How Do I Import a Car into the United States? Automobile Import Procedures for Returning USA Military and Residents.

We deal with hundreds of customers each year, and one of the most popular questions people ask us is how to import a car into the United States.  Short answer to that question is, it is very difficult!  Unless you are shipping a USA return vehicle (i.e. you are returning a USA vehicle you shipped abroad), you will run into some major costly headaches.  In order to dispel some of the rumors surrounding international car imports into the USA, we provide the following simplified guidelines for the everyday layman...

The (Non) Official Layman's Guide to International Car Imports into the USA

First, in order to determine if this guideline will be useful you will need to answer the following questions: 1). Is your car a USA return vehicle? (I.e. this vehicle was manufactured and bought in the USA, is under USA guidelines and specifications, and was previously exported from the USA and you are now bring the vehicle back) 2). Are you a returning US resident? (A returning resident is someone who is returning from travel, work or study abroad) AND  3). Has your car been modified in any way while overseas?

If you are able to answer "YES" to the first and second question and "NO" to the third question, you are in luck!  Continue to read below for more information on how to import a car into the United States with K International Transport.

What to Do Before You Ship Your Car Back to the United States and How to Get an International Car Shipping Rate to Import Your Vehicle into the United States

Before you ship your vehicle you will need to make sure you perform the following important steps.  First, make sure you check on the export regulations, including export customs clearance, for the country you are shipping from.  Whether you are looking to ship your car back to the United States from Germany, Italy or South Korea, you will need to follow the laws and procedures for your country of export.   Second, check the cost to ship your car to the United States from a reliable international car shipping company - like K International Transport!  

Make Sure you Have All the Documentation Needed to Clear Customs in the United States

When shipping your car back to the United States, one of the biggest hurdles (besides dealing with customs in the export country) is dealing with import customs in the United States!  If you were able to answer our above questions correctly, you should have no problem clearing your car through customs.  The easiest and most affordable way to clear customs, is to do it yourself.  When your car arrives at the port, you can clear customs the same day you go to pick the car up.  Customs even prefers this!  If you physically cannot pick-up your car, you will have to pay your international car shipping broker to do it for you.   In order to clear import customs for your vehicle you will need to prove the car was previously owned and registered in the United States.  How do you do this?  By simply providing proof of a state-issued registration card or a bill of sale from the USA dealership.  In addition to proving your vehicle is from the US, you will also need to provide the original bill of lading (shipping document provided by your international car shipping company) and an EPA form 3250-1 and DOT form HS-7.  To help you out you can click here for the EPA form and here for the DOT form.

How to Prepare Your Car for its Return to the United States

Now that you have all the information, documentation and prices you need to ship your car - make sure your car is properly prepared for its trip back to the US!  The  US Department of Agriculture requires the undercarriage of your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned before you ship.  Your car should also have no leaks and should have no personal effects loaded inside!  If your car arrives with any personal items inside, you are subject to costly penalties and the seizure of your car (of course to release the car back to you is not cheap...no free lunch with the USA customs office!).

Ready to ship your car back to the United States?  As one of the world's best automobile shipping companies, we can help!

If you follow the above simple guidelines, you should have no problem importing your car back to the United States.  For a brief version of the above, here is the list of items you will need to import your car back to the United States:

• Make sure you meet all the criteria in order to import your car to the USA without a problem.  You must be a US return resident and your car must be a US return vehicle that has not been modified while your car is abroad
• Check the price to ship your car from the foreign country of export to the United States.  Receive a free international car shipping quote to the United States from K International Transport
• Check with your local export country to make sure you perform all necessary export customs clearance and documentation
• Prepare your car for overseas car shipping to the United States - the outside and inside of your car should be free of dirt and thoroughly cleaned, your car should have no leaks and you should not load any personal items inside the car.
• Be prepared for USA import customs.  If you are able to pick-up your car, you can clear customs yourself.  You will need to show proof the car is a USA return vehicle and provide customs with the EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7

The above is a simplified version of the import car procedure in the United States.  If you try to import a non-USA return vehicle be prepared to have your car modified to meet American standards (this means coughing up some major money to meet the regulations of the EPA and DOT).  Non-conforming vehicles that arrive into the USA are not allowed to enter the country until the car is reconfigured to meet American standards.  In our over 20 years of experience in international car shipping, we have had a record 0 customers who are able to have their international cars modified to USA specifications.  If you are a non-resident worker, you may be able to import your vehicle under special regulations.  However, you must provide specific  paperwork in order to do so and you must export the vehicle from the US within a year.  Most non-residents  find it is easier to come to the US without their car.  If you are importing a car for other purposes such as races, or display at a show, you must have written approval from the DOT. 

