International Vehicle Shipping Services To and From UK
Quick Answer: Ship Cars Ltd is a UK-based international vehicle shipping company with over 10 years’ experience and more than 10,000 vehicles shipped to over 200 destinations worldwide. We export cars, motorcycles, classic vehicles, and commercial vehicles by RoRo from £645 and Container from £995 for enclosed, fully protected transit. Sailings depart from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury, covering Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. We manage the complete process from UK collection through to export documentation, destination customs guidance, and marine cargo insurance.
Which Car Shipping Method Is Right for My Vehicle?
The right shipping method depends on your vehicle type, destination, and budget. Ship Cars Ltd offers two proven methods — choose based on what matters most to you.
What Is RoRo Shipping and When Should I Use It?
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is the most economical option for standard operational vehicles. Your car is driven directly onto a specialist car carrier vessel at the UK departure port and driven off on arrival at the destination port — no cranes, no lifting, no handling by heavy machinery.
RoRo starts from £645. It is ideal for standard cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks that are fully operational and driveable.
Important restrictions:
- Personal belongings are strictly prohibited inside vehicles shipped via RoRo
- Electric vehicles cannot be accommodated on RoRo services due to battery safety regulations
- Hybrid vehicles are accepted on RoRo for some ports — confirm at the point of booking
Check our RoRo sailing schedule for current departure dates from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury.
What Is Container Shipping and When Should I Use It?
Container shipping provides maximum security and flexibility. Your vehicle is loaded into its own dedicated container (or shares space in a container with other vehicles) for the entire voyage — fully enclosed, protected from the elements, and secure.
Container shipping starts from £995. It is the right choice for:
- Non-running vehicles — loaded by winch or forklift, no driving required
- Luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles requiring maximum protection
- Electric and hybrid vehicles — EV shipments must use container; a standard hazard surcharge applies due to battery regulations
- Shipments including personal effects — permitted in dedicated containers, subject to destination regulations
How Do I Choose Between RoRo and Container Shipping?
| RoRo | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From £645 | From £995 |
| Best for | Standard running vehicles | All vehicle types |
| Electric vehicles | Not permitted | Required method |
| Personal belongings | Not permitted | Permitted (dedicated only) |
| Non-runners | Not accepted | Accepted |
| Protection level | Good purpose-built vessel | Maximum enclosed container |
If you are still unsure, contact our team and we will advise the right method for your vehicle, destination, and budget.
Where Can I Ship My Car To from the UK?
Ship Cars Ltd provides international car shipping services to over 200 destinations across six continents, departing from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury.
Which Regions Does Ship Cars Ltd Serve?
- Europe — Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and more
- Middle East — UAE/Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and more
- Asia — Japan, China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, and more
- Africa — South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, and more
- Australia and New Zealand — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, Auckland, and more
- The Americas — USA, Canada, Brazil, and more
What Are Ship Cars Ltd’s Most Popular Shipping Destinations?
- Car Shipping to Australia
- Car Shipping to USA
- Car Shipping to UAE / Dubai
- Car Shipping to Canada
- Car Shipping to Cyprus
- Car Shipping to New Zealand
- Car Shipping to South Africa
- Car Shipping to Spain
View our full car shipping destinations for all routes worldwide.
Can I Ship an Electric or Hybrid Car from the UK?
Yes — Ship Cars Ltd regularly ships electric and hybrid vehicles internationally. The requirements differ by vehicle type:
How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle Electric Vehicle Shipping?
Electric vehicles (EVs) must be shipped by container only — they cannot be accommodated on RoRo services due to maritime battery safety regulations. A standard hazard surcharge applies due to the high-voltage battery requirements of the vessel operator.
Ship Cars Ltd handles EV shipping to all container-capable destinations, including Australia, the USA, Japan, Canada, and across Europe and the Middle East.
Can I Ship a Hybrid Car by RoRo?
Standard (non-plug-in) hybrid vehicles are accepted on RoRo for some ports and destinations. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) must travel by container. Confirm your specific vehicle’s eligibility with our team at the point of booking — requirements vary by destination port and vessel operator.
How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle My Shipment from Start to Finish?
Ship Cars Ltd has been managing international vehicle shipments from the UK for over 10 years, with direct relationships with major shipping lines operating from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury. Our complete end-to-end process covers every stage:
1. Instant online quote Get a clear, no-obligation quote online in minutes — covering ocean freight, UK port handling, and export documentation with no hidden fees added after booking. Get your instant quote here.
2. Expert booking support Our team helps you select the right shipping method for your vehicle, destination, and budget. We book directly with shipping lines — not through brokers — keeping your rates competitive and schedules reliable.
3. UK vehicle collection We collect your vehicle from anywhere in the UK via transporter or experienced trade plate driver, and transport it securely to the departure port. Learn about our collection service.
4. Export documentation managed for you We handle the complete UK export process: DVLA permanent export notification, export declaration, Bill of Lading, and all port documentation. You receive copies of every document before your vehicle sails.
5. Secure ocean transit Your vehicle is professionally loaded and shipped by our trusted global carrier partners — operating on established, reliable schedules from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury.
