Many customers who reach out to us for international moves always ask how much does it cost to fly a car overseas. Whether it’s for a relocation, a vacation, or delivering a high-value vehicle to a foreign buyer, the idea of shipping a car by plane can raise many questions—and the price tag is often the most pressing.
As a car owner with an eye on global horizons, you’ll discover that international car shipping is more complex than sending a parcel. The intricacies of air freight vehicle shipping demand a deeper look to unravel the full scope of costs involved. So this guide is designed to help you understand the process (and costs) for transporting your prized automobile beyond the clouds.
International Car Shipping Options - Air Freight VS Sea Transportation
Air freight vehicle shipping is the premium choice if you value speed and security. However, sea transportation is unbeaten in price and capacity, perfect for heavier vehicles or those on a tighter budget. Let’s dive into a direct comparison between these two popular methods.
| Criteria | Air Freight | Sea Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast (Days) | Slow (Weeks to Months) |
| Security | High | Varies Depending on the Route |
| Cost | Expensive | More Affordable |
| Availability | Limited to Air Cargo Routes | Widely Available |
| Suitability | High-Value/Luxury Vehicles | Bulk or Multiple Vehicles |
When choosing international car shipping, consider the price and how the method aligns with your situation. For instance, shipping car by plane price may be justified if you’re moving a high-end vehicle and require it promptly. On the other hand, sea transportation often trumps the cost of standard or multiple vehicles.
Real-Life Examples: Cost to Ship Luxury and Vintage Cars by Plane
Transporting high-value vehicles such as luxury and vintage cars via air freight is a niche that demands particular expertise and care. In this section, we’ll look at real-life shipping examples showcasing the cost of luxury car shipping and the intricacies involved in vintage cars’ air transport. These case studies will help you understand the detail and commitment required to ensure these precious cargoes reach their destination safely and securely.
For instance, renowned auction houses regularly entrust air freight companies to transport vintage Ferraris and Aston Martins to buyers across the globe. Shipping a classic 1960 Ferrari 250 GT or a 1954 Jaguar XK120 by air can easily rack up tens of thousands of dollars in transport fees, mainly due to the high insurance premiums and the specialized attention needed for such irreplaceable assets.
“The decision to transport by air is driven by the need for the utmost care and expedited delivery; hence, the higher cost to ship luxury cars is considered a worthwhile investment by many clients.” Easy Auto Ship Team
Let’s check some key details to understand the financial scope of such operations:
| Vehicle Type | Route | Estimated Shipping Cost | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Bugatti Chiron | U.S. to China | $20,000 - $30,000 | Enclosed crate, climate control, security escorts |
| 1967 Shelby Cobra | U.S. to Germany | $15,000 - $25,000 | Vibration monitoring, fuel, and battery disconnection |
| 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV | U.S. to U.K. | $12,000 - $22,000 | Specialized loading, block, and brace |
| Rolls Royce Phantom | U.S. to Dubai | $25,000 to $35,000 | Special enclosed crate, VIP handling, and expedited overnight delivery. |
The prices above include natural fluctuations based on factors such as departure and destination locations, time of the year, and fuel costs. However, several constraints contribute to the overall cost of shipping luxury cars, such as customs clearance fees, security measures, and potential storage costs before departure or after arrival.
Real-life shipping examples further demonstrate the commitment of air freight providers to deliver premier service when handling such valuable cargo.
One example includes an overnight delivery from Dubai to London for a limited edition Rolls-Royce Phantom, ensuring the vehicle arrives just in time for a high-profile event.
Despite the steep price, the convenience and safety of air transport make it the preferred method for moving high-end vehicles over long distances.
- Time-sensitive delivery requirements often result in premium service charges.
- Additional services such as door-to-door collection and delivery are also available.
- Every vehicle is treated with white-glove service, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.
When you take into account the value of these automobiles, and their owners’ demand for flawless service, the cost to ship luxury cars and vintage cars through air transport becomes an investment in peace of mind and ultimate care. While the costs may seem high at first glance, the expertise and tailored approach that goes into each shipment makes the air freight option a valuable one for those who can afford it.
The Factors Influencing Air Freight Vehicle Shipping Costs
Understanding the air freight vehicle shipping costs is essential when you’re considering how to move your car to another country. A plethora of elements can affect how much it will set you back when you choose to ship your car by plane. Here, we’ll dissect the various factors influencing the shipping car by plane price.
Varying Car Size and Weight
The physical attributes of your vehicle play a significant role in determining the air freight costs. Logically, bigger and heavier cars require more space and fuel to airlift, which translates to higher charges.
- Compact Car: Typically the least expensive to ship due to size.
- SUV or Truck: Larger footprint and mass increase the shipping costs significantly.
Impact of Departure and Destination Locations
The distance between your car’s current location and the intended destination can considerably sway the air freight vehicle shipping costs. Proximity to major airports, as well as the accessibility of the destination airport, also weighs in on the price equation.
| Location Factors | Cost Implications |
|---|---|
| Distance | Longer distances equate to higher costs. |
| Airport Accessibility | Remote or less accessible locations may incur additional fees. |
Fluctuating Fuel Prices
Air freight operates in the same economic environment as any other industry, where fuel prices can be volatile. An increase in fuel costs invariably means a hike in how much to fly a car overseas.
