Ship Cars Ltd

Ship Cars Ltd: International Vehicle Shipping from the UK

Ship Cars Ltd is a UK-based international vehicle shipping company with over 10 years of experience and more than 10,000 vehicles shipped to over 200 destinations worldwide. The company exports cars, motorcycles, classic vehicles, and commercial vehicles using RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and container shipping methods. Sailings depart from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury, covering Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete process from UK collection through to export documentation, destination customs guidance, and marine cargo insurance.

Shipping Methods: RoRo and Container

Ship Cars Ltd offers two primary shipping methods, each suited to different vehicle types and requirements.

RoRo Shipping

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is the most economical option for standard operational vehicles. The vehicle is driven directly onto a specialist car carrier vessel at the UK departure port and driven off at the destination port, with no cranes or lifting involved. RoRo starts from £645. It is ideal for standard cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks that are fully operational and driveable. However, personal belongings are strictly prohibited inside vehicles shipped via RoRo. Electric vehicles cannot be accommodated on RoRo services due to battery safety regulations. Hybrid vehicles are accepted on RoRo for some ports, but eligibility should be confirmed at the point of booking.

Container Shipping

Container shipping provides maximum security and flexibility. The vehicle is loaded into its own dedicated container (or shares space in a container with other vehicles) for the entire voyage, fully enclosed and protected from the elements. Container shipping starts from £995. It is the right choice for non-running vehicles (loaded by winch or forklift), luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles requiring maximum protection, electric and hybrid vehicles (EV shipments must use container, with a standard hazard surcharge due to battery regulations), and shipments including personal effects (permitted in dedicated containers, subject to destination regulations).

Destinations and Coverage

Ship Cars Ltd provides international car shipping services to over 200 destinations across six continents, departing from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury. The regions served include Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and more), the Middle East (UAE/Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and more), Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, and more), Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, and more), Australia and New Zealand (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, Auckland, and more), and the Americas (USA, Canada, Brazil, and more). Popular shipping destinations include Australia, the USA, UAE/Dubai, Canada, Cyprus, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Shipping

Ship Cars Ltd regularly ships electric and hybrid vehicles internationally. Electric vehicles (EVs) must be shipped by container only; they cannot be accommodated on RoRo services due to maritime battery safety regulations. A standard hazard surcharge applies due to the high-voltage battery requirements of the vessel operator. Ship Cars Ltd handles EV shipping to all container-capable destinations, including Australia, the USA, Japan, Canada, and across Europe and the Middle East. Standard (non-plug-in) hybrid vehicles are accepted on RoRo for some ports and destinations, while plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) must travel by container. Eligibility varies by destination port and vessel operator and should be confirmed at the point of booking.

End-to-End Shipping Process

Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete shipment process from start to finish, with direct relationships with major shipping lines operating from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury. The process includes:

• Instant online quote covering ocean freight, UK port handling, and export documentation with no hidden fees added after booking.
• Expert booking support to select the right shipping method for the vehicle, destination, and budget, booking directly with shipping lines rather than through brokers.
• UK vehicle collection from anywhere in the UK via transporter or experienced trade plate driver, transported securely to the departure port.
• Export documentation managed by Ship Cars Ltd, including DVLA permanent export notification, export declaration, Bill of Lading, and all port documentation, with copies provided before the vehicle sails.
• Secure ocean transit with professional loading and shipping by trusted global carrier partners on established schedules.
• Destination guidance and agent support, including guidance on customs clearance requirements and recommendations for vetted local agents to assist with port clearance and vehicle collection.

Marine Cargo Insurance

Marine cargo insurance is available on every shipment and is strongly recommended for international vehicle transport. Ship Cars Ltd offers two levels of marine transit cover: Total Loss Cover at 1% of the declared vehicle value, covering total loss from fire or major vessel incident; and Comprehensive Cover at 1.5% of the declared vehicle value, covering cosmetic damage in addition to total loss. Vehicle age restrictions and a condition report may apply for comprehensive cover. A condition report is provided free of charge when Ship Cars Ltd collects the vehicle, or at a fee of £35 if the vehicle is delivered to the company.

Experience and Network

Ship Cars Ltd has shipped over 10,000 vehicles internationally from the UK across more than 10 years of operation, building direct relationships with major shipping lines and a vetted network of destination agents. The company is an RHA member and works with 50+ carrier partners covering 200+ destinations across six continents. It handles all vehicle types, including standard cars, EVs, classics, motorcycles, motorhomes, vans, and commercial vehicles. Import services are also available from selected countries including India, Turkey, Australia, and the USA.

Vehicle Types Shipped

Ship Cars Ltd ships a wide range of vehicles, including standard passenger cars (saloons, hatchbacks, estates, convertibles), SUVs, 4x4s, and pickup trucks, classic and vintage vehicles, electric vehicles (container only), motorcycles and bikes, motorhomes and caravans, and vans and commercial vehicles.