Car Shipping to New York, USA | Via RORO & Container
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1057
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Monthly
Ship Cars Ltd ships cars from the UK to New York by RoRo and container, with direct sailings from Southampton and Liverpool. Vehicles arrive at Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal, New Jersey. Transit takes approximately 10–18 days. Prices for a standard saloon start from £1,055. Sailings 3 times per months.
Car Shipping from UK to New York, USA
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, Ship Cars Ltd dedicated service ensures your prized possession arrives safely and efficiently at major US ports.
RoRo or Container — Which Is Right For Shipping to New York?
We offer two primary methods to ship your vehicle, each with its own advantages.
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Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Shipping
This is the most popular and cost-effective method for shipping operational vehicles.
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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.
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Best For: Standard, everyday vehicles that are in full working order.
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Benefits: RORO is generally more affordable and offers excellent sailing frequency.
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Learn More: For a detailed comparison, visit our RORO Car shipping page.
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Dedicated Container Shipping
This method offers the ultimate protection for your vehicle.
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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.
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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).
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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: 10 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 | £1,055 |
| Large SUV / 4×4 | Range Rover, BMW X5 | £1,317 |
Please contact us for a precise quote for dedicated container shipping, as prices vary based on container size, shipping date and specific requirements.
How much Does it Cost to Ship a car to New York from the UK?
The final price for shipping your car is composed of several elements. Understanding this breakdown helps you see the value in our service.
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Ocean Freight: The core cost of the vessel transport via RORO or container.
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UK Port Fees: Handling charges at the departure port for receiving and processing your vehicle is already included in the shipping cost.
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Destination Port Fees: US customs clearance, harbour maintenance, and processing fees at the arrival port.
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Documentation: Our fee for handling all the required UK paperwork is included, there will be separate destination cost.
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ISF Filing: Destination agent will handle ISF filing for you.
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Insurance: An optional but highly recommended cost for risk coverage (detailed below).
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Vehicle Collection: An additional cost if you require us to collect your vehicle from your location.
What Documents do I need for the UK and US sides?
Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth customs clearance process on both sides of the Atlantic.
Paperwork from the UK
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Proof of Insurance: If you have purchased marine insurance.
- For a comprehensive pre-shipment checklist, read our guide on Preparing Your Car for Export.
What are the US import rules for a UK car?
Understanding US import regulations is critical. For definitive and official information, always refer to the US government authorities.
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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.
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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
Proper preparation is key to avoiding damage and ensuring a smooth process.
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Fuel Level: The tank should be no more than 1/4 full.
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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).
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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
We offer two convenient options for getting your vehicle to the UK port:
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You Deliver: You can drive your vehicle directly to our designated UK port.
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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.
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Allowed Vehicles:
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Petrol and Diesel vehicles.
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Not Allowed / Restrictions:
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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.
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Personal Belongings (RORO): As stated, strictly not allowed inside the vehicle.
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Prohibited Items: This includes but is not limited to:
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Flammable, explosive, or corrosive substances (e.g., fuel cans, aerosol cans, bleach).
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Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs/narcotics.
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Weapons, ammunition, or any sharp objects.
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Perishable foods.
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Any other hazardous materials.
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Essential Resources
- Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping
- Avoiding Damage with International Car Shipping
Ship Your Car to the USA, New York With Ship Cars Ltd?
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. Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.
FAQ – Car Shipping To New York
Q: How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to New York?
A: RoRo shipping for a standard saloon starts from £1,055 from Southampton or Liverpool to Port Newark, New Jersey. 4×4s and SUVs start from £1,317. Prices cover UK port handling through to arrival at the US port and do not include US customs clearance or onward domestic delivery.
Q: How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to New York?
A: Direct RoRo sailings from Southampton or Liverpool to Port Newark, New Jersey take approximately 9-10 days. Sailings depart [frequency — confirm from schedule]. Allow additional time for US customs clearance once the vessel arrives.
Q: Which port does my car arrive at when shipping to New York?
A: Vehicles shipped to the New York area arrive at Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal in Newark, New Jersey — approximately 17 miles from Midtown Manhattan. This is the primary RoRo and container vehicle terminal serving the New York metropolitan area.
Q: Can I permanently import a UK car into the USA?
A: Yes, but vehicles under 25 years old must meet US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA emissions standards, which typically requires using a licensed Registered Importer (RI) to modify and certify the vehicle. Cars 25 years or older are generally exempt from these requirements. A US customs broker is required to file the necessary import forms including the ISF, HS-7, and EPA 3520-1.
Q: Can I put personal belongings in my car when shipping by RoRo?
A: No. Personal belongings are strictly not permitted inside vehicles shipped by RoRo to the USA. US Customs and Border Protection treats personal items as a household shipment, which requires separate, more complex import procedures. Vehicles found with personal goods may be refused entry or face fines. Different rules may apply for container shipping — contact us to discuss.
Q: Do I need a US customs broker to import my car into America?
A: Yes. US customs regulations require import forms including the ISF (Importer Security Filing), the HS-7 DOT form, and EPA Form 3520-1 to be filed by a licensed US customs broker. Ship Cars manages the full UK export side; we can recommend trusted US customs broker partners to handle clearance at Port Newark.
