F.A.Q.
Common questions about shipping with IVSS (International Vehicle Shipping Services)
Services Provided
Basic Shipping (RORO Only)
The Basic Shipping service provides you with a booking for RORO and options to include insurance.
This service is only for those who will be appointing their own agent for export and import.
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
*Note for some routes we may ask for confirmation of who your clearing agent is at the port of departure and arrival prior to confirming your booking.
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
Where available we will provide you with instructions on self clearing, which is at your own risk.
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
- Instructions for export of your vehicle (where available)
- Support for export of your vehicle
- Self Clearing information – Import (where available)
The service does not include:
- Appointment of an Agent at your destination
- Incoming – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
- Incoming – Haulage and unpacking where applicable
- Instructions for import of your vehicle (where available)
- Details of costs at your destination (unless included in a self clearing guide)
- Support for import of your vehicle
*Note Self clearing is not always possible, it is dependent on the country and port. You are more likely to be able to self clear via RORO than container shipping.
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 the place of departure (sometimes paid locally)
- Outgoing – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
- Outgoing – Haulage, stuffing, crating and lashing where applicable
- Option for Marine insurance
- Instructions for export of your vehicle (where available)
- Appointment of an Agent at your destination (Paid locally)
- Incoming – Customs Clearance & Paperwork
- Incoming – Haulage and unpacking where applicable
- Instructions for import of your vehicle (where available)
- Details of costs at your destination
- Support throughout the process
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.
RORO
(Roll on Roll Off)
How is the Roll on Roll off vehicle shipping price calculated?
Roll on Roll off (RORO) shipping costs are normally priced by cubic metre i.e. the total dimensions of your vehicle Length 5.0m Width 2.0m x Height 2.1m = 21 cbm times the cost per CBM.
Sometimes shipping companies charge by length or the greater cost of CBM or weight.
On top of the ocean rate calculated above, you will also have the following costs: 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), and Clearance charges.
Is my car and equipment Safe?
The security and consistency of RORO shipping has improved over the last few years, with very few reported incidents of damage and theft from vehicles.
If you ship via RORO, we would advise that any removable items are secured / locked up. If you do have personal belongings in the vehicle, consider putting in place a temporary barrier preventing people from accessing them.
Where possible, make sure everything has been stored out of sight and inaccessible to anyone but you.
If you do plan to ship personal belongings with your vehicle, please read the next FAQ.
Can I ship personal belongings with my vehicle?
Most RORO shippers state that they do not accept personal belongings in their T&C's, others state that they are allowed in Motorhomes or that they are carried at your own risk.
The first and most important thing to understand is that if you do take personal belongings, it will be at your own risk.
In practice, personal effects are tolerated, however they should be secured and stowed away out of sight.
We would recommend that you fully secure or separate the area where your personal effects are, you can do this by creating a secure barrier between sections of the vehicles, having chains or separate locks on the passenger doors and boot. You should not leave anything unsecured in the vehicle where people can access it.
*Note The loading of vehicles with personal goods is at the discretion of the shipping company, they reserve the right to refuse loading of your vehicle. They may also sometimes request additional photos of your vehicle prior to loading.
Import / Export Clearance
Exporting your Vehicle
The process to export your vehicle and the method of import differs from country to country.
Generally the requirements for Vehicles Temporarily imported on a TIP or Carnet are straight forward, you are required to cancel your TIP or obtain an exit stamp for your carnet.
In most circumstances, it is possible to complete the customs paperwork prior to shipping, other times it is only possible to receive the completed paperwork once the vehicle has shipped.
Temporary Exports from the EU
If you are temporarily exporting your vehicle from the EU and shipping out of an EU country then you must notify Customs that it is a temporary export and will be returning at a later date.
If is very important that this is done correctly, Note
- The goods must be re-imported within 3 years of the date of the original export.
- Longer periods will be considered by us on application to Customs in your country
More information here: Notice 236 Returned Goods Relief
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Can you ship internationally?
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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.
Still need help?
For any other questions, please email us [email protected] or contact us through Facebook messenger
Why ship cars with us?
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.
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.
Personal Service
We specialise in shipping vehicles, whether for touring purposes, expeditions or for business.
Every shipment is treated equally no matter the size.
Trusted Agents
We only use known / trusted agents to clear your vehicle. This helps avoid unexpected costs and complications.
Communication
We believe communication is of the utmost importance. During the shipping process we will keep you informed every step of the way.
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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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]