Car shipping to USA from the UK
Ascope Shipping provides reliable car shipping to the USA from the UK for private customers, businesses, dealers and vehicle collectors. We ship cars, 4x4s, vans and other vehicles by RoRo or container from major UK ports to destinations across the United States. Whether you are relocating, exporting a classic car or purchasing a vehicle in the UK, our team can arrange collection, shipping, export documentation and delivery to your chosen US port.
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
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. We regularly ship standard cars, 4x4s, vans, classic cars and prestige vehicles from the UK to the USA, with RoRo and container options available depending on the vehicle and your requirements.
Car Shipping Options from UK to USA
We offer two main shipping options depending on your vehicle, budget, and preference.
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 CAR SHIPPING TO USA
Container shipping provides enclosed protection for classic, luxury, high-value and non-running vehicles. Your vehicle is secured inside a 20ft or 40ft container and protected during the Atlantic crossing. Container shipping can also be suitable when you need to ship a vehicle with approved personal effects or other cargo.
For full information about FCL, LCL, container sizes, household goods and cargo shipping, see our container shipping to USA page.
Car Shipping Costs from UK to USA
The cost of shipping a car from the UK to the USA depends on the vehicle size, shipping method, departure port, destination port and current sailing rates. The following are indicative port-to-port RoRo prices and should be used as a guide only.
| 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?
Sea transit times vary by departure port, US destination and vessel schedule. East Coast routes are generally faster than West Coast routes. The following figures are indicative transit times and do not include all customs or inland delivery time.
| 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.
US Import Requirements for Cars from the UK
The 25-Year Rule for Classic Cars:
The most important rule to understand when shipping a car to the USA is the US 25-year rule. Vehicles that are at least 25 years old can qualify for important federal exemptions from certain US vehicle safety and emissions requirements, subject to the applicable rules and documentation. Import requirements can vary depending on the vehicle and circumstances, so check the current requirements before shipping.
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 Required 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.
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. Looking to bring a car from the USA to the UK instead? See our car shipping USA to UK page.
How to Ship a Car from the UK to the USA
Shipping a car internationally can seem complex, but with Ascope Shipping the process is simple:
- Request a shipping quote
- Choose RoRo or container shipping
- Prepare the vehicle and documents
- Arrange UK collection or deliver to the port
- Vehicle is loaded and shipped
- US customs clearance
- Collection or onward delivery in the USA
Get a Free Quote for Car Shipping to USA
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.
