Car Shipping from the UK to the USA – Costs, Shipping Options & Import Rules

Shipping a car from the UK to the USA costs from £1,081 port-to-port, with weekly Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping services to major American ports. Typical ocean transit times range from approximately 11–22 days to US East Coast and Gulf ports, depending on the destination, shipping method and vessel schedule.

With over 28 years' experience in international vehicle shipping, AutoShippers provides professional car shipping services from the UK to destinations throughout the United States. Whether you're relocating to America, importing a classic British car or simply shipping your own vehicle, we offer competitive shipping rates, UK vehicle collection, specialist loading, customs documentation support and optional delivery to your final US destination.

Established in 1998, AutoShippers offers a comprehensive range of UK to USA car shipping services, including:

• Competitive car shipping prices from £1,081 for standard vehicles
• Weekly RoRo and container shipping services to the USA
• Our own container loading facilities for professional vehicle loading and securing
• Services to major US ports including New York, Baltimore, Jacksonville, San Diego and Tacoma (Seattle)
• Specialist vehicle shipping for classic cars, SUVs, 4x4s and prestige vehicles
• UK vehicle collection and US delivery options
• Optional MoveProtect shipment protection
• Shipping documentation and expert US customs clearance assistance

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to the USA?

The cost of shipping a car from the UK to the USA starts from £1,081 for a standard saloon car using Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping. Prices vary depending on the vehicle's size, shipping method, UK departure port and US destination.

For example, shipping a standard car to New York costs from £1,185, while shipping to Jacksonville, Florida, starts from £1,081. Larger vehicles, including SUVs and 4x4s, generally cost more because of their dimensions and the space they occupy on board the vessel.

UK to USA Car Shipping Prices – 2026

Compare our latest guide prices for shipping standard cars, SUVs and 4x4s from the UK to major US ports. AutoShippers operates regular RoRo services to destinations across the East Coast, Gulf Coast and West Coast.

Our current port-to-port shipping rates are shown below.

Prices are indicative port-to-port shipping rates and are subject to confirmation. They exclude any applicable import duties, customs clearance, destination charges, marine protection and optional collection or delivery services unless specifically stated in your quotation.

For an accurate shipping price, tell us your vehicle’s make, model, year and preferred US destination using our car shipping quote form here.

What Is Included in the Cost of Shipping a Car to America?

Our UK to USA port-to-port car shipping prices cover the agreed ocean freight service from the UK departure port to your chosen US destination port. Additional services and charges depend on your vehicle, destination and individual shipping requirements.

Additional services and charges may include:

• UK vehicle collection: We can arrange collection of your vehicle from anywhere in the UK.
• MoveProtect shipment protection: Optional protection for your vehicle against specified risks during international transportation.
• US port handling: Destination port handling and release charges are paid to the shipping line by our US agents on your behalf and charged accordingly.
• US customs clearance: Customs broker fees, customs bonds and applicable entry processing charges.
• US import duties and tariffs: Calculated according to your vehicle's country of origin, customs value, classification and applicable import regulations.
• US vehicle delivery: Onward transportation from the arrival port to your home, dealership or nominated destination.

AutoShippers provides clear, itemised shipping quotations so you can understand which services are included and which additional costs may apply before booking your shipment.

Get your free UK to USA quote

Car Shipping Methods from the UK to the USA

AutoShippers offers three main methods of shipping cars from the UK to the USA: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), dedicated container shipping and R-Rak shared-container shipping.

RoRo is generally the most economical option for standard, roadworthy vehicles, while container shipping is popular for classic, prestige and high-value cars. Our R-Rak system provides a third option, allowing multiple vehicles to share container space and shipping costs.

The best shipping method depends on your vehicle's value, size, condition, destination and whether you need to ship personal belongings or spare parts alongside your car.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Car Shipping to the USA

RoRo is usually the most economical way to ship a standard, roadworthy car from the UK to America, with port-to-port prices starting from £1,081.

