Car

Export to America

Export a car to America: your complete guide with SCL Rotterdam

Do you want to export a car to America? There is more to it than putting a vehicle on a boat and hoping for the best. The American rules are strict, and the age of your car in particular decides whether it may enter the country permanently. SCL Rotterdam has shipped vehicles across the world for almost twenty years and knows the route to the United States inside out. We take the whole process off your hands or support you wherever you want. On this page you will read what to watch out for, what the 25 year rule means and how we get your car to America safely and on time.

Why export your car to America with SCL Rotterdam

Sending a car across the ocean feels like letting go. You hand over your vehicle and want to be sure it arrives intact and on time. An export to the US is also a major and demanding process that calls for careful organisation. That is why you would rather work with a party that knows the ropes. We understand that you want your vehicle to arrive safely and on time, and we offer extensive services to make that happen.

• Almost twenty years of experience in car transport and logistics
• A large network of agents and carriers across nearly all of America
• Full peace of mind, or support wherever you want it
• A rating of 9.2 out of 10 based on more than 167 reviews
• A free quote within 24 hours

The 25 year rule for exporting to America

We are honest about this, because it prevents disappointment. Cars that are younger than 25 years and were not originally delivered in the US may not be imported permanently. So for a European car of, say, ten years old, permanent import is not an option. Always check the build date and the origin of your car before you make any plans. That way you avoid your vehicle getting stuck on the quay in America when you thought everything was arranged.

Exceptions to the rule

There are a few exceptions to the 25 year rule. Think of diplomats, military personnel and temporary import for a holiday, a rally or an event. In that last case the car has to be exported again afterwards. Not sure whether your situation falls under an exception? Feel free to put it to us and we will look at what is possible together.

Transport of your car to America

We ship your car safely to the United States, for example by container or via roll on roll off transport (RoRo). Inside a container your vehicle stays dry and protected, while RoRo is often more favourable for vehicles that can drive. Which method fits best depends on your budget and the type of car. Want to know more about the options? Take a look at our vehicle transport page, or put your situation to us.

Need more information or advice?

Want to be certain you have the right information? Let SCL Rotterdam advise you. Thanks to our large network of agents and carriers across nearly all of America, we know exactly what is needed to make your export run smoothly. Request a free quote with no obligation or get in touch via +31 (0)10 427 7723 or sales@sclrotterdam.com. We are happy to help.