All-Inclusive Moving
International Car and Motorcycle Transport
4.9
Over 1,500 moves completed
Car or Motorcycle: Check Feasibility
Shipping a car or motorcycle internationally starts with checking whether importing it is possible under the destination country’s rules. Easygroupage helps you assess whether the move makes financial and practical sense, prepare your vehicle and arrange sea transport when it is feasible and appropriate.
Car or Motorcycle: Check Feasibility
Shipping a car or motorcycle internationally starts with checking whether importing it is possible under the destination country’s rules. Easygroupage helps you assess whether the move makes financial and practical sense, prepare your vehicle and arrange sea transport when it is feasible and appropriate.
How International Vehicle Shipping Works
From checking your documents to making your vehicle available at destination, Easygroupage coordinates the key steps involved in shipping your car or motorcycle.
Check Import Eligibility
Your Easygroupage adviser first reviews the destination, vehicle type and age, ownership status and available documents. Whether you are shipping a car or motorcycle, the first question is not simply the price: it is whether importation is permitted.
Some destinations, including the United States, can make the process complex or even impossible for certain vehicles. Checking first helps avoid shipping a vehicle that could be held at the destination.
Prepare a Separate Vehicle File
Once feasibility has been confirmed, Easygroupage helps you gather the required paperwork: vehicle registration, proof of ownership, purchase invoice, declared value, passport, residency status and any destination-specific documents.
Financed, leased or encumbered vehicles may require additional authorisation. A common mistake is assuming your household moving inventory will be sufficient: customs authorities often require separate documentation for cars and motorcycles.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Collection
Before collection or drop-off, prepare your vehicle: clean it, remove personal belongings, take photographs, record its condition, make the keys available and follow the fuel-level instructions provided.
Do not leave items in the boot, cabin or motorcycle panniers. They can cause problems with customs, insurance or transport. Report any issues such as a weak battery, alarm, accessories, leaks or a vehicle that cannot be driven.
Arrange Collection or Drop-Off
Depending on the chosen service, your car or motorcycle may be collected from home, dropped at a depot or taken to the port. An inspection report and photographs document its condition before departure.
Confirm the address, access conditions, whether the vehicle is roadworthy, keys, documents and availability in advance. Missing information can delay loading or complicate export procedures.
Container, RoRo or a Tailored Solution
Your vehicle is loaded using the agreed method: a shipping container, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), a vehicle transporter or a combined solution. Cars must be positioned and secured correctly, while motorcycles require especially careful lashing.
A container does not eliminate the need for preparation. Report vehicle height, accessories, top boxes, roof boxes, mechanical condition and battery issues ahead of loading.
More Than Just the Sea Crossing
Your vehicle is transported to the port, loaded onto the vessel and shipped to its destination. Depending on the route, there may be port waiting times, transhipment or other intermediate handling.
Easygroupage tracks the main milestones, but the ocean transit time is only part of the overall schedule. Allow for preparation, export procedures, port operations, customs clearance and release of the vehicle.
Final Formalities Before You Can Drive
On arrival, your vehicle is declared, inspected and processed under local regulations. Duties, taxes, inspections or other formalities may be required before delivery or collection.
Arrival at the port does not necessarily mean you can drive away immediately. Local insurance, number plates, registration or compliance checks may still be needed. Inspect your vehicle on receipt and report any damage promptly.
Which Vehicle Shipping Option Is Right for You?
The right solution depends on the destination, vehicle type, available documents, total budget and expected delivery time. A car, motorcycle and classic vehicle have different requirements. Before choosing a shipping method, check whether importing the vehicle is possible and worthwhile.
Solution
Budget
Speed
Volume
Best for
Dedicated container
Vehicle + household goods
Full international move including a vehicle
RoRo
Vehicle only
Roadworthy vehicle, cost-conscious shipping
- All-inclusive door-to-door moving
Join the 1500+ expats who trusted us!
Our team is here to assist you in:
🇫🇷 Français • 🇬🇧 English • 🇪🇸 Español • 🇮🇹 Italiano • 🇵🇹 Português • 🇦🇪 العربية
Why Plan Your Vehicle Shipment in Advance?
