How To Ship A Car To The UK

Before you can move any further, after selecting a transportation company, you need to establish a point of origin for them to deliver to. If your international transportation company can not deliver to that specific locale, then see if it is possible to deliver it somewhere close by. The point of origin should be determined to have a better understanding of how long it will take to have your car fully shipped and delivered.

There may be several auto transport companies in your area, but you should take considerable time to research thoroughly to find the right one. Before selecting a company, find close to 3 or 4 in your area to consult with. Most companies offer a free quote and can give you a ballpark in time and price to how much your shipment will be.

Another factor to consider when looking for a company to work with is the equipment and expertise. You should select a company with a strong background in shipping cars internationally and has the right equipment to do so successfully. This will give you peace of mind that your car is in the right hands and handled with care throughout its journey. 

It is vital that once you know you need to ship a car internationally, you begin finding a company as soon as possible. The times to ship a car can vary and take a while, so if you are operating under a time crunch, the earlier you start will be more beneficial. Companies have to use their services which may be booked up for a while if you are not proactive. That does not count the time it takes to process paperwork, get your car inspected, and prep for shipping. 

The biggest thing with shipping your car to the UK is to make sure your car passes inspection and meets standard requirements. Some countries have specific customs that make you get approved before you ship your car overseas. The UK operates very simply. You just need to have the original paperwork belonging to the car. You will have to show your car transportation company all or some of the following in order to ship your car to the UK:

• Your ID/passport
• Original title copy
• Bill of Landing
• Car’s registration

Your transportation company may ask to see more paperwork. Beforehand, gather these documents along with your insurance papers just in case those are asked of you. 

Shipping your car overseas can have a significant cost depending on several factors. The average cost of shipping a car from the US to the UK is between $350 and $3,700. The cost of shipping a car internationally can vary depending on the following:

• The company you select
• Mileage/type of transport (boat or aerial)
• Estimated time
• Condition of your car
• Selected shipping carrier 

Certain shipping methods can cost more than others. For instance, it’s more expensive to ship your car overseas via a boat than it is aerial. Loading methods such as “RoRo,” which means to roll on your car and then roll-off, are less expensive than other offered methods. Although, the first way to save money when it comes to shipping your car to the UK is to select the company that offers services within your budget. Your company will go over the different methods for you to choose and you can ask about price. 

Before your car can be shipped, it needs to be inspected so that it clears and is ready to go. Once your car passes the inspection, you can begin preparing it for delivery. One thing to keep in mind is the car’s purpose for when it gets to the UK. If you plan to drive your car on the roads, you want to start looking for how and when to get your car plated so that it’s drivable and registered once it lands. It would also be a good time to go back over any international shipping requirements the UK or your company has before delivery.

When everything passes and all of the regulations or paperwork is completed, it’s time to start preparing your car for delivery. Preparing your car for shipment is easy. First, empty your vehicle of all personal belongings, including the truck. You then want to decrease the amount of gas in the tank to ⅛ and wash the car. If you have bike racks or spare tire holdings on the top or back of your car, those also need to be removed. Before you hand your car over, take pictures of the outside to prove any scuffs arise during shipment. 

Before you hand your car over, you should make a copy of the keys if you do not have any extras. You will likely have to hand your master key over to your driver, and they will give them back during delivery. 

You’re finally ready to drop off your car! If you have prepped and dropping off your vehicle at the company’s office, make sure someone follows you to take you home after. Once your car is dropped off, you can relax focus on the rest of the move. 

Some companies will give you a tracking number to show you where your car is at all times during the shipment. This is a great tool to have to follow your car, watch for any delays that pop up, and know what your schedule will look like as the car is in motion. 

When you decide to ship your car internationally, you need to make sure the time and date agreed upon still stands. Any changes to the delivery date that needs to be made on your end should be communicated to your deliverer as soon as possible so they can try to accommodate you. If you are unable to be there at the agreed-upon location and time, tell your driver who will be taking your place so they can drop off your car.

Some companies use their delivery date as the day to collect final paperwork and payment. If that is the case, this will be communicated to you beforehand to have these items ready if your car is delivered in pristine condition, congratulations! Your car was shipped overseas successfully!