Importing a car into the United States can be a tricky process, but if you are a return USA resident or military officer bringing your car back to the USA from Germany, South Korea or Italy, the import procedure is relatively easy!  For more information on how to import your car and to receive car shipping quotes for US return vehicles from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to the United States, contact us at sales@kinternational.com, give us a call at 212-267-6400 or reach us on Skype at kinternationalny.  We can only quote the cost to import USA return vehicles!  For more information on importing other vehicles, please refer to the website for Customs and Border Protection at:  http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_trade/importing_car.xml#Documentation



 

How to Ship a Car to Bahrain from the United States

As the first Middle Eastern home of Formula One races, Bahrain is no stranger to nice cars!  And every year the United States ships thousands of used cars to the Kingdom of Bahrain.  As a leading specialist in international car shipping we can help you ship any type of vehicle from the United States to the port of Manama, Bahrain.

Imagine driving a Toyota Land Cruiser around the streets and deserts of Bahrain!  Inexpensive international car transport to Bahrain is available from the United States

The main port of Bahrain is located in the capital city of Manama.  Roll-On / Roll-Off overseas car shipping service to the port of Manama in Bahrain from the United States is available from most major ro/ro ports.  If you are looking to ship a car to Bahrain from the northeast and mid-west, including Chicago and Detroit, you can ship from the ports of New York and Baltimore.  If you are looking to ship from the southeast of the United States to Bahrain, there is international automobile shipping service from the ports of Charleston, Norfolk and Jacksonville.  Ro/Ro service from the gulf, parts of the southwest, Texas and California is usually shipped out of the port of Galveston, TX (right outside of Houston) to Manama, Bahrain.  We even have international car shipping service for eastern Canada!  Affordable car shipping rates are available from the port of Halifax, Nova Scotia.  No matter what kind of car you are shipping - sedan, SUV, vintage, antique, new or old - we can help you ship any type of car to Bahrain.

Manama is the capital of Bahrain, and is also home to the country's international car shipping port

What kind of cars can you find on the streets of Bahrain?  Some of the most popular cars shipped from the United States to Bahrain are:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Lexus ES
• Hyundai Accent
• Toyota Corolla
• Hyundai Tucson
• Toyota Camry
• Hyundai Elantra
• GMC Yukon
• Porsche Cayenne
• Nissan Altima
• Toyota FJ Cruiser
• Ford Expedition
• Lexus LX
• Toyota Rav 4
• Nissan Maxima
• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Hyundai Sonata
• Lexus RX
• Honda CRV
• Honda Accord

When you think of cars and Bahrain you probably automatically think about the Formula 1 race held in Bahrain every year.  However, Formula 1 race cars aren't the only popular cars in Bahrain!  Ship a Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX or a Nissan Altima from the US to Bahrain today!

If you are looking to ship any of the above vehicles to Bahrain, contact us today to receive a free car shipping quote from the United States to the port of Manama, Bahrain.  In addition to receiving the cost to ship a car to Bahrain, we can also answer any questions you may have about international automobile shipping.  We can help you with export customs clearance for your title, door pick up of your car and delivery to the USA port of export and ocean freight to Bahrain.  We are one of the most reliable automobile shipping companies shipping to the Middle East, including the kingdom of Bahrain.  To receive your free car shipping quote to Bahrain, give us a call at 212-267-6400, on skype at kinternationalny or send an email to sales@kinternational.com.  Our friendly customer service staff well help ship your car to Bahrain hassle free!

How to ship BMW M3 to Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

At K International Transport, we understand how important your car can be to you, whether for personal reasons, your livelihood, or both. We have helped customers ship their cars internationally, in particular exotic vehicles, luxury cars, and classic cars. The shipping process starts with an international car shipping quote for shipping a BMW M3 to Jebel Ali, Dubai, or other ports in the United Arab Emirates. K International Transport can offer RoRo or container shipping to ship your BMW M3 from the United States to Jebel Ali, Dubai, or other destinations in the UAE. 


RoRo service is one of the most secure and economical ways of overseas car shipping. In RoRo shipping, vehicles are driven onto a specialized vessel that is equipped with a ramp and a underdeck compartment for storage of cars and other vehicles.

