Importing a Vehicle into the United States? Start With a Customs Broker
Buying a vehicle abroad can be exciting. Getting it into the United States takes more than arranging transportation. Before the vehicle ships, you need to know whether it can be imported, what documents are required, and what charges to expect.
I’m Sandra De Leon, a Licensed Customs Broker. I help individuals and businesses navigate the customs process for vehicles arriving by ocean freight or crossing the land border.
How I can help
Review the vehicle before shipment. Send me the year, make, model, VIN, country of manufacture, purchase documents, and photos of its labels. I can review the information and help identify which import requirements need closer attention before you commit to shipping.
Prepare the customs entry. Vehicle imports involve a CBP entry and declarations for the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency. I help prepare and submit the customs paperwork, coordinate the required forms, and follow the entry through release.
Explain the costs. I can provide an estimate of applicable duties, government fees, bond costs, and brokerage charges based on the vehicle and the available documents. This helps you budget before the vehicle arrives.
Coordinate an ocean arrival. If your vehicle is coming by vessel, contact me early. An Importer Security Filing may be required before the vehicle is loaded overseas. I can also coordinate with your shipping agent and obtain the documents needed for clearance.
Help with special situations. Classic vehicles, vehicles returning to the United States, and vehicles moving through the U.S. for export can follow different paths. I can review your situation and explain the customs options that may apply.
What should you send me first?
To get started, send the vehicle’s VIN, year, make and model; the purchase invoice or bill of sale; title or registration; country of manufacture; origin and U.S. arrival location; and your expected shipping date. If you do not have everything yet, send what you have. We can identify what is still needed together.
The best time to contact a customs broker is before the vehicle leaves its origin. An early review gives us time to address document questions and plan the clearance.
Ready to discuss your vehicle? Email sandra@deleonchb.com or call or WhatsApp 786-412-9533.
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