For most cars, sea freight is the sensible way to cross an ocean: far cheaper than air, and, in a sole-use container, very safe. The choices are about protection and cost, and about getting the customs and compliance right at the other end.
This guide covers the methods, the typical costs and timelines, the customs and duty basics, and what to check before you ship.
Shipping methods at a glance
| Sole-use container | Highest protection · ~$4,000–$8,000 · concours and high-value cars |
| Shared container | High protection · ~$1,500–$3,500 · most collector cars |
| RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) | Open deck · ~$1,000–$2,000 · lower-value, running cars |
| Transit time | ~3–8 weeks, by route |
| Insurance | Marine cover at full agreed value |
How long it takes
Sea transit depends on the route; add customs clearance and final delivery at each end.
What it costs
Cost is driven mainly by the method and route. A sole-use container is the norm for valuable cars; RoRo is cheapest but leaves the car exposed.
Indicative ranges, October 2026. Actual cost depends on route, method, car size and insurance. Not a quotation.
Container vs RoRo
A sole-use container gives the car its own sealed, enclosed space and is the standard for valuable cars. A shared container splits that space, and the cost, with other cars. RoRo — roll-on, roll-off — is cheaper but leaves the car on an open vehicle deck, exposed to the elements and more handling; it suits lower-value, running cars rather than collector pieces.
Customs, duties and the 25-year rule
Importing a car means customs clearance, duty and taxes at the destination, which vary widely by country. In the United States the import duty on a passenger car is 2.5%, while light trucks carry 25%. Cars 25 years or older are generally exempt from US federal safety and emissions conformity — the “25-year rule” — which is why so many sought-after imports become available the year they turn 25. Always confirm the current rules for the specific car and country before shipping.
What to check
- Enclosed, sole-use container for anything valuable.
- Marine insurance at the full agreed value.
- Customs brokerage included, with duties estimated up front.
- Compliance — confirm the car meets destination rules, or qualifies for an exemption.
- Reputable forwarder experienced with collector cars and the specific route.
East Bay arranges container shipping, customs, duties and compliance, and enclosed delivery, so a car bought in another market arrives correctly and without surprises.
Request a vehicle
