Vehicle Collection Services in the UK For International Car Shipping
Ship Cars Ltd collects vehicles from anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales as the first step of your international shipment. For roadworthy vehicles with a valid MOT, collection by trade plate driver. Transporter collection is available for vehicles without an MOT or where a driven collection is not suitable. Recovery collection is available for non-running vehicles via our nationwide recovery network. All collection options include a vehicle condition report.
What is a Trade Plate Driver Collection?
Our UK collection service is the first step of your international shipment — not a standalone domestic transport service. Once your vehicle is collected and delivered to the UK port, Ship Cars handles all export documentation, customs clearance, and ocean freight booking to your destination worldwide. Collection, port delivery, and international shipping are managed by one team under one fixed quote.
Get a free international shipping quote.
Reliable And Affordable Vehicle/Car Collection Service
You’ve decided to Ship Your Vehicle Overseas but not sure how you’ll get it there. This is a common dilemma for many of our customers until they engage our services. Whatever the vehicle, we can collect it for you from anywhere in the UK and have it delivered safely for you. For all running vehicles we offer two options, firstly by trade plate driver (although the vehicle must have a current MOT) or secondly on a transporter. If your vehicle does not operate we can collect using our vast network of recovery companies situated right across the UK.
What is a trade plate driver collection?
Basically this is a professional man or woman that has trade plates, this allows them to drive any vehicle on the UK roads legally. These drivers have their own insurance so any vehicle being collected by them are covered for any mishaps, accidents or damage whilst they are in charge of your vehicle. The trade plate driving option is by far the cheapest on offer to collect and drive a vehicle to anywhere throughout the UK. Providing that the vehicle is fully operational and has an MOT there is no need to worry about getting insurance or tax on your vehicle for this option.
Collecting & Driving Your Vehicle
The one downside to collecting and driving your vehicle using trade plates is that their insurance does not cover for anything loaded inside the vehicle. Some trade plate drivers will refuse to drive a vehicle if it is found to have anything loaded on it or inside it. Fuel for the collection is charged only after the delivery but then it is only if it is required. Any vehicle breakdowns are for the account of the vehicle owner including recovery to a nominated garage for repair.
Trade Plate Driver Collection Rates
(Exclusive of fuel and VAT)
| Mileage | Cost |
|---|---|
| 0 – 50 miles | £95.00 |
| 51 – 75 miles | £110.00 |
| 76 – 100 miles | £120.00 |
| 101 – 125 miles | £125.00 |
| 126 – 150 miles | £140.00 |
| 151 – 175 miles | £150.00 |
| 176 – 200 miles | £165.00 |
| 201 – 225 miles | £170.00 |
| 226 – 250 miles | £190.00 |
| 251 – 300 miles | £200.00 |
| 301 – 350 miles | £230.00 |
| 351 – 400 miles | £250.00 |
Additional charges to note:
- Waiting time: £25.00 per hour
- Cancellations must be notified in writing by 12 noon on the working day before collection — the full job cost is charged if not received in time
- Toll and congestion charges are not included in any quote
- Collections or deliveries within the M25: minimum charge of £95.00 + fuel
- Rates apply to vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes — heavier vehicles quoted on request
- Route mileage calculated using AA Auto Route
These rates are applicable for vehicles up to and including 7.5T. Higher rated vehicles will be quoted on request. Waiting time is charged at £25.00 per hour. Any breakdowns, tyre punctures, recovery costs etc are payable by you and you will be notified of costs as soon as possible. Route mileage is calculated using AA Auto route.
All cancellations must be notified to us in writing by 12 noon of the working day prior to the vehicle movement taking place. If not, the full price of the job will be charged to you. Please note toll and congestion charges are NOT included in any quotes and any collections or deliveries within the M25 are subject to a minimum charge of £95.00 + fuel if required.
Why vehicle collection by transporter can be the best option?
Although it is relatively more expensive to have your vehicle collected using a car transporter, this can sometimes still work out the best option. The vehicle simply needs to be able to drive up and down the transporters ramp and does not need to have an MOT to be collected. There are no recovery fees especially if you are unsure if the car or truck will be able to be driven for a long distance without breaking down.
You can read our guide on Car Collection & Delivery Service.
Door to Terminal or Terminal to Terminal?
Another distinction in car shipping is either door to terminal shipping or terminal to terminal shipping, we will break down the differences right now. Door to terminal is either when the transporter will come straight to your place of residence, either a house, a garage or a forecourt and pick up your vehicle or is collected and driven to the port by a Trade Plate Driver. The vast majority of shipping happens door to terminal and is by far one of the safest and most convenient ways to ship a vehicle. Whereas with terminal to terminal shipping, you can drive your vehicle directly to the port of departure and collect it once it arrives at its final destination.
Car Collection Service With Ship Cars Ltd
At Ship Cars Ltd Our UK Vehicle collection services offers a very secure way of transporting your car from anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales. We can collect your car or truck from any postcode and deliver the vehicle to a shipping port such as Sheerness or to any other postcode in the UK. The only other stipulation required if using a trade plate driver is that the vehicle must have steering and brakes. Tyres must be legal for the driver to drive your vehicle. Please be aware when engaging the trade plate driver, fuel is not part of the cost given by us.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance in car shipping services or check our RORO Sailing schedule for further details.
We provide efficient and affordable car shipping services to:
Ship Your Car to Over 200 Destinations Worldwide
Once your vehicle is collected and delivered to the UK port, Ship Cars manages the entire international shipment. Popular destinations include:
Australia | USA | Dubai & UAE | Pakistan / Karachi | Cyprus | Turkey | South Africa | Malta
View all destinations | Get a free shipping quote
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does UK vehicle collection cost for international shipping?
Trade plate driver collection starts from £95 for distances up to 50 miles, excluding fuel and VAT. Rates increase by mileage band up to £250 for 351–400 miles. Transporter collection is priced separately — contact ShipCars for a quote based on your location and vehicle type.
What is a trade plate driver?
A trade plate driver is a licensed professional who carries trade plates — a special registration that allows them to drive any vehicle legally on UK roads without it being taxed or insured in the owner’s name. ShipCars’ trade plate drivers carry their own insurance covering the vehicle while in their charge. The vehicle must be roadworthy and have a valid MOT for this option.
Can you collect a car that doesn’t have an MOT?
Yes — using a transporter. The vehicle simply needs to be able to drive up and down the transporter’s loading ramp. A current MOT is not required for transporter collection, making it ideal for vehicles that may not be reliable enough for a long driven journey to port.
Can you collect a non-running vehicle?
Yes. Ship Cars works with a nationwide network of recovery companies to collect non-running vehicles from any postcode in England, Scotland and Wales. Contact us with the vehicle’s location and condition and we will arrange recovery to the UK port.
Which UK ports do you deliver collected vehicles to?
Ship Cars delivers to all major UK export ports including Sheerness, Southampton, Tilbury, and others depending on your destination and shipping method. The port used is confirmed when your international shipping is booked.
Is fuel included in the collection quote?
No. Fuel is charged separately after the collection and only if required. Any fuel used by the trade plate driver during the collection is billed to the vehicle owner following delivery.
What happens if the vehicle breaks down during collection?
Any breakdowns, tyre punctures, or recovery costs during a trade plate driver collection are payable by the vehicle owner. ShipCars will notify you of any costs as soon as possible. For vehicles with reliability concerns, transporter collection is the recommended option as it avoids this risk entirely.
