Back of the envelope cost for importing to US from Europe

[Blink]

I am sure its been posted before, but whats your back of the envelope estimate.. Lets assume the car is coming from Europe, in its own box, and that I hire an agent to get it done. $5k?

What else should i be thinking of?

Thanks

[ejboyd5]

Depends on how fast you want it.

[Blink]

Pretty patient .. month?

[nickb4]

What else should i be thinking of?

Movement
- cost to transport the car from where it is to the European shipping port
- any potential costs to store the car at the shipping yard while they wait for the boat
- Shipping from port in Europe to port in U.S.
- cost to transport the car from the port in U.S. to your driveway

Overhead
- Agent to handle importation
- U.S. duties 2.5-3% of declared value of car (from memory check u.s. customs website to confirm)
- U.S. dot Certification (not required for earlyS cars as they are exempt due to age)

[KS Carrera]

I am sure its been posted before, but whats your back of the envelope estimate.. Lets assume the car is coming from Europe, in its own box, and that I hire an agent to get it done. $5k?

What else should i be thinking of?

Thanks

I've shipped a number of cars the other way – shared container port to port is about $1000. On top, transport to shipping agent. In UK - maybe $500. No storage charge as it's up to the agent to find a boat/container. No idea what happens your end, but I'd say $5K is way over the top unless you're including import taxes etc. Insurance in transit depends on a) if you take it (I never have...) or b) the value you place on th vehicle.

[Peter burke]

I recently shipped a 1971 911s from Felixstowe to Houston using Roll On Roll Off ( as opposed to in a separate container).

The price for shipping RORO was as follows: £265 (transporting car from storage in London to Felixstowe); £210 (UK port charges/security/customs clearance) (was quoted £400 if container); £1595 shipping charges RORO Felixstowe to Houston (was quoted £2195 for container); car insurance £1031 for value £80,000 (£2,000 deductible); US$325 Agent handling fee in Houston (was quoted US$ 975 for clearance of any container/security filings); 2.5% duty on value of vehicle; US$200 delivery of vehicle from Galveston to storage facility in Houston.

Hope that's helpful. I'm sure you can get this cheaper if you shop around, but I didn't have the time to do this. If you need any contact details, please let me know. Glad to help.

[LiveFromNY]

Prices are up. I don't think you can get it done via container any longer for $5k. If anyone can, please pm me your source. I just moved a Fiat 500 from Italy to Houston and the quote was significantly more than $5k. It was close enough in cost that I ended up air-freighting it. I used Cosdel. I have a 911 that's making the same trip next month and, again, I don't think I can get it done for anywhere near $5k in a container.

[Peter burke]

Prices are up. I don't think you can get it done via container any longer for $5k. If anyone can, please pm me your source. I just moved a Fiat 500 from Italy to Houston and the quote was significantly more than $5k. It was close enough in cost that I ended up air-freighting it. I used Cosdel. I have a 911 that's making the same trip next month and, again, I don't think I can get it done for anywhere near $5k in a container.

Agree 100%. It is closer to $7,500 in a container port to port ( incl insurance but excl duties and terminal handling fees at delivery).

[KS Carrera]

I recently shipped a 1971 911s from Felixstowe to Houston using Roll On Roll Off ( as opposed to in a separate container).

The price for shipping RORO was as follows: £265 (transporting car from storage in London to Felixstowe); £210 (UK port charges/security/customs clearance) (was quoted £400 if container); £1595 shipping charges RORO Felixstowe to Houston (was quoted £2195 for container); car insurance £1031 for value £80,000 (£2,000 deductible); US$325 Agent handling fee in Houston (was quoted US$ 975 for clearance of any container/security filings); 2.5% duty on value of vehicle; US$200 delivery of vehicle from Galveston to storage facility in Houston.

Hope that's helpful. I'm sure you can get this cheaper if you shop around, but I didn't have the time to do this. If you need any contact details, please let me know. Glad to help.

£1595 RORO! First, I'd never ship a Porsche RORO, but that's just me... The thought of any dock handler starting and driving my car would scare me. However, sharing a container (most take four cars) is usually well under £1000.

OP, I'd suggest you contact Kingstown Shipping in the UK (www.kingstown-shipping.co.uk) and get a quote. They can arrange everything. I've used them five or six times, including shipping my VW Bug from the mid-west USA to the UK, then back to California for some shows, and then back home to the UK. No hassles, no damage, and great contact all the way. They have the best reputation and have agents they work with on both coasts of the USA.

Good luck.

[preS]

Prices are up. I don't think you can get it done via container any longer for $5k. If anyone can, please pm me your source. I just moved a Fiat 500 from Italy to Houston and the quote was significantly more than $5k. It was close enough in cost that I ended up air-freighting it. I used Cosdel. I have a 911 that's making the same trip next month and, again, I don't think I can get it done for anywhere near $5k in a container.

You might look into shipping from Rotterdam or Antwerp instead of Italy because those much larger ports.

Richard