FAQ – CAR IMPORT FROM NORTH AMERICA

I PURCHASED A CAR IN THE USA AND WANT IT SHIPPED TO GERMANY, WHAT NOW?

Give us a call Tel: +49 471/9481651 and let us know if we should pick up your car from the seller or if you would like to deliver it yourself to our warehouse in the port of shipment. Alternatively, you can ask the seller to bring the vehicle to the port. We tell you what kind of data we need for car shippings from the USA and then arrange the transport.

CAN I MAKE THE PAYMENT OF THE BUYING AMOUNT TO MY US SUPPLIERS THROUGH YOU?

We offer a trustee and escrow service (payment of the purchase price for goods or documents) for car imports from America. Safe vehicle purchase: the LPL escrow and escrow service. For terms and conditions please contact us.

MAY MY VEHICLE BE FULLY FUELED DURING THE SHIPPING?

No, for vehicle imports from the USA, the tank may only be filled to a maximum of 1/4, otherwise the excess will be sucked out.

IS THE CAR TRADE IN A CONTAINER?

Yes, shipping from America is usually done in 40 'collection containers. In these collection containers several vehicles are transported to keep the cost of the individual vehicle as low as possible. For very valuable vehicles, the exclusive transport in a 20 'container (surcharge) is possible. Car shipping on ro-ro ferries is the alternative to container transports.

WHICH PORTS ARE POSSIBLE?

The main ports are New York, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles and Oakland / San Francisco. However, we can also pick up your vehicle from the US and transfer it by truck to our packing station in the nearest US port. Our long-term forwarding partners in North America specialize in automobile shipping.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED UPON DELIVERY IN THE US HARBOR?

Our US docking station at the port of shipment needs the original title as soon as possible and a copy of the Bill of Sale. Without these documents, no car shipment from the US can be made. If you deliver the vehicle yourself, you can submit the documents to our charging station. If we are to pick up your vehicle, the seller (or you) must send these documents by courier to our packing station.

WHEN IS MY CAR PICKED UP FROM THE SELLER?

As a rule, the vehicles will be picked up from the seller within one week of placing the order. Our forwarding partner on site agrees in advance with the seller to organize the takeover of the car.

DOES A CARGO / TRANSPORT INSURANCE MAKE SENSE FOR US IMPORT CARS?

Even though car shipping is very safe, and damages are only exceptions, the conclusion of a transport insurance is still useful. The transport is not automatically insured. We therefore recommend the conclusion of a transport insurance. This can optionally be completed against damage (total risk) or total loss (e.g. Shipwreck). The deductible in both cases is EUR 200 per claim.

CAN YOU LOAD PARTS IN THE VEHICLE?

Yes, but then an exact packing list of the parts in German as well as the corresponding invoices are needed. However, food and alcohol are not allowed.

DO I GET A CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE FROM YOU?

Yes, with the tax assessment and the invoice, you will also receive the clearance certificate from us.

CAN MY VEHICLE ALSO BE COLLECTED BY THIRD PARTIES?

Yes, if the collector can present a power of attorney for collection this is not a problem.

MUST MY OLDTIMER IMPORT BE SHIPPED TO ROTTERDAM IN ORDER TO BE INTRODUCED FREE OF CHARGE?

No, the vintage car shipment can also be done via Bremerhaven. This is usually even cheaper, faster and less inconvenient. Communication problems can be excluded from the outset.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CUSTOMS FREE OLDTIMER IMPORT?

The vehicle must be at least 30 years old and in good original condition. In addition to duty-free, a reduced rate of import tax (7% instead of 19%) is also possible. So-called hot rods and replicas can not be introduced at a discount. The final decision whether an import classic car meets the requirements described is incumbent on the European customs authorities.

HOW LONG DOES THE TOTAL AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORT FROM THE USA TO GERMANY TAKE?

The average duration of transport from order placement to arrival in Bremerhaven is currently between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on the port of shipment and shipping space availability. US car imports from the ports of the US West Coast take slightly longer than those of the East Coast.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO PAY THE COSTS OF CAR TRANSFERS?

You will only have to pay the entire shipping cost after your US car arrives in Bremerhaven. The US $ share of the freight is converted into EUR at an official shipping rate. Payment can be made in cash upon collection or by transfer to our account. Payment by credit card is not possible.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ARRIVAL OF MY VEHICLE IN BREMERHAVEN?

After your ship arrives, your US car or vintage car import will be unloaded from the container and stored. We will inform you in time when the vehicle can be picked up in Bremerhaven. Upon request, we also deliver the vehicle to your doorstep.

WHO TAKES CARE OF THE REFITTING OF MY CAR IMPORT FROM THE USA?

Through our local partner, we can offer you the ready-to-fit refitting of your car. However, you can also have the retrofit carried out at a specialist company in your hometown.