Shipping a car takes more than an empty gas tank — Saudi customs won't clear a vehicle older than 5 years, and international car shipping typically runs $1,400–$2,500 depending on the route and method. Whether you're moving a car across Jeddah or shipping it overseas, the prep work is the same: empty the vehicle, disable the alarm, photograph existing damage, and have the right paperwork ready before the truck arrives.
Professionals movers can help you transport your items without difficulty. However, that will leave you with the option to drive your vehicle to your new home or transport your car using a professional relocation company in Saudi Arabia. If you decide to let movers transport your vehicle, consider that you may need to prepare your car for shipping. Use our tips to handle this task with ease.
In case you are organizing an international relocation, you will have numerous moving tasks to deal with. You will need to organize the best way you can to prepare for your relocation. Meanwhile, your search for the best quality relocation services Saudi Arabia you will consider the best way to transport all of your home belongings. Depending on the distance of your relocation, you may also consider transporting your belongings by your own vehicle. On the other hand, if you are moving long distance, that may not be the case.
Consult quality movers before you prepare your car for shipping
When moving to a long distance location, you will need a moving company with years of experience and quality services. Moving companies like Four Winds Saudi Arabia that offer multiple relocation services may be your first choice because they can organize your entire relocation without complications.
If you are looking for a moving company you can trust to prepare your car for shipping, you should consider companies that specialize in vehicle relocation. Those companies usually know all the import and export laws, and they can help you prepare properly for this task. Reliable moving companies usually have great online reviews and the best company ratings. Researching the internet will help you find the best moving company for vehicle transport.
Keep in mind that vehicle relocation requires a lot of preparation and paperwork. That is why you should consult your moving company before you ship your car to the USA. Companies that specialize in auto transport are there to help you transport and ship your vehicle without difficulty. However, you should consult your movers about car transport at least a few weeks before your actual moving date.
Prepare your car for shipping like a pro!
To prepare your car for shipping, you have to make sure your car is working properly. That is why you should visit a mechanic and let him check your vehicle in detail. Professional moving companies that specialize in vehicle relocation can transport your car even if it is not completely functional. However, it is best to check your car before shipping. Keep in mind that movers usually need to move cars while in transport. For this reason, make sure your mechanic inspects everything:
- Leaks – oil, gas, water, etc.
- Breaks, lights
- The battery
- Engine etc.
It is important your car is functioning, and you know how to prepare it for shipping. Make sure to empty your car of any personal belongings like your child’s toys, your coffee mug or the papers you keep at the glove compartment. After your car is free of any personal items, make sure to secure any loose parts. This is important because your car may be carried in special carriers and loose parts may detach and cause some type of damage.
Wash your car
It is also important that you wash your car before your movers come to pick it up. Wash your car and clean it thoroughly. After you do, make sure to check all the surfaces for any scratches and dents. In case there are any, make sure to take photos of your vehicle. Keeping a record is crucial for insurance purposes. On the other hand, while your vehicle is in transport accidents may happen. Your car may be scratched or dented. That is why reliable moving companies usually need pictures as proof of your car existing condition. In case of any damage, the insurance company will cover the cost of repairs after your vehicle is transported to your new location.
Disable the alarm
Truck drivers may have trouble concentrating if your car alarm goes off during transport. As they may drive multiple vehicles to your new location, car alarms may go off at the same time. So, it is important you don’t forget to disable the alarm system in your car. If that is not completely possible, you should consider providing a moving company with your vehicles alarm remote and the keys. If the driver has your remote, he will shut the alarm off with ease.
Don’t leave the gas tank full
Professional movers will advise that you empty your fuel thank when you prepare your car for shipping. Your car should have a quarter of the tank full during transport. This way, your movers will work more efficiently because your car will be lighter and easier to manage while in transport.
Provide paperwork and the keys
When the moving company truck arrives to pick up your vehicle, make sure to double check if your car is completely empty of any personal belongings. And after movers load your car onto the moving truck, make sure to lock it. This way you will reduce the risk of theft during transport. On the other hand, it is important you provide the second set of keys to a moving company specialist. After you do, the process is complete. However, there will be a lot of paperwork for you to sign.
