The United Kingdom (UK) is a popular destination for shipping cars from the USA. If this is what you need to do, it’s important to be well informed. That’s what we are here for! In this guide, we will teach you about:
Shipping Car from USA to UK
When you select Ship Overseas, Inc. as your vehicle shipping provider, you will be well taken care of. After all, we have more than 40 years of experience in shipping vehicles of all kinds to the UK. You may feel confused or overwhelmed at first, but we will quickly put your mind at ease. That’s why we have developed all these answers to your questions, from Pricing and Documents to Departure and Arrival Ports.
We will need the Year/Make/Model of your car, Pickup Zip Code or Departure Port, and Destination Country (in this case the UK) to give you the most accurate price, so please have that information handy.
Pick Up
Most of the time, people ask us to pick up their car from their home (at an extra fee) rather than worry about bringing their own car to the port. That’s because oftentimes, the nearest port is located far away, causing you to take time off work, and payout of pocket for gas, lodging, and meals. The most cost-effective way to get your car to port is to pay us a couple of hundred dollars to fetch your car from your residence and bring it there for you.
There are seven shipping ports throughout the United States that we ship cars to the UK from. They include:
Newark, NJ
Baltimore, MD
Newport News, VA
Charleston, SC
Brunswick, GA
Galveston, TX
Long Beach, CA
You can drive your own car and meet us at the port and save money. Or, we can pick up your car and bring it to one of the ports above.
Arrival At Shipping Terminal in UK
The arrival port in the UK that we service is the Port of Southampton. This is where you will have your designated person pick up your car on arrival. The Port of Southampton, the second-largest container port in the UK, is located on the south coast of England. It also happens to be the busiest cruise ship terminal in the UK. We also ship to Felixstowe.
I have worked with this company for many years. We started shipping cars overseas in 2004. They are the BEST! They take a serious interest in making sure your car gets where it needs to go and will walk you through all the steps to make it a smooth move! We have shipped many cars to the UK and Germany as well as several to Bahrain, I cannot imagine using anyone else. Jack, Paul, Miron and April all made my job a lot easier for over 18 years
Shipped my vehicle from Newark, NJ to Southampton, United Kingdom safely and quickly. All the complicated paperwork was laid out clearly for me to figure out the process. I was able to drive my own car in England a few weeks after dropping it off in the US. Would recommend!
We shipped our vehicle from Hawaii to Belgium. We contacted several companies online. Miron from Ship Overseas was the first to get back to us. This was our first time shipping a vehicle internationally and we had no idea what the entire process was going to be like. Some of the reviews we read said the company wasn't very responsive or communicative. We had quite the opposite experience. Miron communicated with us every step of the way. Communication was extremely important to us as this was quite a complicated process. Miron answered all our questions and provided all necessary details of the process. He was also very upfront with the fees and even advised us of what fees to expect here in Belgium. Our car made it to Belgium on schedule without any hassle. Miron's contact here in Belgium was also very thorough. I recommend Miron from Ship Overseas 100%.
Highly recommended. Paul, Miron, and team were very thorough/detail oriented. It was my first time having a car shipped from Europe which I purchased. He made sure I had all the paperwork needed. They also arranged transportation both to and from the ports.
I feel bad as I see a lot of people writing bad comments about this company. I've NEVER had a problem with them. NEVER.(Regarding the negative reviews..)Ship overseas is not an insurance provider, but rather a shipping company -- you must make sure to get insurance when shipping your vehicle so that no damages occur to it. They don't own the ship, nor workers, and of course as a result cannot guarantee the people on the ship won't damage your car.ShipOverseas is my go-to when I have to ship my cars. Which sounds funny to say, but I've actually shipped my car multiple times with them.Jack, one of the agents and owner is always very helpful, and does a great job of putting in trust in clients by making sure you understand the process in detail.I've transported my CLA45 AMG from the US to Belgium, without a problem, and have shipped it back, and am now buying a new car and shipping it back!You could say I'm somewhat of a (very happy) repeat customer – Photos for reference!
