Why does the shipment go through Klaipeda instead of directly to Odesa?

Sea freight to Black Sea ports carries elevated war-related risk, which makes vessel and container insurance significantly more expensive, and some shipping lines don't call at Ukrainian ports at all. Klaipeda is a major, reliably operating EU port with direct sea lines from the USA; from there the car is delivered to Ukraine by truck. This route is more reliable and often faster.

How long does shipping take on the USA to Klaipeda to Ukraine route?

The full journey usually takes 45-60 days: 3-7 days to move the car from the auction to a US port, 25-35 days for the ocean crossing, and another 5-10 days for port handling in Klaipeda and truck delivery to Odesa. Exact timing depends on the shipping line's schedule and port congestion.

Do I have to pay EU customs duties while transiting through Klaipeda?

No. The car is processed under a customs transit procedure (a T1 document), which allows the cargo to move through EU territory without paying EU duties or VAT. All customs payments are made once, when the car is cleared in Ukraine.

How does customs clearance work in Ukraine after shipping via Klaipeda?

Once the truck arrives at the Ukrainian border or a bonded warehouse, the car is declared under the standard procedure: an electronic customs declaration is filed, duty, excise tax, and VAT are paid, and the car undergoes conformity certification. Our brokers manage the process from filing the declaration through to handing you the finished documents.

How can I track the car at every stage of the route?

As soon as the car is loaded at the US port, you receive the container number and vessel details, which you can use to track the shipment on the carrier's website. During the truck leg from Klaipeda, our manager gives you an estimated arrival date and keeps you updated at each key stage.

About the Company

Star Trans Logistic LLC

Star Trans Logistic LLC is a freight forwarding company and customs broker based in Odesa. Since 2006, we have organized international shipping and customs clearance of import and export cargo for private clients and businesses. We work with clients across Ukraine.

What We Do

import and export customs clearance of cargo, including large batches of goods from China and other countries, and export clearance of cargo to the USA;
sea freight and container bookings with various shipping lines;
port forwarding;
turnkey car delivery from the USA: lot selection, purchase, shipping, customs clearance, certification, registration, restoration and repair;
certification of cars and other goods;
other forwarding and logistics services at the client’s request.

Company Facts

Working since 2006, more than 20 years.
More than 15,300 cars cleared through customs.
More than 9,550 clients helped.
1,235 shipments delivered in 2025.
Cars from the USA are delivered through the port of Klaipėda (Lithuania), and when needed through the ports of Bremerhaven (Germany) and Gdańsk (Poland).

How We Work

Contract. All terms, stages and obligations are set out in a contract that you can review in detail before signing.
Personal manager. Each client has an assigned manager who accompanies the shipment and keeps them informed about its status at every stage.
Transparent calculations. Before work begins, we show every expense item: shipping, customs payments, services.
In-house specialists. Customs clearance is handled by brokers and freight forwarders employed by the company. For shipping, we work with shipping lines, carriers, ports and terminals.
Responsibility. We insure the freight forwarder’s liability. Cargo insurance is arranged at the client’s request.

Company Details

Star Trans Logistic LLC
EDRPOU: 34221069
Address: 103 Chernomorskogo Kazachestva St., Odesa, 65003, Ukraine
Phone: +38 (063) 242 32 45, +38 (067) 441 55 33
Email: office@startranslog.com.ua