International Car Shipping Cost — What to Expect and How It Works

Anyone who asks when they’re planning to ship a vehicle overseas is a completely fair one: “How much is this actually going to cost me?”

The honest answer is — it depends. But at Ship Cars Ltd, we believe in full transparency, so rather than giving you vague estimates and sending you round in circles, we’re going to break down exactly what shapes the cost of international car shipping, give you real-world route examples, and explain how to make sure you’re getting genuine value for your money.

Why International Car Shipping Costs Vary

No two vehicle shipping quotes are exactly the same, and that’s not a trick — it’s simply how the industry works. Several key factors come together to determine your final price:

• Destination — The further your vehicle travels, the higher the base freight cost. Shipping to Turkey is naturally less than shipping to Australia or New Zealand.
• Vehicle size and type — Pricing is largely based on the dimensions and height of your vehicle. A standard saloon is cheaper to ship than a large SUV or long-wheelbase van, because it takes up less space on the vessel.
• Shipping method — Choosing between RoRo (Roll on Roll off) and container shipping makes a significant difference to your overall cost. RoRo is the more affordable option for running vehicles; container shipping costs more but offers greater flexibility and protection.
• Port of departure — Shipcars.co.uk operates regular sailings from multiple UK ports including Southampton, Tilbury, Immingham, and Liverpool. Your nearest port can affect both the price and your collection or drop-off logistics.
• Fuel surcharges (BAF) — Carriers apply a Bunker Adjustment Factor to account for fluctuating fuel costs. This can vary between carriers and is updated regularly. We’ll always include this in your quote.
• UK collection service — If you’d like us to collect your vehicle from your home or business, this is an additional cost based on distance to the departure port. As a rough guide, a collection from London to Southampton typically costs around £130–£890.

RoRo vs Container — The Cost Difference Explained

When it comes to vehicle shipping, choosing the right method is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make — and it directly impacts your bill.

RoRo shipping is the most cost-effective route for the majority of customers. Your car is driven onto the vessel, professionally secured, and driven off at the destination port. It’s simple, fast, and significantly cheaper than container shipping for standard running vehicles.

Container shipping costs more, but it’s the right choice if you’re shipping a non-running vehicle, an electric vehicle, a classic or high-value car, or if you need to include personal effects alongside your vehicle. You can opt for a dedicated 20ft container (one vehicle) or share space in a 40ft container to reduce the cost per vehicle.

Here’s a snapshot of how the two methods compare across popular routes from the UK:

Please note: All prices shown are approximate freight costs only and are subject to change. They do not include UK port handling, documentation fees, destination customs clearance, import duties, taxes, or optional insurance. Your Shipcars.co.uk quote will set out all costs clearly and honestly — no surprises.

What’s Included in Your Shipcars.co.uk Quote

When you request a quote through Shipcars.co.uk, here’s what we include as standard:

•  Ocean freight (sea rate) for your vehicle
•  UK port handling and documentation
• Bill of Lading preparation
• Guidance on UK export requirements
•  Access to our sailing schedule and departure options

What’s typically not included (and paid separately at the destination):

• Import duties and taxes at the destination country
•  Destination port handling and terminal fees
• Local customs agent fees
•  Vehicle inspections or modifications required at destination
•  Optional transit insurance premium (available through us)

We’re upfront about this because we know hidden costs are one of the biggest frustrations people experience when Shipping overseas. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for before you commit.

Additional Cost Factors Worth Knowing

A few things that can quietly affect your final bill — and that we’ll always flag for you upfront:

1. Vehicle height — Most carriers price saloon cars up to 1.6m in height and larger vehicles (SUVs, 4x4s) up to 2.0m. Anything taller may carry a surcharge or require specialist handling.
2. Non-running vehicles — If your car doesn’t drive, it generally cannot travel via RoRo and must go via container at a higher rate. Additional loading and handling costs also apply.
3. Electric vehicles (EVs) — Due to international maritime battery regulations, EVs must be shipped via container only. A standard hazardous goods surcharge typically applies.
4. Hybrid vehicles — Accepted on RoRo for certain ports and routes; container shipping is also available. Our team will confirm compatibility for your specific destination.
5. Transit insurance — Optional but strongly recommended. We offer both total loss cover and comprehensive damage cover. Ask our team for current premium rates.

Real Customer Examples

“A customer in Manchester shipped a BMW 5 Series to Izmir, Turkey via RoRo from Southampton. The port-to-port freight cost came to just over £720 for the saloon rate, and the vehicle arrived at the Turkish port within 15 days of departure. The customer said the quote was clear, the paperwork was handled for them, and the whole experience was far simpler than expected.”

“A family relocating from the UK to Perth, Australia shipped their Toyota Land Cruiser via container through Shipcars.co.uk. They chose a dedicated 20ft container to include some personal effects with the vehicle. Despite the longer route, they were kept informed throughout and the vehicle arrived in excellent condition around five weeks after sailing from Southampton.”

How to Get Your Quote from Shipcars.co.uk

Getting a price is quick and straightforward. You can:

1. Use our instant online quote tool — available on our website 24/7 for fast, no-obligation estimates
2. Call or WhatsApp our team directly — speak to a real vehicle shipping specialist, not a call centre
3. Email us your vehicle details — make, model, dimensions, origin and destination — and we’ll come back to you promptly with a clear breakdown

Our prices are valid for 30 days from the date of quotation, which means even if freight rates shift in that window, your agreed price is locked in.

Why Shipcars.co.uk for International Vehicle Shipping?

There are plenty of companies that will give you a number. What sets Shipcars.co.uk apart is what comes alongside it — experienced specialists, transparent pricing, real sailing schedules, and a team that genuinely looks after your shipment from start to finish.

• Over a decade of international vehicle shipping experience
• RoRo and container shipping to 200+ destinations worldwide
• Regular weekly sailings from multiple UK ports
• UK-wide collection via insured trade plate drivers or car transporters
• Full documentation support for UK export and destination import
• Optional transit insurance for complete peace of mind
• Transparent quotes — what we quote is what you pay on our end

Whether you’re shipping a single saloon to Turkey, a Range Rover to Dubai, or a fleet of vehicles to West Africa, we’ll give you the right price, the right method, and the right guidance every step of the way.

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