We highly recommend Shipoverseas services! Not only are they specialized in shipping gas/diesel motor operated cars but also specialize in shipping EV vehicles as well. We used there International shipping services to ship a 2022 Porsche Taycan to Dubai. The car arrived in less than a month in perfect shape, same as leaving our location. We worked with both Jack and Gary, both were great communicating and providing a timely status update. We will definitely be a regular customer! Thank you Jack and Gary!
Thank you Miron and Ship Overseas Team for helping me ship my car to Finland. I appreciate your response when I needed answers. Also many thanks for helping me find an agent in Kotka, Finland.I will definitely refer your company to my friends and colleagues.
We got a really good services. Jack always answers your so many questions with a short delay , for sure in the day , most of the time in the hour ( and in the minute too ). Really good communication. That's why we choose Ship Over Seas from the other company quotes we received. Good services , good prices , that's the criteria for our choice we don't regret at all. Thanks again.
Shipped my car to Nigeria . It was fast and easy . Best part they handles majority of the work . Very convenient and definitely will go through them again .
Shipped my car from NC to Puerto Rico. They took care of the transport of my car from NC to the port in FL, and then on the ship from FL to PR. The staff was very responsive to all communications I sent, especially while my car was in transit. I always knew exactly where my vehicle was. Very kind and helpful staff, especially when I was just calling to inquire in the beginning. Will use them again if I ever need to ship my car back stateside.
Very helpful, quick response to questions. Shipped my car to Costa Rica, no issues what so ever. I had shipped cars previously with other companies but Ship Overseas helped with the best solution which for my needs was RORO. I will definitely ship with them again, thanks again SHIP Overseas..
We shipped our car to Uganda from California and the services were exceptionally good 👍, regular feedback and updates were excellent and provided a peace of mind.
I used Ship Overseas back in 2019 to ship my 2008 Harley Softtail from Galveston Texas to Belgium. I forget exactly how long it took, perhaps in the two month range. However, the bike did eventually arrive and was completely ready for me at pickup. They even handled all the import paperwork etc. My only complaint would be that somehow the bike had accumulated almost 100 extra miles on it from when I dropped in off, and picking it up. Perhaps they needed to run it around the boat a few 1000 times. Also, there were a couple of parts missing from my saddle bags. Lesson: NEVER leave anything that can't be bolted to the object you are shipping. Otherwise, great service and a very good shipping experience.
ShipOverseas was a great partner in shipping a Chevy Bolt EV to Helsinki Finland. The representatives provided easily understood descriptions of the roll on-roll off process, required paperwork, payments, etc. We drove the car onto the Galveston, TX dock with an accompanying guide. It was 100% smoothly accomplished. The car was transferred in Germany without problems (it is an electric vehicle with some unique starting characteristics) and offloaded near Helsinki, Finland. The photo shows incredibly clean conditions at the destination despite weeks at sea. I can highly recommend ShipOverseas for safe, economical, and successful vehicle shipping.
Our company, Jackson Creek Mfg., Inc. has used Ship Overseas, Inc. numerous times to ship vehicles overseas and have always received excellent service. Great company to work with!
Used to ship from NY to Germany. Process was easy and straightforward. Saved money versus buying a second vehicle overseas. Would use again.Good communication throughout. Thank you.
If you never had your car shipped before, I can tell you that it can be a very fearful, and stressful event, but I can vouch 1st hand that this agency took all the thought fear and stress away! We moved my XT-5 from DFW to overseas (Bahrain). We didn't have any issues, and it was relatively fast considering it's been shipped across the seas. I will 100% recommend this company to anyone and everyone. Hassle-free and delivers what was promised. I'll definitely be using them whenever we decide to return stateside!
i shipped an 89' Land Rover Defender from italy to the US without troubles, they took care of all docs and around 60 days later the car was at the port in VA. i'd definitely use them again in the future.
I shipped two cars from Savannah to Germany. Super easy process and the rates were better than anyone elses that i was getting for the same route. Would recommend them to anyone for their shipping needs. They helped along the way to get the documents needed and explained the process clearly so i knew exactly what needed to be done to have my cars on the boat that I needed them to be on. Pickup on the other side was easy as well with who shipoverseas was partnered with where my vehicles arrived. They were in contact with me often so i knew that the vehicles were on time and when to have everything ready. I will certainly be in touch again when it's time to return from my oversea travels. Thanks for the smooth process!