Easygroupage helps you check import eligibility, prepare your documents and choose a suitable shipping solution before committing to moving your car or motorcycle.
International Vehicle Shipping Costs and Transit Times
What affects the shipping price?
The cost of international vehicle transport depends on the vehicle type (car, motorcycle or classic car), its dimensions, the destination, the shipping method (container, RoRo or a combined solution), collection and delivery services, and destination-country requirements. You should also account for insurance, port charges, possible duties and taxes, inspections and any necessary compliance work.
Transit times involve more than the sea crossing
The overall timeframe is rarely limited to the vessel’s journey. Allow time for document approval, vehicle preparation, port handling, sea transport, customs clearance and release. Some destinations also require extra inspections or authorisations before collection or registration.
Easygroupage’s advice
- Check feasibility before comparing prices: some countries restrict or prohibit imports of certain vehicles, including the United States under applicable regulations.
- Calculate the full cost: include shipping, taxes, insurance, local fees and the alternative of buying a vehicle after arrival.
- Prepare a complete file: registration, proof of ownership, declared value and destination-specific documents help avoid delays.
- Allow enough time: a vessel’s arrival does not mean your vehicle is immediately available.
- Ask for an objective assessment: selling or storing your vehicle may sometimes be more sensible than shipping it.
Check Which Destinations Are Possible
Vehicle import rules vary considerably between countries. Explore our destination guides to understand local requirements before planning to ship your vehicle.
What's Included in Our Services
- Packing materials provided
- Packing and protection of your belongings by our teams
- Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Export and import customs formalities
- Sea freight in a shared container
- Delivery to your new address
What to Budget for Separately
- International moving insurance
- Special crates for very fragile items
- Additional handling services (carrying, furniture lifts, difficult access, etc.)
- Any taxes or import duties in the destination country
- Costs arising from force majeure (strikes, rerouting, exceptional events, etc.)
Good to Know
Moving Insurance
All-risk insurance is required to protect your belongings during international transport.
Delivery Times
Sea freight transit times are estimates and may vary depending on port conditions and logistical disruptions.
Customs
Our teams help you navigate the administrative formalities required for your international move.
Solutions Tailored to Your Move
Whether you are shipping a car, motorcycle or personal belongings, Easygroupage helps you identify suitable services based on the country, volume, schedule and transport feasibility.
International Vehicle Shipping: Frequently Asked Questions
Before shipping a car or motorcycle, check the documents, destination-country rules, total cost and procedures required on arrival.
Can I Ship a Car to Any Country?
Not always. Eligibility depends on the destination, model, age, local standards and your residency status. Some countries, including the United States, make importing certain vehicles very complex or impossible. Easygroupage therefore checks whether shipping is permitted and worthwhile before confirming arrangements.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Vehicle?
Requirements vary by destination, but generally include vehicle registration, proof of ownership, the invoice or title, a declared value, identification and sometimes evidence of residency status. Leased, financed or encumbered vehicles may require additional authorisations.
Can My Vehicle Travel With My Household Move?
Sometimes, particularly when a vehicle can be included in an ocean shipment or dedicated container. However, it still requires a separate file: documents, taxes, insurance and import rules differ from those for personal effects. A shared solution may sometimes be considered for motorcycles, depending on the destination.
Do I Need to Empty My Car or Motorcycle Before Shipping?
Generally, yes. Personal belongings left in the boot, passenger compartment or motorcycle panniers can create customs, insurance or shipping problems. You should also clean the vehicle, take photographs, declare accessories and follow the fuel instructions.
Is Shipping My Vehicle Abroad Always Worthwhile?
Not necessarily. Compare the full cost of transport, insurance, duties, taxes, port charges, inspections, possible compliance work and local registration. Depending on the country and vehicle, selling it before departure, buying locally or storing it temporarily may make more sense. Easygroupage helps you assess these options objectively.
Find Out Whether You Can Ship Your Vehicle
Join the 1500+ expats who trusted us!
