Container Shipping | Car Campervans 4x4's Motorhomes

Safe, Secure Shipping for your vehicle globally
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Container Shipping

Shipping your car in a container provides a reliable, secure and cost effective service that meets your requirements. Container shipping offers you a wider choice of destinations and allows for secure transhipment.  If you have personal possessions that are to be shipped with your vehicle, container shipping may offer a more secure service.

Although generally RORO is cheaper than Container shipping, container shipping can add flexibility and can match or beat RORO prices where more than one vehicle is being shipped.

With container shipping, there is the requirement to “stuff” the container and costs of haulage to and from the port.

Container shipping is not available for all vehicles, the maximum door height for a 20″ and 40″ HQ are 2.27m and 2.58m respectively, which quite often means that motor homes, expedition trucks and vehicles with large roof loads may not fit in standard containers.

Oversized vehicles do have the options of flat rack (LOLO) however generally this works out to be more costly than RORO and does not provide the same security as being sealed inside a container.

Standard containers come in two sizes; 20′ and 40′ in length. While a 20′ container is suitable for shipment of one car or 4×4, a 40′ container provides sufficient space for two average sized vehicles so may be more cost effective if you have more than one vehicle to ship.

Loading a car for Container shipping

Great care is taken to safely load your car so that it remains well secured for the duration of shipment to destination and does not move within the container either while at sea or being loaded and unloaded from the ship.

At the loading facility, your car is driven into the container and carefully positioned before all four wheels are safely chocked.  Ratchet straps are then used to lash the wheels to secure eyelets within the container to ensure your car cannot move during transit.

Sometimes the vehicles front and rear towing eyelets can be used to lash your car securely in the container.

All car shipping containers must comply with strict safety regulations confirming both their structural integrity and that they are deemed wind and watertight. These stringent requirements ensure that when loaded into a container, your car will remain safe and protected from the elements.

For a quotation to ship your car in a container please use this form.

Container Share

Sharing a container can significantly reduce your shipping costs.

When you share a container you will be sharing customs clearance, trucking and stuffing fees. Quite often the cost increase of shipping a 40ft container compared a 20ft is not significant.

Whether you are shipping across the darien gap from Colombia to Panama, Europe to Africa or any other destination we will help find you a shipping partner.

You have several different options sharing options

  • 40ft containers
    • 2 large Vehicles
    • 1 large vehicle and several motorcycles
  • 20ft Container (Several Motorcycles)
  • Flat Rack (2 large vehicles)

 

Current open container shares

Below are the current open container shares, if you would like us to pair you up, send us an email with the following:

  1. Your quote ID
  2. Shipping Date
  3. Quote id from below that you would like to share with
  4. We will then check the other shipper is ready to proceed and book you in!

Container Shipping Process

Export

  • Stuffing – The container will normally be loaded at a warehouse outside of the port. Anything loaded into the container will be lashed down and secured, whether it’s a car, 4×4, camper van or motorcycle.
  • Customs Clearance – Depending on the port and method of export (TIP, Carnet etc.) the shipment will be cleared with customs during the process. This may require a physical inspection.
  • Shunting – The container is shunted from the warehouse / loading facility to the port.
  • Loading on to the carrier  – Your container will be loaded on the ship and ready to travel to destination.

Import

  • Disembarkment from carrier  – Your container will be unloaded from the ship and stored within the port.
  • Payment of Local port fees (THC) & charges – Local port fees will need to be paid – sometimes you can pay this direct or through your agent.
  • Customs Clearance – Depending on the port and method of export (TIP, Carnet etc) the shipment will be cleared with customs during the process. This may require a physical inspection.
  • Shunting – The container is shunted from the port to a warehouse or loading facility.
  • Unloading – The container will be fully unloaded and returned empty to the port. Your vehicle will be ready to drive.*Provided you meet local requirements to legally drive the vehicle.

*Notes

  1. For some countries, it is advantageous to have the Carnet with our agent before the container arrives so that they can start work on clearing your vehicle immediately.

Container Shipping

How is the Container shipping price calcuated?