This company and team were tremendously professional & also the least expensive company I found. I researched quite a few before settling on ShipOverseas. I’m glad I chose them, they were able to deliver my vehicle to my destination port in Korea when others said they could only deliver to one port in Korea and for less money. I will definitely use them again and recommend anyone shipping anyone to consult with ShipOverseas.com. Well done!
Hello Tere! Last summer I sent my car to Estonia. I was scared little bit because it was my first time ( maybe even last!) to do this kind of thing. But it went very smoothly - unexpectedly . Most difficult thing was driving myself to the port, but I did it! I could order somebody from Ship Overseas, but it cost money. And paperwork was pretty normal. The same day, I left to the airport, I got phone call that they sent car title to my old address. Wow! I thought that this title goes directly to the Estonian port, but I was wrong. They sent this very important paper over to my son.It arrived on time when I was ready to show car documents to the toll office. Everything ended very well ! Thanks to Ship Overseas. And , by the way, sending my car to Estonia was much, much cheaper than other companies offered. I am thankful !!!
Ship Overseas is a 6 star organization. They have answered all my shipping questions and provided rapid thorough service each and every time. Look no further, Your overseas shipper search is over.
Very trustworthy company, they were always available to resolve issues with the correspondant at destination, no surprises, my Boat arrived as promised
Shipped several cars with this company to Nigeria.Exceptional service. Drawback is the vehicle hauling that wasn't reliable. Granted no fault of ship overseas.Ship Overseas is my go to shipper.
Om my GOSH! Words can't express how grateful I am for the experience I had with Ship Overseas. Living and working overseas can be a challenge but when I called they knew exactly what to do. Other shipping companies gave a long list of the things I needed, the paperwork, questions, and the costs. Overseas got me situated in one phone call. It was fabulous!!
Ship Overseas has great rates and staff! After using them to ship my car to Germany I knew I would use them when returning to the US as well. I did get quotes both times from numerous companies but no one could beat Ship Overseas. Shipping is a breeze with them and their staff are great at getting back to you in a timely manner!
They handled my car's transport 100% positive. It was not their fault that my radio was stolen somewhere along the path, port houston, Sirius leader, or port Limon, God only knows.
We know how important it is for you to budget for your car transportation. Here we will go over the costs involved in shipping your car to the UK.
The cost to ship a car to UK starts at $905 from Baltimore, MD to Southampton. When shipping a car to the UK, you’ll also have to also consider that:
It will cost you less to ship a car from the East Coast USA than it will from the West Coast.
It will cost less (at least on the surface) to bring your car to the port than for us to come to to get it from your residence. However, you must remember to arrange for your own transportation back to your home. Plus, you have to pay out of pocket for lodging, food, etc. as well as time off work. This is why, in the end, this option may cost you more.
It will cost less to transport a compact car than it will ship a large SUV.
Departure & Arrival Ports, Starting Costs, & How Long Shipping Takes
Here are the base costs to ship a car from the USA to the UK, broken down by RoRo and shared container:
RORO
$1040 Newark, NJ to Southampton
$905 Baltimore. MD to Southampton
$1040 Newport News, VA to Southampton
$1075 Charleston, SC to Southampton
$1520 Long Beach, CA and Tacoma, WA to Southampton
SHARED CONTAINER
$1525 Long Beach to Felixstowe
$1195 Newark, NJ to Felixstowe
In general, shipments have a transit time of 25-30 days from the East Coast and 40-50 days from the West Coast. Please note: The Estimated Time in Transit kicks in when your car arrives at the shipping terminal and does not include the transit time when the trucker picks up the car at your home.
Other considerations that factor into your final cost will include which departure port your car is leaving from, the year/make/model of the vehicle, and whether you drop off the car at the port yourself vs. having us do it.
We will assign you a broker, and their name can be found on the Doc Receipt.
