25-year rule
Vehicles 25 years old or more are generally easier to import into the US. Newer cars face strict rules.
UK → United States
Export a car to the USA.
British classics are highly sought after in the US. We prepare, ship and document them for a smooth US entry.
- Typical transit
- 3–6 weeks
- Door to door
- 6–10 weeks
- From
- £1,570
3–6 weekstypical transit
At a glance
Why ship to the USA?
- Classic exports a speciality
- Sole containers for high-value cars
- US customs broker coordination
Ports: Southampton → New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Los Angeles
Shipping methods compared
| Method | Best for | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Standard cars that run. Best value. | 3–6 weeks |
| Container | Classics, high-value cars, non-runners. | 3–6 weeks |
| Air freight | Urgent, motorsport and film vehicles. | 3–10 days |
Transit times are typical port-to-port and vary with sailing schedules.
Step by step
From your drive to the USA, in 4 steps.
- 01
Quote & paperwork
Itemised quote, then we check the destination rules for your vehicle.
- 02
Collection
Collected from your home or dealer and taken to the port.
- 03
Export clearance
Export declaration and DVLA permanent-export notification.
- 04
Shipped to the USA
Southampton → New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Los Angeles. Tracked live until arrival.
Costs explained
What it costs, line by line.
Here’s a worked example. Your instant quote does the same maths for your actual vehicle.
- No UK duty or VAT on exports. We prepare the export declaration and tell DVLA the vehicle has left the UK.
- Destination taxes depend on the country and the vehicle. We give you a separate estimate once we know the details.
Worked example
Car export, built 2012
Shipping & logistics£2,440
- UK collection to port£245
- Shipping (RoRo)£1,550
- Marine insurance1.5% of declared value£300
- Port handling & documents£345
Customs, compliance & registration£195
- Export customs & DVLA notification£195
Total, excluding the vehicle£2,635
Illustrative only. Rates change; your quote is calculated for your vehicle.
Calculate mineGood to know
United States: the details that matter.
FAQ
Exporting to the USA: FAQs.
Can I export a modern UK car to the US?
Usually only if it’s 25+ years old or built to US specification. Talk to us first and we’ll check.
Other export routes
All routes- 6–9 weeks
UK → Australia
Australia
Typical transit 6–9 weeks
from £1,840
Get exact quote - 2–4 weeks
UK → Canada
Canada
Typical transit 2–4 weeks
from £1,600
Get exact quote - 3–5 weeks
UK → UAE
United Arab Emirates
Typical transit 3–5 weeks
from £1,400
Get exact quote - 3–10 days
UK → Europe
Europe
Typical transit 3–10 days
from £1,050
Get exact quote
Guides for exporting to the USA
All guides- Exporting
Exporting a car from the UK: a practical checklist
Moving abroad or selling overseas? What to do with DVLA, customs and shipping, and what to check at the destination.
Read guide - Tool
Car import cost calculator
Work out duty, VAT, shipping, IVA and DVLA costs for your car in seconds.
Open calculator
See your exact cost to the USA.
Every fee itemised and explained. It takes about 60 seconds and there’s no obligation.