The shipping price is based on a number of factors. Firstly the ocean freight, which is dependent on the route and size of container, i.e 20" or 40" HQ.

In addition to the ocean freight, you will also have to pay additional fees in relation to the sea freight Bunker Adjustment (BAF) and Low Sulphur Fuel Surcharge (LSF).

Other fees that may be charged for export and import of the shipment are Security Fees, Gate fees, Document Fees, Terminal Handling Charges (THC), Stuffing and clearance charges.

Depending on where the container is loaded and unloaded, you may also be charged haulage fees.

All fees vary depending on which carrier and port is used.

Can I be present whilst the container is being loaded?

It really depends on the port, the location of the loading activities and local rules and regulations. If the loading is carried out in a private yard or warehouse, then you will be able to be present during the loading.

If the loading is carried out in the port or at a secure location, this may not always be possible.

When you are completing a quotation request, please let us know that you would like to be present during the loading.

Security: Is my Vehicle safe?

Container shipping is the safest mode of sea transport as the goods will be sealed in the container prior to shipping.

Generally, most people have no problems with items being stolen or damage whilst container shipping.

However there is still a risk that the ship runs aground, the container falls off the ship, the container is dropped or knocked during loading etc.

There is a risk of theft, usually this is at the points of loading and unloading, you can reduce this risk by ensuring you are present during loading and unloading.

You can also purchase Marine Insurance to cover your goods during transit.

What are the Container sizes & Dimensions?

The most frequently used container sizes are 20", 40" and 40" HQ.

Below are the dimensions of the most used containers:

Container Interior Dimensions Door Opening
Size / Type Width Height Width Height
(m) (m) (m) (m)
20′ Dry Freight 2.35 2.385 2.34 2.274
40′ Dry Freight 2.347 2.349 2.343 2.278
40′ High Cube 2.347 2.684 2.343 2.584
Can I share a container and save on costs?

Yes, A lot of people share the containers to save on costs. More than 50% of the costs of container shipping are port fees, customs and haulage, these do not increase significantly when using a 40" container with two vehicles vs. a 20" container with one vehicle.

Therefore by sharing a container, you significantly reduce the costs.

Where possible, we will help you find other travellers to share a container.

Services Provided
Basic Shipping (RORO Only)
The Basic Shipping service provides you with a booking for RORO and options to include insurance.

This Service includes:

  • Sea Freight Booking RORO
  • Costs for Outgoing THC
  • Option for Marine insurance

This service does not include:

  • Appointment of an Agent at the place of departure (sometimes paid locally)
  • Outgoing – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
  • Outgoing – Haulage, stuffing, crating and lashing where applicable
  • Appointment of an Agent at your destination (Paid locally)
  • Incoming – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
  • Incoming – Haulage and unpacking where applicable
  • Details of costs at your destination
  • Support throughout the process

 

Export - Shipping and outgoing Stuffing / Clearing
The Export service provides you with a booking for RORO or a container, Outgoing customs clearance, stuffing, documentation and options to include insurance.

It is for those who want an all in rate and support for export of their vehicle, but who wish to appoint their own agent at destination.

This Service includes:

  • Sea Freight Booking (RORO & Container)
  • Costs for Outgoing THC
  • Appointment of an agent at the place of departure (sometimes paid locally)
  • Outgoing – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
  • Outgoing – Haulage, stuffing, crating and lashing where applicable
  • Option for Marine insurance
  • Support for export of your vehicle

The service does not include:

  • Appointment of an Agent at your destination
  • Incoming – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
  • Incoming – Haulage and unpacking where applicable
  • Details of costs at your destination
  • Support for import of your vehicle

 

 

All in - Shipping outgoing / incoming Stuffing / Clearing
The All in service provides you with a booking for RORO or a container, Incoming and Outgoing customs clearance, stuffing, documentation and options to include insurance.

This service is for those who want the entire process handled for them and is supported throughout.

