Motorhome Shipping Services To and From the UK

Motorhome Shipping Tips: A Complete Guide to Safe International Transport

Shipping a motorhome is a significantly more complex process than shipping a standard car. Their large size, high value, and often self-contained living spaces demand specialised knowledge, particularly for international sea freight. Whether you’re relocating, returning from an overseas tour, or importing a vehicle, understanding the shipping methods and paperwork is crucial for a smooth and successful move.

At Ship Cars Ltd, we have extensive experience in handling motorhomes and campervans of all sizes for international destinations. This definitive guide provides our expert tips to ensure your home-on-wheels arrives safely anywhere in the world ship your motorhome.

Part 1: Choosing the Right International Shipping Method

Your motorhome’s size, value, and destination will dictate the best maritime transport option. Unlike standard cars, motorhomes require specific solutions.

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

This method is often unsuitable for most motorhomes but can be an option for smaller, standard campervans.

• How it Works: Your driveable vehicle is driven onto a specialised car carrier ship and parked amongst other vehicles.
• Pros:
  • Often the most cost-effective method if your vehicle is eligible.
• Cons:
  • Severe Size Restrictions: Most motorhomes exceed the standard height and width limits for RORO vessels.
  • Limited Protection: The vehicle is exposed to saltwater and weather during the ocean crossing.
  • No Personal Belongings: A strict requirement; the vehicle must be completely empty.
• Best For: Smaller, standard-sized campervans that meet the shipping line’s dimensional criteria.

2. Container Shipping

This is the most common and secure method for shipping motorhomes internationally. There are two main configurations motorhome.

1. a) Shared Container

• How it Works: Your motorhome shares a 40ft container with another vehicle or cargo.
• Pros:
  • More cost-effective than a sole-use container.
• Cons:
  • Less control over the loading environment and what other items are shipped with your vehicle.
• Best For: Smaller motorhaves where cost-saving is a priority and a suitable shipping partner can be found.

1. b) Sole-Use Container

• How it Works: Your motorhome is the only cargo within a container. For motorhomes, this typically requires a 40ft High-Cube container.
• Pros:
  • Maximum Security: Fully enclosed from the elements, handling, and pilferage.
  • Cleanliness: Easier to meet strict biosecurity requirements for countries like Australia.
  • Flexibility: Allows for shipping a limited number of personal effects (subject to strict rules).
• Cons:
  • The most expensive container option.
• Best For: The majority of motorhomes, offering the best balance of protection and practicality.

3. Flat Rack Container

This is the go-to solution for oversized motorhomes that are too tall or wide to fit inside a standard container.

• How it Works: Your motorhome is loaded onto a flat, open-sided container frame. It is then secured using heavy-duty straps and chains. A tarpaulin can often be added for some weather protection.
• Pros:
  • Accommodates oversized vehicles with ease.
  • Provides a very stable and secure base for transit.
• Cons:
  • The vehicle is exposed to the marine environment, though less so than on a RORO ship.
• Best For: Large Class A motorhomes, vehicles with roof-mounted accessories (e.g., satellite dishes), or any motorhome that exceeds standard container dimensions Australia.

Part 2: The Essential Paperwork for International Shipping

The documentation process for international shipping is rigorous. Having the correct paperwork is non-negotiable to clear customs in the destination country.

1. Vehicle Ownership Documents

• Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): The original logbook is mandatory as proof of ownership. Ensure the registered keeper’s details are correct.
• Purchase Invoice: If you recently bought the vehicle, this helps establish its value for customs purposes.

2. Shipping and Customs Documentation

Your shipping company will prepare these, but you must provide the information.

• Bill of Lading: The contract of carriage between you and the shipping company. This is your title to the goods during transit.
• Commercial Invoice: Details the value of the motorhome for customs in the destination country.
• Packing List: Crucial if you are shipping any personal belongings inside the motorhome (in a container).

3. Destination Country Import Documents

This is the most critical area and requires advance research.

• Import Permit: Many countries require you to obtain permission to import a vehicle before it is shipped.
• Customs Entry Forms: Filed by your appointed customs broker in the destination country.
• Biosecurity Documentation: For countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, a certificate of professional steam cleaning is required.

Authority Link: GOV.UK – Taking Vehicles Out of the UK

Part 3: Vehicle Preparation: Protecting Your Investment

How you prepare your motorhome directly impacts its safety during transit and its ability to clear customs smoothly.

1. Interior Preparation

• Remove All Loose Items: This is a critical safety and customs step. Any item not permanently fixed must be removed. This includes:
  • Crockery, cutlery, and glassware.
  • All food from the fridge and cupboards.
  • Portable electronics, personal belongings, and valuables.
  • Gas bottles (these are typically prohibited for transport).
• Secure Fixed Items: Ensure all cupboard doors, fridge doors, and fixed furniture are securely closed and locked. Use towels or bubble wrap to pad contents you cannot remove.
• Empty all Tanks: The fresh water, grey water, and waste (toilet) tanks must be completely drained and flushed. This is a strict biosecurity requirement.
• Disconnect Batteries: Disconnect both the engine and leisure batteries to prevent drain New Zealand.

