Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Tokyo to Bakersfield, California

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, the cost difference shrinks, and shipping often becomes more cost-effective when factoring in gas, food, lodging, wear-and-tear, and time, making it worth paying a carrier to avoid the hassle and expense of a long solo trip, though driving saves on carrier fees but adds travel time and costs.

As your car enters the port warehouse, the vehicle is prepped for shipment. Then as the ship leaves the port, you will receive a Bill of Lading and notification with the ETA. How long does it take to import a car from Japan to the USA? Shipping a car from Japan will take on average 8-10 weeks.

Japan's "3-year car rule" refers to the mandatory, costly vehicle inspection called Shaken, where new cars get a 3-year certificate, then renew every 2 years, making older cars expensive to keep, leading many owners to trade in for new ones, boosting sales and the used car export market for well-maintained vehicles. This encourages frequent upgrades, but proper maintenance can extend a car's life significantly.