Transporting your car to the United Kingdom

Brexit has altered how cars are imported into the UK. We have a team of in-house HMRC CDS agents to ensure your customs declarations are correct and well-presented during transit for a smooth and timely journey to the UK.

The type of transport reflects the transport cost.

Single-car transporters are typically flatbeds that can move a single car at a time. They are rarely suitable for long-distance transportation but can accommodate reasonable distances within the same country or region.

We use 6-8 car enclosed multi-car transporters for our European movements. This is cost effective, and an optimal method of protecting your car against the elements.

Enclosed transport and unenclosed transport refer to the methods of car transportation.

Enclosed transport involves a covered trailer or container. These vehicles are typically large, enclosed, climate-controlled tractor-trailers. Cars are loaded into the trailer and remain inside during transit. This type of transport is more expensive than open transport but provides enhanced protection for the car. It is ideal for high-end luxury or classic cars that require extra protection from the elements, debris, and road salts.

Unenclosed transport, also known as open transport, refers to the use of an open trailer or flatbed truck to transport a car. Cars are loaded onto the trailer and exposed to the elements during transit. This type of transport is cheaper than enclosed transport and is the most common method of transporting cars. However, cars that are transported in this way are exposed to the elements and potential road hazards which can cause damage. It is not recommended for luxury or classic cars.

Air freighting, also known as air cargo, is the process of shipping a car by air instead of by sea or land. This method of transportation is typically used for high-value, luxury, or classic cars that require faster delivery times or for cars that are needed in a remote location.

When air freighting a car, it is first loaded onto a cargo plane and secured with straps to prevent movement during flight. The car is then flown to its destination airport, where it is offloaded and cleared through customs.

There are a few things to keep in mind when air freighting a car. First, it is more expensive than other methods of transportation due to the high cost of the cargo plane and the requirement for additional handling. Secondly, the process tends be more complicated and time-consuming — the car must be prepared for air transport and cleared through customs at both the origin and destination airports. Finally, cars must comply with all safety and security regulations of the country of origin and destination, and all the required documents should be ready for the airport clearance.

Should you have any questions concerning the transportation of your vehicle, and are leaning towards air freight, we encourage you to get in touch so we can advise on the process in more detail. Or, if you'd like us to handle it for you, we'd be happy to assist.

At My Car Import, based in the UK, we specialise in providing reliable and efficient Euro transport services for cars. Whether you need to transport a classic, luxury, or any other type of automobile, we can do it all. Our comprehensive services include both enclosed and open transport options to suit your specific needs.

With our enclosed transport service, your car will be securely loaded and protected from the elements throughout the journey. Our state-of-the-art enclosed trailers feature advanced security measures, ensuring that your car arrives at its destination in pristine condition, untouched by dust, debris, or weather conditions.

For those looking for a more cost-effective option, our open transport service is an excellent choice. Your car will be safely loaded onto one of our specialised open carriers which are designed to handle multiple cars at once. While exposed to the elements, rest assured that our experienced drivers take every precaution to ensure the safe transportation of your car.

We provide transparent pricing, and our team of drivers and logistics experts are committed to delivering your car on time and in the same condition as when it was entrusted to us. Whether you require Euro transport for personal relocation, car dealership needs, or any other car transportation requirements, trust My Car Import for a reliable and hassle-free service.

Transporting your car to the UK involves several steps, including preparation, documentation, and choosing a suitable method of transportation. Here's a general outline of the process:

Research and preparation. Determine the eligibility and requirements for importing your specific car model into the UK. Check for any import restrictions, emissions standards, and safety regulations. Ensure that your car meets UK standards, including the need for modifications to comply with driving regulations, such as adjusting headlamp orientation and speedometer units.

Choose a shipping method. There are two main shipping methods: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo involves driving your car onto a specialised vessel — it's usually more cost-effective but might have limitations on personal belongings in the car. Container shipping involves placing your car within a container for transport, which provides added security and allows you to include personal items.

Gather documentation. Obtain the necessary paperwork, which may include the car's title, registration, purchase invoice, emissions certification, and any modifications or repairs made to meet UK standards. Check if you need a Letter of Compliance or a Certificate of Conformity from the car manufacturer to prove that the car complies with UK regulations.

Customs clearance. If you're not using a customs broker, familiarise yourself with the UK's customs procedures and documentation requirements, then complete and submit the necessary customs declaration forms, paying any applicable duties and taxes.

Shipping. If you're using RoRo, your car will be delivered to the departure port and driven onto the vessel. If you're using container shipping, the shipping company will arrange for your car to be loaded into the container, which will then be transported to the port.

Clearing customs in the UK. Your car will arrive at a UK port. Customs authorities will inspect the car, verify documentation, and assess any duties or taxes. Once customs clearance is granted, you can collect your car from the port or have it delivered to your desired location.

Modifications and registration. If modifications are required for compliance, have them performed by a certified garage. Register your car in the UK, which includes getting a UK licence plate and updating your insurance.

It's important to note that the process can vary based on the specifics of your car, the shipping method you choose, and any changes in regulations. It's recommended to work with a professional customs clearance agent or shipping company with expertise in importing cars to the UK to ensure a smooth and successful import process.