If you’re moving to Europe or you simply can’t stand to leave behind your favorite vehicle, you’ve probably been wondering: what does shipping a car to Finland from USA really mean? The answer may depend on your timeframe, budget, and how well you get prepared for paperwork and customs. At USG Shipping, we have helped lots of clients make this exact journey. In this guide, we will break this process down—nothing complicated or overly descriptive—so you know what to expect every step of the way.
Why People Ship Cars from the US to Finland
When shipping a vehicle abroad, cost savings is not always a consideration for many of our clients. They may have different reasons, including:
• Sentimental Value: A classic muscle car, a collector’s item, or just the family SUV that has you attached.
• Market Variance: Some American vehicles may simply be scarce in Finland. Importing your own guarantees you get exactly what trim and options you want.
• Life changes: Moving across the country for work or school means it may make sense to keep your vehicle after all.
Of course, import taxes and duties add up and so it is not always the cheapest route. That’s why working with a professional shipping company matters when you are planning.
What Shipping a Car to Finland from USA Looks Like
Think of the process as a series of steps. Here is how we will take you through it:
1. Quoting and Booking
You will tell us about your vehicle – make, model, year, if it runs, and where it is going to Finland. We will give you an uncomplicated quote that lays out the shipping fees, possible duties, and extra charges so that nothing is unexpected.
2. Pickup and Port Handling
We can pick up your vehicle anywhere in the continental U.S., or you can deliver it on your own to one of our partner ports which are located in Los Angeles, Houston, New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, or Miami. The sooner your car gets to the port, the sooner it is out on shipment.
3. Selecting a Method
• Roll-On/Roll-Off Shipping: An ideal solution for a vehicle in a running operation since it is very cost effective, comfortable and quick.
• Container Shipping: Better option for security (especially if dealing with valuable cargo and or including personal stuff into that space).
• •Air Freight: Very rarely, but as a last resort if speed is more important than cost.
We will walk you through which options should fit your budget and timeline.
4. Clearing U.S. Export
Every car leaving the U.S. has to clear U.S. customs first. We will take care of your paperwork, including the original title, bill of sale, and lien releases (if applicable). Without cleared documents, your vehicle will not be shipped.
5. Transit Across the Atlantic
Once you are on board the vessel, the shipping time is about 2-6 weeks depending on the route and shipping method. We will keep you informed and supplied with tracking so that you will not be left wondering.
6. Arrival in Finland
Your car gets to a port in Finland, maybe in Helsinki, Turku, or Kotka. Once there, they take it off the ship, look it over, and start the customs check.
7. Customs, Duties, and Taxes
Finland has:
• 10% duty on most vehicles
• 24% Value Added Tax (VAT) on the value + duty + shipping
• Car tax, which is based on emissions, age, and market value
We help with the “Declaration of Use” car tax return, which is the required forms immediately upon arrival.
8. Delivery to You
Finally, you can pick your vehicle up at port or have it delivered directly to your doorstep anywhere in Finland.
The Costs You Should Expect for Car Shipping to Finland
Clients frequently inquire: What’s the cost? Every shipment is distinct; however, here’s a ballpark:
• Ocean shipping: Ro-Ro begins at around $1,200–$1,700. Containers are typically more expensive but are more protective in nature.
• Marine insurance: Not mandatory but advisable—covers damage in transit or loss.
• Duties & VAT: Determined by the value of your car. Plan for 30%+ once taxes are factored in.
• Car tax: This varies greatly; cars with a lot of emissions are subject to higher taxes than low emissions cars/EVs.
With USG Shipping, every quoting is done upfront. We want you to know your “landed cost” before you have to agree.
Avoiding Roadblocks
We frequently observe everyday errors that disrupt what should be an easy process:
• Dirty undercarriage: Cars must be cleaned before shipping to avoid the transfer of foreign soil.
• Missing paperwork: If a title is missed, which is very common, that will hold your car up for weeks.
• Unreasonable expectations: Expecting that you will get your car in, say, 24 hours from the other side of the ocean is impossible.
At USG Shipping, we anticipate them so you don’t have to.
Who Qualifies for Exemptions?
Not every individual will need to pay full taxes on imported items:
• People moving to the country: If your residence has been outside of Finland for more than a year and you have owned the vehicle for more than six months, there may be an opportunity for a tax reduction.
• Vehicles older than 30 years: Many vehicles over the age of 30 are eligible for lower duties.
We will assess your case and share if you will qualify for tax reduction prior to your vehicle leaving the United States.
Why Trust USG for Car Shipping to Finland?
We understand you have choices. This is why our clients partner with us:
• Licensed and bonded with the Federal Maritime Commission
• Decades of expertise in international auto shipping
• Door-to-door service in the U.S. and to your address in Finland
• Competitive pricing with no surprise add-ons
• Support in documents, customs, and inspections
• Offices and agents in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East
With USG Shipping, you’re not just paying for shipping—you’re paying for peace of mind.
Shipping a car to Finland from the USA may sound somewhat complicated, yet it is pretty simple and straightforward when you have the actual partner in tow. The three key ingredients are planning, communication, and professionals who really understand the whole process. And that is exactly what USG Shipping offers to you-affordable, reliable shipping service from pickup to registration.
Thinking about to getting the process started? Contact us today to receive a free quote. We’ll go through each option, provide you with an estimate, and take care of the logistical work, so when we finally deliver your car to Finland, you can simply enjoy it!
