Does anyone have any idea how to figure out the costs to import a car these days
Thanks
David
Thanks
David
Importing an E9
- Thread starter D Calkins
- Start date
Hi David, I’m importing a car from Germany to San Diego, here’s the breakdown from the dealer via West Coast Shipping:
$3,850 ocean freight in a consolidated 40ft container from Rotterdam to Oakland, CA port (all-in)
$725 open trailer delivery to San Diego, CA (or $995 for enclosed trailer)
Optional all-risk cargo damage protection is available for 2% of the declared cargo value, with a deductible of $500 in case of damage (Learn more HERE)
US Import Duties
Translating documents is $75 per page, for example, foreign title, Bill of Sale (if issued in English then we don't need to translate)
Merchandise Processing Fee 0.3464% (max $615)
Custom Duties Fee 12.5% on classic cars (subject to change)
Harbor Maintenance Fee 0.1250%
Customs Bond Fee 1.15% (min. $125; max $650)
$850 trucking from Germany to port of Rotterdam.
$3,850 ocean freight in a consolidated 40ft container from Rotterdam to Oakland, CA port (all-in)
$725 open trailer delivery to San Diego, CA (or $995 for enclosed trailer)
Optional all-risk cargo damage protection is available for 2% of the declared cargo value, with a deductible of $500 in case of damage (Learn more HERE)
US Import Duties
Translating documents is $75 per page, for example, foreign title, Bill of Sale (if issued in English then we don't need to translate)
Merchandise Processing Fee 0.3464% (max $615)
Custom Duties Fee 12.5% on classic cars (subject to change)
Harbor Maintenance Fee 0.1250%
Customs Bond Fee 1.15% (min. $125; max $650)
$850 trucking from Germany to port of Rotterdam.
Thanks Eric
Here's a shipping calculator I've used to get an estimate of costs.
https://thedailyvroom.com/import-ca...hlid=f90e7e5b99a693f27f6ce72159049a6e9ab2fb6d
https://thedailyvroom.com/import-ca...hlid=f90e7e5b99a693f27f6ce72159049a6e9ab2fb6d
Thanks, that simplifies things. Although the 9 was not an option
I used West Coast Shipping for my import from Australia. I highly recommend them. Be VERY careful about duties and taxes, and potentially tariffs (though the SC has now struck them down). It is a very fluid situation. I used a dedicated container btw. Good luck!
Last edited:
Yea, I know that they are not listed but it does give you a rough estimate based on price. It also only gives you the option for RORO service and a container is going to be more expensive as well.
“Be very careful…” as in don’t be surprised if it costs more than you planned or do you mean that there are steps you can take to reduce those costs?
I really recommend speaking with West Coast Shipping. Alex Naumov is the key guy ([email protected]). My car wound up costing me more than planned. I paid the 2.5% import fee and no other tariffs, until I got a tariff bill from CBP for 10% of the value of my car six months later out of the blue! That was NOT supposed to happen. The Supreme Court has now ruled that illegal and I am awaiting for a rebate. I would be say 1) don't be surprised if it costs more and 2) not much you can do reduce those costs (unless you do a ROLO (roll on roll off) which I don't recommend. Hope this helps!
And now I can report how long the process took. From the day I paid for the car until it was delivered was 11 weeks.
Yes, the cost estimates were quite accurate. Customs documents pending so I don’t yet know about that. It’s a wonderful original paint no rust survivor but it’s been off the road for decades so it will need all systems gone through. But that’s a big part of the entertainment.Congrats! Did it come in at budget? And hey, pics or it didn't happen! Let's see this beauty please!
Attachments
Nice.
Fiat 124 sedan with 5 speed?
Love the color.
It will be the only one at the local C&C
Fiat 124 sedan with 5 speed?
Love the color.
It will be the only one at the local C&C
It’s a Euro version of the 124 sedan, a 124 Special T 1400. Instead of the 1438 pushrod engine it has the same DOHC as the sport coupe and spider. 4-speed.Nice.
Fiat 124 sedan with 5 speed?
Love the color.
It will be the only one at the local C&C
Here’s the only photo I have of my US version car from high school and college days. And the Euro version in a period ad featuring stunt man Remy Julienne.
Attachments
What are the import duties (into the US) for a car that is older than 25 years old please?
And what happens if you send a US car to Europe to get fully restored upon rentry? Do you pay the US some sort of tariff on the parts?
TIA
And what happens if you send a US car to Europe to get fully restored upon rentry? Do you pay the US some sort of tariff on the parts?
TIA
They estimated 12.5% subject to change. I’ll let you know what it really turns out to be. As to the second question I do not know.
My neighbor has sent Ferraris and Maseratis to Italy for restoration. Apparently there is a car “passport” that allows the car to be in a foreign country for under 6 months without paying duties. Equivalent to shipping your car over to Europe to drive around and then ship back. Although I imagine that’s expensive, if you’re in Europe for a few months may be worth paying the $6k or so for back and forth shipping instead of having a rental.
Let’s say you ship your classic to Europe to participate in a road rally. Could be any vintage car, Maserati, Lambo. BMW etc. you drive the rally or take it on a long sightseeing trip to the Alps. While there you have a catastrophic engine failure requiring a full rebuild. You find a European specialist to rebuild your engine. Keeping in mind that you have the six month window before your car’s “visa” expires.
When you bring you car with the rebuilt engine back to the states do you have to declare the parts needed for the rebuild or other repairs and pay tariffs? I guess one could take a don’t ask don’t tell approach? That could be one (expensive) way to circumvent the tariff nonsense. Certainly easier than trying carry a set of forged pistons in your suitcase.
Last edited: