Shipping a Car from the USA to Germany
Germany is the front door of Europe for American cars, and Bremerhaven is the doorknob: the continent's biggest vehicle port, with constant sailings from the US East Coast. We truck your car to the export port, then our FMC licensed sister company, Royal Port Container Lines, Inc. DBA Cassandra Logistics, books the crossing.
What does shipping a car from the USA to Germany cost?
Two clean pieces. The US trucking leg prices instantly in our calculator. For the ocean leg you see the ocean carrier's actual invoice and our commission capped at $100. Because German duty and VAT are calculated on value plus freight, a padded ocean rate would tax you twice. Ours does not.
Why is the 30 year mark the magic number for Germany?
EU rules treat original-condition vehicles roughly 30 years and older as collector items, which slashes the duty and tax bill compared to a regular import. That single rule powers a steady stream of American muscle cars, classic trucks, and vintage European cars returning home through Bremerhaven. If your car qualifies, the ocean crossing is often the smallest cost in the whole project, and our classic car shipping guide covers the white-glove US leg.
How fast is the Atlantic crossing to Bremerhaven?
Fast. Two to three weeks on the water from the US East Coast is typical, making Germany one of the quickest overseas destinations we serve. Add under a week of US trucking to the port and most shipments are on German soil within a month of pickup.
What taxes will my car pay entering Germany?
A standard car entering the EU typically pays around 10 percent duty plus 19 percent German VAT on value plus freight, while qualifying classics pay far less and qualifying household relocations can pay nothing. Your German customs broker locks the exact numbers. Our job is delivering the vessel and a flawless document set, and the US-side checklist is in the export documents guide.
RoRo or container across the Atlantic?
Bremerhaven takes both constantly. RoRo is usually the value play for a running vehicle on this lane because service is so frequent. Container earns its premium for classics, non-runners, and high value cars that should not sit on an open vehicle deck. Email us the car and we quote both against the next sailings.
Germany shipping questions
What duty and tax does Germany charge on an imported American car?
A standard passenger car entering the EU through Germany typically pays around 10 percent import duty plus 19 percent German VAT, both calculated on the car's value plus freight. Your customs broker confirms exact figures for your vehicle before it sails.
Is there a tax break for shipping a classic car to Germany?
Yes. Vehicles roughly 30 years or older in original condition can qualify as collector items under EU rules, which drops the combined duty and tax burden dramatically. This is why so many American classics cross to Germany every year.
Why does everyone ship cars to Bremerhaven?
Bremerhaven is Europe's biggest vehicle port, with constant RoRo and container service from the US East Coast and rail and autobahn connections to the whole country. Frequent sailings mean better rates and shorter waits.
Can a US spec car be registered for German roads?
Usually yes, after a technical inspection and sometimes lighting or emissions modifications. The TUV process is your receiver's side of the job. Older collector vehicles typically face a gentler path than late models.
How long does shipping from the USA to Germany take?
The North Atlantic is one of the fastest crossings there is: roughly two to three weeks on the water from the US East Coast to Bremerhaven, plus under a week of US trucking to the port.
Does a returning German resident pay duty on their own car?
Someone relocating to Germany who has owned and used the car abroad for the qualifying period can often import it duty and tax free as household property. The paperwork must be right, so have your customs broker confirm eligibility before the car sails.
Actual carrier invoice, our commission capped at $100. Price the US trucking leg in the calculator.
Email us your shipment