Understanding Trans Atlantic Shipping Times: US to Europe — 6 Ports of Call, VDCs and Estimated Delivery Timeframes

Trans Atlantic shipping times can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and understanding of the process, it can be made much easier. Shipping from Europe to the United States usually takes two weeks or three depending on stops along the way and weather conditions. It is possible to track your shipment online by obtaining the name of the ship. According to one user, their car departed Bremerhaven in Germany on February 20th and arrived in Baltimore Maryland 11 days later on March 3rd.
When it comes to ports of call for BMW vehicles in the US, there are six main locations: New Jersey, Baltimore MD, Charleston SC, Brunswick GA, Galveston TX, and Port Hueneme CA. However, there are other import vehicle entry points as well. Upon arrival at Sparrows Point in Baltimore, the vehicle will likely be transported by train or truck to Philadelphia which could take up to a week.
For those looking to get an idea of how long transport from Baltimore may take, one user experienced their iX50 arriving quickly after its departure date. They were even surprised when they received a call late one morning that their car was already at the dealership and wanted them to come pick it up that same afternoon! While this may not always happen, it does give some hope for fast delivery times.
On the other hand, another user had a different experience due to being rear-ended in their Taycan resulting in $40k worth of damage plus four months of loaner rental while waiting for parts. Insurance didn’t seem to bat an eye except for the rental part. Therefore, it is important to keep realistic expectations about delivery time frames.
The VDC stands for Vehicle Distribution Center and Stop Sale refers to any cars manufactured prior to 1 Feb 23 being held up at the VDC pending clearance before being released. This could also mean waiting on the dealer's lot as well. All these factors should be taken into consideration when estimating trans Atlantic shipping times.






What is the estimated shipping time to USA Baltimore?
Approximately 2-3 weeks.
What are BMW shipping ports of call in the US?
BMW shipping ports of call in the US (and Vehicle Distribution Centers) are at New Jersey, Baltimore MD, Charleston SC, Brunswick GA, Galveston TX, and Port Hueneme CA, although there are other import vehicle entry points in the US.
How long will transport from Baltimore take?
It varies depending on the situation but it can happen pretty fast towards the end.
What is the VDC and Stop Sale?
VDC stands for Vehicle Distribution Center. If a car was manufactured prior to 1 Feb 23 it may be held up at the VDC pending clearance from the most recent Stop Sale, which is an order from a manufacturer to its dealers not to sell or deliver certain models or model years of vehicles until further notice.
What is the fastest way to ship a car from Europe?
The fastest way to ship a car from Europe is by air freight. Air freight is the quickest and most reliable option for international shipping, as it takes only a few days to reach its destination.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Europe?
The cost of shipping a car from Europe depends on the size and weight of the vehicle, the distance of the shipment, and the type of transport used. Generally, it costs around $2,000 to $4,000 USD to ship a car from Europe.
What documents are required for transatlantic shipping?
Documents required for transatlantic shipping include an original title or registration document, proof of ownership, bill of lading, customs declaration form, and insurance certificate.
Are there any restrictions on what can be shipped?
Yes, there are certain restrictions on what can be shipped across the Atlantic. Items such as hazardous materials, weapons, explosives, and illegal substances are not allowed. Additionally, some countries may have additional restrictions on items that can be imported into their country.
What is the best time of year to ship a car from Europe?
The best time of year to ship a car from Europe is during the summer months when weather conditions are more favorable. This will help ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and on time.