Are you interested in shipping your car to the UK? Here’s what you need to know:
- How much does it cost? Car shipping from the USA to the UK starts at a cost of $849 USD, and the UK levies an import duty of 10% and VAT (value-added tax) of 20% of the value of the vehicle (unless it is a collector’s vehicle).
- How long does it take? Car shipment to the UK has an estimated turnaround time of 14-28 days.
- These estimates can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the port of origin, the final destination in the United Kingdom, and the method of shipment.
Below, we explore everything you need to know about shipping your car to the UK.
In This Article
US to UK Vehicle Shipping Checklist
Vehicle Import Options
Vehicle Import Approval
US to UK Car Shipping Costs & Time Frame
US to UK Vehicle Shipping Options
Additional Services
Ports Served in the US and UK
Cleaning Your Vehicle of Biosecurity Concerns
Plating Your Vehicle in UK
Other UK/US Shipping Options
Are you ready to get started shipping a car from the USA to the UK?
Request a free online quote – Quotes are available online with a guaranteed response within 24 hours for car shipping and moving services to the UK.
Please do not hesitate to call or email us anytime with any questions about international car shipping services. Contact our shipping experts for more information. We are always just a phone call away!
International
+1 (310) 223-0474
Domestic Coast-to-Coast
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Want more information on international car shipping services to the UK from USA?
Read on below for our US to UK Vehicle Shipping Checklist, Vehicle Import Options, US to UK Car Shipping Costs & Time Frame, US to UK Vehicle Shipping Options, Ports Served in the US & the UK, and other details for car shipping services from the USA to the UK.
Car Shipping UK Checklist
Here’s a rough breakdown of the process you’ll need to go through to ship your vehicle to the UK.
• Original Title
• Certificate of Origin
• Bill of Lading
• Doc Receipt[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check-square-o” icon_color=”#017ffe” content_font_size=”desktop:16px;”]Understand the costs of shipping a vehicle, including:
• Freight and insurance charges when shipping your vehicle
• Wharf, transport, storage and delivery charges after your vehicle arrives
• Duties, taxes and fees
• Cleaning the undercarriage of foreign soil
• Registration and insurance requirements in the relevant United Kingdom State or Territory
• Other charges such as import processing, customs brokers’, and logistics service provider charges[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check-square-o” icon_color=”#017ffe” content_font_size=”desktop:16px;”]Select an international car shipping company and preferred shipping method to transport your vehicle from the United States to the United Kingdom[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check-square-o” icon_color=”#017ffe” content_font_size=”desktop:16px;”]Determine your vehicle’s departure and destination ports[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check-square-o” icon_color=”#017ffe” content_font_size=”desktop:16px;”]Confirm the vehicle is clean and free of foreign soil.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check-square-o” icon_color=”#017ffe” content_font_size=”desktop:16px;”]If you wish to register your vehicle for road use in the UK, you’ll need to get the vehicle plated.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][/ultimate_icon_list]
More information on the process of shipping a vehicle to the UK can be found here.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.
Vehicle Import Options
As you engage in the car shipping process, some of the most important questions to consider include:
These questions and more will determine whether your car is eligible for shipping to the United Kingdom. You should never assume your scenario is the same as someone else’s. Some vehicles such as classic cars may have eligibility requirements that differ from those for newer vehicles. Our expert shipping agents can help you determine whether your vehicle is eligible for import to the United Kindom from the USA.
To obtain an estimate of the cost to ship a car to the UK from the USA, fill out our free quick quote form.
Vehicle Import Approval
Upon arrival of your vehicle import to the United Kingdom, the vehicle must be declared in Customs.
You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to the UK:
Things to Consider
US to UK Car Shipping Costs & Time Frame
Using a baseline of a compact car being shipped using the roll-on/roll-off method from the Port of Los Angeles to the Port of Felixstowe, our estimate for shipping a car from the USA to the United Kingdom starts at a cost of $849 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 14 – 28 days.
However, the cost to ship a car to the UK can vary according to factors such as the model and make of your vehicle, your current location, the nearest departure port in the USA, your shipping method of choice, availability of your chosen services, and your final destination. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the costs you incur when you ship cars, such as storage, cleaning, other vendor fees, and UK taxes & import duties.
Taxes & Duties for Car Shipping from USA to UK
UK Vehicle Import Taxes
- Import Duty: 10%
- VAT: 20%
- Import Duty for Collector’s Vehicles: 5% VAT with no import duty
Instances Requiring VAT and Vehicle Tax:
Instances not requiring VAT and Vehicle Tax:
• You must be visiting the UK.
