FAQ USA

Transit times vary significantly depending on the pick-up point and port of departure.
From almost all of our U.S. loading stations, we offer weekly sailings to Bremen and Rotterdam.

Pick-up costs for vehicles in the USA depend on the distance and road accessibility.
It may well happen that a geographically closer port is more expensive for ocean freight than one farther away.
For this reason, we do not publish price lists, which may also no longer be up to date.
Each inquiry is handled individually and the most cost-efficient transport route is offered.

No. Pick-ups in the USA are carried out by local carriers using vehicle transporters or trailers.
However, the vehicle will be moved under its own power only on company premises, provided it is operational.

Non-running vehicles are loaded using a winch and placed onto a platform inside the container.
The use of forklifts is generally avoided.

For export clearance in the USA and for import into Europe, the original title (US vehicle title), a bill of sale, and for shipments departing from Miami, an additional copy of the buyer’s ID or passport are required.

Yes. Due to our very low damage rate, we can offer you very favorable transport insurance options, either limited to total loss (stranding coverage) or covering all risks of damage.
The insurer is a reputable German company, and the basis of coverage is the DTV Cargo Insurance Clauses, which you will receive with each quotation.

Each individual transport segment can be insured separately, and partial routes can also be insured from door to door.

No, moisture damage is extremely rare. The container is sealed watertight, and even if positioned on the top or outer rows of the vessel, it remains protected from water ingress.

Roll-on/roll-off vessels are “floating parking garages” used in liner services from several U.S. ports to transport vehicles and rolling cargo. For vehicles that do not fit into a container due to their size, or when a direct port connection offers a suitable roll-on/roll-off option, this transport method is recommended.

However, departures are not always weekly, and vehicles are stored outdoors in the port area. In addition, a special permit is required for delivery to the port of loading.

Non-running vehicles and cars containing household goods or loose items inside cannot be transported via roll-on/roll-off.

Our loading terminals for vehicle containerization are located in New York, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.

The vehicle containers are unloaded at our conveniently located facility in Bremen and are ready for collection there.
Upon request, we can also arrange delivery of your vehicle.

Our office and warehouse in Bremen are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In Rotterdam, we close one hour earlier, at 4:00 p.m.

Yes, we transport your vehicle from both Bremen and Rotterdam to your residence in Austria after the import customs clearance has been completed.

Yes, transports to Switzerland are usually handled via Bremen. There, our containers are unloaded, and the individual vehicles are transported to our partner forwarding agent in Basel under customs transit.

Individuals who have lived in the USA for at least 12 months and whose vehicle has been registered to them for at least 6 months may import it duty- and tax-free, provided they permanently relocate their primary residence back to Germany and can provide corresponding proof.

We are happy to advise you individually based on your situation.

No, down payments for freight charges are not required.

After customs clearance has been completed, you will receive a final invoice. It must be paid before collection or delivery and can be settled by bank transfer or in cash.

The customs duties and import VAT will be invoiced to you as an advance payment on a final invoice together with the freight charges.

Please understand that we only accept bank transfers and cash payments. We do not accept credit cards or checks.

Customs determines the value of the vehicle upon arrival in Bremen, i.e., the purchase price plus all costs incurred up to that point (CIF value).
The import VAT of 19% is calculated based on the CIF value plus customs duty and domestic transport costs.

To avoid exchange rate discrepancies and ensure transparency, our quotations are sometimes issued in USD.
The applicable exchange rate for billing is always the official foreign exchange rate on the day the ship departs.

German customs independently sets its own monthly conversion rate for customs calculations.

We do not perform vehicle conversions for TÜV approval ourselves. However, upon request, we can refer you to suitable and experienced partner companies.

It is possible to load your vehicle with spare parts or personal items.
Please inform us in advance about your plans so we can advise you on any customs-related implications.

Yes, nationwide vehicle pickups within the USA are possible using reliable auto transport carriers.

Yes. In coordination with your seller, we can offer an escrow-style purchase payment service.
Please request our corresponding contract if needed.

Yes, you may authorize someone to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.

We work with various partner forwarding agents, and some of their staff members speak German.

Absolutely! Overseas transport of motorcycles—whether crated or uncrated—is one of our core services.
In our vehicle consolidation containers, we offer weekly loadings of uncrated motorcycles from New York, Savannah, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.

Of course, optional pickup, delivery, and all related forwarding services are also available.

The Customs Clearance Certificate (ZUB) is issued by the import customs office and is required by the vehicle registration authority for registration.
You will receive this certificate from us.

All expected costs are included in our offer.
However, additional expenses may occur due to official instructions or unforeseen events.
These may include inspections or X-ray scans of containers carried out by customs.

For customs clearance, we submit the vehicle Title (US Certificate of Title) and the purchase invoice.

Once you receive our offer, we will send you the corresponding order form as a PDF.
After we receive your signed order, you will receive an order confirmation along with further details about the process.

Our own vehicle consolidation containers are loaded regularly, depending on cargo volume.
From the main ports of New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, we usually offer weekly departures.

Yes. We can deliver your vehicle to your doorstep or to a workshop in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
This service can be booked at any time for an additional charge.

If you have any further questions, please send us an email or call us at
+49 471 / 48 38 38 00.