To ship a car from the USA to the UK, there is a 20% Import Tax and 9% VAT (Value Added Tax). Get in touch with us to learn your Clearing Agent’s information. Keep in mind, that there is a destination handling charge of approximately $300 for RoRo and $500 for a shared container.
Ship Overseas doesn’t collect the import duty. You pay it at the time of vehicle pickup.
If you are in the USA, contact the British Embassy by phone if you want the latest information.
British Embassy 3100 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 588-6500
US Military
We are authorized shippers for the US military to the UK. We work frequently with members of the military and government to transport their cars to their new base. The military typically covers the cost of your shipment, unless you want to ship a second car (such as your spouse’s) too. In that case, you have to pay for that shipment.
A temporary import applies to anyone traveling to the EU being able to bring their car for up to six months, with a deposit for the temporary import due on arrival of the car. Note, that this fee will be refunded when you leave.
Relocating
For EU citizens who have lived outside the EU for 6 months and are coming back, they can bring their car back with no need to pay import fees.
New/Used Car Purchase
There are no limits on the age of vehicles and salvage titles are accepted. You will pay 20% Import Tax; 9% VAT (Value Added Tax) on cars owned for less than 1 year and if the final destination is an EU member country.
Classic Car Purchase
The duty for importing classic cars is 7%. It is 20% for all other cars.
Storage Fees
If you can’t arrange for pickup upon the vehicle’s arrival at the Port of Southampton, you will be charged a storage fee. To get those latest fees, just contact us.
This insurance is optional but we recommend you get it, as accidents such as damage or loss, happen on the open sea that is beyond our control. This is especially so during hurricane season (June 1 through November 30). That said, these occasions are very rare. If you know you can’t afford out-of-pocket cash for repairs or losses, opt for this full-coverage Marine Insurance against Loss or Damage. This covers you from the time your car is loaded onto the ship until it arrives in port. The cost is 1.75% of the value you want to insure the car for. Visit here to learn more about Marine Insurance here.
Shipping Car to UK Military, Government Contractors
Members of the US Military and Government employees (or contractors) are the only people allowed to ship a car overseas while carrying a lien on the car. But you must obtain prior authorization from the lender, as this is required to pass US Customs. The car could be considered stolen if you skip this step.
US Military and Dependants
At the Port of Southampton, you will be charged a destination offloading fee of $300 for sedans and SUVs. (Prices can change, so ask us for the latest.) To obtain a release of your vehicle, visit the Officer at your Base in charge of Transport. This person will also provide you with documents to complete for your Military Tags, which will allow you to drive to your base. Once there, you will have to show your proper ID.
If you wish for us to arrange the forwarding of your vehicle right to the base, just contact us and request delivery service for an extra fee.
Government contractors follow the same procedures as US military active-duty personnel.
Documents Required to Ship Car to UK
When shipping a car to the UK, you’ll need the Original Title and Valid Identification.
US Military
If you are in the military, government, or state service, and have a lien on the vehicle, you must earn permission from the Lien Holder to export the vehicle. This will take the form of an Original Letter from the Lienholder. Also required will be the following:
A copy of the Title Record History is obtainable from the Department of Motor Vehicles in the State where the vehicle is registered.
Military orders or a letter from the Government or State authority.
Three certified copies of the Certificate of Title
EU Citizens
Please show the original Certificate of Title of Ownership of the vehicle with no Lien on the Title.
Non-EU Citizens
You will need to present the following:
Power of Attorney Form for international residents.
Copy of Passport
Vehicle Registration in UK
Obtain an International Driver’s License from the AAA Automobile Association in your area. Your American Driver’s License will suffice in Europe. As tourists or temporary residents, you are able to drive with your American license plates in a foreign country, at least until your registration expires for that year.
Documents required include:
Original Certificate of Title of Ownership of the vehicle with NO Lien on the Title.
In the event the vehicle is used or pre-owned, the existing Certificate of Title can be endorsed to the new owner by the seller. No Sales Tax is payable to the Seller. Proof of export will be given to the Seller on request.
When it’s a new vehicle being shipped, an Original Certificate of Origin must be obtained from the Dealership that sold you the vehicle. We need this to get Custom Clearance.
