What is Included In Your Car Shipping Price?
What’s Included in Your Car Shipping Quote? A Transparent Breakdown
Receiving a quote for international car shipping can be confusing. The price you see can vary significantly between companies, and it’s not always clear what services are included or what hidden costs might appear later. At ship cars ltd, we believe in complete transparency. This guide provides a definitive breakdown of what is—and just as importantly, what is not—typically included in your car shipping price.
Understanding this breakdown will empower you to compare quotes accurately and avoid unexpected surprises, ensuring you get true value for your money.
Part 1: The Core Services Included in Your Quote
When you receive a quote from a reputable company like Ship Cars Ltd, it should encompass all the fundamental logistics required to get your vehicle from A to B.
- Collection and UK Port Delivery(not included)
This covers the first leg of your vehicle’s journey.
- Professional Driver: A fully insured driver will collect your vehicle from your specified UK address.
- Vehicle Inspection: A pre-collection inspection report will be completed to document the vehicle’s condition.
- Transport to Port: Secure transport of your vehicle to the designated UK port of departure (e.g., Southampton, Liverpool, London). RORO shipping
- Origin Port Charges (UK) (Included)
These are the fees for handling your vehicle at the UK port.
- Port Handling Fee: Covers the cost of receiving, processing, and staging your vehicle before loading.
- Documentation Fee: The administrative cost of processing your vehicle’s shipping documents and customs declarations for export.
- Security Surcharge: A standard port fee for security measures and infrastructure.
- Ocean Freight (Included)
This is the core cost of the sea voyage itself.
- Vessel Space: The fee paid to the shipping line to transport your vehicle on a specific vessel.
- Fuel Surcharge (Bunker Adjustment Factor – BAF): A standard surcharge that fluctuates with global fuel prices.
- Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF): A surcharge to account for exchange rate fluctuations in the shipping industry.
- Basic Marine Insurance (Not Included)
- What it Covers: Reputable shippers will include basic insurance that covers Total Loss (e.g., the vessel sinks, the vehicle is lost overboard) and General Average (a shared loss in a maritime emergency).
- The Limitation: This basic cover often has a high excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) and may not cover minor damage like scratches or dents. We always recommend reviewing and upgrading this cover.
- Destination Port Charges (Not Included)
Similar to the origin port, these are the fees for handling your vehicle upon arrival. car shipping
- Port Handling Fee: For receiving the vehicle from the vessel and moving it to a holding area.
- Customs Clearance Assistance: Our agent at the destination port will handle the submission of documents to customs and coordinate the release. Note: This is the clearance service, not the duties and taxes themselves.
- Documentation and Administration (Included)
- Bill of Lading (B/L) Fee: The cost for this crucial document, which acts as your vehicle’s receipt and title of ownership for the voyage.
- Telex Release Fee (Recommended): The fee for an electronic Bill of Lading, which is faster and more efficient than a paper document, preventing delays.
- Administrative Oversight: Our team manages the entire process, providing you with tracking updates and acting as your single point of contact.
Part 2: Common Services That Are Often NOT Included
This is the most critical section. Many cheaper, less transparent quotes will exclude these items to appear more competitive, only to add them as “extra charges” later. car shipping services
- Comprehensive Marine Insurance
- The Standard: The included insurance is often basic.
- The Upgrade: For full peace of mind, you should upgrade to a Comprehensive All-Risk policy. This covers damage from shifting cargo, weather, and handling incidents. This is a separate, additional cost that we can arrange for you.
- Import Duties and Taxes
- Crucial Distinction: Your shipping quote does not include the import duties, VAT, GST, or other taxes payable to the destination country’s government.
- Your Responsibility: These are the legal responsibility of the importer (you or your recipient). We will provide an estimate, but the final amount is determined and collected by the destination customs authority.
- Destination Agency Fees
- The Service: This is the fee charged by our partner agent in the destination country for their services, which include: International Container Shipping
- Completing the customs clearance formalities.
- Arranging the final release of the vehicle from the port.
- Coordinating with you for final delivery.
- Industry Standard: This is a standard and necessary fee, but it is often quoted separately.
- Final Delivery from Destination Port
- The Cost: The quote often covers delivery to the destination port, not from it.
- The Option: You can usually collect the vehicle yourself from the port, or you can pay an additional fee for a professional driver to deliver it to your final address in the destination country.
- Pre-Shipment Preparation (If Required)
- Steam Cleaning: If your vehicle is not clean, especially the undercarriage, it may fail biosecurity inspections. Professional steam cleaning at the port will be an extra charge.
- Battery Reconnection/Charging: If your battery is dead upon arrival, a charge may be applied.
- Fuel Drainage: If your fuel tank is more than ¼ full, it will need to be drained at your expense.
How to Avoid Hidden Costs: Your Pre-Quote Checklist
Before you request or accept a quote, ensure you can answer these questions. A reputable company will be able to provide clear answers immediately. Roll On Roll Off Shipping
- Is this an all-inclusive price? Ask specifically: “Does this price include UK collection, all port fees, ocean freight, basic insurance, and destination port fees?”
- What are the destination agency fees? Request a separate line item for this cost.
- What is the cost for final delivery to my address? Get this quoted as an optional extra.
- What does the insurance cover? Understand the limitations so you can decide on an upgrade.
- What is NOT included in this quote? A trustworthy company will be happy to list the exclusions.
Authority Link: GOV.UK – Taking your vehicle out of the UK
The Ship Cars Ltd Promise: Total Price Transparency
Our philosophy is simple: the price we quote you is the price you pay for the services agreed. We break down all costs upfront, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
- Detailed Quotations: We provide a line-by-line breakdown of all included services and any optional extras.
- Expert Advice: We will clearly explain your financial responsibilities, such as import taxes, so you can budget accurately.
- No Surprise Invoices: You will know the full cost before you commit.
Don’t be lured by a low initial price that masks a multitude of extra charges. Choose a partner who values honesty and clarity. Contact us
Contact Ship Cars Ltd today for a detailed, transparent, and comprehensive quote for your vehicle shipment. Let us show you what true value looks like.
