While shipping any large item, such as a car, truck or yacht, can be challenging, shipping cars to Italy can be easier with the help of experienced shipping-services companies. If that isn’t your choice, it would be wise to work with the advice of someone who has shipped vehicles to this region, so that you can avoid delays and make sure all the documentation is in order.

From the beginning you should consider a few major details:

• Will you be shipping cars to Italy door-to-door or will you be shipping port-to-port?
• Will it be necessary to reserve a closed container or will roll on/roll off be right for your purpose?
• Do you have the vehicle registration in order, along with tax and license documents?

One of the facts you should know about shipping cars to Italy is: if you are a resident of a European Union country you should be able to import a vehicle without paying duty costs if the vehicle is six months old or older and has more than 6,000 km on the odometer. Those who are not an EU national must have documentation showing that they have owned the car for a year or longer to avoid the duty costs.

Shipping cars to Italy without traveling to the United States, for example, can be a rather smooth and safe process if all the important details are covered. With an experienced shipping-services or freight company these items are covered from start to finish. But the vehicle owner should always learn as much as possible about the process, even if the shipping is in the capable hands of professionals.

It is important to:

• Do some research to find the most efficient and reliable method of moving your vehicle on land and on the sea. The best choice might not be the least expensive.
• Settle the details of vehicle registration and taxes before the car moves from its original location.
• Make sure you have finalized details for storage and handling at the port/dock on both ends of the trip.
• Be sure to have sufficient insurance for the vehicle as well as for your own protection (liability).

There may be some particular requirements for various countries. This is essential information for the owner and it should be clear before the car moves to the dock. The Italian government liaison for transportation and commerce should be able to provide this information about shipping cars to Italy or should direct you to the correct office.

In the past two or three years the cost of shipping cars to Italy from the east coast of the United States has been about $1,500 for roll on/roll off and as low as $1100-$1200 inside a shared container. While this seems like a ferry trip the vehicles are secured and protected from the elements. Be sure that there are no liens or limitations on the vehicle title that could delay movement of the car.

When you are moving to Italy, you may wish to carry your car or other vehicle you already own. This is a good decision if your vehicle is not too old and you love to have your car with you wherever you go. Many people have collectible cars and automobiles that they don’t want to miss. While relocating, you have to find ways for automobile transport from USA to Italy. Thankfully, there are auto shipping companies that safely ship your vehicles to any worldwide destination and these companies are fully equipped to do automobile transport.

Automobile transport to Italy is simple if you are from a European Union country. When you transport automobile from USA, tax exemption for cars is allowed only if your vehicle is at least one year old. You can also get exemptions for cars that have run for six thousand kilometers. The customs clearance fees and tax duty depend on the make of the car. European cars are not taxed too much because they meet the standard EU requirements. Otherwise, you need to make modifications to your car so that your car meets the standards specified in Italy. You should make sure that the modifications are completed before car registration because car imports for cars that don’t meet the standards are more expensive.

Only a resident of Italy with a residence certificate is allowed to transport automobile from USA or any country. After you arrive at Italy, you need to get tax code at the provincial tax office for car import. Also, you have to get an identification certificate from the traffic control authority of Italy to register your imported car. To clear customs once your car arrives at the Italy port, vehicle ownership document must be submitted. Certificate of origin pertaining to the car is also required. Vehicle identification number must be legibly present on all vehicle related documents. Moreover, a car imported to Italy can’t be sold within a year.

In Italy, cars are driven on the right side of the road. Seat belts and child protective restraints should be present in the car. Car import is not prevented by dimensions, special lighting or color of the car. To drive the car in Italy, you need to buy insurance and get vehicle registration number.

The moving company handling auto transport from USA to Italy should be able to help you with the documents and customs clearance. Unless you hire reputable movers who know what they are doing, you can’t expect professional assistance. The moving company requires copies of all documents for customs clearance. Keep the originals with you. Shipping insurance is very important as you are shipping one of your expensive possessions, your car. You need to pay for the shipping in full before auto transport to Italy and hence, you need a reliable mover. The moving company should be easy to contact and you need current status update about your shipment at any time you want.