Ship Cars Ltd is a UK-based international vehicle shipping company offering RoRo and container shipping services worldwide. Costs start from £650 for RoRo and £900 for container shipments, depending on vehicle size, destination, and service type. Transit times range from 7 days for short-haul routes to 35 days for long-haul destinations. Vehicles are collected across the UK and processed through major departure ports including Southampton and Tilbury.
Who Is Ship Cars Ltd?
Ship Cars Ltd is an independent UK vehicle shipping specialist operating through Shipcars.co.uk. The company manages international vehicle exports and imports for private individuals, trade buyers, fleet operators, classic car collectors, and commercial businesses.
Unlike large freight conglomerates where a car shipment is just another line on a manifest, Ship Cars Ltd operates with a focused, hands-on approach. Every booking is handled directly — from the initial quote through to delivery confirmation at the destination. The team understands that a vehicle is often one of the most valuable things a person owns, and that the process of shipping it internationally needs to be managed with care, transparency, and accountability.
The company works with all major RoRo shipping lines — including Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Höegh Autoliners, K Line, and MOL — as well as established container lines, giving customers access to competitive rates and reliable sailing schedules across all major global routes.
What Services Does Ship Cars Ltd Offer?
Ship Cars Ltd provides a comprehensive range of vehicle shipping and related services, all managed in-house:
RoRo Vehicle Shipping
Roll-on, Roll-off shipping is the most commonly used method for standard operational vehicles. The vehicle is driven directly onto a purpose-built car carrier vessel and secured in the ship’s hold for the duration of the voyage. RoRo is cost-effective, widely available, and suitable for most cars, vans, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles.
Container Vehicle Shipping
Container shipping offers full enclosure for vehicles requiring greater protection. Customers can choose between a sole-use container — where the vehicle travels alone or with personal effects — or a shared container (LCL), which is a more affordable option for single vehicles on common routes. Container shipping is the recommended method for classic cars, high-value vehicles, and non-running vehicles.
Vehicle Collection Service
Ship Cars Ltd offers a nationwide vehicle collection service across the UK. Trade plate drivers can collect directly from a home, workplace, dealership, or storage facility and deliver the vehicle to the departure port. Enclosed transporter collection is also available for high-value or classic vehicles requiring additional care during road transit.
Classic and High-Value Vehicle Shipping
The company has specific experience handling classic, vintage, and prestige vehicles. This includes advising on the most appropriate shipping method, arranging agreed-value marine, coordinating specialist loading, and liaising with destination agents for careful port clearance and delivery.
Commercial Vehicle and Machinery Shipping
Ship Cars Ltd also handles commercial vehicles, vans, pick-up trucks, and heavier equipment. RoRo and flat-rack container options are available depending on the dimensions and weight of the cargo.
Export Customs Clearance
All UK export customs declarations are managed directly by the Ship Cars Ltd team. This includes preparing and filing the necessary documentation with HMRC, ensuring the shipment is fully compliant and cleared for departure before the vessel sails.
Marine Transit
Including agreed-value cover for classic and high-value vehicles. The team advises customers on appropriate cover levels based on the vehicle’s declared value and destination.
How the Shipping Process Works
International vehicle shipping can appear complicated from the outside. Ship Cars Ltd simplifies it into a clear, manageable process:
- Quote and booking — Provide vehicle details, destination, and preferred method. The team returns a detailed quote covering shipping, export customs, and any additional services required.
- Collection or port drop-off — The vehicle is either collected from your chosen UK address or delivered directly to the departure port.
- Export documentation — Ship Cars Ltd prepares and submits all UK customs export paperwork on your behalf.
- Loading and departure — The vehicle is loaded onto the vessel and a Bill of Lading is issued as proof of shipment.
- Transit tracking — The team monitors the vessel schedule and keeps customers updated on estimated arrival dates.
- Destination clearance — Ship Cars Ltd coordinates with in-country agents to manage import customs, duty payments, and port release.
- Final delivery — The vehicle is released from the destination port and delivered or available for collection depending on the service agreed.
Every step is communicated clearly. There are no unexpected charges introduced mid-shipment, and customers always have a direct point of contact throughout the process.
What Makes Ship Cars Ltd Different?
There are hundreds of vehicle shipping companies operating in the UK market. The difference with Ship Cars Ltd comes down to a few straightforward things:
- Direct access to all major shipping lines — the team books directly with carriers rather than through intermediaries, which means more reliable schedules and better rates
- Transparent pricing — quotes are itemised, and customers know exactly what they are paying for before committing
- Genuine expertise — the team handles complex shipments regularly, including left-hand-drive imports, auction purchases, classic vehicles, and commercial fleet moves
- Accountable communication — customers deal with the same team from start to finish, not a call centre that changes with every interaction
- Experience with both export and import — Ship Cars Ltd manages shipments leaving the UK and vehicles being imported into the UK, covering both sides of the transaction for customers buying or selling internationally
Real Customer Experiences
A private customer purchased a vehicle at auction and needed it shipped internationally within a tight timeframe. Ship Cars Ltd arranged collection from the auction site, managed all export paperwork, and secured vessel space within 48 hours of the initial enquiry. The vehicle arrived on schedule without complication.
“Aarti at Ship Cars was brilliant from start to finish. I had a lot of questions and every single one was answered properly. The car arrived exactly when they said it would.” — M. Thornton, private customer, 2024
A trade buyer importing vehicles regularly from overseas switched to Ship Cars Ltd after experiencing delays and poor communication with a previous provider. The consistent, direct approach and reliable scheduling made a measurable difference to their operation.
“We’ve used Ship Cars for multiple shipments now. The communication is clear, the pricing is honest, and nothing gets missed. That’s all we needed.” — D. Okafor, trade importer, 2023
How Ship Cars Ltd Can Help You Ship Your Vehicle
Whether you are moving abroad, buying a vehicle from overseas, relocating a fleet, or shipping a classic car you have spent years restoring — Ship Cars Ltd manages the entire process on your behalf.
The team handles:
- RoRo and container bookings across all major global routes
- UK vehicle collection from any address, including trade plate and enclosed transporter options
- Export customs clearance — fully managed, no paperwork left to the customer
- Agreed-value marine for standard and high-value vehicles
- Destination agent coordination for import clearance and final delivery
- Ongoing shipment updates from departure to delivery
There is no requirement to understand the intricacies of international freight, customs tariff codes, or port procedures. That is the job of Ship Cars Ltd. The customer’s job is simply to tell the team what needs to be shipped and where — the rest is handled.
Contact Ship Cars Ltd at Shipcars.co.uk for a direct, no-obligation quote on your vehicle shipment.
Ship Cars Ltd — UK Vehicle Shipping Specialists | Shipcars.co.uk