A white BMW M3

For shipping multiple vehicles overseas to the same destination, K International Transport can provide you with the cost for shipping cars in a container to Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE. You can also chose to ship your car overseas in a container by itself, or with other personal effects. If you ship by RoRo to Jebel Ali, you will not be able to keep any personal items inside the vehicle, but if you choose to ship your car overseas in a container, you may load it with other items, per approval of the steamship line.

Port of Jebel Ali, located 35 kilomters southwest of the city of Dubai

Please contact us today to request an international car shipping price quote. Send an email price quote request to inquiries@kinternational.com, call us at (212) 267-6400 or go to our online rate request form. K International is your source for advice on how to ship a car to Dubai, or other locations in the United Arab Emirates.

How to Save Money Shipping a Car to Nigeria!

Sadly, summer 2012 is shortly coming to a close. But don't be blue! Are you looking to ship a Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Mercedes to Lagos, Nigeria from the United States?  Looking for the best international car shipping price to Lagos, Nigeria?  Look no further...you are in luck!  We are offering you discounted and affordable end-of-summer overseas car shipping rates from the United States to Lagos, Nigeria from now until September 28th!  If you call us or send us an international car shipping rate request to Nigeria between August 27th to September 28th, we will offer you the below discounted rates if you mention the secret password, End of Summer Sale

Don't miss out on our end-of-summer sale special to Lagos, Nigeria!  This hot sale on international car shipping rates to Nigeria is only available from August 27th-September 28th.  Don't delay!  Contact us today for discounted overseas car shipping rates to Nigeria today!

What kind of international car shipping prices to Nigeria can you expect?  If you send us a rate request or give our office a call, we can offer you the following discounted international car shipping prices to Lagos, Nigeria (plus a $55 SED Filing Fee):

•  $1,130 for all vehicles up to 18.41 cubic meters.  At this price you can ship sedans or small to mid-size SUV's including Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, or a Mercedes ML 350 to Nigeria from the United States!
•  $1,460 for all vehicles between 18.41-25.46 cubic meters.  At this price you can ship a Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon or other large SUV from the United to Lagos, Nigeria

 ***Above rates subject to a $55 SED Filing Fee.  Above rates are for service from New York, Baltimore, Savannah and Jacksonville ports only***

Ship this Toyota Camry to Lagos, Nigeria from the United States today!  Contact us about our end-off summer special on international car shipping rates to Lagos, Nigeria!

If you are looking for affordable international car shipping service to Lagos, Nigeria - call us today!  Our end-of-summer special ends on September 28th!  Chase away those end of summer blues and ship your car to Lagos, Nigeria at an affordable rate!  Trust us to provide you with the best car shipping rate and service to Lagos Nigeria.  Give us a call at 212-267-6400 or on Skype at kinternationalny.  You can reach us Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. EST.  After business hours you can send us an email at sales@kinternational.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible, oftentimes within 1 business day!  To receive the promotion price be sure to mention the following password: End of Summer Sale





 ****Our above rates are subject to a $55 SED Filing fee.  Domestic courier costs within the USA are included, international courier costs to Nigeria are not included and are quoted upon request.  Our international car shipping service to Nigeria is available 2-3 times a month and is based on a first-come / first-serve basis.  The above promotion is only available from August 27, 2012-September 28, 2012.  Customer must ship their car within 30 days of receipt of car shipping quote.  Above rate includes ocean freight, current BAF, port receiving fees, and a mechanical diagnostic fee.  All quoted rates are subject to the current BAF at the time of shipment.  The above rate includes USA export customs clearance but does not include any additional paperwork filing including Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) and Form M to Nigeria, all additional costs are quoted as per outlay.  Quoted rates remain subject to booking and are based on today's rates utilizing a first class steamship line with regular service and on today's traffic conditions.  Vehicle must be in running condition, clean, no leaks, no broken windows, proper brakes and cannot have any items loaded inside.  

International Car Shipping to Conakry, Guinea

The used car market in Guinea continues to grow, and in the past few years there has been over $20 million worth of used cars shipped from the United States to Conarky, Guinea.  Due to the limited number of vehicles available in Guinea, car purchasers turn to the United States for affordable and reliable used cars.  Today we will highlight some of the available international car shipping service from the United States to the port of Conarky, Guinea.

Located in West Africa and bordering six (6) different countries, the Republic of Guinea is a growing market for used cars purchased and shipped from the United States.

