Gary's break down is very informative and right on. I have shipped cars from Europe to California several times and am currently planning another transport from Switzerland to California.
Rough numbers from my side, end to end:
- Roll on Roll off will set you back somewhere around $3,500
- A 20' container sets you back around $6,000 - $8,000
- Flying in your purchase begins at $15,000 for the transportation charges only
There are a few charges that most people forget to consider and that add up to the costs on top of transportation charges.
First, where is the car? You need to get it to the port. Most likely, you will need a service to get it there.
If you do a container (And depending on the value and uniqueness of the car, I do recommend it), quite a few additional charges at the port apply - both in the sending and receiving port (Terminal handling, drayage, warehouse handling, harbor maintenance fees, etc.). Those can add up significantly. Note though, that some of those charges do not apply for RoRo.
You need a customs bond for the car that runs at $4 per $1,000 in value.
You need to pay duty - 2.5% of the value of the car.
I highly recommend an additional insurance for the car that will set you back several hundreds of dollars but will be invaluable for peace of mind.
I have always used a service for customs clearance. Contrary to Gary's post, I believe that they only charge ~$150 for the service and saving the time to deal with was worth the money for me. All other fees such as x-rays, etc. would apply in any case. Correct me if I am wrong here.
Lastly, you need to get the car from the harbor to the warehouse of the freight forwarder (If it is in a container) - Another couple of hundred bucks, though you save those again for RoRo.
For illustrative purposes, here is a recent bid I got from Cosdel in San Francisco. Cosdel specializes in classic cars and have a superior reputation for their services. No affiliation here: I checked them out since I am shipping a Zagato-built Lancia Flaminia and really need to make sure that everything will be perfect. I calculated roughly $9,000 for the car to be here and that is before the 8% or so sales taxes that the DMV California will charge.
All in all, I made pleasant experiences with shipping cars but the costs do add up and you need to be prepared.
Mike
********************
Inland Haulage
Collection from Meilen, CHF 625.00 (air or ocean)
Export Freight
Ocean freight for the car in a 20' to Long Beach - CHF 4,995.00
-includes container loading, drayage, documentation and export formalities.
Air freight from Zurich to LAX - CHF 15,000.00-based on the weight and dimensions that you have provided; includes airport transfers, documentation and export formalities.
Arrival Charges
Ocean
Carrier Terminal Handling - $480.00 per 20'
Drayage to Warehouse - $280.00 per 20'
Devanning - $225.00 per vehicle
Warehouse In/Out Receiving Report - $50.00 per vehicle
Pier Pass - $60.00 per 20'
Customs or other agency exams - At cost, if required
Air
Carrier Handling Surcharge - $40.00 per Air Waybill
Customs Clearance Charges
Customs Entry - $350.00 per entry
EPA/DOT Waiver - $50.00 per vehicle
Duty - 2.5% based on the bill of sale value of the vehicle
Merchandise Processing Fee - 0.21% based on the bill of sale value of the vehicle
Harbor Maintenance Fee - 0.125% based on the bill of sale value of the vehicle (ocean only)
Customs Bond - $4.00 per $1,000.00 based on the bill of sale value of the vehicle, plus the duty amount and users' fees