First Steps
Shipping Automobiles to Greece
Shipping a vehicle to Greece requires far more than arranging ocean transport. It is a process governed by regulatory frameworks, documentation requirements, and port procedures that must be understood before a vehicle ever leaves the United States. While Greece maintains modern port infrastructure—particularly through major entry points such as Piraeus—the success of a shipment depends on how well it is prepared at origin and how closely it aligns with the legal pathway under which the vehicle will be used once it arrives.
At Hermes International Movers, automobile shipments are managed with a focus on compliance, proper handling, and realistic expectations. We coordinate both containerized and Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) transport, working with established carriers and destination agents to ensure that each vehicle is shipped safely and positioned for a smooth arrival process.
It is important to note at the outset that electric vehicles are not accepted for shipment at this time. Due to the risks associated with large lithium-ion batteries—including the potential for thermal events during ocean transit—many carriers restrict or prohibit their transport. As a result, we do not currently facilitate EV shipments to Greece.
Shipping Methods: Container vs. Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro)
There are two primary methods for transporting vehicles to Greece, and the appropriate choice depends on the type of vehicle, the client’s priorities, and the specific logistics of the route.
Container shipping involves securing the vehicle inside a sealed container, typically a 20-foot or 40-foot unit. This method offers a higher level of protection from external elements and allows for controlled loading and securing. It is often preferred for higher-value vehicles or when additional protection is desired.
Ro/Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping, by contrast, involves driving the vehicle directly onto a specialized vessel designed to carry automobiles. The vehicle is secured within the ship and transported without a container. This method is generally more cost-effective and efficient, particularly for standard vehicles, though it provides less isolation from the surrounding environment.
Each method has its place, and the selection should be made based on both practical considerations and the intended use of the vehicle upon arrival.
Important Industry Warning: Unsafe Loading Practices
Not all shipping providers operate under proper standards, and pricing alone can be misleading.
In some cases, operators attempt to reduce costs by loading three or even four vehicles into a single 40-foot container, using improvised systems such as ratchets, pulleys, or stacked configurations. These practices are unsafe, non-compliant, and expose the vehicles to significant risk during transit and handling.
Such loading methods can result in structural stress, damage from shifting, and complications during port inspections. While these offers may appear attractive from a pricing perspective, they should be approached with caution. Proper loading is not optional—it is essential for safe and compliant transport.
Vehicle Handling and Personal Property
Clients should also understand how vehicles are handled upon arrival in Greece.
Although it is generally permissible to place personal items inside a vehicle prior to shipment, those items are not protected as part of the transport process. Upon arrival, vehicles are removed from the container or vessel and staged at the port facility while awaiting clearance or pickup.
During this time, it is common for:
The vehicle to be stored with the windows open
The keys to remain inside the vehicle
The vehicle to be accessible within an active port environment
As a result, no party assumes responsibility for any personal property left inside the vehicle. Any such items are placed at the owner’s risk, and loss or damage is not covered.
For this reason, vehicles should be shipped empty of personal belongings, regardless of what may be technically permitted.