• You must only be using the car for a period of 6 months.
• The vehicle must be registered and taxed in its home country.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][/ultimate_icon_list]
Please Note: If you are a student or employee who is not living in the UK, you qualify for a period that’s a bit longer. Do contact the HMRC in advance and get hold of the official documentation for proof of customs relief. If you do not meet the above criteria, then import duty and VAT tax will be payable to customs. You must also ensure your car is validly insured.
The amount of taxes and import duties payable when shipping a car to the UK from the US will vary and depends on the details of your car shipping situation.
To obtain an estimate of the cost to ship a car to the UK, fill out our free quick quote form.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.
US to UK Options to Ship Cars: Ro-Ro vs. Container Shipping
When it comes to transport methods, CFR Classic offers various car shipping options. Car shipping services from the USA to the UK can be performed using a shared container, a sole container, or a roll-on/roll-off service.
Roll-On/Roll-Off – Also known as RoRo shipping. With this method to ship vehicles, cars are driven into a ship with a cargo area like a sizeable parking garage. RoRo shipping tends to be more inexpensive, as only customs clearance charges, port charges, and shipping charges are payable. Your car will need to be in working condition to ship via this method, as it will have to be driven onto a shipping vessel.
Shared Container Service – Your vehicle will be shipped together with multiple others in one container. With container shipping, there will be a wider range of fees payable than with roll-on/roll-off shipping, which are to be shared between all the people using the container, such as a terminal handling charge, trucking charge, charge for unloading the vehicles at a bonded warehouse and customs clearance charge.
One of the downsides of the shared container shipping service is having to wait a long time before shipping a car, as the container can only depart when it has a full load.
Full Container Load – This method to ship a car resembles the shared container shipping service, except that your vehicle will be the only one in the container. In terms of the shipping cost, similar fees to those charged for the shared container load are collected, however, these are borne by only one client rather than divided between several.
This shipping method tends to result in quicker transits since weekly departures are possible. With ro-ro services, departures are often not as frequent, meaning longer turnaround times for shipping cars overseas.
Instead of wood ramps which other companies use, we rely on a steel loading system, which is more effective at preventing loss and damage, ideal for transporting classic cars or vintage cars.
Additional Services for Shipping Cars Overseas
Sourcing Vehicles – Our many car buyer contacts make it easy for us to find and buy motor vehicles on behalf of overseas clients at a commission or additional fee to be paid to the car buyer.
Other Services – Some of the auto transport services we offer in overseas territories include domestic pickup, vehicle import assistance, tracking of your shipment, customs clearance in the USA and a full vehicle inspection report.
Ports Served in the US and UK
Departure Ports – United States
The location your vehicle will depart from depends on the method of car shipping to the United Kingdom, where your vehicle is located, your budget and which services the nearest port offers. We have multiple departure locations for shipping a vehicle overseas from the USA, including Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Miami, Savannah and more.
Destination Ports – UK
Here are the UK ports entry that we can ship your vehicle to.
Cleaning Your Vehicle’s Undercarriage
Before shipping your vehicle to the UK, the undercarriage must be cleaned and free of foreign soil to prevent the introduction of invasive plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. This can be accomplished through steam cleaning or other thorough cleaning methods.
CFR Classic can assist with finding an appropriate cleaner to help ensure you comply with this requirement. We do not recommend washing the interior of the vehicle as it can cause mold during transport. Vacuuming the interior is usually more than sufficient.
Plating Your Vehicle in the UK
You must register any vehicle you bring into the UK permanently. You can’t register before you do all the following:
- Tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) you imported the vehicle and get confirmation that your NOVA application is processed.
- Pay VAT and duty if HMRC tells you to.
- Get proof of vehicle approval.
You also tax the vehicle when you register it with DVLA – there’s a £55 fee. DVLA might ask to inspect the vehicle. It can take up to 6 weeks for your registration certificate (V5C) to arrive. You need the V5C to get number plates made up. You can find more information on the Vehicle Registration here.
To obtain an estimate of the cost for car shipping from USA to UK and other services, fill out our free quick quote form.
Other UK/US Shipping Options
Importing a Car from the US to the UK
Importing a Car from the UK to the US
Car Shipping from the US to the UK
Car Shipping from the UK to the US
Cargo Shipping from the US to the UK
Cargo Shipping from the UK to the US
Moving Household Goods from the US to the UK
Moving Household Goods from the UK to the US
This information was updated in January 2024. All information, time frames, pricing, and regulations are subject to change. Please contact a sales representative for the most current rates and information.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.