How to ship your car, motorbike or other vehicle overseas from the UK including a comprehensive FAQ guide

Get a car shipping quoteFor over 40 years, PSS Removals has been shipping cars overseas. We have a wealth of experience with shipping to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Hong Kong, the USA, Canada and more.

Wherever you are shipping your car overseas, we always ensure that we provide the very best service for our valued customers. We offer many options for international vehicle transportation. So, whatever your personal car transport needs are, we can tailor your shipment to your requirements.

If you need any advice with shipping your vehicle, or if you want a no-obligation car shipping quote, then call us on 0800 988 3711. We can also see our vehicle shipping FAQ guide below for more information.

Our expert car shippers will work with you to discover the best method of exporting your vehicle that is most suited to your individual importing needs. We can have your car shipped in a container on its own or with the other household goods you are shipping. We can also offer a roll on/roll off or lift on/lift off method for exporting your car overseas.

Car shipping overseas is easy with PSS


STEP 1
Check suitability for importing

Ensure your vehicle meets requirements & apply for import approval if needed.

STEP 2
Prepare your vehicle for shipping

Make sure your car is clean & ready for shipping.

STEP 3
We collect and ship your vehicle

We load your car onto container at your address or you deliver it to the port / our depot.

STEP 4
Arrival & Customs Clearance

On arrival will take care of customs clearance & arrange for you to collect your vehicle.

Is it worth shipping your car abroad?

Transporting cars and other vehicles can be much more expensive in other countries – especially European and luxury models.

The cost of shipping your vehicle from the United Kingdom is often a loss less than replacing it and when you are moving you will want to save as much money as you can.

To decide whether it is worth shipping your car you first need to check if it is allowed under your chosen country’s car import rules. Then you need to weigh up the costs of shipping and importing versus the cost of replacing the car.

Some people advise that it’s not worth considering due to the paperwork involved, but when you have an expert car shipping company such as PSS to guide you, the actual process of shipping your car internationally is not too difficult.

Why should you trust PSS Removals?

We’re experts in shipping cars overseas from the UK to all major countries and destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Hong Kong, USA and Canada.

You should put your trust in PSS for your international car shipping for a plethora of reasons. We are proud members of the FIDI Global Alliance, as well as being accredited by the FAIM Quality Standard for overseas removals. This means that we have been recognised for our ability to provide a professional, expert international car shipping services.

It can bring you comfort to know that we also offer the BAR Advanced Guarantee Scheme, which means any international car shipping costs are protected. We are a leading UK car shipping company so we should be your first choice for shipping your vehicle.

International Vehicle and Car Shipping Cost Calculator

Want to know how it will cost to send your vehicle overseas? Our free online shipping calculator will help you estimate the cost of moving your car abroad.

What are you shipping?

Did you know it is very cost effective to ship your household goods / personal effects with your vehicle?

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Shipping Details

Vehicle Make/Model

Date of Move

Moving Destination

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Helping people ship their cars & other vehicles across the world including to:

International Vehicle & Car Shipping Services Reviews

How can we help? Call 0800 988 3711

Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions.

A FAQ Guide to Shipping Your Vehicle Overseas

How much does it cost to ship a car or vehicle overseas?

There are a number of costs you need to consider when transporting your car. There can be a lot more costs to consider than the basic shipping cost so you will need to do your research.

Our prices include door-to-door pick and delivery as well as basic customs clearance costs. Costs for Scotland, Wales and Ireland can vary. Many quotes may be for port-to-port only, so you’ll need to deliver and collect your car as well as handle all the customs clearance procedures.

Get a car shipping quote

There are however a number of other costs you need to consider when importing your vehicle. These may include:

  • Additional customs and quarantine costs including inspection fees, cleaning, port service fees etc.
  • Taxes and duties – these vary between countries, some may have an additional luxury car tax.
  • Compliance and modification costs – if necessary for your vehicle to meet local standards and guidelines.
  • Vehicle Registration – you will need to register your vehicle in the relevant state before you can drive on public roads.
  • Marine Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover – Your standard motor insurance policy will not cover you for international shipping so you will need to take out additional cover.

