Japan International Auto Transport Quotes
You can read auto transport reviews from major companies in Japan to see the services offered by each company, read testimonials from their customers, and compare quotes side-by-side instantly. In addition, you can get detailed information about shipping to Japan or get professional advice for shipping from Japan to the United States or elsewhere in the world.
CarShipping.com works with many of the best auto transport companies, who are recommended for vehicle shipping, freight and personal moving services. Review each Japanese moving company and compare multiple quotes when you’re ready.
Reviews of Japan International Shipping Companies
Shipping Methods
International shipping companies typically transport cars in containers or on Roll on Roll off ships (RoRo). Many companies allow customers to stow personal belongings and household goods in the same container as the car. The cost to haul a car in a container between the US and Japan varies quite a bit. Typically, it costs more to transport a vehicle to the US than the other way around. Most companies take between 17 days and one month to transport a car between the two countries.
Shipping Costs
On average, Japan international shipping companies charge anywhere between ,000 and ,500 to transport a vehicle to Japan, and between ,000 and ,000 to haul it to the USA. Generally, RoRo shipping costs less than container shipping. The average cost to transport a car on a RoRo vessel between the two countries ranges from ,500 to ,000. However, most shipping companies in the USA and Japan offer only monthly or bi-monthly RoRo services.
Customs Clearance Services
International auto transporters usually offer services to help their customers with the customs clearance process. Both the US and Japan have fairly strict safety standards and environmental requirements for car imports. In most cases, cars that are approved for use in the US need to be modified before they can be imported into Japan. The same is true of cars being imported from Japan into the USA.
Online Price Quotes
Typically, international shipping services provide free online price quotes on their websites. Some price comparison sites allow individuals to obtain and to compare quotes from multiple shipping companies at the same time. Not all international shippers operate their own vessels. Some operate under what is known as a non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) license. An NVOCC works with multiple shippers to get the best prices and shipping schedules on behalf of their customers. Many Japan international shipping companies also are equipped to handle the safety inspection and emissions testing process for customers, though such services usually cost extra.
Container Shipping the Best Option
Auto shipping services typically transport cars in containers or on board special purpose Roll on Roll off (RoRo) ships. If you want to ship a car to Japan in an expedited fashion, you will probably be better off transporting it in a container because RoRo vessels operate only on an infrequent basis between the US and Japan. Most shipping companies offer weekly container shipping services between the US and Japan, whereas RoRo ships typically operate only on a monthly or bi-monthly basis at best. The cost of shipping a car to Japan can range from ,000 to ,500, depending on where you want the car picked up and delivered, and the type of vehicle you want shipped.
Japanese Car Import Requirements
The biggest challenge with importing a car to Japan is not the actual transportation but the customs formalities that are involved. Japan has fairly stringent emissions control standards. Most cars manufactured for use in the USA will need to be modified in order to pass Japanese emissions standards. Often, people who import a car to Japan also need to modify the headlights and safety restraint systems to bring them into compliance with Japan’s District Land Transport Bureau requirements.
Required Documents
In order to export a car from the USA to Japan, you will need to show proof of ownership of the vehicle and a no-objection certificate from your bank if you have an outstanding loan against the vehicle. You need to present the documents to US Customs at least 72 hours prior to export. In addition, when shipping a car to Japan, you will also need to bring all documents describing your vehicle’s technical specifications. You will need those documents to prove that your car meets Japanese road safety requirements. Importing a car to Japan is not as easy as exporting one from the country, but the task can be accomplished with some careful planning and research.
RoRo and Container Shipping
The actual task of shipping a car from Japan to the US is fairly straightforward. Many US and Japanese auto shipping companies offer car transportation services between the two countries. They typically will give you the option of shipping your car either in a container or on board a Roll on Roll (RoRo) off vessel. If you choose the first option, your car will be loaded into a 20-foot or 40-foot steel container and transported to the US on board a container vessel. If you choose the RoRo option to ship a car from Japan, your car will be transported in a special kind of vessel that allows vehicles to be directly driven on board the ship for transportation.
Shipping Costs
The cost to ship a car from Japan to the United States can vary significantly depending on vehicle size, the distance between origin and destination, and the shipping method that is used. On average, you can expect to pay between ,500 and ,000 to import a car from Japan to the U.S.
Required Documents
When shipping a car from Japan, make sure you have proof of vehicle ownership, the original bill of sale, the foreign deregistration certificate and bill of lading. You will also need to submit a completed Environmental Protection Agency EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7.
Safety and Emissions Requirements
In order to import a car from Japan, the vehicle has to be compliant with US standards pertaining to issues such as safety restraints, braking systems, lighting systems and emissions controls. You can bring a foreign-made car into the US even if it is not compliant. However, you will be required to work with a Registered Importer to modify the car and bring it into compliance with US standards. Keep in mind that safety and emissions modifications can get very expensive. So, before importing a car from Japan, make sure the vehicle is truly ready and designed for US roads.