Your vehicle is driven directly onto a purpose-built car carrier at the UK departure port, secured on the vessel's enclosed vehicle decks and driven off when it arrives at the US destination port.

AutoShippers offers regular RoRo shipping services from major UK ports, including Southampton, to destinations across the United States.

Advantages of RoRo car shipping:

• Generally the most economical method for standard cars, SUVs and 4x4s
• Regular scheduled vessel departures
• Vehicles transported inside purpose-built car carriers
• Suitable for cars, vans, trucks and other approved wheeled vehicles
• No container loading or unpacking charges

Vehicles must normally be operational and comply with the shipping line's acceptance requirements. Personal belongings are generally not permitted inside vehicles shipped by RoRo.

Find out more about our RoRo car shipping services

Dedicated Container Car Shipping to the USA

Container shipping is an excellent choice for classic, valuable, prestige and specialist vehicles, providing an enclosed shipping environment and professional vehicle securing before departure.

Your car is loaded into a dedicated 20ft or 40ft steel shipping container and securely restrained using suitable wheel chocks, straps and lashing equipment to prevent movement during transportation.

Advantages of dedicated container car shipping:

• Ideal for classic, prestige and high-value vehicles
• Dedicated 20ft and 40ft container options
• Professional loading and securing at our own facilities
• Suitable for certain non-running and specialist vehicles
• Option to ship approved spare parts or household belongings with your car
• Regular container departures to major US destinations

A dedicated 20ft container generally accommodates one standard-sized car, while a 40ft container may accommodate two or more vehicles, subject to their dimensions and the loading arrangement.

See How We Load and Secure Cars for Container Shipping

AutoShippers operates its own specialist vehicle container loading facilities in the UK, giving us direct control over how your car is handled, positioned and secured before shipping.

Watch our video to see how our experienced loading team prepares and secures vehicles inside shipping containers for international transportation.

Shipping Your Car and Personal Effects to the USA

A dedicated 20ft container can accommodate a standard car together with approximately 8 cubic metres (CBM) of household goods, depending on the vehicle's dimensions and packing requirements.

Alternatively, customers can ship their car separately by RoRo or R-Rak and arrange a shared or dedicated container shipment for their furniture and personal belongings.

For a detailed comparison, read our guide:

Shipping Your Car and Personal Effects to the USA – Together or Separately?

Personal effects and spare parts shipped with a vehicle must be approved in advance and correctly declared for US customs purposes.

Find out more about our container car shipping services

R-Rak Shared-Container Car Shipping to the USA

R-Rak is a specialist shared-container shipping system that allows up to four suitable cars to be securely transported inside a single 40ft shipping container, helping customers share container shipping costs.

Rather than paying for an entire container, each customer pays for an allocated vehicle space within a professionally loaded and secured shared container.

The R-Rak system uses purpose-designed vehicle racking equipment, allowing cars to be positioned and secured efficiently for international sea transportation.

Advantages of R-Rak car shipping:

• Share container shipping costs with other vehicles
• Space for up to four suitable cars in a 40ft container
• Specialist vehicle racking and securing equipment
• An alternative to dedicated container shipping
• Suitable for selected standard, classic and prestige vehicles
• Available on selected UK to USA shipping routes

R-Rak availability depends on vehicle dimensions, destination, shipping schedules and the availability of suitable container space.

Personal belongings are not normally accepted with vehicles using the R-Rak shared-container service.

Find out more about our R-Rak car shipping services

RoRo vs Container vs R-Rak – Which Shipping Method Is Best?

The table below compares the three main methods of shipping a car from the UK to the USA.

Which Car Shipping Method Should You Choose?

For most standard, roadworthy cars, RoRo offers the best value. For classic, valuable or specialist vehicles, a dedicated container provides an enclosed shipping environment and greater flexibility for specialist loading. R-Rak offers a cost-effective alternative for suitable vehicles where shared-container space is available.

AutoShippers can compare the available methods and provide a personalised quotation based on your vehicle, US destination and shipping requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from the UK to the USA?

