USA Import Guide: Shipping Cars from UK to USA

The United States is one of the most popular destinations for vehicles shipped from the UK. Whether you're relocating, selling a classic British car to an American buyer, or importing a right-hand-drive vehicle for personal use, understanding the US import process is essential.

The USA has some of the most complex vehicle import regulations in the world, primarily governed by two agencies:
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): Responsible for emissions compliance
• DOT / NHTSA (Department of Transportation / National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): Responsible for safety standards

Both agencies must clear your vehicle before it can be legally registered and driven on US roads. However, significant exemptions exist for older vehicles. For details on exporting from the UK, see our dedicated guide.

The single most important regulation for importing cars into the USA is the 25-year rule. Vehicles that are 25 years or older from their date of manufacture are exempt from both EPA emissions and DOT safety requirements.

This means:
• A vehicle manufactured in 1999 or earlier (as of 2024) can be imported freely
• No expensive modifications or compliance testing required
• The vehicle only needs to pass state-level registration requirements

This rule has made the USA a major market for classic British cars. Land Rovers, Jaguars, MGs, Morris Minors, Triumph Spitfires, and other iconic marques are in strong demand from American collectors and enthusiasts.

For newer vehicles (less than 25 years old), importing is significantly more complex and expensive. The vehicle must either:
• Be modified to meet US FMVSS safety standards by a Registered Importer
• Meet EPA emissions standards (often requiring catalytic converter changes)
• Qualify under one of the limited exemption categories (show/display, substantially similar)

RORO Shipping (most common):
• Cost: £1,500–£2,500 from Southampton to US East Coast
• Transit time: 14–21 days
• Available ports: New York/Newark, Baltimore, Savannah, Jacksonville, Houston, Los Angeles

Container Shipping:
• Cost: £2,500–£4,500 for a dedicated 20ft container
• Transit time: 14–25 days
• Recommended for classic/high-value vehicles or if shipping personal effects

Port charges and customs fees (approximate):
• US Customs duty: 2.5% of vehicle value
• Customs processing fee: ~$500
• Port handling and terminal charges: $200–$400
• Vehicle bond (if required): varies

Total landed cost for a typical vehicle: £2,500–£5,000 including all shipping, duties, and fees. Use our cost calculator for a personalised estimate.

You'll need the following documents for a successful US import:

From the UK side:
• V5C registration document (or V5C/2 export certificate)
• Commercial invoice stating vehicle details and value
• Bill of Lading (provided by The Ship Cars after vessel loading)
• Valid photo ID / passport

For US Customs clearance:
• EPA Form 3520-1 (Declaration of conformity or exemption)
• DOT Form HS-7 (Declaration of safety compliance or exemption)
• CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
• ISF (Importer Security Filing) — filed 24 hours before vessel departure

For vehicles over 25 years old, the EPA and DOT forms are straightforward declarations of exemption. The Ship Cars prepares all documentation on your behalf and coordinates with our US customs broker to ensure smooth clearance.

Here's how the UK to USA shipping process works with The Ship Cars:

1. Get a Quote — Contact us with your vehicle details, origin, and destination port. We'll provide a comprehensive quote including shipping, duties, and destination charges.

2. Book and Prepare — Confirm your booking. We'll provide a collection date and preparation checklist. Arrange your V5C/2 export notification with DVLA.

3. Collection or Drop-off — We can collect your vehicle from anywhere in the UK, or you can drop it at the departure port (usually Southampton).

4. Export Processing — We handle all UK export customs formalities and ISF filing.

5. Ocean Transit — Your vehicle sails to the USA. Track the vessel online for real-time position updates.

6. US Customs Clearance — Our US customs broker handles all CBP, EPA, and DOT paperwork. You'll receive clearance typically within 3–5 business days of vessel arrival.

7. Collection or Delivery — Collect your vehicle from the destination port or arrange inland delivery to your address.

The entire process from UK collection to US delivery typically takes 3–5 weeks. For full UK to USA pricing by port and vehicle, see our car shipping costs guide.