Car Shipping from the USA to Germany
Dnipro LLC arranges ocean freight for vehicles from the United States to Germany, with a special rate starting at $525 per car to the Port of Bremerhaven.
We arrange transportation for vehicles purchased through Copart, IAAI and Manheim, as well as dealerships and private sellers. Our services include inland transport in the USA, receiving vehicles at a warehouse, export documentation, container loading and ocean shipping.
Request a Shipping QuoteHow Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the USA to Germany?
The total cost depends on the vehicle's location in the United States, its dimensions and condition, the shipping method, the port of departure and any additional services.
Shared Container Shipping
Ocean freight per vehicle to Bremerhaven
Several vehicles share a 40-foot container, helping reduce ocean shipping costs.
- Cost-effective container shipping
- Suitable for auction-purchased cars
- Options for damaged and non-running vehicles
- Destination: Port of Bremerhaven
Dedicated Container (FCL)
Private 20-foot or 40-foot container
A dedicated container can be suitable for luxury, classic and collectible vehicles or a separately arranged shipment of multiple cars.
- Dedicated cargo space
- Individually arranged loading
- Flexible planning subject to vessel schedules
- Quote based on vehicle and route details
How Does Car Shipping from the USA to Germany Work?
Vehicle Pickup
We arrange vehicle pickup from an auction, dealer or private seller.
Transport to Warehouse
The vehicle is transported to a suitable US warehouse or shipping facility.
Export and Loading
We coordinate export paperwork and secure loading into the container.
Ocean Shipping
The container travels by sea to the agreed German destination port.
Arrival and Delivery
Port procedures and optional onward vehicle transportation are arranged as agreed.
Vehicle Shipping Methods
1. Shared Container Shipping
Shared container shipping is an economical option for transporting cars from the USA to Germany. Multiple vehicles are loaded into one container using suitable handling and securing equipment. It is popular with private buyers, dealers and importers purchasing from Copart, IAAI and Manheim.
Damaged or non-running vehicles may also be accepted, depending on their condition, documentation and safe-loading requirements.
2. Dedicated Container Shipping (FCL)
A dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot container may be appropriate for high-value, vintage or specialty cars. Container size and loading arrangements are selected according to vehicle dimensions and shipping requirements.
Transporting spare tires, parts or personal belongings together with a vehicle requires advance approval and compliance with applicable shipping and customs rules.
3. Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping uses specialized vessels for vehicles that can be rolled on and off. Subject to route availability, it may be an option for buses, motorhomes, trucks or other equipment. Rates and acceptance requirements are provided upon request.
How Long Does Shipping a Car from the USA to Germany Take?
Transit time depends on the US port of departure, vessel schedule, route and possible transshipments. The following are planning estimates for the ocean portion only, not guaranteed delivery times.
| US Departure Region | Estimated Ocean Transit |
|---|---|
| US East Coast (including New Jersey) | 15–25 days |
| Texas / US Gulf Coast | 25–40 days |
| US West Coast (including California) | 35–50 days |
Allow additional time for inland pickup, export documentation, container consolidation, departure scheduling and handling at the destination port.
Our US Logistics Locations
Dnipro LLC coordinates vehicle reception and export logistics through facilities and shipping arrangements serving:
- Roselle, New Jersey (NJ) — main logistics hub
- Los Angeles, California (CA)
- Houston, Texas (TX)
- Savannah, Georgia (GA)
Vehicle acceptance at each location is subject to confirmation when booking.
German Ports for Car Shipping from the USA
Bremerhaven
Bremerhaven is the featured destination for our special offer, starting at $525 per car. This major European automotive logistics port supports vehicle handling, container shipping and onward transport throughout Germany.
Hamburg
Hamburg is a major German container port with extensive connections to inland European transport networks. Shipping via Hamburg may be arranged subject to service availability and an individual quote.
Onward Vehicle Delivery Across Germany
Subject to customs and port formalities, we can help arrange onward delivery by car carrier or recovery truck to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Leipzig, Bremen and other destinations.
Customs Clearance for Cars Imported from the USA to Germany
Importing a vehicle into Germany for free circulation can involve customs duty, German import VAT and customs clearance charges.
| Charge | General Information |
|---|---|
| Customs duty (Zoll) | The standard EU duty for many passenger cars may be 10%. Preferential or zero rates may apply to eligible vehicles depending on their verified country of origin, tariff classification and customs rules in force at the time of import. |
| Import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) | Germany's standard import VAT rate is 19%. The taxable base is determined under the applicable rules and may include customs value, duty and other qualifying expenses. |
| Other costs | Port handling, customs brokerage, possible storage, vehicle inspection and onward transportation may incur additional charges. |
Shipping Cars Through Germany to Other European Countries
A vehicle arriving in Bremerhaven does not necessarily have to be cleared for permanent import into Germany. In eligible cases, the T1 external transit procedure permits transport under customs supervision while import duties and taxes remain suspended until the procedure is properly discharged.