Demand and Seasonality
“The price to fly vehicles changes with the seasons; peak moving seasons can lead to higher shipping costs.”
Divergence in Service Provider Fees
Not all freight services are created equal, and neither are their fees. It’s crucial to compare service offerings, as some may include additional services that others don’t, reflecting directly on the final invoice.
Breaking Down the Price: How Much to Fly a Car Overseas
When looking into flying your car to another location, one of the first questions is, “How much does it cost to fly my car on a plane?”. Beyond just an estimate, you need to understand all the costs that make up the final price tag for transporting your vehicle by air. Let’s break down the basic fees and explore some extra charges that can affect how much shipping a car by plane ends up costing.
So the answer to can you fly a car to another state depends on various factors that include:
- Transportation fees - This covers the actual air freight vehicle shipping from one airport to another. The price depends on distance and fuel costs.
- Handling fees - Fees for loading, unloading, and moving your car at each airport during airplane auto transport services.
- Terminal fees - Charges for using airport facilities.
While these give a starting point, the actual cost varies based on your vehicle’s size, weight, and any extra services needed.
There may also be additional costs on top of the basics, so be prepared for those to increase your total shipping a car by plane price. Extra charges could include:
- Customs duties - Mandatory taxes if flying your car internationally.
- Insurance - Recommended coverage in case of damage during air freight vehicle shipping.
- Storage fees - If your car needs to wait at an airport before or after transport.
- Broker fees - For help with international paperwork and regulations.
Understanding these potential added costs upfront prevents surprises on your final airplane auto transport services invoice.
| Fee Type | Description | Cost Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duties | Mandatory international taxes | Varies by country |
| Insurance Premiums | Coverage for damage or loss during transit | Percentage of car’s value |
| Storage Costs | Short-term car storage at the airport | Per day/week fees |
| Customs Broker Fees | Professional services for customs processes | Flat rate or percentage of car’s value |
Getting a clear picture of how much to fly my car on a plane requires more than a cursory look at basic air freight rates. You must account for various costs, from the shipping carrier’s base charges to those less apparent additional fees and air freight taxes, to truly grasp the shipping car by plane price.
Can You Transport a Car on a Plane: A Closer Look at the Process
Now that you know how much does it cost to fly a car overseas you might want to know how to transport a car by air? You can fly your car to another country or state using airplane auto transport services that specialize in shipping vehicles.
The process of air shipping a car involves these main steps:
- Preparing the car by cleaning it well, turning off any alarms, removing personal items, and partially draining fluids. This is to avoid any quarantine issues.
- Dropping off the car at the air freight vehicle shipping company facilities or directly at the airport, depending on the service.
- Completing all the necessary customs paperwork and paying any taxes to export the car from one country and import it into another country.
- Load the car securely onto a cargo plane with space using straps and wheel blocks so it doesn’t move during the flight.
- Once the plane lands, it clears customs again before being delivered to you or sent to your destination.
Special cargo planes called Boeing 747s, and Antonov AN-225 aircraft have big cargo holds that can hold cars. Companies that provide airplane auto transport services use these planes.
As long as all the steps are followed correctly, from preparing the car to collecting it, you can fly your car to a different country using an air freight vehicle shipping company. They have experience transporting vehicles overseas by plane.
“Remember, preparation is paramount. Ensuring that your car meets all the criteria for air transport will facilitate a more efficient shipping experience.” - Team Easy Auto Ship
| Step | Description | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-transport Preparations | Getting vehicle ready for air transport | Clean vehicle, disable alarms, remove items |
| 2. Drop-Off Procedures | Vehicle delivery to freight facility | Bring to facility or airport cargo area |
| 3. Customs Clearance | Documentation for cross-border shipment | Export and import documentation, duty payments |
| 4. Flight | Transit of vehicles on aircraft | Use of cargo aircraft, secure loading |
| 5. Delivery | Receiving vehicle at the destination | Clearing customs, obtaining vehicle |
Implementing Safety Protocols: Beyond the Basics
While insurance protects you financially, your car’s physical safety depends on following strict safety rules during transport. Here are some important things air transport companies do to keep your car safe:
- Thorough Car Check: They carefully look over your whole car to find any problems that could affect safety during the flight.
- Special Equipment: They use custom cradles, blocks for the wheels, and straps to securely hold your car in place on the plane.
- Trained Workers: Highly trained professionals who are experienced in handling valuable cargo like cars handle your car.
“Safety during transportation is not just a priority; it is required. Using a reputable air transport company means these important safety steps will be taken, and your car will be treated very carefully.”
Making wise choices about these protections can really help make sure your car gets to where it’s going without any damage from traveling by air. Now you better understand getting the right protections when you arrange flying your car.
How to Choose a Reliable Air Freight Service for Your Vehicle
Here are some key things to consider when choosing an airline to ship your car internationally:
- Reputation - Look at reviews and see what others have said about their experience using that airline. A good reputation means they’re likely reliable.
- Experience - Choose an airline that has shipped many cars overseas before. They’ll know what they’re doing.
