Right Car Shipping Method for Your Needs

How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Method: A Complete Guide

Selecting the correct shipping method is the most critical decision you will make when exporting your vehicle. The right choice balances cost, protection, and practicality, ensuring your car arrives safely and efficiently at its destination. An incorrect choice can lead to unnecessary expense, damage, or significant delays.

At Ship Cars Ltd, we provide transparent advice to help you navigate these options. This guide will walk you through the key factors, comparing Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) with container shipping, and explaining the crucial distinction between temporary and permanent import.

Part 1: Choosing Your Ocean Transport: RORO vs. Container

The first and most fundamental choice is how your vehicle will travel across the ocean. The three primary methods are RORO, Shared Container, and Dedicated Container best car shipping.

1. Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Shipping

This is the most common and straightforward method for shipping driveable vehicles.

• The Process: Your car is driven onto a specialised car carrier vessel by a professional driver, secured on a large deck, and driven off at the destination port.
• Level of Protection: The vehicle is exposed to the elements (sea air, weather) during the voyage, though it is securely parked and braced.
• Personal Belongings: Strictly prohibited. The vehicle must be completely empty.
• Ideal For: Standard, driveable cars, SUVs, and vans that are in good, running condition.

2. Shared Container Shipping (Less than Container Load – LCL)

This is a container option for a single vehicle, offering more protection than RORO at a mid-range price point container shipping.

• The Process: Your vehicle is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft shipping container alongside other vehicles or cargo belonging to different shippers. The container is sealed for the voyage.
• Level of Protection: High protection from weather and salt spray. However, your vehicle is in close proximity to other cargo, creating a slight risk of contact during rough seas if not secured perfectly.
• Personal Belongings: Generally not permitted, as the container is shared with other commercial shipments.
• Ideal For: Vehicle owners who want more protection than RORO but find a Dedicated Container too expensive.

3. Dedicated Container Shipping (Full Container Load – FCL)

This is the premium shipping method, offering the highest level of security and customisation.

• The Process: You rent an entire 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your vehicle(s). The container is packed, sealed, and not opened until it reaches its final destination.
• Level of Protection: Maximum protection. The vehicle is fully shielded from the elements, salt air, and external handling. It can be custom-crated and secured within the container.
• Personal Belongings: Often permitted. A limited number of personal effects can be packed around the vehicle (subject to customs rules and weight distribution). This must be declared in advance.
• Ideal For: High-value, classic, luxury, or non-running vehicles; motorcycles; and customers who require the absolute safest method or need to ship personal effects Roll on/Roll off (RORO).

RORO vs. Container Shipping: A Direct Comparison

Decision Factor: Your choice here primarily depends on your vehicle’s value and condition, your budget, and whether you need to ship personal items.

Part 2: Defining Your Import Purpose: Temporary vs. Permanent

Your intention for the vehicle in the destination country is not just a formality—it dictates the customs process, costs, and legal requirements. Choosing incorrectly can lead to severe financial penalties.

What is Permanent Import?

This is the standard process for when a vehicle is being imported to remain in a country indefinitely.

• Purpose: The vehicle is being imported for permanent use, sale, or because the owner is relocating.
• Duties and Taxes: All applicable import duties and taxes must be paid in full to secure the vehicle’s release from customs.
• Compliance: The vehicle will usually need to be modified to meet local standards and regulations before it can be registered (e.g., headlights, speedometer).
• Finality: This is a permanent decision. Re-exporting the vehicle later will involve another customs process.

What is Temporary Import?

This is a special regime for bringing a vehicle into a country for a limited, pre-defined period.

• Purpose: For tourists, students, or individuals on a temporary work assignment who will be taking the vehicle back out of the country. It is not for selling the vehicle.
• Duties and Taxes: Duties and taxes are suspended, not waived. A financial guarantee is required to ensure the vehicle is exported.
• Documentation: This process almost always requires a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), an international customs document that acts as a guarantee for the potential taxes.
• Time Limits: Strict time limits apply (e.g., 6, 12 months). The vehicle must be exported before this period expires. Failure to do so will result in the full duties and taxes becoming payable, and the vehicle may be seized.

Temporary vs. Permanent Import: A Direct Comparison

Decision Factor: Your choice here is determined by your long-term plans for the vehicle. If you are not 100% certain you will be re-exporting the vehicle, you must opt for Permanent Import.

How to Make Your Final Decision: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this simple flowchart to determine the best shipping method for your needs:

1. Define Your Import Status:
   • Are you moving or selling the car? → Choose Permanent Import.
   • Are you a tourist or on a temporary visa? → Choose Temporary Import (and secure a Carnet).
2. Evaluate Your Vehicle:
   • Is it a standard, driveable car in good condition? → RORO is likely your most cost-effective option.
   • Is it a high-value classic, a luxury car, or non-running? → A Dedicated Container is strongly recommended for maximum protection.
   • Do you want more protection than RORO but don’t need a full container? → A Shared Container offers a good middle ground.
3. Consider Additional Needs:
   • Do you need to ship personal belongings with the car? → A Dedicated Container is your only viable option.

Summary Table: Matching Your Needs to the Method

Summary: Key Takeaways for Choosing Wisely

• The shipping method (RORO/Container) is about physical protection and cost.
• The import type (Temporary/Permanent) is about legal status and financial liability at the destination.
• RORO is ideal for most standard, running vehicles.
• Containers provide superior protection, with Dedicated (FCL) being the premium choice.
• Permanent Import involves paying all taxes and is for long-term stays.
• Temporary Import requires a Carnet and is for short-term visits only.

Let Ship Cars Ltd Guide Your Choice

The interplay between shipping methods and import regulations can be complex. Our experts at Ship Cars Ltd are here to assess your specific vehicle, destination, and circumstances to recommend the perfect, most cost-effective solution for you.

Contact us today for a personalised consultation and a transparent quote tailored to your needs.