Car Shipping to New York
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1195
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Monthly
Shipping Your Car from the UK to the New York
Navigating the process of shipping your car from the United Kingdom to the United States can seem complex, but with Ship Cars Ltd, it’s a straightforward and reliable experience. Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or moving a classic car, our dedicated service ensures your prized possession arrives safely and efficiently at major US ports.
This guide provides everything you need to know about our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) and dedicated container services from the UK to the USA, covering costs, paperwork, transit times, and essential preparation steps.
Why Ship Your Vehicle to the USA?
People choose to ship their vehicles to the United States for a variety of reasons. The country’s vast size and diverse landscapes make having your own car the key to true freedom and exploration. Common reasons for shipping include:
- Classic and Luxury Cars: Bringing over a valuable classic, sports car, or luxury vehicle that is not readily available in the US market or holds sentimental value.
- International Sales: Completing a sale to a buyer based in the United States.
- Temporary: Often, shipping a car you already own is more economical than purchasing a new one in the US when going for visit, especially when considering renting and taxes.
Your Shipping Options: RORO vs. Dedicated Container
We offer two primary methods to ship your vehicle, each with its own advantages.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Shipping
This is the most popular and cost-effective method for shipping operational vehicles.
- How it Works: Your vehicle is driven on and off a specialised cargo ship under its own power. It is securely parked and chocked down in a dedicated lane within the vessel’s massive garage.
- Best For: Standard, everyday vehicles that are in full working order.
- Benefits: RORO is generally more affordable and offers excellent sailing frequency.
- Dedicated Container Shipping
This method offers the ultimate protection for your vehicle.
- How it Works: Your vehicle is loaded into a private, 20ft or 40ft steel shipping container. It is secured and the container is sealed for the entire journey.
- Best For: High-value classic cars, non-running vehicles, or those requiring the highest level of security and protection from the elements. It also allows for the shipping of some personal effects (subject to strict rules).
- Learn More: For a detailed comparison, visit our International Container Shipping page.
Key Service Details & Pricing
Here is a clear breakdown of our RORO service from the UK to the USA.
Transit Time & Frequency
- Average Transit Time: 18 days from the UK port to the destination port on the US East Coast.
- Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart three times per month, providing regular and flexible scheduling.
RORO Pricing Guide
Our prices are all-inclusive for the core RORO service. Below are guide prices for two common vehicle types.
| Vehicle Type | Example | Guide Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small / Standard Car | VW Golf, Ford Focus | £1,195 |
| Large SUV / 4×4 | Range Rover, BMW X5 | £1,500 |
Please contact us for a precise quote for dedicated container shipping, as prices vary based on container size, shipping date and specific requirements.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
The final price for shipping your car is composed of several elements. Understanding this breakdown helps you see the value in our service.
- Ocean Freight: The core cost of the vessel transport via RORO or container.
- UK Port Fees: Handling charges at the departure port for receiving and processing your vehicle is already included in the shipping cost.
- Destination Port Fees: US customs clearance, harbour maintenance, and processing fees at the arrival port.
- Documentation: Our fee for handling all the required UK paperwork is included, there will be separate destination cost.
- ISF Filing: Destination agent will handle ISF filing for you.
- Insurance: An optional but highly recommended cost for risk coverage (detailed below).
- Vehicle Collection: An additional cost if you require us to collect your vehicle from your location.
Paperwork Required for Shipping
Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth customs clearance process on both sides of the Atlantic.
Paperwork from the UK
- Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): You must provide the original V5C logbook. We will need this to process the vehicle’s official export from the UK.
- Proof of Ownership: A copy of your photo ID (passport or driving licence) and a recent utility bill as proof of address.
Paperwork for US Customs
- Original Bill of Lading: This is the title of the goods during transit. We will arrange this and provide it to you or your chosen US customs broker.
- US Customs Forms: This includes the ISF (Importer Security Filing), HS-7 Form (DOT), and EPA Form 3520-1. Please note: While we facilitate the process, you are typically required to hire a US customs broker to officially file these documents. We can recommend trusted partners.
- Proof of Insurance: If you have purchased marine insurance.
For a comprehensive pre-shipment checklist, read our guide on Preparing Your Car for Export.
US Import Rules, Duty & Tax
Understanding US import regulations is critical. For definitive and official information, always refer to the US government authorities.
- Temporary Import: You can bring a vehicle into the US for up to one year without paying duty, provided you can prove you will be taking it out again. This is typically done by posting a bond at the port of entry.
- Permanent Import & Duty: To permanently import a vehicle into the U.S., it must conform to U.S. safety (FMVSS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, which is a significant hurdle for non-U.S. spec vehicles. For vehicles less than 25 years old, this typically requires using a Registered Importer (RI) to modify and certify the car, followed by filing the necessary import forms and declarations. Vehicles 25 years or older are generally exempt from these requirements.
- Official Links:
Vehicle Preparation & Insurance
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Proper preparation is key to avoiding damage and ensuring a smooth process.
- Fuel Level: The tank should be no more than 1/4 full.
- Personal Belongings: Loading your vehicle with personal goods is strictly not allowed in RORO shipping. The US Customs and Border Protection treats this as a household move, requiring different and more complex procedures. Vehicles found with personal items may be refused entry or incur heavy fines. (Different rules may apply for container shipping).
- Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in good, clean, and operational condition.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide, please read our dedicated article: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.
Insurance & Risk Coverage
We offer two levels of marine insurance coverage for your peace of mind.
| Coverage Type | Cost | What’s Covered | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Loss Cover | 1% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Total loss only, due to fire or water damage. | – |
| Comprehensive Cover | 1.5% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Covers total loss, fire, water damage, and cosmetic damage. | Vehicle must be under 10 years old. A condition report is mandatory. |
About the Condition Report: This is a pre-shipping inspection to document the vehicle’s existing condition. It is free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 applies.
Vehicle Collection & What’s Allowed
How We Collect Your Vehicle
We offer two convenient options for getting your vehicle to the UK port:
- You Deliver: You can drive your vehicle directly to our designated UK port.
- We Collect: We can collect your vehicle from your home or workplace using a transporter or a trade plate driver.
Vehicle & Item Restrictions
It is vital to adhere to these rules to prevent delays, fines, or seizure of your vehicle.
- Allowed Vehicles:
- Petrol and Diesel vehicles.
- Not Allowed / Restrictions:
- Electric Vehicles: Not allowed via RORO shipping. Electric vehicles can be shipped via a dedicated container but are subject to a hazard surcharge of £295.
- Personal Belongings (RORO): As stated, strictly not allowed inside the vehicle.
- Prohibited Items: This includes but is not limited to:
- Flammable, explosive, or corrosive substances (e.g., fuel cans, aerosol cans, bleach).
- Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs/narcotics.
- Weapons, ammunition, or any sharp objects.
- Perishable foods.
- Any other hazardous materials.
Essential Resources for a Successful Shipment
To ensure you are fully prepared and avoid common pitfalls, we highly recommend reviewing these key articles from our resource centre:
- Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping – Learn from others’ experiences to ensure a smooth process.
- Avoiding Damage with International Car Shipping – Proactive steps to protect your vehicle from port to port.
Ready to Ship Your Car to the USA?
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to the USA doesn’t have to be daunting. With Ship Cars Ltd, you have a trusted partner to manage the entire process, from collection and documentation to ocean freight and delivery coordination.
Our transparent pricing, regular sailing schedule, and comprehensive support make us the ideal choice for your international vehicle shipping needs. Contact us today for a precise, no-obligation quote and let us handle the details for a stress-free experience.
