirement purposes)
  • Your work permit (if you are a foreigner working in Turkey)
  • Foreign retirees need a document indicating the amount of their retirement pension
  • For students, a certificate from their school
• Passport and a photocopy
• Valid driving license and photocopy
• Proof of ownership (registration documents, purchase invoice)
• Proof of insurance valid in Turkey

After the temporary entry card has been issued for the imported vehicle, you must take it to the customs office to pay the fee. In addition, if you are registering the vehicle you have to go to the Turkish Traffic Department Directorate in the specific province that you received residence.

Important Deadlines for Auto Shipping to Turkey

For those adhering to the temporary entry card status, the foreign plated vehicle can only be used in Turkey for a duration of 6 months in a 12 month period.

Once the time is up, the car must leave Turkey for a minimum of 6 months before the process can be repeated. The maximum amount of time this can be done is two. Under certain circumstance, those with a retirement visa can bring their car into Turkey for up to one year before the vehicle must leave.

For further information or to find out how much it costs to ship your vehicle to Turkey, Contact us or Ask a Car Quote

Car Shipping to Switzerland from USA

02/4/2017 | How Import Your Car

Shipping Cars to Switzerland from the USA

There are many questions that come up before you ship your vehicle abroad. You first have to determine which regulations and classifications apply to your personal situation. Switzerland, for example, makes the distinction between undeclared vehicles, meaning essentially the vehicle has no prior registration and has not been taxed, vehicles for temporary use, and relocation to Switzerland from a foreign country.

Different Scenarios When Importing Your Car

Instance 1:

• You must declare your vehicle the first chance you get with customs and only in person. You will be liable for customs duties as well as the VAT.
• All vehicles which are imported or driven across the border are subject to a technical test.

Instance 2:

• Temporary visitors with residence abroad can operate their vehicle without paying import duties. After filling out the documentation, Form 15.30, a simple permit is required. It is applicable to foreign employees, students and interns and lasts for two years.

Instance 3:

• If one is moving to Switzerland, the car will be duty free if it was used for at least 6 months abroad under your ownership.
• Registering the vehicle is required after customs in the canton where you have declared residence.

For more information, please visit the Swiss Customs Administration website.

How Swiss Duties are Calculated for Motor Vehicles

1. Rates are the same for used and new cars
2. Depending on weight and motor size, rates can range from 12 to 15 CHF per 100kg or 220Lbs. (applies to motorcycles shipped into Switzerland as well)
3. VAT is 8%, based upon an assessment of the value of the car
4. Currency is converted into Swiss Francs and duties are payable in cash upon entry

3 Car Related Facts About Switzerland

1. It was once illegal to slam your car door
2. Every car with snow tires must have a sticker that reminds the driver not to drive faster than 160 km/h with the tires on
3. There is a fine for leaving the keys in your unlocked car.

For further information or to find out how much it costs to ship your vehicle to Switzerland, Contact us or Ask a Car Quote

Car Shipping to Sweden from USA

02/4/2017 | How Import Your Car

Shipping Cars to Sweden from the USA

If you or someone you know is planning on shipping a car to Sweden from the United States, we’ve included port locations (both export and import), car shipping methods and additional information like what documentation you’ll need to ship your vehicle, costs, what to expect at customs and much more.

Experienced Auto Transporters

For the past 20 years, we’ve specialized in international auto transport and currently have services leaving for Sweden every other week.

The first part of the process, exporting, is straightforward and depending on your time frame, we can accommodate you with a fast service or ship your car in a shared container to keep the costs down to a minimum.

If you qualify for a duty free import, then the overall expense can be substantially reduced. We will explain how that works in the following sections.

First, lets talk about the different ways to ship your car and which options you have in terms of where your car will be leaving the US from and once it arrives in Sweden.

Major Destinations

• Gothenburg
• Helsinborg
• Linkoping
• Malmo
• Stockholm
• Uppsala

It’s important to note that because it is part of the EEA as well as the EU, there are slightly different requirements for vehicle imports.

As we specialize in shipping cars to Sweden from the US, the information applies to these two countries.

Car Shipping to Sweden: Ro-Ro and Container Services

There is a good chance that if you are moving to Sweden with a car or household goods, your shipment will either go through Stockholm or Gothenburg, with the latter being the main port that we use for our consolidation services.

We can offer a direct, fast sail service to both ports, but you may need to book a single use 20′ container. Ask your salesperson for more information when getting a quote.

Additionally, Pro Imports Motors and our overseas partners can arrange inland transport to most cities and our agents will be glad to help you with this when you arrive.

The two main ocean freight methods for car shipping to Sweden include a container service or a roll-on roll-off service.

We offer both but we specialize in consolidated container shipments and with five US warehouse locations near major ports, we’re able to offer very competitive rates.

Port Information

This option can take slightly longer because we’ll need to load multiple cars before your container will depart. So it’s a trade off between the cost and amount of time it takes.

For those that have a time constraint and need to ship a car to Sweden in a hurry, you can book your own 20ft. You have full control over the sail dates and arrival dates with this service.

A Ro-Ro service is also available. The “on the water” sail time is usually similar to that of containers and it’s a good option for single vehicles.

Because the method in which a vehicle is transported can influence departure ports and arrivals, make sure to let your sales specialist know and we’ll find the option that works best for you.

Importing Vehicles

As mentioned earlier, there is a scenario when a person will be able to ship their car and import it free of duties and taxes.

The only way to be eligible is if you’re relocating permanently and declaring residency. If you can answer yes to the following questions then under most circumstances you’ll be able to ship a car to Sweden duty and tax free.

• Have you owned your vehicle longer than 6 months prior to moving?
• Have you lived in your current home outside of the EU for over a year?
• Have you obtained authorization from Sweden’s migration office to stay longer than the 3 month tourist duration?
• Have you applied for a personnummer at the local tax office?
• Is your vehicle for personal use?
• Are you planning to keep the automobile in your possession for more than a year?

*Additionally, customs often requires proof of meeting the above requirements in the form of purchase receipts, proof of residence, etc.

Customs Documentation for Clearing Your Car
You will need the majority of the documents in order to fill out the single administrative document and declare your belongings and also if you are applying to waive the import duty and associated taxes.

Required Paperwork

• Certificate of registration
• Purchase invoice or bill of sale
• Original title
• Proof of registration and insurance from in the US
• Passport photo

Should one not apply for the relief or be ineligible, the applicable VAT in Sweden is 25% in addition to the duties charged by customs.

For further information or to find out how much it costs to ship your vehicle to Sweden, Contact us or Ask a Car Quote