Shipping a car from Japan to the USA
Plan the journey around the individual car, its import eligibility and your final destination. Han helps coordinate the purchase, transport and export arrangements agreed in your quote.
From the seller to your driveway
Start with the location of the car in Japan and your U.S. delivery ZIP code. The route includes collection from the seller, transport to the export port, ocean shipping, U.S. port handling and delivery after release.
- Confirm the car and destination. Check eligibility and obtain an itemised quote.
- Prepare in Japan. Arrange collection, export documents, cleaning and the agreed shipping method.
- Confirm the booking. Review the carrier’s departure, arrival estimate, terminals and any transshipment.
- Prepare the U.S. entry. Work with the customs broker before the vessel arrives.
- Arrange onward transport. Coordinate collection once customs and terminal release are complete.
Ask Han about a Yokohama-to-Bayonne / New York–New Jersey routing. The available service, exact arrival terminal and any onward transport must be confirmed in your booking. This is a route enquiry, not a published sailing schedule.
RoRo or container?
| Method | How it works | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo | The vehicle is loaded onto a vehicle carrier. | Carrier acceptance, running condition, clearance, vehicle dimensions and rules for items inside the car. |
| Container | The car is secured inside a shipping container. | Loading and securing, container size, shared or dedicated space, destination unloading and handling charges. |
Ask for comparable quotes with the same inclusions. A lower ocean-freight figure may come with different origin, destination or unloading charges. Discuss low-clearance vehicles, non-running cars and separate parts before booking.
Confirm eligibility before shipping
The car needs a valid safety and emissions import route. U.S. federal clearance and state registration are separate requirements. A shipping booking does not establish eligibility.
Coordinate the final document list with your broker. It commonly includes the purchase invoice, Japanese export documents and translation, bill of lading, chassis details, age evidence and applicable import declarations or approvals. Ask the broker about advance filings and bond requirements for the shipment.
Read the U.S. import requirementsKeep names and chassis details consistent across the invoice, export documents and shipping records. Resolve discrepancies before departure.
Build a complete shipping budget
- Collection and inland transport in Japan, including any storage.
- Export administration, preparation and origin-port handling.
- Ocean freight and any agreed cargo insurance.
- Applicable customs duties, additional tariffs, broker and entry charges.
- Destination terminal, unloading and release charges.
- U.S. inland delivery, state taxes, registration and arrival maintenance.
Ask which items are included, which are allowances and which will be billed separately. Confirm insurance coverage and any exclusions in writing if insurance is arranged. Freight and currency values in the calculator are planning inputs, not live carrier quotes.
Use the cost calculatorAllow time for each stage
The sailing time is only one part of the overall delivery timeline. Document preparation, space on a vessel, transfers, customs review and terminal release can change the arrival plan. Ask for the current estimate after the car, route and shipping method are known.
Arrange the delivery vehicle and collection appointment after the broker and terminal confirm release. Ask about storage deadlines and charges so the car can be collected promptly. Retain the import and purchase records needed for registration.
Shipping questions
Can you quote door delivery?
Send your ZIP code, the vehicle listing and whether delivery access has any restrictions. Ask for port-to-door transport to be identified separately in the quote.
Can a newer Ferrari or Lamborghini be shipped to the USA?
Eligibility must be checked for the specific car. Being offered in Japan or having left-hand drive does not establish U.S. certification. Confirm a valid import route before booking.
Do you ship to other countries?
Han supports worldwide export enquiries. Supply your destination country and city so the route and local requirements can be checked.