HomePortsPort of Baltimore

    Shipping Cars to Port of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland

    USA · UN/LOCODE USBAL

    The Port of Baltimore's Dundalk and Fairfield Marine Terminals form one of the busiest vehicle-handling complexes on the US East Coast, benefiting from a naturally deep Chesapeake Bay channel and rail links via CSX and Norfolk Southern. It is a key discharge point for UK RORO carriers such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Höegh Autoliners running Southampton-to-East Coast rotations, and is popular for both personal vehicle imports and classic car shipments under the 25-year rule.. See our shipping to USA guide or request a quote.

    Services

    RORO, Container (FCL & shared)

    Transit Time

    14–18 days from Southampton or Tilbury on direct RORO services; container sailings can take 16–21 days depending on transhipment

    UK Ports

    Southampton, Tilbury

    Region

    Americas

    Overview

    The Port of Baltimore's Dundalk and Fairfield Marine Terminals form one of the busiest vehicle-handling complexes on the US East Coast, benefiting from a naturally deep Chesapeake Bay channel and rail links via CSX and Norfolk Southern. It is a key discharge point for UK RORO carriers such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Höegh Autoliners running Southampton-to-East Coast rotations, and is popular for both personal vehicle imports and classic car shipments under the 25-year rule.

    Terminal & Vessel Facilities

    Baltimore's Dundalk Marine Terminal has dedicated auto processing buildings, covered storage for weather protection and on-terminal vehicle processing centres run by third-party logistics providers for pre-delivery inspection and light modification work. Container vehicles are handled at Seagirt and Fairfield terminals with direct interstate access via I-95 and I-895.

    Typical Transit Time from the UK

    14–18 days from Southampton or Tilbury on direct RORO services; container sailings can take 16–21 days depending on transhipment.

    UK departure ports served: Southampton, Tilbury.

    Customs & Clearance Notes

    US Customs and Border Protection require EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 to be filed on arrival, and vehicles must either meet FMVSS/EPA standards or qualify for the 25-year import exemption. A CBP customs bond covering the vehicle's value is mandatory, and Baltimore's CBP office is known for efficient turnaround on straightforward personal-import entries compared with some larger East Coast ports.

    Collection & Storage

    Free time at Baltimore is generally 3–5 calendar days after discharge before per diem storage charges begin. We recommend clients or their nominated agent have EPA/DOT paperwork and the customs bond arranged before the vessel sails to avoid any port storage costs stacking up.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do UK carriers favour Baltimore over New York for car shipping?
    Baltimore's Chesapeake Bay location gives it one of the deepest natural harbours on the East Coast plus purpose-built auto terminals at Dundalk, often resulting in faster vehicle turnaround and lower terminal congestion than New York/New Jersey.
    Can I import a classic British car to Baltimore under the 25-year rule?
    Yes, vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from FMVSS and EPA compliance, and Baltimore processes a steady volume of classic and collector imports each year through Dundalk Marine Terminal.
    How much does RORO shipping to Baltimore cost from Southampton?
    Typical RORO rates from Southampton to Baltimore range from roughly £1,800 to £2,400 depending on vehicle size, season and carrier, making it one of the more competitively priced East Coast routes.
    Is a customs bond required for every vehicle shipped to Baltimore?
    Yes, CBP requires a customs bond covering the value of the vehicle for all personal and commercial vehicle imports, which we can help arrange through a licensed customs broker ahead of arrival.
    How long can my car stay at the Baltimore terminal before I collect it?
    Typically 3–5 free days are allowed before storage charges apply, so it's important to have your broker and transport onward arranged in advance of the vessel's arrival.