Shipping a car from the UK to the USA typically takes 11–22 days by sea to major East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, while West Coast destinations generally take longer. For example, our RoRo shipping services take approximately 11 days to New York, 14 days to Jacksonville, Florida, and 24 days to Port Hueneme, California.

These are estimated ocean transit times from the UK departure port to the US arrival port. The complete shipping process may take longer when allowing for vehicle collection, loading, vessel schedules, US customs clearance and onward delivery.

UK to USA Car Shipping Transit Times by Destination

AutoShippers operates regular RoRo shipping services from UK ports including Southampton and Liverpool, with scheduled sailings to major American destinations.

The following table shows indicative ocean transit times for our UK to USA RoRo services.

Allow Additional Time for Door-to-Door Shipping

The transit times shown above are for port-to-port ocean transit only. Additional time should be allowed for UK vehicle collection, port receiving, vessel departure schedules, US customs clearance and final delivery.

Upcoming UK to USA Car Shipping Sailings

AutoShippers operates regular RoRo car shipping services from the UK to major US ports. View our latest sailing schedules for upcoming vessel departure dates, destination ports and estimated arrival times.

View latest UK to USA car shipping sailing schedules

Sailing schedules are supplied by the shipping lines and may change. Space can only be confirmed after receipt of all required documentation and payment of freight costs in full.

Where Can You Ship a Car to in the USA?

AutoShippers provides regular RoRo and container car shipping services from the UK to major ports across the United States, including New York, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Galveston, San Diego and Tacoma. Our shipping network covers the East Coast, Gulf Coast and West Coast, with onward vehicle delivery available to destinations throughout all 50 US states.

You don't need to live near a major US port to use our services. We can arrange collection from anywhere in the UK and, through our network of American agents, coordinate customs clearance, port release and onward delivery to your chosen US destination.

Car Shipping to New York and the US East Coast

Our East Coast RoRo services include New York, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston and Brunswick, providing convenient arrival points for vehicles destined for New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

We can arrange onward transportation from the arrival port to your home, dealership or another nominated address.

Car Shipping to Florida

Jacksonville is one of our main Florida arrival ports, with regular RoRo shipping services from Southampton.

From Jacksonville, onward vehicle transportation can be arranged to Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and other Florida destinations.

Car Shipping to Texas and the Gulf Coast

Our RoRo services to Galveston provide a convenient arrival point for vehicles destined for Texas and surrounding Gulf Coast states.

We can arrange onward delivery to Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and other locations throughout Texas, depending on your requirements.

Car Shipping to California and the US West Coast

AutoShippers offers car shipping to California through Port Hueneme and San Diego, providing access to major destinations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and the wider West Coast.

We offer RoRo and container shipping options, subject to vehicle suitability, current vessel schedules and destination availability.

Car Shipping to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest

Our RoRo shipping service to Tacoma, Washington, provides access to Seattle and destinations throughout Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.

Onward transportation can be arranged to Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Spokane, Portland and other regional destinations.

US Port Collection or Door-to-Door Vehicle Delivery

Whether you're shipping to a major city or an inland destination, AutoShippers can arrange port-to-port or door-to-door car shipping services.

You can choose to collect your vehicle from the nominated US receiving facility following customs clearance or arrange onward delivery to your home, dealership or another suitable address.

Our team will help identify the most suitable arrival port and shipping method based on your vehicle, destination and delivery requirements.

Importing Cars Over 25 Years Old to the USA – Duties, Taxes & Customs Regulations

Cars manufactured at least 25 years before their date of importation can generally enter the USA without having to comply with current US federal vehicle safety standards. Known as the US 25-year rule, this exemption applies to qualifying vehicles regardless of whether they are everyday cars, classic vehicles or valuable collector's cars.

AutoShippers specialises in shipping vehicles aged 25 years or older from the UK to the USA for private individuals, collectors and car dealers. We provide regular RoRo and container shipping services, together with assistance with US customs documentation and clearance arrangements.