 

What are the options for car shipping abroad?

PSS Removals offers a range of international car shipping services & methods. See below our options, and choose whichever is best for you and your needs. If you are unsure our vehicle shipping experts will be able to advise you.

Option A: Shipping your Car and household items together to your new home

It could be a good idea to combine your car shipment with your household items in one load. Our team can bring a shipping container to your home, then carefully secure your vehicle inside for international shipping. Any remaining space can then be put to use for your household goods and homewares. If you’re moving overseas and you need to send over a number of items, then this is a great shipment option for you.

We will expertly pack and wrap your items using industry-approved materials and expert handling. They will then be placed in the container alongside the secured vehicle. At your door, we will seal the container with a customs seal before taking it to the UK port terminal for placement on the vessel. From there, the process of household and international car transport will take place.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch for a car shipping quote or any advice on this option (or other options and their car shipping rates).

Option B: Car shipping only

On the other hand, you may need to only send your car abroad, and so you can make use of our car-only auto transport option. You can have your very own sole-use container that holds your car (or other vehicle) securely inside for shipment overseas.

This can be arranged at your place of residence, at a PSS warehouse, or a shipping line container depot – to suit you and your preferences. Then, the car will be loaded onto a vessel at a UK port for transportation abroad.

Again, if you need a car shipping quote, or further details about our services and moving internationally, simply give us a call on 0800 988 3711.

Option C: Roll On/ Roll Off (RORO) or Lift On/ Lift Off (LOLO)

This last option is only available at selected UK ports.

Speak to our team today to see if this is an option for you. It will involve driving your vehicle onto the vessel to then be secured for auto transport to your destination. Then, it is driven off again once it arrives in port.

There are some disadvantages to this option as your car or vehicle does not receive the same protection it would do if sealed in its own container.

However, this option is useful to ship larger vehicles such as vans, motorhomes and caravans which may be too wide to fit into a standard shipping container.

Please call us on 0800 988 3711 if you wish to discuss whether this is an option for you.

 

Can you ship your car with personal belongings inside?

It may be possible to ship your car with a few boxes of personal belongings inside. However, it is best to seek advice from one of our international removal consultants first as there are some restrictions.

Remember that all your belongings will be subject to the usual customs requirements and quarantine inspections so don’t think you can cram your car full.

We do offer very cost-effective options for shipping your belongings with your car so please ask us for more details and to get a free quote.

 

How to prepare your car for international shipping?

It is important that your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned to ensure all organic matter including mud and dirt is removed to avoid potential problems with biosecurity and quarantine especially to overseas destinations such as Australia and New Zealand..

We recommend that your car including engine and undercarriage is professionally steam cleaned.

However, we do not recommend that the interior is valeted as this can result in mould and mildew during the voyage.

If your vehicle required by customs to be steam cleaned on arrival, you will be charged cleaning fees and any associated costs.

It is also advisable that your vehicle has a full service and check over before it is shipped.

Some countries may require additional preparation and adaptation depending on your vehicle’s make and model.

 

How to ship a motorhome or van overseas?

The international shipping of motorhomes and vans is very similar to cars. You will need to check that your vehicle meets local requirements and where necessary obtain Vehicle Import Approval before you begin shipping.

Also if your vehicle is too wide or tall to fit into a shipping container, then it will need to travel as roll-on / roll-off or lift-on / lift-off.

Motorhomes and vans may also be subject to different rates of tax and duty.

 

How to ship caravans, boats and other vehicles overseas?

All types of vehicles can be shipped internationally including caravans, boats, trailers, quad bikes, jet skis and anything else you can think of!

For small vehicles, the best method is to ship them in a shipping container with your other possessions or we can arrange a shared container.

