RoRo vs Container Shipping
There are two main ways to ship a car overseas. Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is the most economical: your car is driven onto a dedicated vehicle ship and secured on deck, ideal for standard running cars. Container shipping seals your car inside a shipping container, either alone (sole use) or shared with other cars, and gives the best protection for classic, prestige, or non-running vehicles. RoRo is cheaper and has more frequent sailings; container costs more but protects against weather and handling. Your shipper will recommend the right option for your car and destination.
Popular Routes from the UK
Our specialists regularly ship cars from the UK to Australia, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Cyprus, Malta, Spain, and ports across Europe and the Middle East. Each destination has its own import rules, duties, and paperwork — Australia, for example, has strict quarantine and asbestos requirements, while the USA requires EPA and DOT compliance. A good shipper guides you through the documentation for your specific destination so the car clears customs without costly delays.
What Affects International Shipping Cost
The main cost factors are the destination port, shipping method (RoRo or container), the car's size, and current sailing availability. As a rough guide, RoRo to Europe can start from a few hundred pounds, shipping to the USA East Coast is often £700 to £1,200, and Australia is typically £1,500 to £3,000 depending on port and method. Import duties and taxes at the destination are charged separately. Always compare quotes for your exact route and confirm what is and isn't included.
Paperwork and Customs
International car shipping needs more documentation than a domestic move: proof of ownership (your V5C), photo ID, a bill of lading, and destination-specific import forms. For some countries the car must be cleaned to remove soil and contaminants before shipping. Your shipper will give you a checklist for your destination. Allow extra time — international moves typically take 2 to 8 weeks door-to-door depending on the route.
How It Works
Post your job with the UK collection address, the destination country and port, and the car's details. Verified international shippers send competing quotes covering UK collection, port handling, the sea crossing, and (if you want) destination clearance. Compare on price, transit time, and how much of the door-to-door process each quote includes.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to ship a car overseas from the UK?
- It depends heavily on destination and method. RoRo to mainland Europe can start from a few hundred pounds, shipping to the USA is often £700 to £1,200, and Australia is typically £1,500 to £3,000. Container shipping costs more than RoRo. Import duties and destination taxes are charged separately. Compare quotes for your exact route.
- What is the difference between RoRo and container shipping?
- RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) means your car is driven onto a vehicle ship and secured on deck — it is the cheapest option and best for standard running cars. Container shipping seals the car inside a container for maximum protection, ideal for classic, prestige, or non-running vehicles. RoRo is cheaper with more sailings; container costs more but protects against weather and handling.
- How long does international car shipping take?
- Transit times vary by route. Europe can be a few days, the USA around 2 to 4 weeks, and Australia 4 to 8 weeks door-to-door including port handling and customs. Allow extra time for documentation and destination clearance.
- What paperwork do I need to ship a car abroad?
- Typically your V5C logbook (proof of ownership), photo ID, and a bill of lading, plus destination-specific import forms. Some countries require the car to be professionally cleaned before shipping. Your shipper provides a checklist for your destination country.
Ready to Get Quotes?
It takes less than 2 minutes. Post your job and let transporters compete on price.