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.

Star Trans Logistic will help you find the car of your dreams, taking your budget and preferences into account

Car enthusiasts know that it’s often impossible to find the car of your dreams in your home country, but it’s not hard to buy one in the U.S. The main obstacle is the process of importing a car from the U.S. to Ukraine and getting it registered. “Star Trans Logistic” is one of the best companies in the freight forwarding industry. We’ll take care of everything: we’ll find the car, buy it at auction, ship it, clear it through customs, handle the paperwork, and repair it.

Application for quick selection of a car

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Why should you choose us?

Low prices

“Star Trans Logistic” works with the largest auctions in the U.S.; our fees for our clients are quite low, so the cost of importing a car from the U.S. remains reasonable.

Quality Assurance

Thanks to our extensive experience, we are able to conduct transactions quickly and with minimal risk. Our specialists constantly analyze the market to ensure that our customers receive only high-quality vehicles.

Great Deals

It's a great deal. The staff at Star Trans Logistic monitor various auctions on a daily basis, so they know exactly where and when it's most cost-effective to buy a vehicle. You'll also be pleased with the company's service rates.

Hundreds of satisfied customers

Satisfied customers from Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Lviv, and Zaporizhzhia. Our company has been importing cars from the U.S. for over 20 years, and we rank among the top companies in the industry. The reviews speak for themselves—you can trust us.

In-house brokers and freight forwarders

A team made up of true professionals. We do not hire outside brokers or freight forwarders; all of these specialists are company employees who have been working here for several years.

Delivery Tracking

Our port freight forwarders will ensure that the cars are delivered safe and sound, and will unload them in accordance with all regulations.

Steps for Importing a Car from the U.S.

“Star Trans Logistic” provides turnkey services for importing cars from the U.S. The first step is to communicate with the client; we determine their preferences and find a suitable vehicle at U.S. auctions. The second step is to pay for the lot and ship the cars to Ukraine. Customs clearance takes place within the country; our specialists certify the vehicle and register it. All the customer needs to do is make the payment, wait a little while, and then enjoy their new car.”

Step 1

Choosing a Car

Consultation

Signing the Agreement

Choosing a Car

Step 2

Payment for Vehicles and Logistics

Auction

Payment for the lot

Ordering Replacement Parts

Step 3

Delivery and Registration

Shipping and “Customs Clearance”

Car Restoration

Registration

Step 4

You're enjoying the results

Frequently Asked Questions

We operate transparently; our customers are informed about the stages involved in importing a car from the U.S. and their respective costs. The total cost includes the price of the car itself, along with the auction fee, shipping, customs clearance fees, paperwork, repairs, and the services of our company’s specialists. The estimated cost of our services can be calculated on our website using the U.S. car import calculator.

We provide comprehensive documentation support. “Star Trans Logistic” details every step of the shipping process and outlines its obligations at each stage.

You can submit a request on the website and wait for a manager to call you. Another option is to call us yourself; the phone number is listed on the website under “Contacts.”

First, you must pay a deposit to participate in the auction. After winning the auction, you pay for the vehicle itself directly to the auction house via bank transfer in the amount of your winning bid. You pay for delivery, broker services, and certification at the time of vehicle transfer once it arrives in Ukraine.

To participate in the auction, you must pay a deposit equal to 15% of the amount you plan to bid for the lot.

The deposit is non-refundable if the buyer declines to purchase the car they won and is used to cover the auction's expenses.

Order a car selection for preferential customs clearance

Cars from the USA Turnkey: How It Works in 2026

Updated October 2026.

Cars from the USA attract buyers with a combination of price, equipment and choice. As a rule, even after delivery, customs clearance and service fees, the total cost comes out lower than buying a comparable car on the Ukrainian or European market. To draw an accurate conclusion, you need to calculate the whole journey: the lot price, auction fees, shipping, payments and services. We make this calculation before you buy the lot.

What “Turnkey” Includes

Star Trans Logistic takes care of the whole process: selecting a car at Copart and IAAI auctions, checking its history by VIN, purchasing the lot, export documents, shipping, customs clearance, certification and registration. All you have to do is decide on the purchase and receive a ready car with its documents.

How Cars Travel from the USA Now

Because of the situation at the port of Odesa, cars go by sea from the USA to Europe and then by car carrier to Ukraine. Our main route runs through the port of Klaipėda (Lithuania), and when needed we also work through the ports of Bremerhaven (Germany) and Gdańsk (Poland). EU transit is processed under the T1 procedure, so no EU duties or VAT are payable. You pay all customs fees only once, at clearance in Ukraine. The whole journey from purchase at auction to receiving the keys takes 45–60 days on average.

What the Cost Consists Of

For cars with gasoline, diesel or hybrid engines, you pay a 10% import duty, an excise tax (depending on engine displacement, fuel type and age), 20% VAT and a 3–5% pension fee. For electric vehicles, 20% VAT has been added since January 1, 2026, and the excise tax is €1 per kWh of battery capacity. Used passenger cars must meet an emission standard of at least Euro 2.

Documents and Registration

When importing a car, it is important to prepare the documents correctly: invoice, bill of lading, T1 document, title, valuation expertise and others. Mistakes in documents lead to delays and customs refusals. Our brokers and freight forwarders prepare the set, complete certification and registration, and you receive a car ready for use.

How to Choose a Car

Before bidding, the vehicle history by VIN, the title type and the extent of damage in the photos are checked. A clean title is the most predictable option; a salvage status is cheaper, but repairs and risks are higher. We select several lots that fit your budget and calculate the total cost, including customs clearance, in advance. The decision to buy always stays with you.

How to Start

Submit a request on our website or call us: a manager will clarify your wishes, calculate the cost and agree on the terms. We work under a contract, and a personal manager is assigned to you.

Contact Information

Address

103 Chernomorskogo Kazachestva St., Odessa, 65003

Phone Numbers

+38 (063) 242 32 45

+38 (067) 441 55 33

office@startranslog.com.ua

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