What Is the US 25-Year Car Import Rule?

The US 25-year rule allows vehicles manufactured at least 25 years before importation to enter the United States without meeting current Department of Transportation (DOT) federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The exemption is based on the vehicle's actual date of manufacture, not simply its model year or first registration date.

For example, a car manufactured in October 2001 generally becomes eligible for the 25-year safety exemption in October 2026.

Vehicles under 25 years old must meet applicable US federal safety standards or qualify under another approved import procedure.

Importers may need to provide evidence of the vehicle's manufacturing date. Qualifying vehicles are normally declared under Box 1 of NHTSA Form HS-7.

How Much US Import Duty Is Payable on a Car Over 25 Years Old?

The standard US import duty on many passenger cars is 2.5% of their customs value, although additional tariffs may apply depending on the vehicle's country of manufacture and applicable customs classification.

On 3 April 2025, the United States introduced an additional 25% automotive tariff under Section 232. However, vehicles manufactured in a year at least 25 years before the year of US customs entry generally qualify for exemption from this additional tariff.

In July 2026, the United States introduced Section 301 tariffs including an additional 10% on many UK-origin goods, subject to product exemptions. If this additional tariff applies alongside the standard 2.5% passenger-car duty, the combined rate would be 12.5%. Your customs broker should confirm the applicable classification, exemptions and total duty before shipment.

It is important to distinguish between the country a vehicle is shipped from and where it was manufactured. A German- or Japanese-manufactured car shipped from Britain does not automatically qualify for UK-origin tariff treatment.

The final duty payable depends on the vehicle's country of origin, age, customs classification and the regulations in force at the time of importation. Additional charges may include customs processing fees, customs broker fees and destination port handling.

AutoShippers recommends confirming the applicable import duty with our US customs clearance agents before arranging shipment. We can check this for you before we arrange shipping.

Do Cars Over 25 Years Old Need to Meet US EPA Emissions Regulations?

EPA emissions requirements are separate from the 25-year safety rule. Vehicles at least 21 years old may qualify for the EPA age-based exemption if they meet the original, unmodified configuration requirements. Replacement engines must be equivalent to the original engine in model and configuration; eligibility should be checked before shipment.

Vehicles with replacement engines, engine conversions or significant emissions modifications may require additional checks before shipment.

Qualifying vehicles are normally declared using EPA Form 3520-1, Code E, as part of the US customs clearance process.

What Documents Are Required to Ship a Car from the UK?

Before shipping a car from the UK to the USA, AutoShippers will normally require:

• Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) or other acceptable vehicle registration documentation
• Proof of ownership, such as a purchase invoice or bill of sale
• Passport identification or other acceptable identification for the vehicle owner or exporter
• Vehicle details, including make, model, registration number and VIN/chassis number
• UK collection or delivery information, where applicable
• Evidence of the manufacture date, where required to confirm the vehicle meets the 25-year rule

Additional documentation may be necessary depending on the vehicle's ownership, condition and export circumstances.

AutoShippers can assist with preparing the shipping documentation and arranging UK vehicle collection or delivery to the nominated departure facility.

What Documents Are Required to Import a Car into the USA?

For US customs clearance, the main documents typically required include:

• Bill of Lading: The shipping document issued by AutoShippers confirming transportation of the vehicle to the United States
• Vehicle registration and proof of ownership: Supporting evidence of the vehicle's identity and ownership
• Purchase invoice or evidence of value: Used to help establish the vehicle's customs value
• NHTSA Form HS-7: Declares the vehicle's compliance status or applicable 25-year safety exemption
• EPA Form 3520-1: Declares the vehicle's emissions compliance status or applicable exemption
• Evidence of manufacture date: Required where necessary to establish eligibility under the 25-year rule
• US customs entry documentation: Importer identification, entry declarations and any required customs bond

Commercial imports, including vehicles purchased by dealers for resale, may require additional business identification and customs documentation.

Our US destination agents can assist with customs clearance, import declarations and arrangements for the vehicle's release following arrival.

