International Car Shipping Costs: Shipping your car internationally in 2025 doesn’t have to break the bank. With proper planning, smart choices, and the right tools, you can cut down on shipping expenses without compromising on safety or reliability.
If you’re thinking about sending your vehicle abroad — whether it’s for relocation, selling a car overseas, or importing a luxury vehicle — this guide is for you.
Use these 5 proven tips to save money on international car shipping and get the most value for your money.
Table of Contents
1. Use a International Car Shipping Costs Calculator Before You Book
The easiest way to avoid overpaying is to start with a free estimate.
Our International Car Shipping Cost Calculator helps you:
- Compare RoRo vs. container shipping
- Estimate costs for different destinations
- See how car size affects pricing
Instead of guessing or relying on outdated quotes, use real-time data to plan your shipment.
🔗 Try the tool here → International Car Shipping Calculator
2. Choose the Right Shipping Method: RoRo or Container?
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is usually the cheapest method, ideal for standard working vehicles.
Container shipping, while slightly more expensive, is better for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or when you need to ship personal belongings along with the car.
We explain the differences in detail in this helpful post:
👉 20ft vs. 40ft Containers: How to Choose & Calculate Your Shipping Cost
3. Avoid Peak Shipping Seasons
Shipping prices fluctuate based on demand. If you ship during peak seasons (such as summer or year-end), expect higher prices and port congestion.
Plan your shipment during off-peak months like February–April or August–October to take advantage of better availability and lower rates.
For more insights on price trends, read:
👉 Factors That Affect Container Shipping Prices in 2025
4. Minimize Your Vehicle’s Weight
Carriers often factor in weight — especially when using container shipping.
Here’s what you can do:
- Remove all personal items and accessories
- Ship only the essentials
- Ensure fuel tank is at the recommended minimum (usually under 1/4 tank)
Lighter vehicles can lead to lower fees and easier customs clearance.
5. Ship to & from Major Ports
Choosing popular ports can significantly reduce fees. Smaller or remote ports often come with additional handling and inland transport charges.
Before finalizing your route, use the Container Shipping Cost Calculator to compare major port-to-port pricing — even if you’re shipping a car, this tool is helpful for estimating general international shipping rates.
Want a deeper breakdown? Check out:
👉 How to Estimate Container Shipping Costs Accurately in 2025
Bonus Tip: Compare Quotes, But Don’t Sacrifice Quality
While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest quote, not all carriers are equal. Hidden fees, delays, and damage can cost more in the long run.
Use our calculators to narrow down a price range, then request quotes from multiple vetted shippers within that range.
Final Thoughts
International car shipping in 2025 is more transparent than ever — especially when you combine smart planning with the right tools.
🧮 Want an accurate estimate today?
Use our International Car Shipping Cost Calculator
🚢 Shipping household goods too?
Use the Container Shipping Calculator
And if you’re still unsure, browse our related blog posts for helpful tips and up-to-date cost breakdowns:
- How to Estimate Container Shipping Costs Accurately in 2025
- Factors That Affect Container Shipping Prices in 2025
- 20ft vs. 40ft Containers: How to Choose & Calculate Your Shipping Cost
Plan smarter. Ship cheaper.