Shipping Cars from China
Made Simple & Reliable
Complete vehicle logistics from China to 120+ countries — cars, motorcycles, EVs, heavy equipment. RoRo, container & door-to-door solutions with full customs support.
What Vehicles Can Be Shipped from China
We handle a complete range of vehicles — from compact sedans to heavy-duty trucks. Whatever you need to ship, we have a proven solution.
Passenger Cars
Sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, coupes, convertibles — all makes and models, new or used.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Tesla, BYD, NIO, Xpeng & more. Full lithium battery DG compliance and documentation.
Motorcycles & Scooters
Sports bikes, cruisers, electric scooters, ATVs. Secured crating and battery handling included.
Trucks & Heavy Vehicles
Pickups, vans, buses, construction machinery, agricultural equipment. RoRo or flat rack options.
Auto Parts & Components
Engines, transmissions, body panels, tires, accessories. LCL consolidation or full container loads.
Trailers & Semi-Trailers
Flatbeds, tankers, refrigerated trailers. Specialized RoRo and breakbulk shipping arrangements.
Classic & Vintage Cars
Enclosed container shipping with custom crating. Extra insurance coverage for high-value collectibles.
Shipping Methods for Cars from China
Choose the shipping method that balances your budget, timeline, and vehicle type. Our team will guide you to the best option.
RoRo Shipping
Roll-on / Roll-off
per standard vehicle
- Most cost-effective option
- Vehicle driven directly onto vessel
- Ideal for operable vehicles
- Available to most major ports
- Vehicle must be drivable
- No personal items inside vehicle
Container Shipping
20ft / 40ft Containers
per vehicle (shared container)
- Maximum protection & security
- Ship multiple vehicles in one container
- Non-operable vehicles accepted
- Can ship with auto parts/cargo
- Door-to-door delivery available
- Higher cost than RoRo
Consolidated Container
Shared / LCL Container
per shared space
- Cost-share with other shippers
- Ideal for single vehicle shipment
- Motorcycles & small vehicles
- Container security at lower cost
- Must wait for consolidation
- Less flexible scheduling
How Much to Ship a Car from China — Cost Estimates
Last updated: June 2026
Estimated shipping costs for a standard sedan from major Chinese ports. Actual rates depend on vehicle dimensions, shipping method, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand.
| Destination Country | RoRo (Est.) | Container 20ft (Est.) | Container 40ft (Est.) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping Cars from China to USA | $1,200 – $1,800 | $2,500 – $3,500 | $4,000 – $5,500 | 15–25 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to UK | $1,000 – $1,500 | $2,200 – $3,200 | $3,500 – $5,000 | 25–35 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to UAE | $900 – $1,400 | $1,800 – $2,800 | $3,000 – $4,500 | 12–20 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Germany | $1,100 – $1,600 | $2,300 – $3,300 | $3,800 – $5,200 | 25–35 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Canada | $1,300 – $1,900 | $2,600 – $3,800 | $4,200 – $6,000 | 20–30 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Australia | $1,000 – $1,500 | $2,000 – $3,000 | $3,500 – $5,000 | 18–25 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to South Africa | $1,200 – $1,800 | $2,400 – $3,500 | $4,000 – $5,800 | 20–30 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Brazil | $1,400 – $2,000 | $2,800 – $4,000 | $4,500 – $6,500 | 30–40 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Mexico | $1,200 – $1,700 | $2,400 – $3,500 | $3,800 – $5,500 | 20–30 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Argentina | $1,500 – $2,200 | $3,000 – $4,200 | $4,800 – $6,800 | 35–45 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Chile | $1,400 – $2,000 | $2,800 – $4,000 | $4,500 – $6,500 | 30–40 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Colombia | $1,300 – $1,900 | $2,600 – $3,800 | $4,200 – $6,000 | 25–35 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Saudi Arabia | $900 – $1,400 | $1,800 – $2,800 | $3,000 – $4,500 | 15–22 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Kuwait | $1,000 – $1,500 | $2,000 – $3,000 | $3,200 – $4,800 | 15–22 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Qatar | $1,000 – $1,500 | $2,000 – $3,000 | $3,200 – $4,800 | 15–22 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Nigeria | $1,300 – $1,900 | $2,600 – $3,800 | $4,200 – $6,200 | 25–35 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Kenya | $1,100 – $1,600 | $2,200 – $3,200 | $3,500 – $5,200 | 20–30 days |
| Shipping Cars from China to Egypt | $1,000 – $1,500 | $2,000 – $3,000 | $3,200 – $5,000 | 18–28 days |
* Estimates for standard sedan (L: 4.5m, W: 1.8m, H: 1.5m). Prices vary. All rates exclude destination port charges, customs duties, and inland delivery.
Actual rates are influenced by vehicle dimensions, port of origin, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, and destination customs requirements. For a real-time, shipment-specific quote — or rates for a destination not listed above — submit your details below.
Get Your Custom QuoteChina-Side Logistics — We Handle Everything
From the factory floor to the vessel — DTFU's Shenzhen team manages every step on the China side. You don't need to be in China to ship vehicles out of China.
Supplier Pickup
We collect vehicles directly from manufacturers, dealerships, or auction sites anywhere in China. Flatbed trucks with vehicle transport expertise.