The door sizes of standard shipping containers are about 7’8” (2.28m) wide or 7’5” (2.26m) high. These sizes can vary between shipping companies, but if your vehicle is larger you may need to use RORO or LOLO shipping services.

 

How to ship and import classic cars overseas?

A lot of people choose to import an older or classic car abroad. For example enthusiasts, classic or historic motor vehicles that are destined for restoration and hobby use in car clubs.

Many governments have different rules and exemptions for classic cars and collectable vehicles. This takes account of the fact that these vehicles do not comply with modern vehicle standards, and are therefore outside normal certification arrangements.

When shipping valuable cars, you can be sure that our team takes special care to ensure it’s securely and safely packed for its journey.

 

How to ship a motorcycle overseas?

To ship a motorbike overseas you will need to follow a similar import process as for cars.

For the actual shipping, your bike, you can use our International MotorBike Shipping Service. Your bike would be secured in a shipping container, often in a wooden crate to ensure it is fully protected during transportation.

Your motorcycle or quad bike can be sent in a sole use container with your other possessions or in a shared container with other people’s belongings.

 

Customs and Quarantine for Your vehicle

As aforementioned, for many countries, you will need to gain authorisation from the local import authority before car shipment, otherwise your vehicle will not make it through customs. Upon arrival, your car will go through a thorough inspection by the local customs authorities.

Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have an additional biosecurity inspection that aims to limit and prevent the spread of diseases, asbestos, noxious weeds, and pests from entering the country. If anything is found, your car may be seized and you may be fined. So, you must put your car through a thorough steam clean and remove all unnecessary clutter and instruments.

You will need to follow local customs clearance guidelines. Plus, we advise that you check over their government guidelines for importing a vehicle.

Alternatively, you can simply give us a call or fill out our form to obtain a car shipping quote and get all the necessary advice on international customs and import requirements. Call us on 0800 988 3711 today.

 

Customs Duty and Taxes

Unlike for importing removal goods and personal effects, where there are many exemptions for duty and taxes, this is often not the csse when it comes to importing motor vehicles. Also, for high value vehicles, some countries have an additional Luxury Car Tax.

You will need to see if these apply to your circumstances and take them into account when calculating the costs of shipping and importing your vehicle.

 

Delivery and Collection of Your car

Once your car arrives after international car transport to your country, you will be contacted by our team. We will then handle all the customs paperwork with you or on your behalf. Since guidelines for customs clearance and import requirements can be quite strict though, we do recommend that you be at hand to ensure the process runs smoothly.

Once all is done, we will make reservations with you to give your car back safely.

 

Do I need shipping insurance or shipment protection cover?

We try to do everything we can to protect your vehicle before, during and after shipping to your destination. As industry professionals, we’re proud to say that there are never any major issues. However, it is always a good idea to be protected in case anything does happen.

Your usual motor insurance policy will not cover you for international vehicle transportation. This is why we have a carefully designed Shipment Protection Cover to protect your vehicle in case of loss or damage.

Our Shipment Protection cover is backed by Basil Fry and Company and is based on the conditions recommended by the British Association of Removers. This means your car is in safe hands during the whole process. Rest assured that your protection starts as soon as your car is with our team.

For this reason, you can trust PSS Removals with your car shipping to Cyprus and support throughout the entire process. So, the process is made easy when you opt to ship your car with us.

 

How to ship your car from Cyprus to the UK?

We can also arrange for your car or other vehicle to be transported from Cyprus to the UK. Similar shipping options apply and it can be cost effective to ship your vehicle with your other possessions.

Contact us at our UK office and we’ll put you in contact with our team in Cyprus who will be able to advise you on the whole process and give you a cost effective quote.

 

Where do PSS ship cars to?

PSS provides international car shipping service to Australia, Malta, Canada, New Zealand, Cyprus, South Africa, Dubai, UAE, Greece, Hong Kong and other worldwide destinations!

We provide container shipping services for your car as well as shipping personal effects to your new destination.

International Shipping and Removals Articles