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Shipping your car to the United Kingdom safely

We manage the entire process of shipping your car to the UK

Container Loading and Export Paperwork

Our agents will organise all necessary procedures to have your car exported and then load the car into a container before boarding a vessel.

Container Shipping

We will ship your car by container to the UK. Container shipping is the normally the fastest and most secure option for bringing your car to the UK by sea.

UK Customs Clearance

Our in house team of customs entry clerks are on hand to enter your car into the UK CDS system. We will ensure the correct procedures are conducted, either as a tax free import via the Transfer of Residency scheme, or with VAT and/or Duty to pay if you have bought the car recently.

Container Unloading

We unload the majority of containers that we ship at our facility using our own team of container unloaders. Customer benefit from this as it shortens the time the container spends at port, and the unload process with our team is slower and more careful then a third party being involved. The cars are unloaded at our facility and are immediately at the right location to continue to import process.

Want a quote to get your car shipped to the United Kingdom?

We take care of all the logistics

Our shipping quotes are bespoke for your car and priced at the time of creation to give you the best price possible.

Depending on where your car, we typically quote consolidated shipping where possible to pass on the savings to you. Unlike other shipping companies we give you a condensed quote, incorporating all fees involved in shipping your car to the UK. We aim to make the process as smooth as possible for you, aside from providing the documents we need to conduct the process from you, there should be little direct involvement from your side.

All export procedures and bookings are handled by our shipping team and we keep you updated throughout the process, with an ETA to the UK supplied once the vessel sails.

We have an extensive network of shipping partners

Our extensive network of shipping agents allows us to have a viable shipping option for all our 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, who offer great communication and service prior to exporting your car. Our agents’ priorities are speed of export, quality of container loading and approachability during the export of your car, answering any queries you may have.

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 previously, we are specialists in this field.

We offer marine insurance during the shipping process

All of our shipping quotes include marine insurance to cover your car in the exceptionally rare case there is an accident involving your car. Like a domestic car insurance policy for the roads, there is a customer excess on the policy, meaning small damages, such as a scuff, would not be covered, however any major damage or a total loss scenario are not issues you would need to worry about.

From start to finish we aim to make your cars protection our utmost priority.
Shipping your car can be a complicated process, and also something not many people have experienced before. However, we make sure that you don’t have to worry, as we have everything in hand.

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. Here are some cost considerations to keep in mind:

Shipping Method:

Container Shipping: This method tends to be more expensive due to the added protection and security provided by the container.
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Shipping: RoRo shipping is generally less expensive, as the car is driven onto the ship’s deck.
Distance and Destination:

Shipping a car to a nearby country might cost less compared to a destination on the other side of the world.
Remote or less commonly serviced destinations might have higher costs due to limited shipping options.
Vehicle Size:

Larger cars may cost more to ship due to taking up more space on the vessel or requiring special handling.
Additional Services:

Some companies offer door-to-door shipping, which can be more convenient but may cost more.
Insurance coverage and tracking services may also add to the overall cost.
Customs and Import Fees:

Some countries impose import duties, taxes, and fees on imported cars. These costs vary depending on the destination.
Fuel Costs and Exchange Rates:

Fluctuations in fuel prices and currency exchange rates can impact the overall shipping cost.
Season and Demand:

Shipping costs can vary based on the time of year and the demand for shipping services.

How do you ship a car overseas?

Shipping a car overseas involves several steps and considerations. Here’s a general overview of the process:

Research and Planning:
Determine if it’s financially feasible to ship your car or if it would be more cost-effective to sell it and buy a new one at your destination.

Choose a Shipping Method:

There are two main methods to ship a car overseas:
Container Shipping: Your car is placed within a shipping container, providing more protection from the elements and potential damage.
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Shipping: The car is driven onto the shipping vessel and secured in a designated area. This method is usually less expensive but offers less protection.

Prepare the Car:
Clean the car thoroughly, both inside and out.
Document any existing damage with photographs.
Remove personal belongings from the car, as most companies have restrictions on what can be inside the car during shipping.

Provide Documentation:
Provide all necessary documentation, including ownership/title documents, insurance, and any required permits.
Some countries may require compliance with specific emission or safety standards.

Drop-off and Loading:
Deliver your car to the designated port for loading onto the shipping vessel.
Follow the shipping company’s instructions for preparing the car for loading.

Tracking and Communication:
Some shipping companies offer tracking services to monitor the progress of your car during transit.
Maintain communication with the shipping company to stay informed about any updates or changes.

Receiving the Car:
Once the car arrives at the destination port, follow the local customs and import procedures to clear your car.
Pay any additional fees or taxes as required.
Arrange for transportation to pick up the car from the port and deliver it to your desired location.

