Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Tokyo to Tampa, Florida

It's usually cheaper to drive for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, shipping can become competitive or even cheaper when you factor in the "hidden" costs of driving (gas, hotels, food, wear-and-tear) versus the upfront shipping fee, especially if you're moving with others or have an unreliable car.

Shipping from Japan to the US costs vary widely, from under $10 for small documents via Japan Post Airmail (¥280 for 50g) to potentially hundreds for large or heavy items, with express services like EMS/DHL being pricier but faster (days), while surface/sea freight for containers can start around $1,800+. Costs depend heavily on weight, size, speed (Airmail, EMS, Surface), and carrier, plus new import duties apply.

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.