Relocation for a job, education, and the growth of e-commerce for exporting and importing vehicles are common reasons why there’s a growing need for international car shipping services.
Once you know what type of vehicles you can ship internationally, understanding proper transport methods and average price levels for each car class will help you approach the process with more confidence.
What Types of Vehicles Can Be Transported Internationally?
Streamline your understanding of international car shipping logistics with our guide below, which breaks down these two vital criteria.
Everyday Passenger Vehicles
Everyday passenger vehicles are among the most internationally shipped cars, especially due to their growing global demand. You can ship a passenger vehicle by land, sea, or air.
Land transport shipping for passenger cars via truck carrier is an option for sending a vehicle to Mexico or Canada. However, you’ll use sea or air methods when shipping to other locations. Sea transport is more popular since it’s less expensive on average, but the higher cost of air transport gives you faster/safer delivery, total enclosure, and less handling.
Sea international shipping for passenger cars includes roll-on/roll-off or container services. Roll-on/roll-off is the most affordable option and involves your vehicle getting driven onto an open deck within a ship’s hull. You can alternatively order a shared or exclusive shipping container to store your car, with solo storage being the most expensive. Roll-on/roll-off and container sea shipping services typically use different vessel types.
Weighing factors like your passenger vehicle’s desired delivery timeline and value (financial/sentimental) can help you decide which service is most apt.
Classic and Luxury Automobiles
Drivers can ship classic and high-end vehicles internationally, but transporting these automobiles requires special considerations.
For example, if you’re shipping an expensive classic worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, air transport is likely the best option. It offers protection from the elements, increased security, and reduced handling—all at the fastest possible rate. This expedited shipping time can also prove valuable when meeting tight deadlines for scheduled events like car shows.
Still, most classic and luxury automobiles can reach their international destination safely with sea shipping, especially with an exclusive container. Whether shipping a high-value or economy-passenger car, you’ll benefit from purchasing insurance since standard auto insurance typically doesn’t cover international shipping.
Sports Cars and Performance Vehicles
Internationally shipping sports cars and performance vehicles requires many of the same precautions as transporting classic and luxury automobiles, with some distinct considerations.
First, you must prioritize any special shipping requirements for storing and handling a sports car or performance vehicle, which often carry extra costs. For example, a car in this class may require specialized padding to protect exposed and fragile aerodynamic elements during transit like a rear wing.
Low-clearance high-performance vehicles could call for specialized loading and unloading procedures, such as using quality/weight-rated ramps, hydraulic lifts, or air suspension adjustments. More high-value or sensitive sports cars and performance vehicles may require shipping within a climate-controlled environment.
Many sports cars and performance vehicles are modified, and depending on where you’re shipping to and from, they might need additional documentation or inspections.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
While electric and hybrid vehicles can be shipped internationally, their prominent use of lithium-ion batteries warrants specialized handling, including differences between new and used cars.
You can ship a new electric or hybrid vehicle internationally with or without a container, but used automobiles within this class typically require a container since there’s a higher risk of their lithium-ion batteries catching fire during transit. Containers allow transporters to provide a used electric or hybrid vehicle with proper ventilation and additional monitoring.
Car manufacturers can often guarantee the health of a new electric or hybrid vehicle’s battery, reducing their possibility of a hazard.
Some Oversized Vehicles
Oversized vehicles that people ship internationally often include large SUVs, heavy-duty pickup trucks, and RVs. International auto transport services require owners of these vehicles to provide measurements. Accurate measurements are essential for oversized vehicles since inaccurate numbers could affect transport safety, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency.
Roll-on/roll-off shipping can work for some oversized vehicles but won’t accommodate all types. However, a flat rack container may have certain weight or width restrictions. Aircraft transit might not be able to fit certain types of oversized vehicles, possibly requiring disassembly.
Non-Operational or Project Cars (With a Catch)
You may be surprised that you can often ship non-operational or project cars internationally.
Non-operational vehicles are best suited to container shipping, as loading and unloading is more secure, transport is more flexible if the car is partially assembled, and there’s more protection from outdoor elements. However, some ports may have limitations for accepting non-operational vehicles.
Operational project cars are more adaptable between roll-on/roll-off and container shipping overseas.
Vehicles That May Face International Shipping Restrictions
Age, emissions, and size are three factors that are most likely to result in international shipping restrictions.
There’s an overlap between age and emissions, as older vehicles produce more emissions. Many countries place an age limit on imported cars with this environmental impact in mind, especially with nations adopting more mandates requiring more electric vehicle manufacturing to work toward exclusive sales of emission-free cars.
Age limits on international vehicle shipping vary by country. For example, many nations enforce the US guideline banning imports of cars under 25 years old unless the vehicle is made for the US (or other applicable country’s) market. In contrast, you don’t need to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to import something like a 1990s Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Some countries and auto transport companies may have size and weight restrictions for international vehicle shipments.
Additional Considerations for International Car Shipping
You can ship an array of cars internationally, with the primary caveat being varying regulations between certain countries in areas like documentation, weight, or dimensions. Working with quality shipping companies or experienced agents helps you navigate these nuances to achieve more seamless delivery.
Auto transport brokers can connect you with reputable shipping companies or seasoned agents for direct support. While working to meet international shipping guidelines, these parties can help you understand special considerations that your car may require during international transport.
There’s less need to focus on road transport for international shipping, considering limited routes from the US. However, if you’re transporting a car to Canada or Mexico, road auto haulers also offer open, enclosed, and solo enclosed transit options.
