Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Tokyo to Lexington, Kentucky

Shipping a car from Japan to the USA generally costs $1,500 to $3,000+ for ocean freight, but the total landed cost can range from $4,000 to $10,000+, depending heavily on the vehicle type, chosen shipping method (shared container vs. RORO), port, duties (2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks + 25% tariff), customs fees, and compliance costs. Expect additional fees for ISF filing, brokerage, port services, and state-specific inspections.

Budget: The shorter the distance, the more cost-effective it is to drive instead of ship your car. Regardless of the total distance, look at your total moving budget and how much you can afford to spend on car shipping services compared to a cross-country drive.

Shipping a car from Japan to the USA typically takes 8 to 10 weeks in total, but the actual sea voyage is shorter (2.5 weeks to West Coast, longer to East Coast), with the overall timeline including prep, waiting for vessels, paperwork, customs, and delivery. Expect delays from weather, vessel availability, and customs, making 2-3 months a realistic timeframe from purchase to arrival.