Ocean Freight from the USA to the EU

Vehicle shipping from the USA to the EU is typically done in containers, which ensures both safety and efficiency. Before loading, detailed photos of the vehicle are taken to document its condition. Cars are secured with straps and protective mats to prevent damage. A standard container usually holds 3–4 vehicles, but the exact number depends on their size — SUVs and vans take up more space, increasing the shipping cost. The price also depends on the port of departure, vehicle dimensions, and additional fees apply for electric and hybrid vehicles due to safety regulations. Every vehicle is covered by standard insurance throughout the shipping process.

Shipping cars from the USA to the EU by sea is a widely used method that enables safe and efficient transportation over long distances. This process is well-organized and involves several steps to ensure the vehicle arrives in Europe intact. In this article, we’ll explain how cars are loaded into containers, what determines the shipping cost, and how insurance works.

Photos of the Car Before Loading

Before the vehicle is loaded onto the ship at the U.S. port of departure, a series of detailed photographs is taken. These photos document the car’s condition after land transport and before sea shipping. This includes exterior shots (front, rear, sides, roof), interior, engine bay, odometer, and any visible damage. These images serve as important documentation for both the importer and the client — they provide a basis for potential claims if the car is damaged during ocean transit. The photos are often shared with the customer to allow them to track the process and have a complete vehicle record.

Loading and Securing Cars in the Container

The process starts with loading the vehicles into the container. If the cars are not fully operational, cranes or forklifts may be used to place them inside. The vehicles are then positioned in the container to ensure proper balance and safety.

Once inside, the cars are securely fastened. Heavy-duty straps are used to immobilize the vehicles and prevent them from moving during shipping. Protective materials like mats are also used to avoid scratches and mechanical damage during loading or ocean transit. Proper securing is essential to ensure the car arrives intact.

How Many Cars Fit in a Container?

The number of cars that fit in a container depends on their size and type. A standard 40-foot high-cube container usually accommodates three or four cars, depending on their dimensions. Oversized vehicles such as SUVs, vans, and pickups require more space, which increases the shipping cost because fewer units fit in one container.

Additionally, at the customer’s request and for an extra fee, fewer vehicles can be loaded per container. Fewer cars mean a lower risk of damage during transport.

What Determines the Shipping Cost?

The cost of shipping a car from the USA to the EU depends on several factors, including the port of departure, destination port, and the vehicle's size and weight. Here’s a breakdown:

• Port of origin in the USA and destination port in the EU. Shipping costs vary by port. Major U.S. ports like Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Houston have different pricing, processing times, and service availability. West Coast ports are generally more expensive due to their distance from Europe. The choice of the destination port in Europe also affects cost slightly. $800–$1600 depending on departure port (East or West Coast) to ports in the Netherlands or Germany.
• Vehicle size and weight. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, vans, and oversized models are more expensive to ship. They take up more space in the container, which reduces the total number of cars that can be loaded. In some cases, they may also require special handling, which adds to the cost. Add $300–$1600 depending on dimensions.
• Electric and hybrid cars are more expensive to ship. Due to lithium-ion batteries, electric and hybrid vehicles are classified as hazardous goods. These batteries pose a fire risk, so such vehicles must follow strict safety protocols and often require special containers and additional insurance. This increases the shipping cost. Add $100.

Vehicle Insurance

Every vehicle shipped by sea from the USA to the EU comes with standard insurance that covers it throughout the transport process. This includes loading, ocean freight, and unloading at the destination port. The insurance protects against potential damage that may occur at any point during the journey.

Note that the insurance cost is usually included in the shipping price, but it may vary depending on the shipping company and the vehicle’s value. The policy also covers damage that may happen during loading and unloading, when cranes or other specialized equipment are used to move vehicles. This gives the vehicle owner peace of mind, knowing their car is protected during the entire ocean freight process.