This may be useful for onward shipments to Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, the Netherlands and other countries. Shipments leaving the EU may involve additional transit or export formalities depending on the route.
Documents Required to Ship a Car from the USA to Germany
Documents for Export from the USA
- Certificate of Title: Proof of vehicle ownership and an acceptable title status.
- Bill of Sale or Invoice: Evidence of the purchase and price.
- Power of Attorney: Where an authorized representative needs one.
- Shipper Information: Identification or business registration details, as applicable.
- Additional Records: Any lien release or other documentation needed for the vehicle's specific title status.
Used vehicle exports must comply with US Customs and Border Protection requirements, including advance submission of relevant vehicle documents and VIN information. Verify export eligibility before purchasing a vehicle marked Junk, Parts Only or another restricted title category.
Documents for Arrival and Customs Procedures in Germany
- Ocean Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Bill of Sale or commercial invoice
- Vehicle ownership documentation
- Consignee identification and business details, where relevant
- Import customs declaration or applicable transit documents
- EORI number where required for the specific customs procedure
Exact documentation requirements depend on the vehicle and whether it will be imported into Germany or shipped onward.
Registering a US Car in Germany: TÜV and Technical Requirements
If you intend to register and drive your imported car in Germany, it must meet applicable German roadworthiness and registration requirements. Vehicles built for the US market may need inspections or modifications.
- Technical inspection: TÜV or another authorized technical inspection organization may need to assess the vehicle.
- Lighting: Headlights, indicators and rear fog lights may require adjustments.
- Instruments: Speed display and other equipment must meet applicable requirements.
- Emissions and documentation: Additional technical evidence or an individual approval may be required.
- Registration (Zulassung): The registration authority may require customs, ownership, inspection and insurance records.
Inspection and conversion costs vary by make, model, model year and vehicle condition.
Safe Container Loading and Vehicle Transport
Careful loading and securing are important parts of international car shipping. Depending on the agreed service, preparations may include:
- Checking available vehicle information and shipping documents
- Using appropriate equipment for container loading
- Securing the car to reduce movement in transit
- Sealing the container according to shipping procedures
- Providing available updates about shipment progress
- Discussing optional cargo insurance where available
Specific inspection, photo-report and insurance arrangements should be confirmed before shipment.
Why Choose Dnipro LLC?
- Special ocean shipping offer to Bremerhaven from $525 per vehicle
- Shipping solutions for cars from Copart, IAAI, Manheim, dealers and private sellers
- US inland vehicle transportation and export logistics coordination
- Shared-container and dedicated-container options
- Options for damaged and non-running vehicles, subject to acceptance
- Assistance arranging onward transportation in Germany and Europe
- Personalized quotes based on each shipment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the USA to Germany?
Dnipro LLC offers ocean container shipping to Bremerhaven starting at $525 per car. Inland trucking, port charges, customs costs and other services may be additional. Request a quote for your specific vehicle.
How long does it take to ship a car from the US to Bremerhaven?
Estimated ocean transit from the US East Coast is approximately 15–25 days, depending on the vessel and route. Preparation, consolidation, inland transport and destination-port procedures require extra time.
Can you ship a damaged car from Copart or IAAI?
In many cases, yes. Acceptance depends on the vehicle's damage, ability to load it safely, title status and carrier requirements.
What additional fees can I expect in Bremerhaven?
Depending on the agreed rate, extra charges can include container unloading, terminal handling, storage, customs brokerage, duty, import VAT and inland delivery.
Is the import duty always 10%?
No. The applicable rate depends on the car's tariff classification, verified origin and customs measures in force at the time of import. A customs broker should verify the current rate.
Will I need TÜV inspection to register a US vehicle in Germany?
German registration generally requires compliance with local technical requirements. Depending on the car, an inspection, individual approval and modifications may be necessary.
Can my car be delivered to another city in Germany?
Onward transportation from the arrival port may be arranged to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne and other locations subject to a separate quote.
Can I ship a car through Germany to another country?
Yes, subject to route availability and customs requirements. Depending on the shipment, a transit procedure such as T1 may apply.
Request a Car Shipping Quote from the USA to Germany
Planning to ship a car to Bremerhaven or another destination in Germany? Complete our English-language request form with your vehicle details, US pickup location and destination.
Our team will review your request, prepare a shipping quote and contact you with the details.
Request a Shipping QuotePhone: +1 (908) 241-2190
Email: info@dniprollc.com