2. Exterior Preparation

• Retract and Secure All Awnings: Ensure the awning is fully retracted and securely locked.
• Remove External Accessories: Take off bike racks, magnetic satellite dishes, and other removable items.
• Professional Steam Clean: For destinations with strict biosecurity (e.g., Australia), a professional internal and external steam clean, focusing on the undercarriage and wheel arches, is mandatory. Obtain a receipt.
• Document the Condition: Take date-stamped, high-resolution photographs and a video walkaround of the entire vehicle, inside and out. This is your proof of pre-shipment condition.

3. Mechanical Preparation

• Fuel Level: The fuel tank must be no more than 1/4 full. This is a non-negotiable safety requirement for container and RORO shipping.
• Disable the Alarm: If your motorhome has an alarm, disable it to prevent it from triggering during the journey.
• Check Tyre Pressures: Inflate tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Part 4: The Step-by-Step International Shipping Process

Step 1: Pre-Shipment Preparation (The Most Important Phase)

• Check Import Regulations: Confirm your motorhome can be legally imported into the destination country.
• Choose Your Method: Decide between Sole-Use Container, Shared Container, or Flat Rack based on size and budget.
• Apply for Import Approval: Begin this process well in advance of shipping.
• Gather Documents: Locate your V5C and other ownership documents.

Step 2: Vehicle Preparation

• Follow the comprehensive preparation checklist in Part 3.
• Complete the professional steam clean if required.

Step 3: UK Collection and Port Transit

We will arrange collection from your UK address and transport to the port (e.g., Southampton, London Gateway). Your motorhome will be loaded into the chosen container or onto the flat rack.

Step 4: Ocean Transit and Destination Arrival

The sea voyage can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the destination. Upon arrival, it will be unloaded and moved to a customs holding area.

Step 5: Customs Clearance and Delivery

• Customs Clearance: Your appointed customs broker will handle the payment of duties and taxes.
• Biosecurity Inspection: The vehicle will be inspected by authorities (e.g., DAFF in Australia). If it fails, it will be directed for cleaning/fumigation at your expense.
• Final Delivery: Once cleared, your motorhome is transported to your final address.

Part 5: Motorhome Shipping Checklist

Documentation & Admin:

•  Import Approval for the destination country has been granted (if required).
•  Original V5C Vehicle Registration Document is ready.
•  Proof of professional steam cleaning is obtained (if required).
•  A reputable Customs Broker in the destination country has been appointed.
•  Funds are available for destination duties, taxes, and fees.

Vehicle Preparation:

•  All loose personal belongings and food have been removed.
•  All water and waste tanks are completely drained and dry.
•  Fridge/freezer is empty, clean, and secured.
•  Awning is fully retracted and secured.
•  External accessories have been removed.
•  Fuel tank is at 1/4 capacity or less.
•  Alarm is disabled and batteries are disconnected.
•  Comprehensive photo and video documentation is complete.

Part 6: Common Questions Answered

What is the most secure way to ship my motorhome?

For maximum protection from the elements and handling, a Sole-Use Container is the gold standard. For oversized vehicles, a Flat Rack is the most secure option available.

Can I leave my personal belongings in the motorhome?

For RORO shipping, it is strictly forbidden. For container shipping, a very limited number of personal effects may be permitted, but they must be declared on the packing list and are subject to customs inspection and duty. We generally recommend shipping personal effects separately.

My motorhome is 3.5 metres tall. What are my options?

It will not fit in a standard container and is likely too tall for RORO. Your primary option is a Flat Rack Container.

How far in advance should I book?

For international shipping, aim for 6-8 weeks’ notice at a minimum. This allows time for securing import approval, scheduling, and thorough preparation.

Why Trust Ship Cars Ltd with Your Motorhome?

Shipping your motorhome internationally requires a partner with specific expertise. Ship Cars Ltd offers:

• Specialist Advice: We guide you on the best shipping method (Container, Flat Rack, etc.) for your specific vehicle.
• End-to-End Logistics: We manage collection, packing, UK customs, ocean freight, and coordination with your destination agent.
• Biosecurity Expertise: We provide clear guidance on cleaning standards to minimise delays and costs upon arrival.
• Comprehensive Insurance: We offer full transit insurance for complete peace of mind.

Don’t trust your home-on-wheels to a standard car transport service. Contact Ship Cars Ltd today for a specialist international motorhome shipping quote and experience a service tailored to your needs.