This Service includes:

  • Sea Freight Booking (RORO & Container)
  • Costs for Outgoing THC
  • Appointment of an agent in the place of departure (sometimes paid locally)
  • Outgoing – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
  • Outgoing – Haulage, stuffing, crating and lashing where applicable
  • Option for Marine insurance
  • Appointment of an Agent at your destination (Paid locally)
  • Incoming – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
  • Incoming – Haulage and unpacking where applicable
  • Details of costs at your destination
  • Support throughout the process

 

Shipping Terms

When do I have to make payment?

We usually ask for payment of the outgoing shipping costs prior to shipping. (Ocean Freight, port fees, documents and any clearance fees). Sometimes local outgoing port fees are payable on departure, this will be dependent on the port and shipper.

Your import costs, THC, agent and customs clearance are billed by us on arrival or paid locally.

Once your booking has been confirmed, we shall provide you with payment instructions, and confirm how and when any fees are to be paid.

*Note the Original BL and cargo will not be released until all fees are paid.

How do I make payment?

Payments of outgoing fees can be transferred to us in British Pounds (£), US Dollars ($) and Euros (€). We hold accounts in all three currencies to reduce the costs of dealing with multiple currencies.

In some instances, we may ask you to make payments locally.

Payments of Import fees are normally paid locally, they include THC, Customs fees and agents fees if applicable.

Detailed payment instructions will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Are the prices / rates fixed?

The shipping rates may vary up until the point of departure. Normally shippers will fix rates around 30 days prior to departure but it is dependent on the shipper. In addition to this, the shipping rate may be quoted or settled in a different currency to yours so there may be exchange rate fluctuations.

Any fluctuations in exchange rates & currency charges will be borne by the client.

Car Shipping & International Vehicle Shipping Services

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Container Vehicle Shipping

Looking for reliable container car shipping services from port to port? Our company offers both Full Container Load (FCL) and shared container options for transporting cars, 4x4's, and motorcycles. Get an instant quote for your container shipping needs today!

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Roll on Roll Off (RORO / Ro Ro)

Roll on Roll off (RORO / Ro Ro) vehicle shipping services typically provide more cost-effective shipping options than container shipping. Get an instant quote for RORO shipping rates for Cars, 4x4's, Motorhomes & Trucks and find RORO Shipping ports near you. Contact us now for affordable and reliable RORO shipping services.

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Vehicle Customs Clearance

We offer reliable car and vehicle customs clearing services in the UK, and collaborate with reputable agents in other areas to ensure hassle-free clearance for your vehicle. Our expertise covers a range of customs requirements, including temporary import for tourism, permanent import, and clearance for historic, classic, and collectible vehicles.

Why ship cars with us?

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Competitive Pricing

We offer fair and reasonable pricing for our services and negotiate rates with our partners to provide you the best possible price.

If you already have a quotation, we will do our best to match or beat any valid quotation.

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Unrivaled Expertise

We have the knowledge, information and the contacts to ensure your vehicle safely reaches its destination. We can advise on permanent & temporary Import requirements, Carnet Requirements, Local laws and customs, Insurance providers and Local agents & partners.

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Personal Service

We specialise in shipping vehicles, whether for touring purposes, expeditions or for business.

Every shipment is treated equally no matter the size.

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Trusted Agents

We only use known / trusted agents to clear your vehicle. This helps avoid unexpected costs and complications.

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Communication

We believe communication is of the utmost importance. During the shipping process we will keep you informed every step of the way.

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We understand your needs

We have shipped our own vehicle to many places around the world, and fully understand your needs and requirements as a customer.

Obtain a No Obligation Quote Today

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Services

RORO Car Shipping 
Container Car Shipping
Motorhome Shipping

Where we ship

South America
The Darien Gap - Panama Colombia
North America
Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania)
Asia

Trade associations

Helpful information

Roll on Roll off shipping rates
Container Shipping Rates
Carnet Requirements Map
Container share
Terms and conditions

Contact / Follow us  

Office Hours
We work in the United Kingdom Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm (Time Zone United Kingdom) Closed on Public Holidays & Weekends

UK : +44 (0) 203 787 4201
US : +1 917-781-4536
E : [email protected]