Flying Your Fleet In: How International Collectors Prepare for Monterey Car Week

Behind the scenes of how the world’s rarest cars arrive in California

Every August, an extraordinary thing happens above the Pacific: a handful of the world’s most valuable vehicles are flown—not driven, not shipped, flown—into California in time for Monterey Car Week. These aren’t just cars. They’re investments. Artworks. Heirlooms. And they arrive in climate-controlled containers, strapped into cargo planes, escorted by teams who treat every movement like choreography.

So how do top-tier collectors pull it off?

Whether you’re bringing a single concours contender or an entire fleet for show, auction, or sale, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how international collectors prepare to fly their vehicles in for Monterey Car Week.

Why Fly? The Case for Air Freight Over Ocean

Air freight is significantly more expensive than sea freight—but for certain collectors, it's worth every dollar:

• Speed: Ocean freight can take 4–6 weeks. Air freight takes 2–5 days.

• Security: Less time in transit means fewer handling points and reduced risk.

• Control: Flights are often chartered or semi-private with custom loading protocols.

• Prestige: For certain brands and builders, arriving by air is a quiet flex.

For rare pre-war vehicles, irreplaceable concepts, or limited-time auction entries, air freight is the safest way to guarantee a flawless arrival.

Specialized Crating, Wrapping & Loading

Each vehicle is:

• Placed on a custom aluminum or wood skid

• Wrapped in breathable, scratch-resistant shipping materials

• Secured with non-invasive tie-downs

• Monitored for tire pressure and suspension stress

Many high-end carriers also provide climate-controlled hold space and real-time GPS tracking from tarmac to hangar.

Aircraft Types & Routes

Depending on your location and fleet size, your cars may fly via:

• Boeing 747-8F or Airbus A330F cargo planes

• Direct routes into LAX, SFO, or OAK with final transport to Monterey

• Private charters for collections or coordinated multi-car shipments from Europe or the Middle East

  
  

Air carriers often collaborate with classic car shipping specialists who handle customs, insurance, and coordination with Monterey logistics teams.

Customs, Carnets, and Compliance

Bringing cars into the U.S. temporarily? You’ll likely need:

• Carnet ATA (acts like a vehicle passport)

• U.S. Customs entry paperwork for temporary import

• Proof of ownership, VIN matching, and insurance

• In some cases, EPA & DOT exemptions (for display-only vehicles)

Specialist brokers handle this in advance—but start early. Even the best plans can stall at customs without proper prep.

Ground Handling & Local Hosting

Once your fleet arrives, it’s transferred to enclosed carriers for the final leg. But then comes the most overlooked question:

Where do you park it?

Many collectors opt for:

• Gated private properties with paved surfaces

• Homes with on-site guesthouses for drivers or staff

• Access to charging, security, and detailing space

Properties like Fiori + Mare are rare, and fill fast. Book early.

Final Prep: Detailing, Staging, and Unveiling

Before any concours event or private viewing:

• Tires are rechecked

• Fluids balanced

• Paintwork corrected after flight

• Interiors refreshed

• Presentation materials or plates installed

Some collectors fly in their own detailers. Others coordinate with Monterey-based teams who work pre-dawn during Car Week.

It’s Not Just Logistics. It’s Legacy.

Flying in a vehicle for Monterey Car Week isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about honoring a vehicle’s story, showing it where it will be most seen and understood, and doing it all with reverence.

For the world’s most serious collectors, this week isn’t just a destination. It’s a declaration: This car matters. This legacy endures.