Vehicle Inspection
Pre-shipment inspection: VIN verification, odometer reading, exterior/interior condition report with photos, confirming vehicle matches purchase documents.
Warehouse Consolidation
Secure storage at our warehouse facilities across China. We consolidate multiple vehicles into shared containers to reduce your per-unit shipping cost.
Export Documentation
We prepare all China export paperwork: customs declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and any special permits (EV battery, dangerous goods).
Container Loading & Securing
Professional vehicle loading with wheel chocks, tie-down straps, and protective covers. We ensure your vehicle arrives undamaged.
Booking & Shipment
We book space with major carriers (COSCO, Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) for the best rates and earliest sailings. Real-time tracking after departure.
We also manage the destination side: import clearance, duty/tax calculation, and inland trucking to your door.
Common Challenges When Shipping Cars from China
— And How We Solve Them
Vehicle Packaging & Protection
Challenge: Vehicles are vulnerable to scratches, dents, and weather damage during ocean transit. Improper securing can cause shifting and collision inside containers.
Our Solution: Professional lashing with marine-grade straps, wheel chocks, and protective covers. Container-secured loading with wooden blocking for high-value vehicles.
EV & Lithium Battery Compliance
Challenge: Electric vehicles are classified as dangerous goods (UN 3171). Missing DG declarations, UN38.3 certificates, or MSDS can cause shipment rejection at port.
Our Solution: Full DG documentation package. We work directly with certified labs for UN38.3 testing and prepare all IMO-compliant paperwork before the container reaches port.
China Export Documentation
Challenge: Vehicle exports from China require specific documentation: export license verification, vehicle title cancellation (for used cars), and customs form filing. Errors cause days of delay.
Our Solution: Our China-based customs brokerage team handles the full export declaration. We pre-audit all documents and resolve issues before the shipment reaches customs.
Container Loading & RoRo Limitations
Challenge: RoRo vessels have height/weight limits and require vehicles to be drivable. Non-running cars, oversized trucks, and modified vehicles may be rejected.
Our Solution: We assess your vehicle upfront and recommend the right method. For non-RoRo-eligible vehicles, we use container or flat rack shipping with specialized loading equipment.
Destination Customs Clearance
Challenge: Each country has unique vehicle import rules — EPA/DOT for the USA, IVA for the UK, age restrictions in Africa, GCC specs in the Middle East. Non-compliance = vehicle held at port.
Our Solution: Pre-clearance review against your destination country's import regulations. We advise on eligibility before you buy the vehicle, not after it arrives.
Consolidation & Mixed Cargo
Challenge: If you're shipping 2 vehicles plus auto parts, mixing different cargo types in one container requires careful space planning and customs itemization.
Our Solution: Our warehouse team designs load plans for mixed shipments. We itemize all cargo on the packing list for smooth customs clearance at both ends.
Destination Import Compliance
— Don't Let Customs Stop Your Vehicle
Every country has specific vehicle import rules. We help you navigate them all before your vehicle ships — saving you thousands in port storage and re-export fees.
Documentation You'll Need
- Original purchase invoice
- Vehicle title / registration
- Bill of Lading (we provide)
- Packing list (we prepare)
- Certificate of Origin
- VIN verification document
- EPA / DOT forms (USA)
- IVA certificate (UK)
Key Import Restrictions
- USA: 25-year rule for non-conforming vehicles; EPA & DOT compliance required
- EU: Euro emission standards; type approval (CoC) needed
- UAE: GCC specs; right-hand drive restrictions
- Australia: Asbestos-free certification; strict quarantine inspection
- Africa: Age limits (typically 5–8 years); radiation checks in some ports
- Canada: 15-year rule; RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) program
EV-Specific Requirements
- UN38.3 battery test report
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- IMO dangerous goods declaration
- Battery state-of-charge certificate (<30%)
- EV homologation certificate (EU)
- Charging standard compliance (varies)
Pro Tip: Before buying a vehicle in China for export, send us the make, model, year, VIN, and destination country. We'll check import eligibility first — saving you from buying a vehicle that can't clear customs.
CHECK MY VEHICLE ELIGIBILITYWhy Choose DTFU Logistics for Shipping Cars from China
With over a decade of vehicle logistics experience and FIATA/IATA dual certification, we are the partner importers trust for complex auto shipments.
China-Wide Operations
Our team operates from China's major export hubs with direct access to all key ports including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Qingdao, giving us unmatched coordination speed nationwide.
Certified & Insured
Full cargo insurance coverage up to declared value. Your vehicle is protected from pickup to delivery.
Vehicle-Specific Expertise
We don't just ship "cargo" — we ship vehicles. Our team understands VIN verification, EV battery regulations, import age limits, and destination-specific homologation.
Direct Carrier Contracts
Long-term agreements with COSCO, Maersk, CMA CGM, and RoRo operators. We secure competitive rates and priority space — even during peak season.
End-to-End Visibility
Real-time tracking updates from pickup in China to customs release at destination. You always know exactly where your vehicle is.
Dedicated Account Manager
One point of contact for your entire shipment. No call-center runaround — you get a logistics professional who knows your vehicle by VIN.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle from China?
Tell us about your vehicle and destination. We'll send a custom quote within 24 hours — no obligation.
- RoRo • Container • Consolidated Container
- Pickup from supplier to final delivery
- Customs and documentation support