- Customer service - See how easy it is to contact them and how helpful they are. Good customer service means they’ll take care of any issues.
- Transportation options - Make sure they can get your car where it needs to go, like having planes that can carry cars or partnerships with other carriers.
- Facilities - Check that their storage areas are clean, secure, and well-maintained so your car stays safe the whole time.
The most important things are finding an airline with a good reputation, experience shipping cars internationally, and good customer service in case anything comes up. Those help ensure your car gets to its destination safely and smoothly.
Key Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Car’s Plane Ticket
As you move closer to booking that car or plane ticket, posing specific questions to your prospective air freight provider can help clarify your understanding of their service. Here are some questions to keep in mind:
- What is your pricing structure, and what does it include?
- What is your policy on insurance coverage and claims?
- How do you handle the vehicle at each stage of transit?
- Do you have contingency plans for unexpected delays or issues?
- Can you provide references or verified reviews from past clients?
- What measures do you take to ensure the safety and security of the vehicle during shipping?
- How do you address customs and regulatory compliance?
- What is your communication process like during the vehicle’s transport?
These questions will serve as a comprehensive guide to ensure transparency and to help you make an informed choice about the air freight services best suited for transporting your vehicle.
| Question Category | Why It’s Important | Details to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | To avoid hidden costs and ensure value for money | Includes transportation, handling, and additional service fees |
| Insurance Coverage | To protect your vehicle against potential risks during transport | Scope of coverage and the claims process in the event of damage or loss |
| Handling Procedures | To know how your vehicle will be managed throughout transit | Pre-flight preparations, loading, and off-loading processes |
| Contingency Planning | To prepare for potential delays or problems in shipping | Provider’s ability to handle emergencies and communication during such events |
| References/Testimonials | To verify the provider’s track record and reliability through other customers’ experiences | Feedback from clients with similar shipping needs |
| Safety and Security Measures | To ensure the vehicle’s protection during air transport | Physical security protocols and tracking during flight |
| Customs and Compliance | To ensure smooth clearance through international borders | Experience with and knowledge of customs laws and import/export regulations |
| Communication | To stay informed about the vehicle’s shipping status | Frequency and methods of updates provided by the freight service |
“Choosing the right air freight provider is not just about finding a service; it’s about entrusting your vehicle to a partner who values its significance as much as you do.” - Team Easy Auto Ship
Tips for Reducing Costs and Ensuring a Smooth International Car Flight
Book Off-Peak
Shipping in January-March allows you to take advantage of lower rates after the winter holidays when air cargo space is more readily available. For example, a shipment during this period may qualify for a 10-15% discount on off-peak summer prices.
Consolidate Shipments
If you arrange to ship your vehicle along with 2-3 others traveling from Los Angeles to London on the same aircraft, the per-vehicle cost drops significantly. For a large SUV, consolidating could lower the rate from $35,000 to just $25,000.
Inquire About Volume Discounts
A company that regularly ships 10+ high-end cars internationally each year may negotiate a preferred customer contract with 5-10% off standard rates. Shipping 5 cars together at once versus individually also often qualifies for a volume discount of a similar amount.
Pay via Cash or Online
Opting to pay a $20,000 shipment cost for a classic Mercedes from your home or business to the airport via cash can save you a few hundred bucks. Then, when it’s time to pay to the airport for flying your car, inquire if there are any discounts on online payments; some of them do have so you can save an additional few hundred bucks. Then, when it’s time to move the vehicle from the destination airport to the final location, pay the carrier via cash to save some more money.
Flexible Dates
Widening your preferred shipping window, such as from August 15-20 to August 10-25, allows the carrier to include your vehicle on their back-haul instead of an expensive empty-leg flight,
Proper Documentation
Having ownership papers and other required shipment compliance materials ready prevents costly delays from issues at customs.
Research Regulations Ahead
Understanding your destination country’s import/export policies ensures no surprises that could incur storage or penalty fees due to non-compliance.
Leverage a broker
Brokers expedite customs clearance through established processes. Their expertise in navigating regulations prevents expensive wait times.
Parting Words:
We hope you now finally have the answer to how much does it cost to fly a car overseas. As we’ve discovered, parking your pride and joy in the cargo hold of an airplane is indeed an option - albeit an expensive one, costing anywhere from $12,000 to $35,000, depending on the size and destination of your vehicle.
For over a decade, we’ve helped thousands of owners just like you get their cars to faraway places hassle-free. With our network of pilots, mechanics, and freight agents spread across six continents, no vehicle or destination is too difficult. In fact, we’ve even flown vintage cars and tricked-out hot rods to buyers in places they never imagined!
So if relocating to a new country or city has you wondering how much to fly my car on a plane or can you fly your car to a different country, give us a call. Chances are we’ve moved a set of wheels just like yours before. We provide door-to-door service and handle everything from permit refueling stops to customs clearance in the destination state, all at competitive rates with no hidden charges - just peace of mind.
What are you waiting for? The move of a lifetime is only a phone call away. The future is waiting, and your car deserves to be part of the adventure. Give us a shout, and let’s get your set of wheels on its way!