6. Destination guidance and agent support We offer guidance on customs clearance requirements at your destination and can recommend vetted local agents to assist with port clearance and vehicle collection.
Is My Vehicle Insured During Shipping?
Yes — marine cargo insurance is available on every shipment and is strongly recommended for international vehicle transport.
What Insurance Options Does Ship Cars Ltd Offer?
Ship Cars Ltd offers two levels of marine transit cover:
- Total Loss Cover: 1% of the declared vehicle value — covers total loss from fire or major vessel incident
- Comprehensive Cover: 1.5% of the declared vehicle value — covers cosmetic damage in addition to total loss
Vehicle age restrictions and a condition report may apply for comprehensive cover. A condition report is provided free of charge when Ship Cars Ltd collects your vehicle, or at a fee of £35 if you deliver the vehicle to us.
Why Choose Ship Cars Ltd for International Vehicle Shipping?
What Makes Ship Cars Ltd Different from Other Car Shipping Companies?
Ship Cars Ltd has shipped over 10,000 vehicles internationally from the UK across more than 10 years of operation, building direct relationships with major shipping lines and a vetted network of destination agents. Here is what that experience delivers for your shipment:
- End-to-end management — UK collection, DVLA export notification, port documentation, ocean freight, and destination agent coordination handled by one team
- Direct shipping line relationships — we book directly, not through brokers, keeping rates competitive and schedules reliable
- Transparent pricing — your quote covers ocean freight, UK port handling, and export documentation; no hidden fees added after booking
- Marine insurance on every shipment — total loss cover from 1% of vehicle value; comprehensive cover from 1.5%
- RHA membership and 50+ carrier partners — vetted global network covering 200+ destinations across six continents
- All vehicle types handled — standard cars, EVs, classics, motorcycles, motorhomes, vans, and commercial vehicles shipped regularly
- Import services available — we also import vehicles from selected countries including India, Turkey, Australia, and the USA; visit our imports page for details
What Vehicles Does Ship Cars Ltd Ship?
- Standard passenger cars — saloons, hatchbacks, estates, convertibles
- SUVs, 4x4s, and pickup trucks
- Classic and vintage vehicles
- Electric vehicles (container only)
- Motorcycles and bikes
- Motorhomes and caravans
- Vans and commercial vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions - International Vehicle Shipping
What is the difference between RoRo and container shipping?
- RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) and container shipping are the two primary methods for exporting vehicles internationally from the UK. RoRo is a direct drive-on, drive-off service where your vehicle is driven onto a specialised vessel at the UK port and driven off at the destination port — making it the fastest and most cost-effective option for standard vehicles. Container shipping involves your vehicle being loaded into a sealed steel container, either exclusively (FCL) or shared with another consignment (LCL). Container shipping provides superior protection, making it ideal for classic cars, high-value vehicles, or shipments that include personal effects alongside the vehicle.
Which shipping method is more cost-effective?
- RoRo shipping is typically the more economical choice for standard passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles destined to major international ports. It offers faster transit times and lower handling costs because the vehicle is self-driven on and off the vessel. Container shipping carries higher costs due to container rental, loading labour, and securing equipment, but provides enclosed protection that justifies the additional expense for prestige vehicles or longer voyages where weather exposure and potential damage are greater concerns.
What vehicles can be shipped by RoRo?
- Most standard cars, SUVs, vans, and light commercial vehicles up to 5 tonnes can be shipped via RoRo. However, low-slung sports cars, vehicles with custom modifications, or those with extremely low ground clearance may not be suitable for RoRo due to loading ramp gradients. Vehicles must be in roadworthy condition and have sufficient fuel to be driven on and off the vessel. Shipcars.co.uk assesses every vehicle to confirm RoRo suitability before booking — if your vehicle cannot be driven, container shipping becomes the necessary alternative.
Can I ship a high-value or classic car by RoRo?
- While classic and high-value vehicles can technically be shipped via RoRo, container shipping is strongly recommended for vehicles of significant monetary or sentimental value. Container shipping provides a climate-controlled, enclosed environment that eliminates exposure to salt spray, wind, and weather during the voyage. For rare, restored, or prestige vehicles — particularly those with low ground clearance or custom paintwork — the additional cost of container protection is a worthwhile investment to safeguard your asset.
How do I choose between RoRo and container shipping?
- The choice depends on three key factors: vehicle type (standard car or specialist vehicle), budget (RoRo is cheaper; container is more protective), and destination route (some ports only accept RoRo; others prioritise container services). Shipcars.co.uk reviews your specific vehicle, destination, and requirements before recommending the most suitable method. Our team provides transparent pricing for both options, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your priorities and timeline.
Why choose Shipcars.co.uk for RoRo and container shipping?
- Shipcars.co.uk specialises in both RoRo and container vehicle exports from the UK to worldwide destinations. We maintain established relationships with leading shipping lines, major UK ports (Southampton, Felixstowe, Tilbury), and destination agents globally — ensuring competitive rates and reliable service. Every shipment includes full export documentation support, marine cargo insurance options, and transparent all-in pricing with no hidden fees. One customer shipping a Range Rover by RoRo said: “We got a clear recommendation on which method suited our vehicle best, and the booking process was straightforward from start to finish.”