Remember that the specifics of the process can vary based on the countries involved, the shipping company’s policies, and any changes in regulations. It’s crucial to research thoroughly and work closely with the shipping company to ensure a smooth and successful overseas car shipping experience.

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 and what is needed to get your car on a ship.

These are just a few of the things that you should ask yourself…

  • Where is it currently in the UK?
  • Is it a special type of car (a classic, large car, etc)?
  • Are you paying for a dedicated container, or waiting for a less expensive consolidated shipment?
  • Do you have all the correct paperwork to hand?
  • Is it ready to go now?

Generally speaking, at either end of any car’s shipping there will be a 1-2 weeks which is for export/import clearance clearance, container loading and unloading and transport to and from ports.

What we can promise, is your car will get here safely and as quickly as the process permits. Your marine insurance covers your car in the event of a variety of situations.

Here are some general considerations for shipping times from different regions:


From Europe:

If the car is being shipped from a European country, the shipping time can range from a few days to a week for neighboring countries. For more distant European locations, it may take up to two weeks or slightly longer.


From North America:

Shipping a car from North America to the UK can take approximately 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the specific departure and arrival ports.


From Asia:

Shipping a car from Asia to the UK can take around 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the country of origin and the shipping route taken.


From Australia and New Zealand:

Shipping a car from Australia or New Zealand to the UK typically takes around 6 to 10 weeks, considering the significant distance involved.


From South America, Africa, and other regions:

Shipping times from more distant regions can vary widely, and it’s essential to consider both the shipping distance and any potential transit stops or layovers.

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and actual shipping times can be influenced by factors such as the chosen shipping method (container, RoRo, or air freight), the shipping company’s schedule, customs clearance procedures, and any unforeseen delays that may arise during transit.

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.

How long does it take to unload a car carrier ship?

The time it takes to unload a car carrier ship can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the ship, the number of cars on board, the efficiency of the port facilities, and the available manpower. Generally, unloading a car carrier ship can take anywhere from several hours to a couple of days.

Here are some factors that can influence the time it takes to unload a car carrier ship:

Number of Vehicles: The more cars on the ship, the longer it will take to unload them all. Larger car carrier ships can carry hundreds or even thousands of cars.

Port Facilities: The efficiency and capacity of the port facilities play a significant role in the unloading process. Ports with advanced equipment and streamlined processes can unload cars more quickly.

Operational Procedures: The unloading process involves a series of coordinated steps, including securing the ship, opening ramps, and positioning the cars for offloading. Smooth and well-coordinated operations can expedite the unloading process.

Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or rough seas, can impact the unloading process and may cause delays.

Customs and Inspections: Customs clearance and inspections are essential for imported cars. If there are extensive inspections or paperwork requirements, it can add to the overall unloading time.

Workforce Availability: The availability of skilled labor and the number of personnel involved in the unloading process can affect how quickly cars can be offloaded.

Type of Cargo: If there are different types of cargo on the ship (e.g., cars, trucks, construction equipment), it may require additional time to organize and unload each type separately.

In general, car carrier ships are designed for efficient loading and unloading of cars, and the process is typically well-managed by the port authorities and shipping companies. However, as with any logistical operation, unforeseen circumstances or delays can occur.

Why choose My Car Import to give you a shipping quote?

My Car Import is a UK-based company specializing in helping individuals import and transport cars from various countries, including services like shipping, customs clearance, and compliance with local regulations. While I don’t have access to real-time information, I can provide you with some general reasons why you might consider using a service like My Car Import to get a shipping quote:

  1. Expertise and Experience: Companies like My Car Import typically have experience in the complex process of importing and shipping cars. They are familiar with the regulations, documentation, and logistics involved, which can help streamline the process.
  2. Customized Solutions: These companies can often tailor their services to your specific needs. Whether you’re importing a classic car, a luxury car, or a standard car, they can offer solutions that suit your requirements.
  3. Saves Time and Effort: Importing a car involves numerous steps, paperwork, and coordination. Using a specialized service can save you a lot of time and effort by handling these tasks on your behalf.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Different countries have various regulations regarding car importation. Professional import services are knowledgeable about these regulations and can help ensure that your car meets all legal requirements.
  5. Minimize Risk: Transporting a car internationally involves risks such as damage or loss during transit. Professional import services often provide insurance coverage to mitigate these risks.
  6. Network and Resources: Established import companies typically have a network of shipping partners, customs brokers, and other resources that can help make the import process smoother.
  7. Transparent Pricing: Reputable companies provide transparent pricing, giving you a clear understanding of the costs involved in importing your car.
  8. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your car is being handled by professionals who specialize in this field can provide peace of mind throughout the import process.
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