Vehicle Registration For Military & Government Contractors
Once at your military base, this will be taken care of. Simply connect with your Officer in Charge so you will be able to get military tags for your base.
Vehicle Registration For EU Citizens
Now that your car has passed UK Customs, it is assumed it has met all safety and Customs standards. Now, bring your car to the local DMV along with:
Bill of Sale
UK Customs Clearance information
Original license plates
Proof of residency
Note: Ship Overseas Inc. offers no further guidance as of this point.
Shipping Methods
RoRo (Roll On Roll Off)
RoRo shipping is available from these ports to the UK: Newark, NJ; Baltimore, MD; Newport News, VA; Charleston, SC; Brunswick, GA; Galveston, TX; and Long Beach, CA.
With RoRo shipping, your car must have the ability to make it up and down the ramp with no assistance. This type of ship resembles a big parking garage and will hold anything with tires that can Roll-On and Off the ship. Perfect for cars and motorcycles, as well as motorhomes, boats, campers, trailers, buses, and construction vehicles, most people use RoRo when shipping one vehicle.
Your vehicle is strapped down in its designated spot once loaded on the vessel.
This is a highly efficient and cost-effective method that runs on a reliable departure and arrival schedule. Think airline flight schedule.
RoRo shipping ensures your car is fully protected from external elements. It’s also the preferred shipping method for new car manufacturers looking to safely ship their products. All vehicles are secured to the deck with no exposure to the ocean air or water.
Container Shipping
Container shipping is available from Long Beach, CA, and Newark, NJ to the UK. Just like it sounds, your car will share a container with other vehicles. While not as quick or reliable in terms of departure and arrival dates because the containers don’t ship until they are full, you are allowed to ship additional items in the trunk or the backseat. Many people use this method to ship vehicles that are not operational, such as broken-down classic cars.
You don’t have to pay until your vehicle arrives at the departure shipping port.
Wire Transfer or Cashier’s Check
The most common payment method for customers not located in the USA, we will send you our bank information at the time you place your order.
Credit Card & Zelle
You don’t have to pay service fees when using Zelle, but you will be charged a 3% service fee if you use a credit card.
Canceling Your Order
When you face the need to cancel your order, email us right away. We are happy to refund your payment with the same method you originally chose, minus a $300 cancellation fee.
Additional Information
If you bought the car new, your name should be listed as the registered owner on the front of the Title.
Please provide a Title of Ownership with no Liens on the Title. Your vehicle should contain no more than ¼ tank of gas (safety and weight reasons).
If you own the car for less than 1 year and the final destination is an EU member country, you pay 20% Import Tax; 9% VAT (Value Added Tax).
If in transit through an EU country, leave a deposit of 30% of the value of the car — an amount that is refunded after the car is registered at the final destination country.
If the vehicle has been sold, both the Seller and Buyer must sign the back of the Title. The destination handling charge is approximately $300 for RoRo and $500 for container shipping.
Preparing Your Car for Shipment to UK
Take these steps to prepare your car for shipment to the UK.
Leave as little fuel in the tank as possible. A full tank of gas makes your car heavier, which adds risk to the shipment. Plus, because your vehicle is being transported, not driven, there’s really no need to fill up prior to loading.
Take off custom accessories so they don’t break off in transit.
Disable the alarm for the truck drivers’ convenience.
Look for leaks in the undercarriage. The car shipping company has the right to refuse service if leaks are present. Make sure the leak is fixed before shipping.
Lock the car – Once it’s loaded, your car won’t be opened until the time of delivery.
Check tire pressure; under-inflated or over-inflated tires are risky while in transport, just as they are on the road.
Who Can Pick Up The Vehicle in UK
You can choose anyone you want to pick up the car at the port in the UK. Provide us their name and contact info a few days prior to the sailing date so we can list them as the Receiver or Consignee. Upon pickup, they must provide proof of identification with a picture ID in order to take possession. They will also need the Title of Ownership and a letter of permission. You will be charged a fee by the shipping line if you notify us of changes after your cargo has been loaded on the vessel.
