Vehicle size & weight
Larger and heavier vehicles occupy more space (RoRo deck or container volume) and cost more to ship. A compact hatchback and a full-size SUV are priced differently.
International moving service
International Car Shipping
International car shipping moves a vehicle overseas by sea — either RoRo (roll-on/roll-off, where the car is driven directly onto the vessel, typically the most cost-effective option for a running vehicle) or inside a shipping container (enclosed, providing greater protection, and the only practical option for a non-running car or a high-value classic). Cost depends on the vehicle size, the chosen method and the destination — but registering the car abroad is often the more complex challenge, as many countries restrict right-hand-drive imports, impose age limits or apply emissions and safety standards that may require modifications before a vehicle can be licensed locally.
RoRo / Container
Shipping methods
Sea freight
Mode
Port-to-port or door-to-door
Delivery options
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Moving a car internationally is a two-stage challenge: the physical transport and the destination registration. Sea freight is the standard mode — RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is the most common and usually the most affordable option for a running vehicle, while container shipping provides greater protection and accommodates non-running or high-value cars. Cost varies with vehicle size, the shipping method, the route and destination import duties — which can be substantial.
The harder part for many owners is what happens after the car arrives. Import eligibility depends on the destination country: right-hand-drive vehicles are restricted in many left-hand-drive markets; older vehicles may fall outside emissions or safety standards; and some countries require homologation (compliance modifications) before a car can be registered locally. Understanding these rules before shipping avoids an expensive mismatch at the destination port.
Key takeaways
- Two sea-freight methods: RoRo (driven on/off, covered but not sealed — exposed to salt air and port handling, lowest cost for a running car) and container (enclosed, higher protection, accommodates non-running or high-value vehicles). The right choice depends on the vehicle, value and destination.
- Cost is driven by vehicle size, RoRo vs container, the route/distance and destination import duties and taxes — duties vary widely by country and can significantly add to the total.
- Registration eligibility is the real catch: many countries restrict right-hand-drive vehicles, impose age limits, or require vehicles to meet local emissions and safety standards. Verify import eligibility before booking transport.
- Ship the car empty of personal belongings — many countries classify goods inside a vehicle as undeclared cargo, which can result in seizure or penalties at customs.
- Insure the vehicle at its declared value for the entire transit (loading through delivery); standard freight liability is typically far below the car's market value.
RoRo vs container — which shipping method?
| Feature | RoRo | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Running cars in good condition | High-value, classic or non-running vehicles |
| Protection | Covered but not sealed — exposed to salt air, humidity and handling at both ports; not climate-controlled like a container | Enclosed — greater protection |
| Relative cost | Lower (typically most affordable) | Higher |
| Non-running vehicle | Generally no — usually needs a container | Yes (crane or ramp load) |
| Share space with household goods | No | Yes (same container — check destination rules) |
| Port availability | Broad — most major ports | Standard container ports |
How international car shipping works — step by step
Quote & book
Get quotes specifying RoRo or container, origin and destination ports, and the vehicle dimensions and weight. Confirm the mover is licensed and carries adequate cargo liability.
Collection & condition inspection
The vehicle is collected or delivered to the origin port facility. A pre-shipment inspection documents the car's condition (photos and a written report) — this is the benchmark for any insurance claim.
Export customs & port loading
Export documentation is filed at origin. RoRo vehicles are driven onto the vessel; container-shipped vehicles are loaded into a container (sometimes with household goods, if permitted by the destination country).
Sea transit
Transit times vary by route — typically several weeks for most international lanes. The vehicle is tracked by booking reference.
Destination customs, duties & taxes
The vehicle is declared at the destination port. Import duty, VAT and any applicable levies are assessed based on the vehicle's value and the destination country's tariff schedule. A licensed customs broker at the destination handles clearance.
Registration & compliance checks
Before the car can be driven locally, it must be registered with the destination authority — which may involve a roadworthy inspection, emissions test or compliance modifications. Right-hand-drive restrictions and age limits are checked at this stage.
Delivery
Once cleared and (where required) modified, the car is delivered to the nominated address or collected from the destination port facility.
What drives the cost of international car shipping
Shipping method
RoRo is typically the most affordable option for a running car. Container shipping costs more but is necessary for non-running vehicles and provides superior protection for high-value or classic cars.
Route & distance
Longer routes with fewer direct services cost more. Availability of RoRo vessels on specific lanes varies — some routes are container-only.
Destination import duties & taxes
Import duty on a private vehicle can be substantial — varying widely by country, vehicle age, engine size and declared value. In some markets this is the largest single cost of the move.
Running condition
A non-running vehicle requires a container (more expensive) and specialist loading equipment at the origin port, adding cost.
Port vs door delivery
Port-to-port is the base price. Door pickup at origin and/or door delivery at destination adds transport and handling charges at each end.
Insurance
Declared-value transit insurance is strongly recommended and adds to the total. Standard freight liability is typically capped well below a vehicle's market value.
Documents & eligibility — what you'll need
- Proof of ownership Original title, registration certificate or equivalent document proving you own the vehicle.
- Photo ID / passport Government-issued ID required for customs declarations at both ends.
- Purchase invoice Original purchase receipt or invoice establishing the vehicle's value for customs assessment.
- De-registration at origin Many countries require the vehicle to be formally de-registered before export. Obtain the de-registration certificate from the local transport authority.
- Destination import permit (where applicable) Some countries require an import permit to be obtained before the vehicle ships. Check the destination authority's requirements early.
