⚡ Quick Answer: Can you ship a used car from the USA to Brazil?
Ocean transport to Brazil commonly starts around $1,500–$3,500+, with Santos as the main gateway and Rio de Janeiro or Paranaguá used on selected routes. The bigger issue is import eligibility: Brazil generally does not allow ordinary used passenger-car imports. A specific legal route exists for qualifying collection vehicles over 30 years old, subject to Brazilian authorization and registration requirements.
USA → BRAZIL VEHICLE EXPORT & IMPORT ELIGIBILITY
All TransportDepot coordinates U.S. pickup, title validation, AES/EEI export filing and ocean transport for vehicles that are legally eligible to enter Brazil. Most container planning centers on Port of Santos for São Paulo and southeast Brazil, with Rio de Janeiro and Paranaguá available for suitable carrier services. Because Brazil restricts normal used-car imports, we treat destination eligibility as the first step—before towing the vehicle to port or committing to ocean freight.
🚢 Vehicle Shipping Calculator
Place an online request →
Professional Car Shipping to Brazil from the USA
All TransportDepot coordinates the U.S. export chain from residential driveways, dealerships and auctions to the confirmed ocean terminal and destination port.
Private Vehicle Owners
Door-to-port shipping with title review, export clearance and destination-routing guidance.
Auction & Dealer Buyers
Copart, IAA and Manheim pickup with storage-fee prevention and non-running vehicle planning.
Commercial Exporters
Multi-vehicle logistics, VIN tracking and consolidated export-document coordination.
Vehicle Shipping Options to Brazil
ECONOMICAL WHEN AVAILABLE
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)
Best for fully operational vehicles accepted by the carrier and destination terminal.
- Vehicle must start, steer and brake.
- Personal belongings are normally restricted.
- Availability varies by route and destination policy.
ENCLOSED & FLEXIBLE
Container Shipping
Best for high-value, non-running, salvage or multi-vehicle shipments and destinations where container service is the practical route.
- Supports specialized loading.
- Provides enclosed transport.
- May allow approved cargo/parts subject to carrier and customs rules.
U.S. Departure Hub Rates & Estimated Transit Times
Planning figures below are for a standard running vehicle. Final pricing depends on exact pickup ZIP, dimensions, vehicle condition, carrier and sailing.
| U.S. Pickup / Gateway | Typical Export Routing | Estimated Shipping Range | Estimated Ocean Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Miami / Port Everglades | $1,500–$2,300 | 18–28 days |
| Georgia | Savannah | $1,650–$2,500 | 20–30 days |
| New Jersey | Newark | $1,800–$2,700 | 22–32 days |
| Texas | Houston | $2,000–$3,000 | 24–35 days |
| California | Cross-country / transshipment | $2,700–$3,500+ | 35–50 days |
Brazil Customs, Siscomex Licensing & Vehicle Tax Planning
Brazil does not have a simple one-rate vehicle import system. A legally admissible vehicle must pass the applicable Siscomex/Duimp administrative controls and can face Import Duty, IPI, PIS/COFINS-Import, ICMS and other charges depending on the vehicle, importer and state. The legal eligibility check comes before freight planning.
Ordinary Used Cars
Brazil’s foreign-trade rules generally do not authorize the import of used consumer goods, which makes ordinary used passenger-car imports from the USA highly restricted. Do not ship a normal used vehicle on the assumption that taxes alone will make it admissible.
Taxes When Import Is Legally Admissible
- Import Duty (II) according to the NCM/tariff treatment.
- IPI according to vehicle classification.
- PIS/COFINS-Import where applicable.
- State ICMS and related charges.
- Formal customs declaration through Brazil’s import system.
Rates depend on the exact vehicle and import regime, so obtain a Brazil-side landed-cost calculation before shipment.
Brazil Used-Car Prohibition & 30-Year Collection Vehicle Rule
Standard Used Passenger Cars
For ordinary commercial/private import, Brazil generally prohibits the import of used consumer vehicles. A U.S. title and ocean booking do not override that restriction.
Collection Vehicles
Brazil provides a specific process for a vehicle of collection. The official service defines a collection vehicle as one manufactured more than 30 years ago with historic value and subject to specific SENATRAN documentation/homologation.
Nationwide U.S. Auto Transport & Auction Towing
We coordinate door-to-port pickup across all 50 states from homes, dealerships, repair shops and major auto auctions.
Supported Auctions
- Copart & IAA pickup
- Manheim / dealer facilities
- Winch-equipped transport for non-running units
Pickup Details Needed
- Pickup ZIP and contact
- Auction lot / buyer number
- Runs & drives vs non-operable
- Title status and key status
How Our USA to Brazil Car Shipping Process Works
1. Quote & Eligibility Check
Submit vehicle details and destination so shipping cost and import eligibility can be reviewed together.
2. Vehicle Pickup
Licensed transport collects the vehicle from a residence, dealer or auction.
3. U.S. Export Validation
Title and AES/EEI export requirements are completed before port release.
4. Ocean Loading
The vehicle is loaded under the confirmed RoRo or container booking.
5. Bill of Lading & Tracking
Shipping documents and vessel information are issued after sailing.
6. Destination Customs & Release
The consignee or local broker completes customs, taxes, inspections and registration steps.
Brazil Vehicle Ports & Routing
Port of Santos
Brazil’s principal container gateway and the first port to compare for São Paulo and much of southeastern Brazil.
Port of Rio de Janeiro
Useful for Rio de Janeiro and selected southeast-bound container services.
Port of Paranaguá
Alternative southern gateway depending on carrier service and final destination.
Final port selection depends on carrier availability, vehicle type, sailing schedule and final destination.
Required Shipping & Customs Documentation
U.S. Export Documentation
- Original Certificate of Title or acceptable ownership record
- Bill of Sale / purchase invoice
- Shipper identification
- AES/EEI export filing where required
- Lienholder authorization where applicable
Brazil Import Documentation
- Original title / ownership record
- Commercial invoice / bill of sale
- Bill of Lading
- Siscomex/Duimp import documentation
- Import licence/authorization where applicable
- SENATRAN/collection-vehicle documentation if using the collector route
Copart, IAA & Dealer Vehicles to Brazil
Do not buy an ordinary used Copart or IAA vehicle for Brazil unless a qualified Brazilian importer confirms a legal import regime in writing. For collector vehicles, confirm the 30+ year qualification and SENATRAN process before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Car to Brazil
How much does it cost to ship a car to Brazil?
A broad planning range is $1,500–$3,500, before destination taxes and local charges.
How long does shipping take?
Typical ocean planning is about 3–6 weeks, depending on U.S. gateway, transshipment and destination clearance.
What are the main ports?
Port of Santos, Port of Rio de Janeiro, Port of Paranaguá are the main gateways to compare for this route.
Can I ship an older or used car?
Only if it complies with the country-specific age, condition, tax and registration rules explained above. Confirm the exact VIN and manufacture year before purchase.
Can All TransportDepot pick up from Copart or IAA?
Yes. Nationwide auction pickup can be coordinated after destination eligibility and title status are checked.
Request Your Car Shipping Quote to Brazil
Send the VIN, pickup ZIP, year, make, model and running condition for a current route-specific quote.
Ruth Kendi serves as International Logistics Coordinator with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). She supports commercial machinery, RoRo, container shipping, export coordination, port planning, and destination logistics, helping organize the documentation, carrier requirements, cargo specifications, and delivery details involved in international shipments. All TransportDepot Inc. provides ocean freight and export logistics services from the United States to destinations worldwide.