International Vehicle Shipping

Shipping a vehicle overseas has its own costs, documents and delivery steps. Our vehicle-shipping section is separate from vacation flight search so you can research an international move without confusing freight with airline fares.

VoyaFare does not book or collect payment for live freight shipments through this preview. Every shipment and price must be confirmed with an authorized carrier.

Start with the shipping route

The first decision is where a vehicle will be picked up, which departure port is realistic, which destination port is possible and whether the destination permits importing the exact vehicle. Country rules can be different for permanently importing a car versus temporarily entering with one.

Ground transportation to the export port, port storage, the ocean journey and transport after arrival can all affect cost and time. Ask a licensed shipper which parts are included in a written quote, and who is responsible for each handoff.

Containers, roll-on/roll-off and vehicle condition

Container shipping and roll-on/roll-off shipping are different services with different port, vehicle-condition and loading requirements. You should not assume every port accepts both methods or that all carriers take non-running vehicles.

Tell a prospective provider whether the vehicle starts and moves normally, whether it is oversized and whether it has special loading considerations. Where applicable, obtain a written list of what may legally remain inside the car.

What a shipping estimate does and does not include

A preliminary shipment estimate is not a locked final price. Costs can change with vehicle dimensions, seasonal port capacity, fuel surcharges, pickup location, local delivery arrangements, customs processing and changes in a shipping company's published tariff.

Destination charges, customs duties, taxes, inspection, registration, handling, storage and local fees may be payable separately. Confirm who pays each charge, in which currency and on which date. VoyaFare cannot promise a shipment price or reserved cargo space unless an authorized shipping partner has confirmed it.

Paperwork and timing to verify

Vehicle-title rules, export documentation, lienholder permission, inspection, customs declaration and emissions or age restrictions can matter. Check the export and import rules with relevant government agencies and the actual shipping provider before committing.

Ocean freight can be delayed by weather, port congestion, document problems or customs examinations. Request a realistic range instead of relying on a single guaranteed arrival date. Ask when the vehicle must be delivered and which documents must arrive before loading.

A practical preparation checklist

Photograph the vehicle's condition and mileage, remove prohibited personal items, ask about alarm systems and fuel requirements, and save copies of ownership records. Ask for the shipping company's written insurance coverage and exclusions.

If you need onward ground transportation after the destination port, research that cost separately. A low ocean quote can look attractive while excluding the most expensive destination steps.

Common questions

Does VoyaFare offer a guaranteed shipping price?

No. Planning information and any preliminary figures are not final rates. Confirm a written quote, port fees, customs, taxes and delivery terms with the actual shipping provider.

Can I ship a car that doesn't run?

Some services can handle non-running cars, others cannot. Mention the vehicle condition early and verify loading requirements and surcharges with the carrier.

Can I put luggage inside the vehicle?

Rules differ by provider, insurance terms and customs law. Obtain written clearance before placing any belongings inside.

Is this the same as VoyaFare flight booking?

No. Vehicle shipping is a separate planning service. The current website does not process freight reservations or payments.

How do I start planning?

Fill the local planning worksheet below or call (818) 570-2705. The worksheet does not automatically send your information.

Continue planning

Read the detailed international shipping guide. You can also explore international vehicle shipping checks or return to flights, hotels and car rentals.