North AmericaUS Export Operations - Heavy Equipment to the World
As a US-based company, Seaway Project Cargo specializes in exporting American-made heavy equipment worldwide. Our expertise covers all major US ports with comprehensive export services.
Main Ports
- Port of Houston
- Port of Savannah
- Port of Long Beach/LA
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- US Export Controls (BIS)
- EAR Compliance
- AES Filing
Common Cargo
- Construction Equipment
- Mining Equipment
- Agricultural Machinery
Main Ports in United States
Port of Houston
Major Export Hub
Port of Savannah
Major Export Hub
Port of Long Beach/LA
Pacific Gateway
Port of Baltimore
RoRo Specialist
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to United States
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas origin | Houston / Savannah / Los Angeles-Long Beach | Container / RoRo / Breakbulk | Varies by origin |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to United States
We ship to United States (Port of Houston) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is Origin Port.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for United States
Importing into the US: the base customs duty is 2.5% on passenger cars and 25% on light/cargo trucks. Since April 2025 a Section 232 tariff of 25% applies to passenger vehicles and light trucks from all countries (with additional country-specific surcharges) — these rates have shifted repeatedly, so confirm the current figure. Vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago are exempt from the Section 232 tariff (HTS 9903.94.04) and clear at 2.5%.
- Import Duty
- 2.5% cars / 25% light trucks base; +25% Section 232 since 2025 (confirm current)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- No federal VAT; state sales/use tax applies on registration
- Other Taxes & Fees
- Gas Guzzler Tax on some inefficient passenger cars; reciprocal country surcharges may apply
Source: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) / EPA / NHTSA · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
Vehicles under 25 years old must meet EPA emissions and DOT/FMVSS safety standards (often via a Registered Importer and ICI). Vehicles 25+ years old are exempt from EPA/DOT and clear with DOT Form HS-7 (Box 1) and EPA Form 3520-1 (Code E).
Source: EPA / NHTSA (Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act) · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
US Export Controls (BIS)
Bureau of Industry and Security regulations for export compliance.
EAR Compliance
Export Administration Regulations govern controlled items.
AES Filing
Automated Export System filing required for most shipments.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for United States
What makes United States tricky
- EPA/DOT conformance for sub-25-year vehicles is costly and slow; the 25-year rule is the clean path for classics.
- US auto tariffs shifted repeatedly through 2025–2026 — verify the live rate before shipping.
- File EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 at entry; non-conforming vehicles under 25 years need a Registered Importer.
- The 2025 Section 232 auto tariff and country surcharges change frequently — confirm current duty with a customs broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
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