Car shipping to USA – Safe UK to USA (United States of America) Vehicle Transport
Car shipping to USA from the UK is what we do best. With over 15 years of experience and more than 14,000 vehicles shipped worldwide, Ascope Shipping helps individuals, businesses, and returning residents transport their vehicles from the UK to the United States safely and efficiently. Whether you’re relocating to America, exporting a classic car, or running a dealership, we provide secure UK to USA vehicle shipping tailored to your needs.
As one of the leading international car shipping companies in the UK, we take pride in our 4.6-star Trustpilot rating from 690+ reviews, our transparent pricing, and our strong network of shipping partners. From Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) to container shipping, we make sure your vehicle reaches the USA on time and in perfect condition.
Why Choose Ascope Shipping for Car Shipping to USA
When you’re looking for the best car shipping company in the UK, experience and trust matter. Thousands of customers choose Ascope Shipping for:
- 15+ years of expertise in international vehicle transport, with over 14,000 vehicles shipped
- Regular sailings to major US ports including New York, Baltimore, Charleston, Brunswick, Galveston, Port Hueneme, and Tacoma
- Flexible door-to-port and port-to-port shipping options
- Competitive UK to USA shipping rates through our high-volume partnerships
- Full marine insurance cover for complete peace of mind
- Expert guidance on US import rules, the 25-year rule, customs clearance, and compliance
Over the years we have shipped everything from classic Jaguars, MGs, and Land Rover Defenders to modern Range Rovers and prestige cars like Bentley and Rolls-Royce to the USA. Whether it’s classic car shipping to the USA, luxury vehicle transport, or heavy equipment shipping, we handle every step with care and professionalism.
UK to USA Car Shipping Methods
We offer two main shipping options depending on your vehicle, budget, and preference.
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) Car Shipping to USA
RoRo is the most affordable way to ship a vehicle from the UK to the USA. Your car, van, minibus, truck, or agricultural machinery is driven directly onto the vessel and securely fastened for the voyage, making it a quick, efficient choice. Ideal for fully operational vehicles, RoRo pricing is based on the space your vehicle occupies. It is available with both door-to-port and port-to-port service. For more detail, see our guide to roll-on roll-off shipping.
Container Shipping to USA
For high-value, classic, or luxury vehicles, container shipping to the USA is the safest choice. Vehicles are securely loaded into 20ft containers (single car) or 40ft containers (multiple vehicles or combined household goods), with expert lashing performed at our Essex warehouse or your location. This shields your car from weather, damage, and other risks in transit, making it ideal for prestige, collector, or non-running vehicles.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to the USA?
The cost of car shipping to USA from the UK depends on your chosen method, the vehicle size, and the US destination port. As a guide, RoRo shipping starts from around £1,050 for a standard car, with East Coast ports being the cheapest and fastest. Below are approximate 2026 port-to-port RoRo costs:
| US Destination Port | Standard Car (from) | SUV / 4×4 (from) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | £1,150 | £1,450 |
| Baltimore | £1,100 | £1,400 |
| Charleston | £1,150 | £1,450 |
| Brunswick | £1,150 | £1,400 |
| Jacksonville | £1,050 | £1,400 |
| Galveston (Texas) | £1,300 | £1,450 |
| Port Hueneme (LA) | £1,500 | £1,700 |
| Tacoma (Seattle) | £1,450 | £1,850 |
These are approximate port-to-port figures and vary by vehicle size, season, and space. Container shipping costs more but offers enclosed protection. For an exact price, contact us for a free quote.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from the UK to the USA?
Transit time depends on the US destination port. East Coast ports are the fastest, while West Coast ports take longer. As a guide:
| Route | Method | Estimated Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool → New York | RoRo | 10 – 12 days |
| Southampton → Baltimore | RoRo | 12 – 17 days |
| Southampton → Charleston | RoRo | 20 – 22 days |
| Southampton → Galveston (Texas) | RoRo | 20 – 24 days |
| Southampton → Port Hueneme (LA) | RoRo | 24 – 28 days |
| UK → US East Coast | Container | 8 – 14 days |
Container shipping to the East Coast can be as quick as 8 days. Add customs clearance on arrival, usually a few days with complete paperwork.
The 25-Year Rule and US Import Requirements
The most important rule to understand when shipping a car to the USA is the US 25-year rule. Vehicles that are 25 years or older are exempt from most US EPA and DOT safety and emissions standards, which makes importing classic and vintage cars far simpler and cheaper. This is why so many American buyers seek out UK classics like the Jaguar E-Type, MG, Mini, and Land Rover Defender, once a car passes the 25-year mark, the strict federal compliance rules no longer apply. Newer vehicles, on the other hand, must meet full US federal safety and emissions standards, and may need modification and certification by a registered importer (RI) and an independent commercial importer (ICI) before they can be legally driven.
Documents You Need to Import a Car into the USA
When importing a vehicle into the USA, you must comply with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules. Getting the paperwork right before the vehicle sails is what prevents delays, storage fees, and fines at the US port. The key documents and requirements include:
- Core documentation: the original bill of lading, bill of sale or purchase invoice, foreign registration document, EPA Form 3520-1, and DOT Form HS-7. These must be accurate and match the vehicle exactly.
- Importer Security Filing (ISF): the “10+2” filing must be submitted electronically at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded, not on arrival. Missing this deadline can mean fines of up to $5,000 per shipment.
- Cleanliness (USDA): the vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out, including the undercarriage, to pass US Department of Agriculture inspection. Soil, plant matter, or insects can trigger costly cleaning delays at the port.
- Country of origin marking: the vehicle must clearly and permanently display its country of origin.
- EPA and DOT compliance: for vehicles under 25 years old, proof of conformity (or a plan to modify) is required before release.
US Import Duty on Cars
Duty on cars imported into the USA is typically 2.5% of the vehicle’s value, one of the lowest rates globally, though light trucks can attract a much higher rate of 25%. Duty is calculated on the declared value of the vehicle, so accurate paperwork matters here too. For more on how duties and taxes are worked out, see our customs duties advice.
How Ascope Shipping Handles Your US Customs Clearance
Because a small error on any of these steps can hold your vehicle at the port, we work closely with our US customs agents to handle the CBP documentation, ISF filing, clearance, and onward delivery across all US states, so nothing is left to chance. You can also read the official rules on the US CBP importing guide.
How to Ship Your Car to the USA: Step by Step
Shipping a car internationally can seem complex, but with Ascope Shipping the process is simple:
- Get a free quote
- Choose your shipping method (RoRo or container)
- Prepare your vehicle (clean it thoroughly for USDA)
- Documentation assistance from our team
- Vehicle collection and loading
- Shipping and tracking
- US customs clearance and delivery
Get a Free Quote for Car Shipping to USA
Ascope Shipping provides clear guidance on US car import rules to help you ship your vehicle with confidence. With 15 years of experience and over 14,000 vehicles shipped, we handle every step from UK collection to US delivery. Call us on 01482 228366, message us on WhatsApp at +44 7717 769925, or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation quote.