Shipping your car to the United Kingdom safely
We manage the entire process of shipping your car to the UK
Our agents organise all necessary procedures for exporting and loading your car into our specialised vessel.
Container Shipping
We ship your car to the UK via container. Container shipping is the fastest and most secure option for car importation.
UK Customs Clearance
Our inhouse customs clerks enter your car into the UK CDS system. We ensure the correct procedures are conducted, either as a tax free import via the Transfer of Residency scheme, or with VAT and/or Duty if the car is a recent purchase.
Container Unloading
We unload shipments at our private facility using our own specialist team of container unloaders. This shortens the time spent at port, and allows our team extra time to carefully handle your vehicle. Many import companies rush this process which can be detrimental to the condition of your car. Your vehicle is unloaded at our facility and ready to begin processing. .
We handle all of the logistics
All of our shipping quotes are bespoke and priced at the time of creation.
Depending on the location of your car, we typically quote for consolidated shipping to keep costs to a minimum. Unlike many other shipping companies, we provide you with a condensed quote, incorporating all necessary import fees
We aim to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Other than requiring specific documents from you, you can sit back and leave it in our capable hands.
All export procedures and bookings are handled by our shipping team, and you’ll be regularly updated throughout the process, including an ETA once the vessel sets sale.
We have an extensive network of shipping partners
Our extensive network of shipping agents enables us a viable shipping option for all predominant markets. Having worked with a myriad of companies over the years, we have whittled down our contact list to the very best service providers.
We choose those that promise impeccable service and frequent communication prior to export. Our agents’ priorities are speed of export, quality of container loading, and approachability during the export of your car.
You will always have a local agent to contact, as well as direct contact with My car Import whilst your car is being exported and shipped.
We are here to help, and having shipped thousands of cars over three decades, you can trust the process.
We offer marine insurance during the shipping process
All of our shipping quotes include marine insurance. This is the most suitable form of cover your car in the exceptionally rare case of an accident involving your car. Like any domestic car insurance policy, there is a customer excess where small damages, such as a minor scuff, would not be covered, However, any major damage or a total loss scenario are not issues you need to worry about.
From start to finish, your car’s protection is our utmost priority.
Shipping a car can be a complicated process, and something few people have experience in. We do the hard work so that you don’t have to worry.
Do you want a hassle free car shipping experience?
We import thousands of cars each year and are the leading experts in shipping. We pride ourselves on making your car’s journey to the UK safe and stress-free.
Frequently asked shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car overseas?
The cost of shipping a car overseas can vary widely based on several factors, including the distance, destination, shipping method, size of the car, and additional services you may require. If you want to simplify it so that you can get an idea for what is cheapest and most expensive, it depends on the region. But for the most part Roll on Roll off will usually cost less than shipping a car in a container.
As a general rule of thumb, the cost will also increase with the distance the container ship has to travel through the ocean. So there you have it, the cost to ship a vehicle will depend on your unique requirements, and budget.
We as a business will always prefer container shipping due to the fact we are the people that open the container when it arrives here. This gives us better control over ensuring your vehicle is unloaded correctly and means we have full control over the entire process.
How do you ship a car overseas?
One of the questions we often get asked is how do you ship a car, and the truth is, we take care of the entire process for you.
If you were to start at the very beginning, then you will have most likely heard of ensuring the car is cleaned. Most containers are fumigated to ensure that no foreign bacteria or bugs make there way to the UK, and other than that, its just making sure your car isn’t completely full of fuel. Then your car is loaded onto the relevant shipping method, and in the example of container shipping, it is packed in with other vehicles using wooden frames to get multiple cars into the container.
After that there are some customs processes that must be conducted and the container is loaded, and sometimes unloaded onto other vessels before arriving here in the United Kingdom.
There it is unloaded, cleared through customs, and the entire container will most of the time come to our premises.
Can we transport your car to the port?
My Car Import is a full-service car importer so we can assist with getting your car to the port.
If you fill in the quote request form we will accurately quote you for getting the car to the port ready for loading.
As part of the process, we will also assist with all customs clearance. We use a network of car moving agents with lots of experience working with cars so you can rest assured your car will be fine.
For a door to door registration service that takes care of your car don’t hesitate to fill in a quote request form.
Can you ship a car that isn't running?
If your car is a non-runner, we will ensure the correct trucks and loading procedures are used to accomodate a car that cannot move under its own steam. There is typically an increased cost compared to a car that does drive.
Equally, once in the UK, we have to take into consideration that unloading the car might require more space and time.
We regularly ship a plethora of cars that don’t run, and the answer is never no. But we would recommend making sure there is a compliant amount of fuel in the car as to avoid extra bills, as we understand if the car doesn’t run, you might not know how much fuel is in it.
If you are looking to import a project or donor car don’t hesitate to get in touch, we have imported everything ranging from shells of cars all the way through to cars where the engine was there, but the rest of the car was in pieces in the boot.
Sourcing classic cars and fun projects from abroad can be very rewarding. There are plenty of bargains waiting to be rebuilt for the roads in England, so don’t wait to ship yours, just fill out the quote form.
How long does it take to ship a car?
One of the most common questions we get is how long does shipping take?
The truth is, it varies on where your car is coming from. There are also other factors like political factors, and in recent news we are sure you can understand that container ships from Asia might take a little longer.
From somewhere like Australia and that region of the planet you are looking at around 6-10 weeks, with it reducing a fair amount for somewhere like America which can take between 2-4 weeks.
We always aim to get your car shipped quickly, so that it can be here, modified, and then registered.
Do we ship motorbikes?
Yes, we ship motorbikes to the UK from all over the world. Shipping motorbikes via container take two forms, safely lashed to a mount of the floor, or within a crate. Lashing is a lower cost option, however crating offer the most security. Crating comes at a higher price owing to the fees to create and pack a crate, and the extra space it will take within the container.
If you are looking to import your motorbike to the United Kingdom then don’t hesitate to get in touch for a quotation.
What is RoRo shipping?
RoRo (short for Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is a method of transporting cars, such as cars, trucks, buses, and heavy machinery, that can be driven onto and off of a specialized ship. RoRo ships are designed with ramps that allow cars to be loaded and unloaded quickly and efficiently.
Vehicles are secured in place using special lashings and chocks to prevent movement during transit. RoRo ships have several decks where cars can be loaded, and the decks are typically accessed by a ramp system at the stern or bow of the ship.
RoRo shipping is a popular method for transporting cars internationally as it can be more cost-effective than other methods.
At face value, RoRo seems like a cost attractive option, cars are still prone to damage. Unlike a containerised shipment where cars are loaded into the container and the only times they are not, is at either end of the process.
We will always suggest a balance of the safest and best value method of shipping your car to the United Kingdom.
Why choose My Car Import to give you a shipping quote?
My Car Import is a UK-based company that has been here a very long time. We pride ourselves in helping individuals import and transport cars from various countries, including services like shipping, customs clearance, and compliance with local regulations.
We’re the best for vehicle shipping when it comes to handling everything else like onwards delivery in the United Kingdom. Whilst you might be tempted to go for the cheaper option of shipping it yourself, we charge an admin fee because we take care of the headaches for you.
If you want it done right then we are the company to help.
Can we export your vehicle from the United Kingdom?
Depending on where you would like to export your vehicle to we can definitely help.