- Registration eligibility — verify before shipping RHD/LHD compatibility, vehicle age limits, emissions standards and safety compliance vary by destination country. Confirm with the destination licensing authority or a local compliance agent BEFORE booking transport — a vehicle that cannot be registered is costly to return or dispose of.
Before you ship — practical preparation
Empty the car completely of personal belongings. Many destination customs authorities classify goods found inside a vehicle as undeclared cargo, which can result in seizure of those items, fines or delays to the entire shipment. If you are shipping the car in a container alongside household goods, check with your mover whether the destination country permits personal effects inside the vehicle — rules vary.
Clean the vehicle thoroughly before collection. Many countries — particularly those with strict agricultural biosecurity — require vehicles to be free of soil, organic matter and insects before they will be cleared at the port. Failure to meet biosecurity standards can result in a mandatory wash at the importer's expense or quarantine delays.
Disclose any modifications. Aftermarket additions (upgraded exhausts, tinted windows, roll bars, LPG conversion) can affect compliance with destination safety and emissions standards and should be declared to the shipper and the destination customs broker upfront.
Keep the fuel tank to approximately a quarter full (or the level specified by your shipper). RoRo vessels and port handling facilities typically require a low fuel level for safety during loading and storage.
International car shipping — frequently asked questions
How does international car shipping work?
Your vehicle is transported by sea freight — either RoRo (driven directly onto a specialist vessel) or inside a standard shipping container. The process covers origin collection, export customs clearance, sea transit, destination port arrival, import customs and duties, registration compliance checks and final delivery. The journey typically takes several weeks depending on the route.
RoRo or container — which method should I choose?
RoRo is the standard choice for a running car in normal condition — it's simpler and usually more affordable. Container shipping is the right choice if the car is non-running, high-value or a classic that benefits from enclosed protection; some shippers also use a container when shipping the car together with household goods. A few routes operate container-only services with no RoRo option, so check availability for your specific lane.
What drives the cost of shipping a car internationally?
The main cost factors are: vehicle size and weight, the shipping method (RoRo vs container), the route and distance, and destination import duties and taxes — which can be substantial. Additional variables include port vs door-to-door delivery, the vehicle's running condition (non-running requires a container and specialist loading), and transit insurance. Get a breakdown that itemises each component.
Can I ship a non-running car internationally?
Yes. A non-running vehicle generally requires a container, though a few terminals offer specialist RoRo handling via MAFI trailer — confirm with the carrier. It requires specialist loading equipment at the origin port facility. Tell your shipper upfront that the car is non-running so they can arrange the correct vessel, loading method and container.
Can I pack personal belongings inside the car?
You should not pack personal belongings inside the car. Many destination customs authorities treat goods found inside a shipped vehicle as undeclared cargo, which can result in those items being seized, fined or delayed — and can hold up the car's clearance too. Ship household goods separately and keep the car empty.
Will my car be registrable at the destination?
It depends entirely on the destination country. Many left-hand-drive markets restrict right-hand-drive imports; some countries cap the age of imported vehicles (e.g. vehicles older than a set number of years cannot be registered); and most destinations apply emissions and safety standards that the vehicle must meet — sometimes requiring modifications (homologation). Verify registration eligibility with the destination authority or a local compliance agent before you ship.
Is the car insured during transit?
Standard freight carrier liability is typically far lower than a vehicle's market value. Always take out declared-value transit insurance that covers the car from loading at origin through to delivery at destination. Confirm the policy covers both physical damage and total loss.
How long does international car shipping take?
Transit time varies by route. Shorter regional lanes may be 2–4 weeks; longer intercontinental routes (e.g. Asia to Europe, India to the US) typically run 4–8 weeks or more. Port handling and customs clearance at the destination add time on top of the sea leg. Your shipper will provide an estimated schedule for your specific route.
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Questions, answered
International Car Shipping FAQ
What are the two main methods for shipping a car internationally?
RoRo (roll-on/roll-off — the car is driven onto a specialist vessel, covered but not sealed, usually the most affordable for a running car) and container shipping (the car is loaded inside a standard shipping container, enclosed, required for non-running vehicles and preferred for high-value or classic cars). The right choice depends on the vehicle, its condition and the destination route.
How much does it cost to ship a car internationally?
Costs depend on the vehicle size, shipping method (RoRo vs container), route, and destination import duties and taxes. Duties alone can be substantial in many markets. For a route-specific estimate, use our cost calculator or see your specific corridor page.
Do I need to empty the car before shipping?
Yes — always ship the car empty of personal belongings. Goods inside a shipped vehicle are often treated as undeclared cargo by destination customs, which can lead to seizure, fines or delays to the vehicle's clearance.
What documents do I need to ship a car internationally?
Typically: proof of ownership (title/registration), photo ID/passport, original purchase invoice, de-registration certificate from the origin authority, and (for some countries) a destination import permit. Registration eligibility requirements (RHD/LHD, age, emissions) vary by destination — confirm before shipping.
Can I ship a car that doesn't run?
Yes — a non-running vehicle generally requires a container, though a few terminals offer specialist RoRo handling via MAFI trailer; confirm with the carrier. Specialist loading equipment is needed. Inform your shipper upfront.
How long does international car shipping take?
Transit time varies by route — typically 2–4 weeks for shorter lanes, 4–8+ weeks for longer intercontinental routes. Allow additional time for port handling and customs clearance at the destination.
Is transit insurance included?
Standard freight liability covers very little. Take out declared-value transit insurance covering loading through delivery — the cost is modest relative to the value of the vehicle.
Can I register my car in the destination country?
Registration eligibility depends on the destination: RHD/LHD restrictions, vehicle age limits, emissions and safety standards all vary by country. Verify with the destination licensing authority before shipping.
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