Can I Import a Right-Hand-Drive Car into the USA?

Yes. Right-hand-drive cars can be imported into the United States, provided they meet the applicable federal import requirements or qualify for the relevant age-related exemptions.

There is no general federal prohibition on importing right-hand-drive vehicles simply because their steering wheel is on the right.

However, individual US states may have separate vehicle registration, inspection and road-use requirements.

US Customs and Import Assistance from AutoShippers

Whether you're shipping your own car or importing vehicles for commercial resale, AutoShippers can assist with UK export documentation and coordinate US customs clearance through our experienced American destination agents.

We recommend confirming your vehicle's eligibility, required documentation and applicable import duties before arranging shipment.

Official US Import Guidance:

• NHTSA – Vehicle Importation and the 25-Year Rule
• US EPA – Vehicle Import Requirements
• US Customs and Border Protection

How Does Shipping a Car from the UK to the USA Work?

Shipping a car from the UK to the USA with AutoShippers is a straightforward process, from obtaining your initial quotation to collecting your vehicle in America. We arrange regular RoRo and container shipping services, UK vehicle collection, export documentation and coordination with our US destination agents.

Here's how our six-step car shipping process works.

Step 1 – Request Your Car Shipping Quote

Tell us your vehicle's make, model, year, UK collection location and preferred US destination. We'll provide a personalised quotation outlining the available shipping methods, costs and upcoming sailing options.

Get your free UK to USA quote

Step 2 – Confirm Your Booking and Shipping Documents

Once you've accepted your quotation, we'll confirm the shipping arrangements and advise which documents are required, including your vehicle registration, proof of ownership and identification.

For US imports, vehicles must meet the applicable eligibility requirements, whether through the 25-year safety exemption, compliance with US standards or another approved import procedure.

Step 3 – Vehicle Collection or Delivery to Our Facilities

We can arrange collection of your vehicle from anywhere in the UK, or you can deliver it to our nominated exit port, receiving or loading facilities.

Your vehicle will be prepared for its booked RoRo or container shipping service, with specialist loading carried out at our own container loading facilities where applicable.

If you are delivering to the port we will send you a Standard Shipping Note (SSN) which is your official pass for entry to the port.

Step 4 – Shipping Your Car to the USA

Your vehicle is loaded onto its scheduled vessel and shipped to the nominated US destination port.

RoRo vehicles travel on specialist car carriers, while containerised vehicles are professionally secured inside shipping containers before departure.

We'll provide your shipping details, including the vessel information and estimated arrival date.

Step 5 – US Customs Clearance and Vehicle Release

When your vehicle arrives in America, our US destination agents can assist with the customs clearance process, including the required import declarations and payment arrangements for applicable duties and destination charges.

Once customs formalities are completed and the vehicle has been released, it can be collected or prepared for onward delivery.

Step 6 – Collect Your Car or Arrange US Delivery

You can collect your car from the nominated US receiving facility or arrange delivery to your home, dealership or another destination.

AutoShippers can coordinate onward vehicle transportation throughout the United States through our network of destination agents and transport providers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Car to the USA

Get a Free Quote for Shipping Your Car from the UK to the USA

Whether you're shipping your own car, importing a classic British vehicle or arranging regular shipments for a car dealership, AutoShippers can help you choose the most suitable shipping method and US destination.

Established in 1998, AutoShippers offers competitive RoRo and container shipping rates, specialist vehicle loading at our own facilities, optional MoveProtect shipment protection and assistance with US customs clearance.

Request your free UK to USA car shipping quotation today.

Get your free UK to USA quote

Simply tell us your vehicle's make, model, year, UK collection location and preferred US destination, and we'll provide a personalised quotation covering your available shipping options and costs.

Shipping Household Goods to the USA as Well?

If you're relocating to America and need to ship furniture or personal belongings alongside your car, our sister company 1st Move International offers regular international removals and shared-container shipping services from the UK to the USA.

Find out more about international removals from the UK to the USA.