A moving company that specializes in vehicle transport will help you prepare your car for shipping and help you gather all the documentation you may need. However, even on the day of your move, you will need to read the moving contract carefully and all the insurance paperwork your movers provide before you sign.
What are Saudi Arabia’s import rules for shipping a car?
Saudi Arabia does not allow the import of vehicles older than 5 years. This applies whether you’re shipping a car in from abroad or bringing one back into the Kingdom after time overseas, and it’s one of the first things a customs broker checks before your vehicle even reaches the port. According to the U.S. government’s official Saudi Arabia trade guide, import of vehicles older than five years is prohibited outright, alongside a handful of other restricted categories.
Beyond the age limit, you’ll need proof of ownership, a clean title, and the standard import declaration — the same documents covered in our guide to shipping a car from Canada to Saudi Arabia, which also breaks down the applicable duty rates. If any of your paperwork is out of date, sort it before you book the shipment — it’s the single biggest cause of delays at the port.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
International car shipping to and from Saudi Arabia commonly runs $1,400 to $2,500, depending on the departure port, the shipping method, and the season. RoRo shipping sits at the lower end of that range since the vehicle just gets driven onto the vessel, while container shipping costs more but protects the car from weather and handling damage during the crossing.
Domestic moves within Saudi Arabia — say, relocating a car from Jeddah to Riyadh — cost less than an international shipment, but the exact price depends on distance, vehicle size, and whether you need enclosed transport. The fastest way to get an accurate number is a free estimate rather than a generic online range, since factors like current fuel surcharges and route availability change the quote month to month.
RoRo or enclosed container: which should you choose?
If your car runs and you’re working with a tighter budget, RoRo shipping is usually the more affordable choice — the vehicle is driven directly onto the vessel and secured for the crossing. It’s a fine option for daily drivers that don’t need extra protection. Our detailed comparison of RoRo shipping vs. container shipping walks through both methods step by step if you want the full picture before deciding.
Container shipping costs more but keeps your vehicle fully enclosed for the entire trip, which matters if you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or non-running car. If you’re still comparing providers at this stage, our guide to choosing a car shipping company covers what to look for beyond price.
What documents do you need to ship your car?
Car shipping paperwork trips up more people than the physical prep does. At minimum, you’ll need:
- Proof of ownership — the vehicle registration or title
- A valid ID or passport matching the name on the registration
- The bill of lading, which proves delivery condition and is what your insurer uses if damage occurs in transit
- Import/export customs declarations, required for any cross-border shipment
- Insurance documentation covering the vehicle during transport
Our car shipping documents explained guide covers each of these in more detail, including which ones are non-negotiable versus company-specific. Missing paperwork is the most common reason a vehicle gets held up in customs clearance, so it’s worth confirming everything a few weeks ahead rather than the day the truck arrives.
Call us for professional help!
Getting your vehicle ready to ship comes down to the same short list every time: empty it, secure it, document its condition, and have the paperwork sorted before the truck arrives. Four Winds Saudi Arabia has shipped vehicles both locally and internationally for nearly four decades, and can confirm your documents and shipping method before your moving date is locked in. Get a free estimate to see what shipping your car will actually cost.
FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car in Saudi Arabia?
International car shipping to or from Saudi Arabia typically costs $1,400 to $2,500, depending on the route, shipping method, and season. Domestic moves within Saudi Arabia usually cost less — get a free estimate for an exact figure based on your route and vehicle.
Can I import a car older than 5 years into Saudi Arabia?
No. Saudi Arabia does not allow the import of vehicles older than 5 years, regardless of the vehicle's condition or value.
Is RoRo or container shipping safer for my car?
Container shipping offers more protection since the vehicle is fully enclosed for the entire trip, while RoRo shipping is more affordable but leaves the car exposed to weather and handling during loading and unloading.
What documents do I need to ship my car?
At minimum: proof of ownership, a valid ID matching the registration, the bill of lading, customs declarations for cross-border shipments, and insurance documentation covering the vehicle in transit.
How early should I book car shipping before my move?
Contact your moving company at least a few weeks before your moving date. This gives enough time to confirm paperwork, book the right shipping method, and avoid last-minute price increases.