Comprehensive shipping services for vehicles, heavy equipment, and marine vessels to Germany. Our expert team handles everything from documentation to final delivery with full customs clearance support.
Cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, and all automotive exports
Specialized handling for Germany regulations and port requirements
Construction, industrial, and agricultural equipment transport
Specialized handling for Germany regulations and port requirements
Boats, yachts, and marine vessel transportation services
Specialized handling for Germany regulations and port requirements
Extensive rail network, automotive processing facilities, specialized heavy machinery terminals
Port of Hamburg
Germany's largest port, 8.8M TEU, major automotive hub
Port of Bremen/Bremerhaven
Automotive capital of Europe, BMW & Mercedes export hub
Port of Wilhelmshaven
Germany's deepest port, container and automotive facilities
Port of Duisburg
World's largest inland port, rail connections to China
Port of Lübeck
Baltic Sea gateway, Scandinavian connections
Automotive exports, heavy machinery, precision equipment, chemical transport
Comprehensive shipping options to Germany
Container shipping from LA/Long Beach, Houston to Hamburg, Bremen
22-28 days
Container shipping from NY/NJ, Savannah to Hamburg, Bremen
12-16 days
Container vehicle shipping to Hamburg automotive terminal
14-21 days
Yacht and boat transport to German marina facilities
18-28 days
Specialized equipment transport to German ports
18-25 days
Express cargo to Frankfurt, Munich airports
2-4 days
Seasonal weather, Rhine River conditions, EU customs procedures, Atlantic routing
Direct Atlantic services from US East Coast, transatlantic container lines
Complete documentation requirements for Germany
All machinery must comply with EU Machinery Directive. REACH registration mandatory for chemicals. German language documentation preferred for technical equipment.
1-3 business days within EU, 3-7 days for third countries
Complete customs procedures for Germany
19% VAT on CIF value plus duties
CE marking for machinery, REACH compliance for chemicals, energy labeling for appliances
1-2 days within EU, 2-5 days for third countries
Customs representative recommended for complex shipments
Extensive European distribution network with rail, road, and barge connections. Specialized heavy-haul transport for industrial machinery, automotive carrier services for vehicle distribution, and connections to major industrial centers including the Ruhr Valley, Bavaria, and automotive manufacturing hubs.
EU-competitive pricing with no hidden fees. Container shipping from $1800-4200 per TEU depending on routing. Automotive transport from €1200-3800 per vehicle. Project cargo and heavy machinery quoted individually. INCO terms flexibility with DDP, DAP, and FOB options.
Deep understanding of Germany regulations, customs procedures, and market requirements
Established network of trusted agents and partners throughout Germany
Tailored solutions for automotive, heavy machinery, and specialized cargo requirements
Shipping cars, SUVs, trucks, boats, and heavy equipment to Germany requires a logistics partner who understands both U.S. export procedures and local import regulations. At Seaway Export, we combine port-to-port ocean freight with inland trucking, customs coordination, and documentation support so your vehicles and machinery arrive safely and on schedule.
Most shippers moving personal vehicles or dealer inventory to Germany choose either container shipping or consolidated service. Container shipping provides the highest protection for high-value cars, classic vehicles, and SUVs, while consolidated or shared-container service can reduce overall cost on standard units. Our team advises you on the best loading method for your vehicle type, departure port, and final discharge location so you balance transit time, budget, and risk.
Commercial clients shipping heavy equipment and machinery to Germany benefit from route planning that takes into account weight, dimensions, and port capabilities. We routinely handle excavators, cranes, agricultural machinery, industrial lines, and project cargo, arranging lowboy trailers, breakbulk options when necessary, and secure lashing inside containers or on flat-racks. Every move is scoped in advance so port terminals, carriers, and inland partners are prepared for specialized handling.
Successful shipments to Germany start with clean documentation. We help you prepare the bill of sale, export declaration, title paperwork, packing list, and any country-specific import approvals that may be required. Our documentation team checks that vehicle identification numbers and serial numbers match across documents, minimizing customs questions and avoiding costly delays at both the loading and discharge ports.
Beyond ocean freight, Seaway coordinates inland transportation on both sides of the move. In the U.S. we can collect vehicles from auctions, dealerships, and yards, delivering them to the appropriate load port. In Germany, we work with vetted local agents to arrange onward trucking, yard storage when needed, and appointment-based delivery so your cargo moves quickly from port to final destination.
Everything you need to know about shipping to Germany. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact our team.
Typical transit time for car shipping to Germany ranges from 3–8 weeks door-to-door. This includes inland transport to the U.S. port (3–7 days), vessel departure scheduling and loading (3–10 days), ocean transit (2–6 weeks depending on sailing route and port congestion), customs clearance at destination (2–7 days), and final inland delivery in Germany (2–5 days). Exact timing depends on the port pair, sailing frequency, and whether you choose container, consolidated, or RoRo-style service where available. We provide route-specific timing when you request a quote so you know what to expect before shipping.
To export a vehicle to Germany, you typically need the original title or proof of ownership, a bill of sale, a copy of your passport or government ID, a completed export declaration, and a detailed commercial invoice or packing list. Depending on regulations in Germany, you may also need import approval, emissions or age-compliance documentation, and tax ID information for the receiver. Our documentation team reviews your situation in advance and confirms the exact paperwork required so your shipment clears both U.S. export control and customs in Germany without unnecessary delays.
In many cases, you can place a reasonable amount of boxed personal items inside a containerized vehicle bound for Germany, as long as everything is properly declared on the paperwork and allowed by local customs. However, loose household goods, undeclared high‑value items, hazardous materials, and restricted products can create customs issues or fines. For RoRo or certain port rules, vehicles must be nearly empty. We advise you exactly what can and cannot travel in the vehicle for your route to Germany and can recommend separate consolidation services if you have a larger household shipment.
Import duties, taxes, and port charges in Germany depend on the type of vehicle or equipment, its age, engine size, customs value, and the receiver's status (individual, returning resident, or company). Some countries offer reduced duties for returning citizens or temporary imports; others apply luxury or environmental surcharges. We help you estimate landed costs by reviewing current rules for Germany, preparing accurate customs documentation, and coordinating with our local clearing agents so you understand all government and port fees before your cargo ships.
Yes. For shipments to Germany, we can usually provide complete door‑to‑door service that includes pickup anywhere in the U.S., export preparation and loading, ocean freight to the closest practical port, customs clearance, and inland delivery to your city or project site. In some regions of Germany we may recommend door‑to‑port service with trusted local partners handling the final leg. During quoting we confirm exactly which delivery options are available for your specific address so you can choose the level of service that fits your budget and timeline.
Marine cargo insurance is strongly recommended for shipments to Germany because standard carrier liability does not cover the full value of your vehicle or machinery. We arrange all‑risk coverage that protects against total loss, damage, theft, and general average from the time the unit is picked up until it is delivered at destination. Insurance is normally calculated as a small percentage of the declared value and can be included directly in your shipping quote for Germany, so you have one clear, all‑inclusive cost.
Get a customized quote for your shipment to Germany with detailed pricing and transit options.