The major port in the Republic of Guinea is Conarky, which is also the capital and largest city in the country.  We can ship cars, construction equipment and containers to Conarky, Guinea from the United States.  Most cars shipped from the US to Conarky are shipped using roll-on / roll-off shipping service as this is the quickest, most affordable and reliable way to ship a car to Guinea.  Our roll-on / roll-off overseas car shipping services from the USA to Conarky ships from the ports of New York, Baltimore, Jacksonville and Savannah.  We also offer car shipping service to Conarky from the Canadian port of Halifax.  International ro/ro shipping for vehicles to Conarky takes approximately 18-25 days from the Canada and the US with service available 2-3 times a month.  In addition to shipping cars using ro/ro shipping service, we can also provide international container shipping service to Guinea from all major ports in the United States.  We can load anywhere from 2-4 cars in a container and ship it to Conarky from the east, west and golf coast of the United States. 

Imagine getting stuck in this traffic jam in Conarky - with international used car shipping service from the USA you can also take your chance at driving through Medina Market, one of the largest and busiest markets in West Africa.  

International car shipping costs to Conarky from the United States is very affordable due to the large trade industry in Guinea.  Most of the economic activity in the city of Conarky revolves around the port.  As one of the world's leading provider of natural resources such as bauxite and diamonds, Guinea has made sure they have a modern port capable of handling their bustling trade industry.  The developed port is also great for people looking to import used cars from the United States for their personal use in Guinea.  The modern port is capable of handling large ro/ro and container ships without a problem.

The city of Conarky is the financial and economic center for the Republic of Guinea.  The modern port in Conarky receives thousands of used cars shipped from the USA every year

For more information on our international car transport services to Conarky, Guinea from the United States, give us a call at 212-267-6400 or send us an email at sales@kinternational.com.  You can also find us on Skype at kinternationalny.  K International is one of the best international car shipping companies in the USA and we offer some of the most affordable car shipping quotes to Conarky, Guinea from anywhere in the US.  Contact us today to receive your car shipping rate to Conarky, Guinea!

 

The Top 10 Most Popular Cars We Ship Overseas from the United States

Looking back at our over 20 years in the overseas car shipping industry, we have shipped thousands of cars to satisfied customers all over the world from the United States.  As one of the best international car shipping companies in the USA, it is no wonder we ship so many cars overseas each year.  After looking through our records we decided to compile a list of some of the top cars shipped overseas from the USA each year.  So without further ado, we present to you our list:

#1: Ford Mustang

Besides being the decade in which we landed a man on the moon, had John F. Kennedy as president and embraced the peace sign and hippie culture, the sixties was also the decade in which Ford released the beloved Mustang.  As one of the most popular sports cars in the US, it is no wonder it is also very popular overseas.  We have shipped vintage 1960s Mustangs to current 2012 Mustangs from the United States to destinations all around the world including Europe and Australia.

Whether it is a old-school 1960's or 1970's Mustang, or a current 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby, the Ford Mustang is one of the most sought after, affordable sports car.

#2: Chevrolet Camaro

The Ford Mustang isn't the only iconic American sports car on the list of the most popular cars shipped overseas, say hello to the Chevy Camaro.  When Ford released the Mustang in the mid-1960's, Chevrolet was quick to respond, and introduced the Camaro in 1966.  Not only is it a "small vicious animal that eats Mustangs" (or as so the Chevrolet general manager quipped during it's official release), but it is also a highly coveted car sought out by sports car enthusiasts in Europe.

How about driving around the streets of France in this Chevrolet Camaro convertible?  Pretty nice, no?

#3: Mercedes Benz M Class

So you're in West Africa and you're looking for an SUV that is capable of handling the rugged roads, is stylish and considered the crème de la crème of luxury and sophistication.  So which car do you go with?...Ladies and gentlemen say hello the Mercedes Benz M class which includes the popular Mercedes Benz ML 320, the ML550, ML350 and ML 63.  The Mercedes Benz M class is one of the most popular cars shipped to parts of west and east Africa, especially to Lagos, Nigeria, Tema, Ghana and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Mercedes Benz M Class is one of the most popular line of used cars shipped to Africa from the United States.

#4: Toyota Camry

Toyota is one of the best-selling and reliable car makers in the world, and therefore it is no surprise that overseas buyers clamor to USA car auctions and car dealerships to purchase used Toyota Camry's and ship them overseas.  The Camry is a classic mid-size sedan, and as one of the world's most recognized brands, finding replacement car parts for Toyota Camry's is relatively simple in most regions of the world.  Today, customers in Africa and the Middle East buy thousands of used Toyota Camry's from the United States and ship them overseas.  When it comes to reliability, Toyota can't be beat.

The Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable mid-size sedans in the world, and this is why overseas buyers love to scoop up used Toyota Camry's and ship them overseas to West Africa and the Middle East from the US.

#5: Porsche 911

Who wouldn't want to drive a Porsche?  The 911 is known as one of the top competitive racing cars in the world, and for car enthusiasts in Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, a coveted Porsche 911 is quite simply a must have.  Although it took 5th place in the Car of the Century award handed out in 1999, it still remains one of the most iconic cars around the world.  Overseas luxury and vintage car collectors purchase and ship used 1960's and 1970's Porsche 911's from the United States to Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East.  

Car enthusiasts around the world love the Porsche 911.  Whether you are cruising the streets of Dubai or London, the 911 is one of the best rides anywhere in the world.

 #6: Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of the most well-known subcompact cars in North America, and likewise overseas in Africa.  It is also well beloved by our neighbors up north as it has been the top selling car in Canada for the past 14 years.  Each year hundreds of used Honda Civic's are shipped overseas from the United States to countries in West Africa including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Senegal and Cameroon.  The Honda Civic is considered an affordable and reliable car.  Used Honda Civic's are normally available at very affordable prices in the United States, and therefore it is also one of our most shipped cars overseas.

The Honda Civic is one of the best selling cars in North America, and is also very popular with overseas buyers in Africa

 #7: Toyota Corolla

The Camry isn't the only Toyota to make the list of most popular cars sold overseas.  The Toyota Corolla isn't only the best selling car in the world, it is also one of the most popular used cars shipped from the United States to Africa, Latin America, Europe and more.  So what makes the Toyota Corolla so special?  It is unbelievably reliable, easy to fix in overseas markets, has excellent fuel efficiency and used Corolla's are available at an affordable price.  Who said you can't have your cake and eat it too?  

It should come as no surprise that the world's best selling car is also on our list of the most popular cars shipped overseas from the USA.

#8: Mini Cooper

The mini was considered an iconic British car and after receiving lukewarm reception in the 1960's was reintroduced to the American market in 2002.  Since then, the number of used mini cooper's bought and shipped from the United States has steadily increased.  BMW took over the mini marquee in the late 1990's and since then the mini has evolved to include mini cooper convertibles. Most of the mini cooper's we have shipped overseas have gone to Latin America and Europe. Today the mini cooper is known as one of the most stylish and reliable small cars in the world.

Americans moving abroad to Europe and Latin America always bring the mini-coopers along with them, as a result the mini cooper is one of our most popular cars shipped overseas.

 #9: Hummer H3

Although the Hummer H3 seized production in 2010, the Hummer craze of the early 2000's now provides international buyers with a decent selection of used Hummers.  And when you need to go over the rugged terrain of Africa or Latin America, no car is better than the heavy duty Hummer.  Originally built as an off-terrain vehicle used in the military, the popularity of the car took off when Mr. Terminator himself Arnold Schwarzenegger, was spotted destroying the streets of California in the monster truck.  Although the popularity of the Hummer started to diminish with rising fuel prices, the smallest version of the lot, the H3, is still a coveted commodity overseas.

The Hummer H3 is a perfect vehicle for the terrain of Latin America and Africa. 

#10: BMW 3 Series

Always considered one of the best cars on the road, we have shipped tons of  BMW 3 series vehicles including the 325, 328 and 335 overseas from the US.  The three series is considered BMW's best selling model and it is also a prized vehicle in several countries overseas. We have shipped BMW 3 series to ports in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.  So what makes the BMW 3 series so special?  It is the perfect blend of sophistication, luxury and affordability for the luxury car niche.  

The BMW 3 series is considered one of the best lines of vehicles in the world, and affordable used BMW's are available for overseas buyers. For Americans moving abroad, leaving behind their treasured BMW 3 series is too much to bear.

So there you have it, our list of the top 10 vehicles we have shipped overseas from the United States. So whether you are looking to ship a Toyota Camry or Corolla overseas to Nigeria, Ghana or other West African countries, or looking to cruise the glamorous European streets of France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Norway, Sweden or the Netherlands in your Porsche 911, Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro - we can help you ship your dream car overseas from the United States to Europe, Africa, Latin America, Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

For more information on our international car shipping services and how to ship a Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Mercedes Benz ML, Toyota Camry, Porsche 911, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mini Cooper, Hummer H3 or BMW 3 series from the United States, send us an email at sales@kinternational.com, give us a call at 212-267-6400 or chat with us on skype at kinternationalny.  We provide some of the best and most affordable car shipping quotes from the United States.  Our overseas car shipping prices and services are some of the best!